Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Dr. Shane Owens

John 17, known as the High Priestly Prayer, is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John. It contains Jesus' prayer to his Father on the eve of his crucifixion. Jesus prays for the unity of his disciples, that they may be one as he and the Father are one. He also prays for the sanctification of his followers and for their protection in the world. This prayer is a powerful expression of Jesus' love for his disciples and his concern for their spiritual well-being. It is a cornerstone of Christian theology and provides insights into Jesus' relationship with the Father and his vision for the church. The prayer's profound spiritual depth and its emphasis on unity and love make it a source of comfort and inspiration for believers.

Written by Frederic W. Farrar in 1874, this book is a detailed and tender portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ. It combines the accounts from the four Gospels with extensive historical and geographical research, including sources from Jewish writers, philosophers, and poets. Farrar's work is enriched by his personal visits to the Holy Land and his expertise in Biblical languages. The book is structured to be read alongside the Gospels and provides a feasible timeline and narrative of Christ's life, addressing various historical and theological aspects.

Leviticus details the laws and regulations given to the Israelites through Moses, focusing on ritual purity, sacrifices, and priestly duties. It outlines the procedures for various offerings and the consequences of violating God's commands. The book emphasizes the importance of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. Leviticus provides insights into the Israelite religious system and its significance in their relationship with God. The book's laws and regulations offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.

The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition. The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.