Women's Bible Study - Jean Imholte

The Bible study Chris led "Women of the Bible", was a video series followed by discussion and prayer.  Each week we learned about a different woman from the Bible and we saw what challenged them, how God used them, and how those same types of challenges can be used in our own lives for God's glory. 

There were several different ladies on the video series that spoke so it was different each week.  The study was followed on the video with a woman who gave her personal story, "real lives", and that was always a very meaningful application.  Our table groups were wonderful!  We really got to know each other gradually and began to pray earnestly for each other, seeing some fantastic results from the Lord!  Our table leader kept in touch throughout the week and we knew there was always a network to tap into of caring friends if anything came up.  

The best part might just be that there was no homework!  It was always "come as you are".  The books that went with the study did have good questions to answer if you had time before the meeting, or after upon reflection.  So if you were having a particularly busy week it was fine to just show up and (our motto) "Look up, relax and receive".  Another statement that characterized this group was "this is a safe place". 

Everything said and shared was sacred and we repeated that statement each week.  I think that helped us all relax and know we could share our hearts without worry.  I would really recommend anyone who is looking to recharge their spiritual battery and grow closer to the Lord and Sisters in the faith to join any future Bible studies Chris does.  She was a very special, humble leader.

Women's Bible Study - Monica Wrzesinski

I am so grateful that Chris Jenkins stepped up to teach "12 Women of The Bible."  I had the privilege of being one of the table leaders and really enjoyed getting to know the gals at our table.  This was a stretch for me personally, but I know Chris and I know that she doesn't do anything without spending a lot of time in prayer before stepping out and doing it.  

The first night all of us were informed that whatever was shared at this study would stay there.  I loved how we would start by joining hands and praying ~ women from East Hills, The Grove, women from our community, some who attended other churches, some who didn't attend church.  The presence and love of God filled that room.  

At our table, women were open and honest and real starting the first night.  For many of us, our prayer time was something that we each really looked forward to.  I was excited to see the age range of the women and so grateful that there were not any "clicks".  I learned a lot about God's heart and love concerning women ~ in Bible days and today.  I'm so glad that I attended this study.

The Joys of Ellipsis (John 12:7)

by: Noel McRae

A short study of from the life of Jesus. Dig out your Bible and read along. Like always, I recommend checking several translations to help understand a passage, especially if it is confusing.

The NIV is a little confusing in our selected passage: When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, Judas objected to the extravagant waste of money. Jesus responds, “‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that (Greek word “hina”) she should save this perfume for the day of my burial’”.

One of the interpretive challenges of the verse is “hina”. The NIV keeps the normal force of the “hina” to indicate purpose, but in doing so it makes it sound as if Mary really had no choice in the matter. It removes the value of her choice and makes it sound like she was simply responding to God’s preordained plan.

The ESV has, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” This keeps the full force of the “hina” but, in my mind, makes no sense. Mary didn’t keep the perfume for the day of Jesus’ burial; she had just poured all of it on his feet.

The HCSB likewise says: Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. The have a footnote: Or “Leave her alone; she intended to keep it”

The NASB states: “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” The NRSV is similar. 

The KJV has: “Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.” (Not helpful.)

The problem is that Mary has already poured out the perfume.

It is probably best to see the expression as an example of ellipsis; and therefore the question is, what has been left out? 

The NLT that we use at EHA reads, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial.”

Ah, the joys of ellipsis. A good guess is that Jesus is telling Judas to not object to Mary’s extravagance. She used the perfume to symbolically prepare Jesus for his death. Mary apparently had entered more into the mind of Jesus than had his twelve disciples, and she knew what was coming.

If you develop a habit of checking with several translations, you will see new insights and gain a clearer understanding of the text before you. Don’t just slide past, be a Berean and dig deeper into your Bible.