AN EXAMPLE OF THE SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBERS

IN ST. MARK’S GOSPEL

In St. Mark’s Gospel Jesus is the authoritative Son of God and God’s triumphant envoy
come to suffer and die in order to claim victory over sin and death. Mark continually
focuses on the immediacy of the proclamation of Jesus’ message of salvation and his
accounts of Jesus’ teachings are often presented in a central theme sandwiched between
two related or concurrent events. An example of Mark’s skillful telling of the events of
Jesus’ teaching coupled with word repetition and the symbolism of numbers is found in
the account of the healing of Jarius’ daughter and the woman with an issue of blood in
Mark 5:21-43. The account begins with the petition of Jarius, the president of the local
synagogue. Jarius’ 12 year old daughter (Mk 5:42) is at the point of death and he pleads
with Jesus to come to his house to heal his daughter (Mk 5:23; 35) before it is too late.
As Jarius leads the way, Jesus follows with a large crowd pressing upon Him. Suddenly
Jesus feels a surge of His healing power pass from Him. He stops, turns to the crowd and
demands: Who has touched my clothes? A woman in the crowd has suffered from an
issue of blood which has rendered her ritually unclean for 12 years. She confesses that
she has touched Jesus’ garment—probably touching one of the tassels of his prayer
shawl, one of the tzitziyoth of His talit (Num 15:37-39)]—believing if only she could
touch Him she would be healed. Jesus replies to the woman: My daughter, …your faith
has restored you to health; go in peace and be free of your complaint (Mk 5:34).

While Jesus was speaking to the woman some people from Jarius’ house arrive with the
distressing news that the child has died, but Jesus urges Jarius to have faith. Arriving at
Jarius’ home, Jesus only allows 3 Apostles to accompany Him: Peter, James and John
Zebedee. Addressing the weeping relatives Jesus insists that the child is not dead but
only asleep. When the assembled relatives ridicule Jesus He turns them out of the house,
only permitting the 2 parents and His 3 Apostles—5 people, to remain with Him.
Together with the child and Jesus there are 7 in the room when Jesus commands the child
to “get up!” Mark records The little girl got up at once and began to walk about, for she
was 12 years old.

Do not miss the other significant repetitions. In addition to the number “12”, and the
word “daughter” applied to both the child and the woman; the words “may be saved
[cured]” are applied to the daughter in Mark 5:24 and in are spoken by the woman in
Mark 5:28, and the word “faith” is spoken by Jesus to the woman in Mark 5:34 and to
Jarius in Mark 5:36.

The central theme which unites both these stories is healing, purification, restoration, and
new life—not just of these two daughters of Israel but of the healing and restoration
Jesus is bringing to all of Old Covenant Israel. 12 is the number of perfection in
government and, therefore, the number which signifies the Church. Just as Jesus raised
the child of Jarius to new life, so will He raise up the faithful remnant of Old Covenant
Israel to become the faithful New Covenant people of God. The selection of the 3
Apostles is a sign that what is about to happen is of theological significance; the 5 people
invited by Jesus to come into the room when the child is healed signifies the gift of God’s
grace applied through the faith of the believers, and the 7 gathered together, including
Jesus and the child, signifies the healing and regenerative power of God the Holy Spirit—
7 is the number of spiritual perfection. In St. Mark’s Gospel the healing and restoration
of these two daughters of Israel signified the healing and restoration of the faithful
covenant people of God who embraced Jesus as the promised Messiah. It is through this
faithful remnant that Jesus will establish the New Israel of the New Covenant and the
Universal Church through will the whole world “may be saved”.

M. Hunt © 1998
www.AgapeBibleStudy.com
 FOCUS OF THE FOUR GOSPELS
GOSPEL MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN

