Essene+Essay

God chose the time and place, and also the culture for Jesus. But before Jesus was born, Gods wisdom was evident in many other details of the culture and attitudes of the people. "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son...to redeem...." (Gal. 4: 4-5). Paul used these words to describe God's careful preparation from Noah to Abraham to David and now to Jesus. God's wisdom included understanding how even the conquests of different nations and cultures, and the conflicting religious movements would serve His purpose.

A) What did the conquests of Alexander the Great and the Romans provide in terms of structure for this part of the world? (Ask me if you cant find this).

B) Why was the wilderness experience important to the Jewish people? (Psalm 78: 9-16; and 95: 6-10 might help answer this) Also the Not on Bread Alone handout would help you here.

C) How are the Essenes connected to the idea of "being in the wilderness", in the Jewish sense? How did the Essene movement begin? Or in other words what were they offended by? (Use the Sons of Light Handout to help you with this answer). Think of at least two things today that are similar to Hellenistic values (these are not necessarily "good" influences still around from Hellenism).

D) Read Luke 1:32-33 Think about some of the "New Testament" ideas and terms that the Essenes showed evidence were common in their community. Remember that the Essenes and their writings pre-date Jesus and the New Testament material by many years. Does it surprise you that they used these terms and ideas were used by these devout Jewish people? How would the Essenes' use of these terms and ideas help prepare the way for Jesus? (The Dead Sea Scrolls handout might help you answer this part).

E) Have you ever experienced God's careful planning in your life? Give an example.

F) Remember to have an introduction paragraph and a conclusion paragraph. Please cite your sources!