“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The passage emphasises the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus, symbolised by the master returning from a wedding banquet. The original audience, likely early Christians, were encouraged to live in a state of readiness and moral vigilance, as they believed Jesus’ return was imminent. Today, this can be interpreted as living a life of integrity and purpose, always ready to meet life’s challenges and opportunities. The passage also highlights the responsibility of those who have been given much. The faithful servant is rewarded for being diligent and responsible. This reflects the early Christian community’s emphasis on stewardship and accountability. In modern terms, it can be seen as a call to use one’s talents and resources wisely and for the benefit of others.

The severe consequences for the unprepared servant serve as a warning about the seriousness of neglecting one’s duties. This reflects the early Christian understanding of divine judgment. Today, it can be a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of living a life aligned with our values. In terms of historical accuracy, while the parable itself is a teaching tool rather than a historical account, it reflects the concerns and beliefs of the early Christian community. The emphasis on readiness and stewardship would have resonated with an audience anticipating Jesus’ return.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, ‘It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named after you.’ He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The writer of Hebrews presents faith as both assurance and conviction, suggesting a deep trust in God’s promises despite not seeing them fulfilled immediately. This reflects the early Christian community’s need for encouragement amidst persecution, urging them to hold steadfastly to their beliefs.  Abraham’s journey is highlighted as a model of faith, illustrating obedience and trust in God’s promises. This narrative would have resonated with Jewish Christians familiar with Abraham’s story, reinforcing the idea of faith as a journey towards a divine promise. The passage speaks of a “better country” or heavenly homeland, which can be interpreted as an encouragement for believers to focus on eternal life rather than earthly struggles. This reflects the eschatological hope prevalent in early Christianity, offering comfort and motivation to persevere.

Today, this passage can inspire individuals to maintain hope and trust in their personal journeys, even when outcomes are uncertain. For example, someone facing a challenging career change might find solace in Abraham’s story, trusting that their efforts will lead to a fulfilling future. The account of Abraham is rooted in Jewish tradition and serves as a theological narrative rather than a historical record. While the events may not have occurred exactly as described, they convey profound truths about faith and trust in God.

But for your holy ones there was very great light. Their enemies heard their voices but did not see their forms, and counted them happy for not having suffered, and were thankful that your holy ones, though previously wronged, were doing them no injury; and they begged their pardon for having been at variance with them. Therefore you provided a flaming pillar of fire as a guide for your people’s unknown journey, and a harmless sun for their glorious wandering. For their enemies deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned in darkness, those who had kept your children imprisoned, through whom the imperishable light of the law was to be given to the world. When they had resolved to kill the infants of your holy ones, and one child had been abandoned and rescued, you in punishment took away a multitude of their children; and you destroyed them all together by a mighty flood. That night was made known beforehand to our ancestors, so that they might rejoice in sure knowledge of the oaths in which they trusted. The deliverance of the righteous and the destruction of their enemies were expected by your people. For by the same means by which you punished our enemies you called us to yourself and glorified us. For in secret the holy children of good people offered sacrifices, and with one accord agreed to the divine law, so that the saints would share alike the same things, both blessings and dangers; and already they were singing the praises of the ancestors. But the discordant cry of their enemies echoed back, and the piteous lament for their children was spread abroad. The slave was punished with the same penalty as the master, and the commoner suffered the same loss as the king; and they all together, by the one form of death, had corpses too many to count. For the living were not sufficient even to bury them, since in one instant their most valued children had been destroyed.

For though they had disbelieved everything because of their magic arts, yet, when their firstborn were destroyed, they acknowledged your people to be God’s child. For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the midst of the land that was doomed, a stern warrior.

Deeper Dive into the Passage
The writer of Wisdom seeks to reassure the Jewish people of God’s unwavering commitment to their deliverance. By recalling the Exodus, the text emphasizes that God will save the righteous and punish their oppressors. This message was crucial for Jews facing persecution, reminding them of God’s past faithfulness. The passage highlights the theme of divine justice. The plagues that afflicted Egypt are portrayed as both punishment for the Egyptians and a means of glorifying the Israelites. This dual purpose underscores the belief that God’s actions are just and purposeful, rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked. The text also emphasises the unity and faith of the Israelites. By offering sacrifices and adhering to divine law, they demonstrate their collective trust in God. This unity is portrayed as a source of strength and a reason for their eventual deliverance.

The Book of Wisdom was likely written in the 1st or 2nd century BCE, a time when Jews were under Hellenistic influence. The author aimed to strengthen Jewish identity by recalling God’s past interventions. Today, this passage can inspire believers to trust in divine justice and remain united in faith during challenging times. A modern parallel might be communities coming together in solidarity during crises, trusting in a higher power for deliverance. The account of the Exodus is a foundational narrative in Jewish tradition. While archaeological evidence is limited, the story’s significance lies more in its theological and cultural impact than in its historical verifiability.

For now the Sovereign, the Lord of hosts, is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and staff—all support of bread, and all support of water— warrior and soldier, judge and prophet, diviner and elder, captain of fifty and dignitary, counsellor and skilful magician and expert enchanter.
And I will make boys their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
The people will be oppressed, everyone by another and everyone by a neighbour; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the base to the honourable.
Someone will even seize a relative, a member of the clan, saying, “You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule.”
But the other will cry out on that day, saying, “I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people.”
For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence.
The look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.
Tell the innocent how fortunate they are, for they shall eat the fruit of their labours.
Woe to the guilty! How unfortunate they are, for what their hands have done shall be done to them.
My people—children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths.
The Lord rises to argue his case; he stands to judge the peoples.
The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: “It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor?” says the Lord God of hosts.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The passage reflects a time of social upheaval in Judah, where traditional structures of power were collapsing. The removal of bread and water symbolises a loss of basic sustenance and stability. The text suggests that God is allowing this as a consequence of the people’s actions, particularly their leaders’ failure to uphold justice. The mention of children and women ruling could be seen as a metaphor for chaos and disorder. In ancient times, leadership was typically male-dominated, so this imagery would have been shocking to the original audience. It underscores the idea that the usual order has been upended due to the people’s sins. The passage serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. The people of Judah are depicted as openly defying God, similar to the people of Sodom. This comparison would have been a stark reminder of the consequences of such behaviour.

Today, this passage can be seen as a call to reflect on our own leadership and societal structures. Are we upholding justice and caring for the vulnerable? A modern example might be the way communities respond to crises, ensuring that leaders act with integrity and compassion. While the specific events described may not be historically verifiable, the passage reflects the broader historical context of Judah’s struggles during Isaiah’s time. It captures the essence of the social and political turmoil that would have been familiar to its original audience.