AUDIENCE Jews Romans Hellenists Greco-Roman World

FOCUS ON JESUS Jesus is the Messianic Davidic Jesus is the authoritative Son of Jesus is the perfect Son of Man, Jesus Christ is the fully divine
King who fulfills the Old God—God’s triumphant envoy the Messiah prophesized by the Son of God who existed
Covenant prophesies and come to suffer and die in order prophets, who came to save and before Creation. He is the
expectations to claim victory over sin and to minister to all people true Lamb of sacrifice
death through the power of God the through whom we receive the
Holy Spirit gift of eternal life.
KEY VERSES -Mathew 1:1 “The roll of the -Mark 1:1 “The beginning of -Luke 2:34 “Look he is -John 1:1 “In the beginning
genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of the gospel about Jesus Christ; destined for the fall and for the was the Word: the Word was
David, son of Abraham.” the Son of God.” rise of many in Israel, destined with God and the Word was
- Matthew 16:16-18 “Simon, son -Mark 8:28-30 “On the way he to be a sign that is opposed…” God. He was with God in the
of Jonah, you are a blessed man! put this question to his disciples, -Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to beginning.”
Because it was not human agency ‘Who do people say I am?’ […] you: Ask, and it will be given to -John 1:29 “..he saw Jesus
that revealed this to you but my ‘But you’, he asked them, ‘who you; search, and you will find; coming towards him and said,
Father in heaven. So I now say to do you say I am?’ Peter spoke knock, and the door will be ‘Look, there is the Lamb of
you: you are Peter, and on this up and said to him, ‘You are the opened to you. For everyone God that takes away the sin
rock I will build my church.” Christ.’” who asks receives; everyone of the world.”
-Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came -Mark 10:45 “For the Son of who searches finds; everyone -John 6:53-56 “In all truth I
up and spoke to them. He said, man himself came not to be who knocks will have the door tell you, if you do not eat the
‘All authority in heaven and on served but to serve, and to give opened.” flesh of the Son of man and
earth has been given to me. Go his life as a ransom for many.” -Luke 24:25-27 “Then he said drink his blood, you have no
therefore, make disciples of all -Mark 16:15-16 “And he said to to them, ’You foolish men! So life in you. Anyone who does
nations; baptize them in the name them, ‘Go out to the whole slow to believe all that the eat my flesh and drink my
of the Father and of the Son and world; proclaim the gospel to all prophets have said! Was it not blood has eternal life, and I
of the Holy Spirit, and teach them creation. Whoever believes and necessary that the Christ shall raise that person up on
to observe all the commands I is baptized will be saved; should suffer before entering the last day. For my flesh is
gave you. And look, I am with whoever does not believe will be into his glory? Then, starting real food and my blood is
you always; yes, to the end of condemned.” with Moses and going through real drink. Whoever eats my
time.’” all the prophets, he explained flesh and drinks my blood
to them the passages lives in me and I live in that
throughout Scripture that were person.”
about himself.”

KEY WORDS Kingdom of Heaven, fulfilled Immediately /Now Son of Man Believe, eternal life
Michal Hunt © March 2004
www.AgapeBibleStudy.com
 THE VIRGIN MARY AS THE ARK OF THE NEW COVENANT
Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just made his dwelling, is the daughter of Zion in
person, the Ark of the Covenant, the place where the glory of God dwells. She is ‘the
dwelling of God […] with men.’ CCC#2676
God the Holy Spirit overshadowed and then God the Holy Spirit overshadowed and then
indwelled the Ark. The Ark became the indwelled Mary. At that time Mary’s womb
dwelling place of the presence of God. became the dwelling place of the presence
Exodus 40:34-35 of God. Luke 1:35
The Ark contained the 10 Commandments The womb of the Virgin contained Jesus:
(the words of God in stone), a pot of manna, the living Word of God enfleshed, the living
and Aaron’s rod that came back to life. bread from heaven, “the Branch” (Messianic
Deuteronomy 10:3-5; Hebrews 9:4 title) who would die but come back to life.
Luke 1:35
The Ark traveled to the hill country of Judah Mary traveled to the hill country of Judah
to rest in the house of Obed-edom. (Judea) to the home of Elizabeth. Luke 1:39
2 Samuel 6:1-11
Dressed in a priestly ephod, King David John the Baptist, son of a priest who would
approached the Ark and danced and leapt himself become a priest, leapt for joy in
for joy. 2 Samuel 6:14 Elizabeth’s womb at the approach of Mary.
Luke 1:43
David shouted for joy in the presence of Elizabeth exclaimed with a lour cry of joy in
God and the holy Ark. 2 Samuel 6:15 the presence God within Mary. Luke 1:42
David asked, “How is it that the Ark of the Elizabeth asks, “Why is this granted unto
Lord comes to me?” 2 Samuel 6:9 me, that the mother of my Lord should
come to me?” Luke 1:43
The Ark remained in the house of Obed- Mary remained in the house of her cousin
edom for 3 months. 2 Samuel 6:11 Elizabeth for 3 months. Luke 1:56
The house of Obed-edom was blessed by The word “blessed” is used 3 times in Luke
the presence of the Ark. 2 Samuel 6:11 1:39-45 concerning Mary at Elizabeth’s
house.
The Ark returned to its sanctuary and Mary returned home from visiting Elizabeth
eventually ends up in Jerusalem where the and eventually comes to Jerusalem, where
presence and glory of God is revealed in the she presents God the Son in the Temple.
newly built Temple. 2 Samuel 6:12; 1 Luke 1:56; 2:21-22
Kings 8:9-11
God made Aaron’s rod (which would be God would resurrect His Son, who had
kept in the Ark) return to life and bud to become enfleshed in Mary’s womb and born
prove he was the legitimate High Priest. to bring salvation to all mankind, to prove
Numbers 17:8 He is the eternal High Priest. Hebrews 4:14
M. Hunt, copyright 2002
www.AgapeBibleStudy.com
 A COMPARISON OF ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE BIRTHS OF JOHN AND JESUS WITH
THE PROMISES MADE TO KING DAVID AND MARY
The Announcement of John’s Birth The Announcement of Jesus’ birth
The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to tell The angel Gabriel appears to Mary to tell of a
of a miraculous birth: miraculous birth:
Luke 1:11 Luke 1:26-27
Gabriel tells Zechariah, “Zechariah, do not be Gabriel tells Mary, “Mary, do not be afraid;
afraid, for your prayer has been heard.” Luke you have won God’s favor.” Luke 1:30
1:13
Gabriel announces the name of the child, Gabriel announces the name of the child,
“…and you shall name him John” Luke 1:13 “..and you must name him Jesus” Luke 1:31
Gabriel announces the mission of the child, Gabriel announces the mission of the child,
“even from his mother’s womb he will be filled “He will be great and will be called Son of the
with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back Most High. The Lord God will give him the
many of the Israelites to the Lord their throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over
God…preparing for the Lord a people fit for the House of Jacob forever and his reign will
him.” Luke 1:15-17 have no end.” Luke 1:32-33
Zechariah expresses disbelief and is rebuked, Mary expresses concern and is assured, “‘But
“Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I know how can this come about, since I have no
this? I am an old man…The angle knowledge of man?’ The angel answered, ‘The
replied…’Look, since you do not believe my Holy Spirit will com upon you, and th4e power
words….you will be silenced..’” Luke 1:18-20 of the Most High will over you with its shadow.
And so the child will be holy and will be called
Son of God.’” Luke 1:34-36
John is born: “The time came for Elizabeth to Jesus is born: “…the time came for her to have
have her child, and she gave birth to a son..” her child, and she gave birth of a son, her first-
Luke 1:57 born.” Luke 2:6
John is circumcised and named on the 8th day: Jesus is circumcised on the 8th day: “When the
“Now it happened that on the eighth day they eighth day came and the child was to be
came to circumcise the child; … ‘he is to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the
called John.’” Luke 1:59-60 name the angel had given him before his
conception.” Luke 2:21
Zechariah speaks the prophecy of the Mary speaks the prophecy of the Magnificat in
Benedictus in Luke 1:67-79 Luke 1:47-55
John’s birth story conclusion: “…the child Jesus’ birth story conclusion: “And as the child
grew up and his spirit grew strong.” Luke 1:80 grew to maturity, he was filled with wisdom,
and God’s favor was with him.” Luke 2:40

