Daniel Molyneux's Blog
January 17, 2019
HIDDEN IDENTITY AND XENIA IN JESUS’ HEALING OF BARTIMAEUS
Introduction
The healing of blind Bar-Timaeus (Βαρ-Τιμαῖος), in Mark 10, may appear to be one of the simplest and least spectacular of Jesus’ miracles, but beneath the surface of this brief periscope is a key reoccurring theme of Jesus’ ministry and Greco-Roman culture. Providing hospitality to travelers/beggars (Xenia - ξενία), and the related concept of gods, angels and/or heroes arriving disguised as travelers or beggars (Theoxenia - θεοξενία), are frequent themes in the Bible (in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures), as well as in Greco-Roman myth and culture.
Bar-Timaeus may be more than a blind beggar. His “hidden identity” may be that of a Greco-Roman philosopher who has chosen a beggar’s life. And his deepest desire may not be the restoration of physical sight, but obtaining spiritual enlightenment that only Jesus, the Son of David (Υἱὲ Δαυὶδ) can give.
Bar-Timaeus’ healing, in Mark’s gospel, is also a pivotal point for Jesus revealing his “hidden identity,” what some have termed the “messianic secret.” Earlier in his ministry, Jesus instructed those he healed to not “tell this to anyone” (Mark 1:44). When demons begin to announce Jesus’ hidden identity as “Son of God,” Jesus commands them to be silent and “gave them strict orders not to tell others about him” (Mark 3:11-12). Mark 1:34 says, “(Jesus) cast out many demons, but he would not allow the demons to speak because they knew he was the Messiah.” When speaking to the Twelve, Jesus told them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God. But to those on the outside everything is given in parables” (Mark 4:11). Later, when Jesus asked his closest disciples, “‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’ Jesus warned them they should tell no one about him” (Mark 8:29-30).
When Jesus encounters Bar-Timaeus, however, Jesus no longer seeks to conceal his “hidden identity.” When Bar-Timaeus calls him “the Son of David,” synonymous with Messiah, Jesus does not command him to be silent; and several hours later, when Jesus nears Jerusalem, he rides into the city in a symbolic manner that proclaims his “hidden identity” to anyone familiar with the scriptural prophesies about the Messiah, the anointed King of Israel.
TO CONTINUE WITH THE ARTICLE, PLEASE GO TO: https://fuller.academia.edu/DanielMol...
The healing of blind Bar-Timaeus (Βαρ-Τιμαῖος), in Mark 10, may appear to be one of the simplest and least spectacular of Jesus’ miracles, but beneath the surface of this brief periscope is a key reoccurring theme of Jesus’ ministry and Greco-Roman culture. Providing hospitality to travelers/beggars (Xenia - ξενία), and the related concept of gods, angels and/or heroes arriving disguised as travelers or beggars (Theoxenia - θεοξενία), are frequent themes in the Bible (in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures), as well as in Greco-Roman myth and culture.
Bar-Timaeus may be more than a blind beggar. His “hidden identity” may be that of a Greco-Roman philosopher who has chosen a beggar’s life. And his deepest desire may not be the restoration of physical sight, but obtaining spiritual enlightenment that only Jesus, the Son of David (Υἱὲ Δαυὶδ) can give.
Bar-Timaeus’ healing, in Mark’s gospel, is also a pivotal point for Jesus revealing his “hidden identity,” what some have termed the “messianic secret.” Earlier in his ministry, Jesus instructed those he healed to not “tell this to anyone” (Mark 1:44). When demons begin to announce Jesus’ hidden identity as “Son of God,” Jesus commands them to be silent and “gave them strict orders not to tell others about him” (Mark 3:11-12). Mark 1:34 says, “(Jesus) cast out many demons, but he would not allow the demons to speak because they knew he was the Messiah.” When speaking to the Twelve, Jesus told them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God. But to those on the outside everything is given in parables” (Mark 4:11). Later, when Jesus asked his closest disciples, “‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’ Jesus warned them they should tell no one about him” (Mark 8:29-30).
