Words of the prophets were mentioned regularly by Jesus Christ, and also by the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I have explained to you that the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament contains many prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. It predicts His crucifixion and resurrection; however, did you also know that there are references in the Old Testament that were referring to Judas Iscariot, and to the actions of the Jewish authorities that Judas conspired with to betray Jesus?

One such supporting prophecy is cited in the New Testament in the Gospel according to St. Matthew Chapter 27:1-10. "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by (Zechariah) the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

There is no mistake what this prophecy means! It goes like this: A Prophecy of Zechariah Chapter 11:10-17: "And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prized at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that which standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened."

This same prophecy is referred to in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1:16-20 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take."

We find this reference in the Old Testament book of Psalms 69:20-26: "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded."

These Old Testament references, written long before Jesus Christ was born, bear witness to the events that took place during the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ. These writings are an integral part of the Jewish teachings, and yet, they bear witness to the truth which unfolded right before their eyes. When so many people are looking for ways to disprove the Scriptures and the very existence of Jesus Christ, we find references of this type that shed a whole new light on the subject.

The Old Testament is not our Gospel, as Christians, our Gospel is the New Testament. The Old Testament; however, is very important to us because it contains a wealth of information which until Jesus Christ accomplished His Ministry on the earth, was quite difficult to understand. As Jesus Christ said in Matthew Chapter 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes". And in St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 1:19, we read: "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

During the Holy Season of Great Lent, we are called upon to seek ways to increase our faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. We must also work diligently on our devotion to our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith. It's one thing to say you are an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and quite another thing to live as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. Anyone can claim that they are something; however, The Lord in Heaven knows if you are truly sincere in your claim.

Wisdom is justified of her children, and faith is proven by our actions. We must bear witness to our faith with unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. We must fight Satan's attempt to introduce any doubt into our hearts. When you hear things that raise doubts in your mind, dismiss them as tricks of Satan, then search the Scriptures for the proof you need to support your faith. With these actions you not only overturn Satan's influence, but you gain valuable knowledge about the Scriptures that were written as a guide to lead us to eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

There is no gray area when it comes to faith. Just as we know for sure that if we drop a rock from our hand, that it will invariably fall to the earth, we must know in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and that He died for us, and that He rose again on the third day, and because of this, we are free, we have immortal souls, which are property of the Holy One that purchased them with the blood He shed upon the Cross. On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we venerate the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a symbol of a shameful death to many, but to Christians, it has become a symbol of great victory and glory! Blessed is our Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the prophecies, the conqueror of death.

Prophets have been a part of our civilization since its beginning. God has given only a few people the ability to see what is ahead. The gift of prophecy has been acknowledged by the Church, and spoken of by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 12:5-8: "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Words of the prophets were mentioned regularly by Jesus Christ, and also by the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I have explained to you that the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament contains many prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. It predicts His crucifixion and resurrection; however, did you also know that there are references in the Old Testament that were referring to Judas Iscariot, and to the actions of the Jewish authorities that Judas conspired with to betray Jesus?

One such supporting prophecy is cited in the New Testament in the Gospel according to St. Matthew Chapter 27:1-10. "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by (Zechariah) the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

There is no mistake what this prophecy means! It goes like this: A Prophecy of Zechariah Chapter 11:10-17: "And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prized at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that which standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened."

This same prophecy is referred to in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1:16-20 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take."

We find this reference in the Old Testament book of Psalms 69:20-26: "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded."

These Old Testament references, written long before Jesus Christ was born, bear witness to the events that took place during the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ. These writings are an integral part of the Jewish teachings, and yet, they bear witness to the truth which unfolded right before their eyes. When so many people are looking for ways to disprove the Scriptures and the very existence of Jesus Christ, we find references of this type that shed a whole new light on the subject.