Promises made to David Promises made to Mary

“I am going to make your fame as great as the Luke 1:32 “…and you will name him Jesus.
fame of the greatest on earth.” He will be great…”
2 Samuel 7:9
“Yahweh furthermore tells you he will make “The Lord will give him the throne of his
you a dynasty. And when your days are over ancestor David; he will rule over the House of
and you fall asleep with your ancestors, I shall Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.”
appoint your heir, your own son to succeed you Luke 1:32-33
and I shall make his sovereignty secure.” 2
Samuel 7:11-13
“I shall be a father to him and he a son to “And so the child will be holy and will be
me..” 2 Samuel 7:14 called Son of God.” Luke 1:32
M. Hunt copyright 2005 www.AgapeBibleStudy.com
 JESUS, THE PROPHET GREATER THAN MOSES

Jesus is the new law giver and new covenant mediator who is leading the new Exodus:
• Moses told the people: “From among yourselves, from among your own
brothers, Yahweh your God will raise up a prophet like me; you will listen to
him. This is exactly what you asked Yahweh your God to do—at Horeb, on the
day of the Assembly, when you said, ‘Never let me hear the voice of Yahweh my
God or see this great fire again, or I shall die.’ Then Yahweh said to me, ‘What
they have said is well said. From their own brothers I shall raise up a prophet
like yourself; I shall put my words into his mouth and he will tell them
everything I command him. Anyone who refuses to listen to my words, spoken by
him in my name, will have to render an account to me’” (Deuteronomy 18:14b-
19).
• …but he deserves a greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house is
more honored than the house itself. Every house is built by someone, of course,
but God built everything that exists. It is true that Moses was trustworthy in the
household of God, as a servant is, acting as witness to the things which were yet
to be revealed, but Christ is trustworthy as a son is, over his household. And we
are his household, as long as we fearlessly maintain the hope in which we glory
(Hebrews 3:3-6).