When Jesus encounters Bar-Timaeus, however, Jesus no longer seeks to conceal his “hidden identity.” When Bar-Timaeus calls him “the Son of David,” synonymous with Messiah, Jesus does not command him to be silent; and several hours later, when Jesus nears Jerusalem, he rides into the city in a symbolic manner that proclaims his “hidden identity” to anyone familiar with the scriptural prophesies about the Messiah, the anointed King of Israel.
TO CONTINUE WITH THE ARTICLE, PLEASE GO TO: https://fuller.academia.edu/DanielMol...
December 7, 2018
CHRISTMAS: KING HEROD VS. KING JESUS
Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great, in the shadow of Herod’s awe-inspiring fortresses, palaces, aqueducts, hippodromes, gymnasiums, and temples. The Gospel of Luke tells us Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Joseph “was of the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7)
Bethlehem is five-miles from Jerusalem, where Herod the Great had built an opulent new palace; and Bethlehem virtually rests in the shadow of Herod’s human-made mountain, a massive palace/fortress called the Herodeion. King Herod also built ornate and massive palaces at: Masada, Caesarea Maritima, Jericho, Hyrcania, Alexandrion, and Machaeros.
Herod was a Roman citizen (Julius Caesar had conferred citizenship on Herod’s father, Antipater I) and was officially named “King of Israel” by the Roman Senate. Herod became the richest King of Israel since Solomon, the size of his kingdom rivaling Solomon’s. And Herod the Great was friends and allies with the most powerful people of his day: Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cassius, Augustus Caesar, even Cleopatra.
During his reign, Herod built grandiose Greco-Roman cities, including his new capital, Caesarea Maritima. Herod’s crowning engineering feat, at Caesarea, was the construction of the largest human-made harbor, built in the open sea using concrete stronger and superior to anything in use today.
King Herod’s greatest architectural achievement was Jerusalem’s Temple, built in glistening Hellenistic style. The Temple’s platform was the size of twenty football fields, constructed from massive stones weighing as much as one-hundred-tons each. Four Roman Coliseums could be placed on the Temple’s platform, with room to spare.
King Herod’s building projects were not limited to Israel. He constructed gymnasiums, theaters, aqueducts, entire streets, and pagan temples as far north as Antioch, and as far west as Greece. When the Emperor Augustus proposed a large city on Greece’s western coast, Nicopolis, Herod appears to have erected most of the city’s public buildings. During the peak period of King Herod’s reign, he built more monumental projects than the rest of the Roman Empire combined.
Herod the Great even sponsored and endowed the Olympic Games, presiding as president (agonothetes) in 12 BC, and was named president of the Olympics for life.
Contrast Herod to Jesus. The King of Kings was born in a stable, most likely a cave. Caves scattered around Bethlehem and its region were used as stables and sheep pens, to protect the herds at night. The Messiah, God in human flesh, is born in a cave, surrounded by sheep; while the earthly king, Herod, had his choice of opulent palaces, surrounded by luxury and riches.
Herod was friends with the most powerful Romans, receiving accolades and gifts. But Jesus’ birth was announced only to lowly, “shepherds in the area, sleeping in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, for I have come to announce good news that will bring great joy to all the people. Today a savior has been born to you, in the City of David, who is Messiah, the Lord. And this is the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and laying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:8-12)
Despite his power and riches, Herod was unhappy and paranoid, afraid someone may take away his crown. Herod executed several of his own sons, and one of his wives, fearing they were plotting to take his throne. He was even afraid of a baby born in a manger. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after Herod heard of Jesus’ birth, he had all the young babies of Bethlehem killed, fearing the baby Messiah may threaten his reign. (Matthew 2:1-12)
God is the opposite of Herod. Being the King of everything, God freely gave up power and glory to become a human baby. God willingly sacrificed for the poor and lowly, for those caught in the grips of evil and oppression – for you and me. Good Friday is not the only example of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Christmas is also about sacrifice, when God came to live on earth as a human-being, to dwell with us in our humble circumstances.
