From one law—don’t work on the Sabbath—Jewish scholars created hundreds of laws to define work, so people would know what not to do on the “Sabbath day of complete rest,” (Exodus 32:15 NLT). No cooking, great for the ladies (cold meals planned ahead, like a picnic). No lighting a fire, bad news for a winter’s day when the pilot light goes out. Understanding Jesus, p. 145.
Kosher birds
Jewish law allowed God’s people to eat most birds, including chicken, turkey, and duck. But no scavenger birds or birds of prey: falcon, eagle, or hawk. They weren’t kosher. See Leviticus 11. Understanding Jesus, p. 172.
What to do with a resurrected man
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, “the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him.” (John 12:10-11 The Message). Strange and Mysterious Stuff from the Bible, p. 59.
Kosher fish
Jewish law allowed God’s people to eat kosher fish with scales and fins: salmon, bass, tuna. But not fish without scales and fins: catfish, sturgeon, dolphin. And no tasty shellfish: lobster, shrimp crab, oyster, clam. See Leviticus 11. Understanding Jesus, p. 172.
The unforgivable sin
The unforgivable sin. Bible experts don’t agree on what it is. But most agree on this much: If you’re worried that you’ve committed it and there’s no way you can get forgiven, you didn’t commit it. “If we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away,” (1 John 1:9 CEV). Bible Snapshots, p. 213.
Know your Jew
There were three groups of Jews in Jesus’ time, a bit like three denominations: Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. Christian parallels: Pharisees/seminary Bible profs; Sadducees/pastors; Essenes/monks. Understanding Jesus, p. 214.
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