Jesus the Prophet Greater Than Moses

Sign prefigured by Moses Jesus the Greater than Moses
1. The “sign” of the first plague: Changing 1. At Cana Jesus, using the holy water from
the Nile River water into blood (Ex 7:14- stone vessels, transforms water into wine,
25) the “blood of the grape.” This first “sign”
is prefigured by Moses’ first “sign:”
turning the Nile river water into blood,
even the water in stone vessels. [John
chapter 2 and Exodus 7:8-25; note verse 20
= even in vessels of wood and stone].
2. The Passover in Egypt: the firstborn 2. Moses was the first prophet to
saved under the sign of blood (Ex 12:1-34) experience the Passover in Exodus 12 by
redeeming the firstborn sons of Israel, but
Jesus is the true Firstborn Son, and He is
the true Passover victim. In order to save
the firstborn sons Moses instructed the
people to put the blood of the lamb on their
door posts and to eat its roasted flesh at the
first Passover. But it is Jesus who is the
sacrificial firstborn Son, identified by John
the Baptist as the true Lamb of God that
takes away the sins of the world [1:29].
3. The signs of miraculous feeding of the 3. In the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
manna and quail when Moses implored in chapter 6:1-18 Jesus is the new Moses
God to provide nourishment for the people who feeds the crowd of over 5,000 people
(Ex 16:1-36; Num 11:4-9; 31-32) with five barley loaves [the 5 books of
Moses] and two fishes [symbols of the Old
and New Covenant Church] with 12
baskets left over prefigured by Moses and
the miracle of the manna from heaven
feeding the 12 tribes of Israel but in the
New Covenant Jesus will provide a
superabundance of grace. The 12 baskets
left over are often misinterpreted as
representing the 12 Apostles. This is
missing the point that Israel began as a
nation of 12 tribes descended from 12 men
and now the new Israel, the Catholic-
universal Church, will trace her descent
from 12 spiritual fathers, the Apostles who
are the first bishops of the New Covenant
Church. In the New Covenant there will be
an abundance of spiritual gifts not like the
limited manna and quail of the Old
Covenant.
4. The manna, the “bread from heaven,” 4. In the time of Moses the covenant people
God provided during the Exodus journey received manna, bread from heaven, to
(Ex 16:1-36; Num 11:4-9; 31-32; Deut 8:3, nourish them on their journey to the
16; Josh 5:12) Promised Land for 40 years. In John 6:1-
15 Jesus also miraculously feeds the
multitude like Moses but then in John 6:32-
58 Jesus identifies His flesh as the true
bread from heaven and the means to
salvation; it is His flesh we must eat to be
saved, and His blood we must drink to
nourish us on our journey to the Promise
Land of heaven. His flesh is the bread
from heaven that is greater than the manna
of Moses.
5. The Tabernacle: The Sanctuary built by 5. Jesus is the God who is present: In
Moses becomes the place of God’s Exodus 25:1-31:11 and 35:1-40:33 Moses
presence among the people (Ex 25:8; received instruction on how to build the
40:34-35) Sanctuary in which God’s presence would
dwell. Centuries Later, King Solomon
would build the Temple, God’s Dwelling
Place, in Jerusalem. At the beginning of
His ministry in chapter 2 at the Feast of
Passover Jesus cleanses the Temple [John
2:13-22], a Temple which is prefigured by
the Tabernacle of Moses where the
presence of God resided. When Jesus
 cleansed the Temple, God was indeed
present in His Dwelling Place. Jesus’
cleansing of the Temple was to call Israel
to repentance and to prepare the Old
Covenant Church to be transformed into a
fully redeemed New Covenant people.
Moses built the first Tabernacle which
housed the presence of God but Jesus’
human body is the dwelling place of God
and He will build the New Covenant
Church, which after the coming of the Holy
Spirit at the second great Pentecost, will be
every covenant believer who becomes
through the miracle of baptism by water
and the Spirit, the dwelling place of God.
6. The Bronze Serpent Moses made which 6. In John 3:14 Jesus tells the people: As
was “lifted up” to heal the people (Num Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so
21:6-9) must the Son of man be lifted up so that
everyone who believes may have eternal
life in him. Moses, at God’s command,
lifted up an image of a bronze serpent on a
pole to heal the people. Jesus, lifted up on
the Cross as God’s holy sacrifice, will give
life to whomever looks up to Him and
believes. Moses saved the children of
Israel; Jesus will save the world. In the
sacrifice of the Mass, it is Jesus’ image on
the Crucifix to which we look to remind us
that though Him we are spiritually healed.
7. Moses the Prophet, Lawgiver, and 7. Jesus is the promised prophet of
covenant mediator (Ex 3:10-12; 24:4;33:7- Deuteronomy 18:14-22, He is the giver of
17; Deut 18:18-20) the New Law, and He is the mediator of the
New and more perfect Covenant [John
4:19; 7:40; James 1:25; Romans 8:1-2;
Hebrews 3:3; Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24].
8. Moses leads the children of Israel in the 8. In John 5: 5-9 Jesus heals a man
desert wandering—the Exodus generation paralyzed for 38 years. The man’s
of Israel is paralyzed with unbelief and paralysis signified Israel’s paralysis after
cannot take possession of the Promised her rejection of God’s plan at Kadesh
Land. 38 years later the old generation is Barnes—the plan to bring the people to
dead and the new generation will complete salvation in the Promise Land by the
Israel’s destiny (Deut 2:14). conquest of Canaan. At God’s command
the people were be barred from entering the
Promised Land until every member of that
“accursed generation” had died [Numbers
13-14]. For 38 years Israel was paralyzed
 before she was restored and led by Joshua
[Yehosua] and given salvation in the
Promised Land. Jesus [also named in
Hebrew, Yehosua] has come to heal a
paralyzed nation, to restore her and to lead
her to the “Promised Land,” heaven.
9. Moses and the water miracles. 9. Jesus reenacts Moses’ water miracles
Moses performed five water miracles that and surpasses them:
prefigured Christ:
• Moses turned the water of the Nile • At Cana Jesus turned the water in
River into blood (Ex 7:14-24); stone vessels into the blood of the
even the water which was being grape (Jn 2:6-9).
stored in stone vessels (Ex 7:19).
• Moses controlled the forces of • Jesus demonstrates His divinity for
nature when he parted the Sea of the Apostles in a private sign only
Reeds [Red Sea] so the people for them when He overcame the
could pass safely to the other side power of nature to walk on the
(Ex 14:15-31). water (Jn 6:16-21).
• He walked on water and controlled
nature to calm the sea (Jn 6:16-21).