The contrast between King Herod and King Jesus reveals much. Those who worship earthly power and riches are the ones who are the truly impoverished, unable to find peace or happiness, no matter how much fame, money or power they may possess. But God, the creator of all things, willingly gave up everything for the sake of those in need. God came to bring us the gift of peace and joy. This is the story of Christmas.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Molyneux
Trinity Lutheran Church
2018 © Daniel R. Molyneux
Daniel Molyneux
Bethlehem is five-miles from Jerusalem, where Herod the Great had built an opulent new palace; and Bethlehem virtually rests in the shadow of Herod’s human-made mountain, a massive palace/fortress called the Herodeion. King Herod also built ornate and massive palaces at: Masada, Caesarea Maritima, Jericho, Hyrcania, Alexandrion, and Machaeros.
Herod was a Roman citizen (Julius Caesar had conferred citizenship on Herod’s father, Antipater I) and was officially named “King of Israel” by the Roman Senate. Herod became the richest King of Israel since Solomon, the size of his kingdom rivaling Solomon’s. And Herod the Great was friends and allies with the most powerful people of his day: Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cassius, Augustus Caesar, even Cleopatra.
During his reign, Herod built grandiose Greco-Roman cities, including his new capital, Caesarea Maritima. Herod’s crowning engineering feat, at Caesarea, was the construction of the largest human-made harbor, built in the open sea using concrete stronger and superior to anything in use today.
King Herod’s greatest architectural achievement was Jerusalem’s Temple, built in glistening Hellenistic style. The Temple’s platform was the size of twenty football fields, constructed from massive stones weighing as much as one-hundred-tons each. Four Roman Coliseums could be placed on the Temple’s platform, with room to spare.
King Herod’s building projects were not limited to Israel. He constructed gymnasiums, theaters, aqueducts, entire streets, and pagan temples as far north as Antioch, and as far west as Greece. When the Emperor Augustus proposed a large city on Greece’s western coast, Nicopolis, Herod appears to have erected most of the city’s public buildings. During the peak period of King Herod’s reign, he built more monumental projects than the rest of the Roman Empire combined.
Herod the Great even sponsored and endowed the Olympic Games, presiding as president (agonothetes) in 12 BC, and was named president of the Olympics for life.
Contrast Herod to Jesus. The King of Kings was born in a stable, most likely a cave. Caves scattered around Bethlehem and its region were used as stables and sheep pens, to protect the herds at night. The Messiah, God in human flesh, is born in a cave, surrounded by sheep; while the earthly king, Herod, had his choice of opulent palaces, surrounded by luxury and riches.
Herod was friends with the most powerful Romans, receiving accolades and gifts. But Jesus’ birth was announced only to lowly, “shepherds in the area, sleeping in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, for I have come to announce good news that will bring great joy to all the people. Today a savior has been born to you, in the City of David, who is Messiah, the Lord. And this is the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and laying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:8-12)
Despite his power and riches, Herod was unhappy and paranoid, afraid someone may take away his crown. Herod executed several of his own sons, and one of his wives, fearing they were plotting to take his throne. He was even afraid of a baby born in a manger. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after Herod heard of Jesus’ birth, he had all the young babies of Bethlehem killed, fearing the baby Messiah may threaten his reign. (Matthew 2:1-12)
God is the opposite of Herod. Being the King of everything, God freely gave up power and glory to become a human baby. God willingly sacrificed for the poor and lowly, for those caught in the grips of evil and oppression – for you and me. Good Friday is not the only example of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Christmas is also about sacrifice, when God came to live on earth as a human-being, to dwell with us in our humble circumstances.
The contrast between King Herod and King Jesus reveals much. Those who worship earthly power and riches are the ones who are the truly impoverished, unable to find peace or happiness, no matter how much fame, money or power they may possess. But God, the creator of all things, willingly gave up everything for the sake of those in need. God came to bring us the gift of peace and joy. This is the story of Christmas.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Molyneux
Trinity Lutheran Church
2018 © Daniel R. Molyneux
Daniel Molyneux
June 29, 2018
JUDAS SON OF SIMON WINS PRIZE FOR BEST CHRISTIAN FICTION
New Orleans – The Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) has named the best indie books of 2018. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards are the world's largest not-for-profit book awards program for independent publishers.
The winners and finalists were honored June 22 at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference. The awards are judged by leaders of the indie book publishing industry, including many with long careers at major publishing houses. Their love of a great read and experience in the publishing arena identify books deserving a wider audience.
