The story of Nicodemus edifies the value of Humility. He held a high position in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated, possessed talents and was honored member of the national council. Though rich, educated and honored, he had been especially attracted by the humble Nazarene, our Lord Jesus. He did not talk with Him about state affairs, though he was a ruler, but about the concerns of his own soul and its salvation.
A Good Servant is referred to the sixth Sunday of the Great Lent mentioned in the parable of the three talents in Mathew’s Gospel. Our Lord Jesus Christ told the story to the disciples for He would to illustrate His teachings about the need to use talents and gifts faithfully.
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sat on the Mount of Olives in the Apostasy era and the disciples came to him and asked, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” And Lord Jesus answered them,” Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am Christ,” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the sufferings. (Matthew 24:3)
The impotent man was embedded for 38 years before Lord Jesus Christ healed him. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Lord Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. (John 5:6-9)
The third week of the Great Lent is called Synagogue, to mean “the house appropriated to the religious worship of the Jews.” It is a Holy place for the “congregation or assembly of Jews, met for the purpose of worship or the performance of religious rites” (King James new version Dictionary)
The Second Sabbath of the Great Lent is named “Holy” in representing the Holiness of God and Sabbath. God is Holy; His Holiness is His uniqueness; meaning God is Holy in nature as the word Holy means blessed, pure and unique. Holy Angels, Holy Righteous, Holy Apostles, Holy Martyrs, Holy Fathers, Holy Scholars, Holy Bishops and Holy Monks embraced holiness from God.
The Great Lent (Fast) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for 40 days after His baptism is one of the seven proclamations that our church commands us to fast. Christians follow the example of our Lord and fast it every year. It has eight weeks (52 days), eight Saturdays and eight Sundays; and each of the Sundays are named after the Psalm of Saint Jared; The First Sunday Zewerede: He who comes down, The Second Sunday is Kedest; Holy/Sanctify, The Third Sunday Mekurab: Temple, The Fourth Sunday is Metsagu: Infirmity, the Paralytic, The Fifth Sunday Debre Zeit: Mount of Olives, The Sixth Sunday is Gebre Here; Faithful Servant, The Seventh Sunday is Nicodemus: A ruler of the Jews and The Eight Sunday Hosanna/Savior: Palm Sunday.
Fast of Nineveh is three days subsequent fast and repentance of the Ninevites by the warning message of the Prophet Jonah. It is known to be the fast of repentance, humility and the return to God. Thus, the Church considers this fast amongst the Great Fast; Lent and other Fasts.
The three weeks before the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the prophets fast are called are called Sermon, Light, and Nolawi. These weeks reflect on three different ways in which the prophets expressed their longing for God’s salvation in this world and how our Lord responded to them.
Merit by the grace bestowed upon them, Prophets in the Old Testament foretold the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Salvation of mankind with His coming, His birth from the Virgin and baptized in the Hands of Saint John, suffer and be crucified upon the cross. They yearned for the His revelation and awaited for the fulfillment of the prophecy, fasting and praying…