• Moses struck a rock in the • Jesus identified Himself as the

wilderness to give the people water source of “living Water” [Holy
to drink on their journey through Spirit] to the Samaritan woman (Jn
the wilderness (Ex 17:1-7). 4:10-14).
• Moses was instructed by God to • Jesus announced to the covenant
“speak” to the rock in order to people that He is the source of the
receive life-giving water (Num “living water” promised by the
20:10) prophets at the celebration of the
Feast of Tabernacles. His is the
Rock from whom living water
flows (1 Cor10:1-5). He was struck
down once for our sins and now all
we have to do is call out to Him
and He comes to us in the
Eucharist (Jn 7:37-39).
• Moses turned bitter water sweet • Jesus will give up His life on a tree
with the wood of a tree (Ex 15:22- [the cross]. His sacrifice will bring
25). the sweet gift of salvation to
mankind when water and blood
flow from the side of the “Rock” of
our salvation. The Resurrection
will be His 7th and final public sign
(Jn 19:16; 34).
10. The Feast of Tabernacles 10. At the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus
commemorated the events of the Exodus announces in John chapter 8 that He is the
experience in the time of the great prophet Light and those who follow Him will have
Moses and the building of the Tabernacle the light of life. The Tabernacle that
and its dedication to Yahweh. In the Moses instructed the people to build led
Exodus experience God led the people in them in the wilderness journey and
the Pillar of Fire and there were the water symbolized God’s presence with them.
miracles on the journey to Mt. Sinai. It Now Jesus’ body is the true Tabernacle for
was at Sinai that Moses returned from the now God is truly present among His people
Mountain of God with the Law as their (Jn 2: 19-22). Moses led the people in the
“light” to guide the covenant people in Exodus from political slavery but Jesus, the
their lives. In the dedication of the desert New Moses, will give them greater than
Sanctuary God took possession of His what the prophet Moses could give: He will
Tabernacle (and later the Temple of free them from the death grip of sin and
Solomon in Jerusalem) by supernaturally will give them the true freedom of eternal
lighting the altar of sacrifice. life in the Promised Land of heaven.
M. Hunt copyright 2007

• Deuteronomy 18:19: I shall put my words into his mouth and he will tell them
everything I command him. Anyone who refuses to listen to my words, spoken by
him in my name, will have to render an account to me.
• Luke 9:35: And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen
One. Listen to him.’
 TYPOLOGY OF MOSES AND JESUS “THE GREATER THAN MOSES”
An evil king tried to kill him as a baby (Ex King Herod tired to kill baby Jesus (Mat
1:22). 2:16).
He was hidden from the evil king (Ex 2:2). An angel said to hide the child (Mat 2:13).

Moses was sent into Egypt to preserve his Jesus was taken into Egypt to preserve His
life (Ex 2:3-4). life (Mat 2:13-15).
Women were important in his life: his Women were important in Jesus’ life: Mary
mother (Ex 2:3); his sister Miriam (Ex 2:4); (Miriam), His mother loved and supported
Pharaoh's daughter (Ex 2:5-10). His sister Him during His ministry and was with Him
Miriam loved supported him during his at the cross. Women like Salome,
ministry. Susannah, Joanna, Mary Magdalene and
Mary and Martha of Bethany were His
disciples.
Pharaoh's daughter adopted him (Ex 2:10). Joseph adopted Jesus (Mat 1:25).
Moses became a prince of Egypt (Ex 2:10). Jesus is the Prince of Peace
There was a long period of silence from There was a long period of silence from
childhood to adulthood childhood to adulthood.
Moses had a secret identity growing up. Jesus had a secret identity growing up. He
He was the son of a Hebrew slave. was the Son of God.
He tired to save a Hebrew kinsman (Ex Jesus came to save His Hebrew kinsman
2:11-12) first (Mk 7:26-28).
Moses went from being a prince to a Jesus went from being God to being man
pauper (Ex 2:15-19). (Jn 1:1-3; Mk 6:3).
He saved women at a well (Ex 2:15-19). He saved a woman at a well (Jn 4).
Moses became a shepherd (Ex 3:1). Jesus is the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11).