Catherine Goulet, Co-Chair of the 2018 awards proudly said, "Our program has become known as the Sundance of the book publishing world." Independent book publishing companies are independent of the major conglomerates dominating the book publishing industry. Indies include: small presses, larger independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.
Daniel Molyneux’s historical novel, JUDAS SON OF SIMON (Moriah books) was chosen as the winner of the Christian Fiction category.
JUDAS and other works by Molyneux are available from Baker & Taylor, Cokesbury, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, christianbook.com and through your local independent bookseller.
Daniel Molyneux
Judas Son of Simon
The winners and finalists were honored June 22 at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference. The awards are judged by leaders of the indie book publishing industry, including many with long careers at major publishing houses. Their love of a great read and experience in the publishing arena identify books deserving a wider audience.
Catherine Goulet, Co-Chair of the 2018 awards proudly said, "Our program has become known as the Sundance of the book publishing world." Independent book publishing companies are independent of the major conglomerates dominating the book publishing industry. Indies include: small presses, larger independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.
Daniel Molyneux’s historical novel, JUDAS SON OF SIMON (Moriah books) was chosen as the winner of the Christian Fiction category.
JUDAS and other works by Molyneux are available from Baker & Taylor, Cokesbury, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, christianbook.com and through your local independent bookseller.
Daniel Molyneux
Judas Son of Simon
October 19, 2017
2 Recent Reviews of Judas Son of Simon, by Daniel Molyneux
SAN FRANCISCO REVIEW OF BOOKS: "As in Daniel's other novels Judas Son of Simon is history shared and the early stages of Christianity explored in a manner that makes them irresistibly fascinating…Daniel's gift for storytelling is fully unleashed here as he re-writes stories we have all learned and in doing so makes them so very much more real and tenable. Another very fine book from this young and sophisticated religious historian."
http://www.sanfranciscoreviewofbooks....
URBAN BOOK REVIEWS: "Judas Son of Simon by Daniel Molyneux is by far a great historical novel. The tale takes a deeper look into what, how, why Judas got to where he did. A better understanding of it came from reading this book. There are a lot of historical facts woven throughout the pages. Bringing the events to life. Faith, betrayal, hatred, violence, hope, and forgiveness are found here, as the main themes…the plot was entertaining and enticed me to the characters' journey…I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it to readers worldwide. Forgiveness is welcome to all you seek it."
https://urbanbookreviewsrus.wordpress...
Daniel Molyneux
http://www.sanfranciscoreviewofbooks....
URBAN BOOK REVIEWS: "Judas Son of Simon by Daniel Molyneux is by far a great historical novel. The tale takes a deeper look into what, how, why Judas got to where he did. A better understanding of it came from reading this book. There are a lot of historical facts woven throughout the pages. Bringing the events to life. Faith, betrayal, hatred, violence, hope, and forgiveness are found here, as the main themes…the plot was entertaining and enticed me to the characters' journey…I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it to readers worldwide. Forgiveness is welcome to all you seek it."
https://urbanbookreviewsrus.wordpress...
Daniel Molyneux
October 9, 2017
OBTAINING YOUR DESIRES:
“When an object entices the eye, beware, its luster will fade more quickly than the morning mist. Delay, wait a day, and let the passion of the moment pass. Later, with a clear head, it may be purchased at a cheaper price.” Elias the Teacher, from Elias’ Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to:
https://www.amazon.com/Elias-Proverbs...
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to:
https://www.amazon.com/Elias-Proverbs...
September 16, 2017
SMALL PLEASURES ARE BEST
“Small trout from a creek are tastier than large fish from the lake. It is better to enjoy the smaller and more satisfying pleasures of life, than to possess great riches and fame.” Elias the Teacher, from Elias’ Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.angelofa.com/elias-daniel...
Daniel Molyneux
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.angelofa.com/elias-daniel...
Daniel Molyneux
September 8, 2017
Careers, Choices, and Priorities:
“Be careful where you spend your time and efforts in life. If there are no fish in the pond, it does not matter how well you fish.” Elias the Teacher, from Elias’ Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.amazon.com/ANGEL-ANTIOCH-...