The Old Testament is not our Gospel, as Christians, our Gospel is the New Testament. The Old Testament; however, is very important to us because it contains a wealth of information which until Jesus Christ accomplished His Ministry on the earth, was quite difficult to understand. As Jesus Christ said in Matthew Chapter 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes". And in St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 1:19, we read: "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

During the Holy Season of Great Lent, we are called upon to seek ways to increase our faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. We must also work diligently on our devotion to our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith. It's one thing to say you are an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and quite another thing to live as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. Anyone can claim that they are something; however, The Lord in Heaven knows if you are truly sincere in your claim.

Wisdom is justified of her children, and faith is proven by our actions. We must bear witness to our faith with unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. We must fight Satan's attempt to introduce any doubt into our hearts. When you hear things that raise doubts in your mind, dismiss them as tricks of Satan, then search the Scriptures for the proof you need to support your faith. With these actions you not only overturn Satan's influence, but you gain valuable knowledge about the Scriptures that were written as a guide to lead us to eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

There is no gray area when it comes to faith. Just as we know for sure that if we drop a rock from our hand, that it will invariably fall to the earth, we must know in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and that He died for us, and that He rose again on the third day, and because of this, we are free, we have immortal souls, which are property of the Holy One that purchased them with the blood He shed upon the Cross. On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we venerate the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a symbol of a shameful death to many, but to Christians, it has become a symbol of great victory and glory! Blessed is our Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the prophecies, the conqueror of death.

Prophets have been a part of our civilization since its beginning. God has given only a few people the ability to see what is ahead. The gift of prophecy has been acknowledged by the Church, and spoken of by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 12:5-8: "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Words of the prophets were mentioned regularly by Jesus Christ, and also by the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I have explained to you that the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament contains many prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. It predicts His crucifixion and resurrection; however, did you also know that there are references in the Old Testament that were referring to Judas Iscariot, and to the actions of the Jewish authorities that Judas conspired with to betray Jesus?

One such supporting prophecy is cited in the New Testament in the Gospel according to St. Matthew Chapter 27:1-10. "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by (Zechariah) the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

There is no mistake what this prophecy means! It goes like this: A Prophecy of Zechariah Chapter 11:10-17: "And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prized at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that which standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened."

This same prophecy is referred to in the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1:16-20 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take."

We find this reference in the Old Testament book of Psalms 69:20-26: "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded."

These Old Testament references, written long before Jesus Christ was born, bear witness to the events that took place during the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ. These writings are an integral part of the Jewish teachings, and yet, they bear witness to the truth which unfolded right before their eyes. When so many people are looking for ways to disprove the Scriptures and the very existence of Jesus Christ, we find references of this type that shed a whole new light on the subject.

The Old Testament is not our Gospel, as Christians, our Gospel is the New Testament. The Old Testament; however, is very important to us because it contains a wealth of information which until Jesus Christ accomplished His Ministry on the earth, was quite difficult to understand. As Jesus Christ said in Matthew Chapter 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes". And in St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 1:19, we read: "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

During the Holy Season of Great Lent, we are called upon to seek ways to increase our faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. We must also work diligently on our devotion to our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith. It's one thing to say you are an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and quite another thing to live as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. Anyone can claim that they are something; however, The Lord in Heaven knows if you are truly sincere in your claim.

Wisdom is justified of her children, and faith is proven by our actions. We must bear witness to our faith with unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. We must fight Satan's attempt to introduce any doubt into our hearts. When you hear things that raise doubts in your mind, dismiss them as tricks of Satan, then search the Scriptures for the proof you need to support your faith. With these actions you not only overturn Satan's influence, but you gain valuable knowledge about the Scriptures that were written as a guide to lead us to eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

There is no gray area when it comes to faith. Just as we know for sure that if we drop a rock from our hand, that it will invariably fall to the earth, we must know in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and that He died for us, and that He rose again on the third day, and because of this, we are free, we have immortal souls, which are property of the Holy One that purchased them with the blood He shed upon the Cross. On the third Sunday of Great Lent, we venerate the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a symbol of a shameful death to many, but to Christians, it has become a symbol of great victory and glory! Blessed is our Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the prophecies, the conqueror of death.

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