Moses' mission was to redeem Israel from Jesus' mission is to redeem mankind from
slavery to Egypt. slavery to sin.
He was often rejected by his own people Jesus was rejected by His own people.
Moses gave God's law on Mt. Sinai (Ex 20- Jesus gave the new law from the Mt. of
33). Beatitudes (Mat 5-7).
Moses was the prophet of the Old Jesus is the prophet, priest, and King of a
Covenant Church (Dt 18:15,17) New and everlasting Covenant = the
Universal [Catholic] Church (Dt 18:17-19;
Jn 4:18; Heb 6:20-8:13; 2 Sam 7:16; 1 Tim
1:16-17; 6:14-15; Rev 17:14).
Moses offered to sacrifice his life for the Jesus sacrificed His life for the redemption
lives of the Covenant people (Ex 32:31- of mankind (Mk 10:45; Rom 6:20-23; 1Cor
33). 5:7-8).
Moses was the leader of the old Exodus out Jesus is the leader of the new exodus out of
of bondage in Egypt to redemption from bondage to sin and redemption from the
slavery and through him God formed Israel power of death. Through Him a new
into a holy covenant people—the Old covenant people were formed—a new
Covenant Church Israel that is the New Covenant Universal
[Catholic] Church.
Moses led the children of Israel out of In the Last Passover, God’s Son led the
slavery in Egypt the day after the Passover New Covenant people out of slavery to sin
sacrifice and promised them freedom in the through His sacrificial death &
Promised land (Ex 12ff). Resurrection so they could receive the
promise of eternal life, the real Promised
Land = heaven.
M. Hunt © 1999 www.agapebiblestudy.com; See CCC# 129-130
 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MATTHEW’S TOLEDOTH (Generations)
Matthew chapter 1: 17
Abraham’s name is mentioned 7 times in Matthew’s Gospel (7 = spiritual perfection) and
3 times in Matthew’s toledoth (3 symbolizes fullness and completion, especially in
association with God’s divine will and in the New Testament it is the number of the Most
Holy Trinity). David’s name is mentioned 5 times in Matthew’s toledoth (5 is the
number of grace).

Matthew manipulates the names of Abraham’s descendants into 3 sets of 14 individual

male descendants or as he tells us in Matthew 1:17 : The sum of generations is therefore:
fourteen from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Babylonian deportation;
and fourteen from the Babylonian deportation to Christ. He manipulates the list to get 3
sets of 14 generations each to create 42 names in the list of the descendants of Abraham
to bring attention to the link between the names and the covenant promise to Abraham
and David by Yahweh. David’s name is # 14 in the list and the gematria of his name (by
adding Hebrew letter to number equivalent) is the number 14. The number 42 also has
significance. 42 divided by 12, the number of Israel, yields 3 ½. This is a prophetic
number in both Daniel chapter 12 and in Revelation. See Daniel 12: 1-13 (focus on verse
7 which adds up to 3 ½ ). 3 ½ is half of 7; it is an imperfect number and can never
achieve the perfection of 7. [Note: both St. Jerome and Pope St Gregory the Great wrote
extensively about and gematria and its significance in Scripture. Sir Isaac Newton wrote
more about gematria and numbers in Scripture than he did about the theory of gravity!]

Set #1 List of generations in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 1’s genealogy of Jesus of
Nazareth:
1. Abraham fathered Isaac
2. Isaac fathered Jacob
3. Jacob fathered Judah
4. Judah fathered Perez
additional names of Zerah and
Tamar (woman #1)
5. Perez fathered Hezron
6. Hezron fathered Ram
7. Ram fathered Amminadab
8. Amminadab fathered Nahshon
9. Nahshon fathered Salmon
10. Salmon fathered Boaz
Rahab (woman #2)
11. Boaz fathered Obed
Ruth (woman #3)
12. Obed fathered Jesse
13. Jesse fathered
14. David
There are 14 generations
There are 27 total male names (repeats and counting Zerah’s name)

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 There are 3 names of Gentile women
Total names: 30 names (note: it was necessary to add Zerah’s name to make 30
names)
Set #2
David fathered Solomon Uriah’s wife
(note: David’s name is repeated)
1. Solomon fathered Rehoboam
2. Rehoboam fathered Abijah
3. Abijah fathered Asa
4. Asa fathered Jehoshaphat
5. Jehoshaphat fathered Joram
6. Joram fathered Uzziah (3 missing kings)
7. Uzziah fathered Jotham
8. Jotham fathered Ahaz
9. Ahaz fathered Hezekiah
10. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh
11. Manasseh fathered Amon
12. Amon fathered Josiah
13. Josiah fathered [see #14]
14 Jechoniah (deportation of Judah to
Babylon)
There are 14 generations (no repeats)
There are 29 names of males total if you include Uriah
There is 1 female mentioned but not counted because unnamed (the wife of
Uriah- 4th gentile woman. 4 is the number of the earth)

Set #3 (after the deportation to Babylon; notice no restoration is mentioned)

1.Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel
2.Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel
3. Zerubbabel fathered Abiud
4. Abiud fathered Eliakim
5. Eliakim fathered Azor
6. Azor fathered Zadok
7. Zadok fathered Achim
8. Achim fathered Eliud
9. Eliud fathered Eleazar
10. Eleazar fathered Matthan
11. Matthan fathered Jacob
12. Jacob fathered Joseph
13. Joseph husband of Mary (the 5th women) mother of
14. Jesus the Christ (bringing true restoration to
Israel)

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Matthew manipulates the list by counting Jechoniah twice in order to get 14 generations
in the final set. Jesus’ name is the 14th generation but if you count all the names without
repeats Mary’s name is the 14th name with Jesus name coming after 6 sets of 7 as the 7th
7. There are 27 names total in this set.