Elias' Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.amazon.com/ANGEL-ANTIOCH-...
Elias' Proverbs
September 2, 2017
DEBT AND GREED
“A borrower is bound in chains of debt to the lender. But misers are enslaved by their own selfish greed.” Elias the Teacher, from Elias’ Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.angelofa.com/elias-daniel...
Elias' Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.angelofa.com/elias-daniel...
Elias' Proverbs
August 30, 2017
PARABLE OF THE FLOUR JAR
Elias’ the Teacher said, “A young woman rode her cart to the market. There she filled a large pottery jar with flour. Placing it in the back of the cart, she made her way home.
“Upon returning her father said, ‘Daughter dear, please bake me a small loaf to ease my hunger.’
“The young woman went to carry the jar of flour into the house. Coming to the back of the cart, she found the jar lying upon its side and the flour gone. During her journey down the rocky road, the jar had tipped over, spilling its contents along the way, scattering the flour to the four winds. The jar had been full, but was now empty, leaving no flour to make a loaf to ease her father’s hunger.”
After pondering the story for a moment, I said, “Teacher, I perceive this story is about the Levites, but the meaning escapes me.”
“Yes, you are right, my friend. It is about some of the Levites. Let me explain. When young, many Levites were eager to be filled with God’s Word so that they could, in turn, feed many hungry souls. The Almighty filled them to overflowing with the Lord’s Sustenance. At first these Levites faithfully gave spiritual food to many, freely distributing the Bread of God.
“But during their years of sojourn in life, the bumps and obstacles of this world confused them, making them dizzy and off balance. Jostled by the trials and potholes of life in this fallen world, their hearts were overturned, spilling the spiritual food the Almighty had given them. Before long, the Levites were empty vessels, no longer having anything inside their hearts to feed those hungry for God’s Word. The Levites appear to be the same vessels on the outside, but inside they are empty, unable to feed those who are starving for the Bread of God. Some Levites are like the jar of flour that fell, spilling its contents to the four winds.”
© 2015 Daniel R. Molyneux
From THE ANGEL OF ANTIOCH, by Daniel Molyneux. To find out more go to: https://www.angelofa.com/daniel-molyn...
The Angel of Antioch
“Upon returning her father said, ‘Daughter dear, please bake me a small loaf to ease my hunger.’
“The young woman went to carry the jar of flour into the house. Coming to the back of the cart, she found the jar lying upon its side and the flour gone. During her journey down the rocky road, the jar had tipped over, spilling its contents along the way, scattering the flour to the four winds. The jar had been full, but was now empty, leaving no flour to make a loaf to ease her father’s hunger.”
After pondering the story for a moment, I said, “Teacher, I perceive this story is about the Levites, but the meaning escapes me.”
“Yes, you are right, my friend. It is about some of the Levites. Let me explain. When young, many Levites were eager to be filled with God’s Word so that they could, in turn, feed many hungry souls. The Almighty filled them to overflowing with the Lord’s Sustenance. At first these Levites faithfully gave spiritual food to many, freely distributing the Bread of God.
“But during their years of sojourn in life, the bumps and obstacles of this world confused them, making them dizzy and off balance. Jostled by the trials and potholes of life in this fallen world, their hearts were overturned, spilling the spiritual food the Almighty had given them. Before long, the Levites were empty vessels, no longer having anything inside their hearts to feed those hungry for God’s Word. The Levites appear to be the same vessels on the outside, but inside they are empty, unable to feed those who are starving for the Bread of God. Some Levites are like the jar of flour that fell, spilling its contents to the four winds.”
© 2015 Daniel R. Molyneux
From THE ANGEL OF ANTIOCH, by Daniel Molyneux. To find out more go to: https://www.angelofa.com/daniel-molyn...
The Angel of Antioch
August 26, 2017
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
“Spiritual maturity is reached when a man or woman gives more to others than they receive.” Elias the Teacher, from Elias’ Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Molyneu...
Elias' Proverbs
To learn more about go about Elias’ Proverbs by Daniel Molyneux go to: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Molyneu...
Elias' Proverbs
