Baptism

The people of Israel believed that the messiah would call people to turn their lives around and live ‘in righteousness’ -  in keeping with God’s desires for them. Baptism would be the sign they would use to show that they intended to live differently.

Bethlehem 

Bethlehem was in the southern region of Judea about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. Judea is sandy and rocky.

Bethlehem is named by the prophet Micah as the town from where ‘the one who is to rule in Israel’ will come. (Micah 5:2) The name Bethlehem literally means ‘house of bread.’

The two towns were about 80 miles apart. People travelling large distances, particularly for common reasons, usually travelled in groups called ‘caravans’ to minimise danger from robbers or animals. Travelling together also gave a social aspect to the journey which probably took from between 4 days to a week on foot.

Want a web-map?

http://jesuscentral.com/ji/GIFS/palestine100.gif

Betrothed

Girls married young, at about 14, and were subject to the authority of their husbands. Husbands were chosen for daughters by their fathers.

For the Hebrews, engagement was a binding commitment, formally affirmed at the wedding. (Deut 22:23) Marriage began with a betrothal, a promise formally recognised by the two fathers in the signing a contract, and in the giving of a gift by the prospective groom to his future bride.

The actual marriage usually did not take place until between nine and twelve months after the betrothal. During the engagement a man could refer to his betrothed as his wife. 

Bread

A traditional 1st Century bread recipe!

2 1/2 cups wheat flour 

2 cups water (add gradually – you may need less) 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

1/2 tsp salt 

2 tsp dry yeast.  

Mix well & knead with hands into round ball. (Several drops of olive oil can be used on hands if dough is sticky). Cover container with clean cloth & let rise for 1 hour. 

After 1 hour, knead the dough & form into 4 equal sized balls. Let rise for 30 minutes more. 

Flatten dough of each ball into round flat shape about 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 200 degrees C (350 degrees F) for 12 – 15 minutes or fry gently in a frying pan in imitation of the open fire cooking of the day.