The total of all the names given in each set is 86. 8 is the number of salvation, 80 the
number of salvation times divine order (10), and 6 is the number of man. Matthew’s
message is that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of David and the King of Kings who has
come to bring salvation to Israel and to mankind.

Note: The study of the numbers formed by the letters of words is known as gematria.
Gematria can be determined when there is the use of the letters of the alphabet instead of
figures. The Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and many other ancient peoples used their
alphabets for numbers. In Sacred Scripture gematria is often used to convey a hidden
meaning within the text. Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus is one such example. Each
number in Hebrew also had a symbolic value [see the Resource “The Significance of
Numbers in Scripture” in the Agape Bible Study Documents section].

Michal Hunt 1998/ revised 2003

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 THE HISTORICAL FULFILLMENT OF MATTHEW CHAPTER 24

Prophecy from Matthew 24 Fulfillment historically

The Jerusalem Temple will be completely The Jerusalem Temple was utterly
destroyed destroyed by the Roman army in 70AD
Many will come claiming to be the Christ In the revolt against Rome that began in
66AD, three different men claimed to be
the Messiah
There will be wars In 64AD the Roman Empire became
unstable. A number of Roman provinces
began revolts against the Empire
There will be famines Acts 11:27-28 refers to a world-wide
famine at the time of the Emperor
Claudius. Aid was sent to Jerusalem by
Christians in the Roman Empire
There will be earthquakes * There was a massive earthquake when
Jesus died on the cross and at His
Resurrection. Earthquakes are frequent in
the Holy Land due to a fault line that runs
through the Jordan River Valley.
Christians will be handed over and tortured Stephen was martyred c. 34AD and St.
and killed James in c. 62. In 64AD the Roman
Empire authorized persecution of
Christians. Many Christians across the
Empire were martyred including Sts. Peter
and Paul.
Many will fall away from the faith because The Jews who refused to believe in the
of the perilous times Messiah in effect “fell away” from the faith
and so did many Christians who faced
martyrdom
False prophets will arise Many false prophets urged the revolt
against Rome in 66AD
Lawlessness will increase Prior to the revolt the Roman authority
acted with brutal disregard for the safety of
the people; Jewish gangs known as the
Scaraii murdered people at will
The Gospel will be proclaimed to the By the time of the Revolt in 66AD the
inhabited world [oikoumene]; meaning the Gospel had spread from Britain to the
Roman world before the “end” will come. Black Sea, from Gaul to Galatia, and from
Egypt to the banks of the Euphrates
River—covering the boundaries of the
Roman Empire and beyond into India
where St. Thomas was martyred.
The Temple will be profaned The Emperor Nero planned to put his statue
in the Holy of Holies of the Temple but
died before the plan could be initiated.
 Roman General Titus set up Roman
standards, which depicted Roman deities,
in the Temple in 70AD
Those in Judea must recognize the signs Simon, the Christian Bishop of Jerusalem
and escape. led the Christian community out of Judea,
across the Jordan River into Perea c. 66AD
M. Hunt copyright 2006

In the Old Testament account of the Sinai experience earthquakes are associated with
covenant-making and in Jesus’ apocalyptic messages in the Synoptic Gospels and in the
Book of Revelation earthquakes are one of the phenomena associated with the coming
Day of Judgment. In the Book of Revelation it is not a coincidence that St. John
mentions earthquakes 7 times in 6:12; 8:5; 11:13 (twice); 11:19; 16:18 (twice). In the
Book of Revelation earthquakes are one of the signs of God’s divine interactions with
man in both covenant-making and in rendering divine judgment. The seven times
repetition of the mention of earthquakes in Revelation emphasizes the covenantal
dimensions of the sign—the number 7 figures predominately in salvation history in
association with covenant formation [see i.e. Genesis 1:1-31 where the Holy Spirit, the
divine wind [ruah ] pronounces creation “good” in the formation of the first covenant
with man and man’s day of communion with God is established on the 7th day; in the
covenant with Noah in Genesis 7:4, 10; 8:10, 12, 14; and in the covenant formation at
Sinai in Exodus 24:16]. 7 is also the number of spiritual perfection; it is the number of
the Holy Spirit [Isaiah 11:1 = 7 gifts; Revelation 1:4; 4:5]. So what is the significance of
Jesus’ prophecy of earthquakes? Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Davidic Messiah came
to bring the definitive “earth shaking” covenant forming, promised final judgment event.

The inspired writer of Revelation understood this “earth shaking” event in this context
when he wrote: Make sure that you never refuse to listen when he speaks. If the people
who on earth refused to listen to a warning could not escape their punishment, how shall
we possibly escape if we turn away from a voice that warns us from heaven? That time
his voice made the earth shake, but now he has given us this promise: I am going to
shake the earth once more and not only the earth but heaven as well. The words once
more indicate the removal of what is shaken, since these are created things, so that what
is not shaken remains. We have been given possession of an unshakable kingdom. Let us
therefore be grateful and use our gratitude to worship God in the way that pleases him,
in reverence and dear. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:25-29

Jesus Christ came to establish the cosmic earthquake of the New Covenant which would
transform not only man’s role in salvation history but the entire cosmos in the
eschatological event of the promised creation of the new heavens and the new earth [2
Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-2]. The rebirth of the human family in the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, the re-born Israel
which is the New Covenant Church, is the first stage in that new creation, just as the King
of King declared in victory: Behold, I make all things new” Revelation 21:5.

M. Hunt copyright 2006

Roman Emperor Ruler in Judea High Priest Date of
*Boethus Family High
+Ananus Family Priest
Augustus H Herod the Great -Ananelus 37BC
27 BC-14 AD E 37BC – 4/1BC -Aristobulus (Hasmon 36BC
R prince and brother-in-law of
O Herod
D -Jesus, son of Phabi ?
I -Simon son of Beothus* ?
A -Matthias son of ?
N Theophilus*
-Joseph son of Elam
M Archelaus, son of Herod -Joazar son (?) of Boethus*
O Ruled 4/1BC deposed by -Eleazar brother of Joazar* 4BC?
N Romans after 2 years. 4BC?
A Herod’s heirs Antipas,
R Agrippa I*, Herod of (Romans appoint High
C Chalcis, ruled the Galilee, &
Priests)
H other territories
Y
ROMAN ANNEXATION OF JUDEA
R -Coponius (Prefect) -Joazar (reappointed)* 5/6AD
O 6-9AD - Annas son of Seth + 6AD
M -Ambibulus (Prefect) (in Greek = Ananus)
A 9-11AD
N -Rufus (Prefect)
12-14AD -Ishmael son of Phabi 15AD
Tiberius P -Gratus (Prefect) -Eleazar & Simon sons of 17AD
14-37 AD R 15-26AD Annas+
E -Pilate (Prefect) -Caiaphas son-in-law of 18-36AD
F 26-36AD Annas+
E -Marcellus (Prefect )
Caligula C 36-37AD -Johathan, son of Annas+ 37AD
37-41 AD T -Marullus (Prefect) -Theophilus, son of Annas+ 37-41AD
S 37-41AD -Matthias son of Annas+ 41-48AD
Claudius -Herod Agrippa I (Matthias continues as
41-54 AD 41-44AD High Priest)
R. -Cuspius Fadus (Prefect)
44-46AD
P -Tiberius-Alexander (P)
R 46-48AD -Ananias son of Nebedaeus 48-59AD
E -Ventidius Cumanus (P)
F -Marcus Antonius Felix -Ishmael son of Phabi 59-61AD
E (Prefect) 52-60AD
Nero C -Porcius Festus (Prefect) 61-
54-69 AD T 62AD
S -Albinus (Prefect) 62-64 -Annas son of Annas+ 62-70AD
-Gessius Florus (Prefect)
64-66AD
M. Hunt © www.AgapeBibleStudy.com
 SUMMARY OF THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE

Biblical Period # 11 Jesus the Messiah

Focus Announcement Perfect Sacrifice
& Presentation of the Son of Man Rejection of the Son of Man
First Advent of The Ministry of the Son of Man of the Son is offered and
the Son of of Man accepted
Man
Covenant The Sinai Covenant – New Covenant in Christ
Scripture 1:1---------------2:59-------------4:1----------8:16------9:51-----------19:28-----------24:53
Division of Birth of John Ministry of Galilean Ministry Trial, Crucifixion,
the Text Annunciation, John Calling the disciples and and Resurrection
Incarnation & Baptism of Apostles of the Son of man
early life of Jesus Judean Ministry
Jesus Temptation Ministry in Samaria
of the Confrontation with Old
second Covenant Authorities
Adam
Seeking the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel Harvest of the
Topic Faithful
Remnant
Miracles & Teachings Miracles & Parables
Location Galilee - Judea Galilee Samaria - Judea Jerusalem
Time September 3/2 BC – May 30 AD

TIME LINE BC – AD
World Empire: Roman Empire
30BC________________3/2BC___14AD_______________28AD____________30AD
Julius Caesar’s Birth of Jesus death of beginning Crucifixion
g. nephew defeats in Bethlehem Caesar of Jesus’ Resurrection
Marc Antony and in the Roman Augustus/ ministry. Ascension
Cleopatra VII Province of Reign of Jesus is 30 yrs old 2nd Great
at the Battle of Actium. Judea Tiberius Pentecost=Birth of
Octavian will become Caesar the New Covenant Church
Caesar Augustus 28BC,
the first Roman Emperor

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