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{{bl| ELTBefore Hei ה }}
{{bl| ELTBefore Hei ה }}
''...that we did not understand''


The *ה* (He) represents a state of not understanding, symbolized by a *ד* (Dalet) with a small *ו* (Vav) returning but not reaching the top, indicating partial understanding or spiritual blindness. Jesus often alluded to humanity’s deception and spiritual blindness, drawing comparisons to the deception experienced by Eve in the Garden of Eden. This blindness prevents people from fully grasping the truth of God’s Word and leads them to be led astray.
'''Understanding ''ה'' (He) and Spiritual Blindness'''


Here are some verses that reflect Jesus' teachings about humanity's spiritual blindness and deception:
The Hebrew letter ''ה'' (He) represents times when we don’t fully understand something. It looks like the letter ''ד'' (Dalet), but with a small ''ו'' (Vav) added that doesn’t reach the top, symbolizing incomplete understanding or spiritual blindness. Jesus often talked about spiritual blindness, comparing it to how Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden. This blindness keeps people from fully knowing God’s truth and can lead them astray.


== **Humanity’s Spiritual Blindness and Deception** ==
Here are some Bible verses where Jesus and others explain spiritual blindness and how it can be overcome:


1. {{bgw|Matthew 13:14-15}} 
=== '''Spiritual Blindness in the Bible''' ===
  *"In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'"* 
  - Jesus quotes Isaiah to explain the spiritual blindness of the people. Their inability to understand and perceive spiritual truths is a consequence of their hardened hearts.


2. {{bgw|Matthew 15:14}}  
# '''Matthew 13:14-15'''  ''"In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'"''
  *"Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."*
#* Jesus explains that people’s spiritual blindness comes from their hardened hearts, which prevent them from truly seeing or hearing God’s truth.
  - Jesus speaks of spiritual blindness in this verse, referring to the religious leaders as blind guides. This highlights the deception and lack of understanding in those who fail to see the truth.
# '''Matthew 15:14''' ''"Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."''
#* Jesus calls the religious leaders "blind guides" because they don’t understand the truth and lead others astray.
# '''John 9:39'''  ''"Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.'"''
#* Jesus came to give spiritual sight to those who know they need help, while those who think they see the truth will realize their blindness.
# '''John 8:12'''  ''"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"''
#* Jesus promises that those who follow Him will no longer be in darkness and will see the truth through His light.
# '''Luke 24:45'''  ''"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures."''
#* After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples the ability to fully understand God’s Word, showing that spiritual blindness can only be overcome by God.
# '''2 Corinthians 4:4'''  ''"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."''
#* Paul explains that Satan blinds people from seeing the truth of the gospel, keeping them from understanding Christ’s glory.
# '''Ephesians 4:18'''  ''"They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts."''
#* Paul points out that spiritual blindness comes from ignorance and hardened hearts, which separate people from God.


3. {{bgw|John 9:39}} 
=== '''Deception and the Flesh''' ===
  *"Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.'"* 
  - Jesus acknowledges that He came to bring sight to the spiritually blind. Those who think they see will be shown their blindness, while those who are humble enough to recognize their blindness will receive spiritual sight.


4. {{bgw|John 8:12}}  
# '''Genesis 3:6''' ''"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."''
  *"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"*   
#* Eve was deceived by her desires and senses, showing how easily humans can be led astray by what looks or feels good.
  - Jesus claims to be the light of the world, offering understanding and truth to those who follow Him, contrasting spiritual blindness with the illumination He provides.
# '''2 Corinthians 11:3'''  ''"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."''
#* Paul warns that believers, like Eve, can be deceived by lies that pull them away from their faith in Christ.
# '''John 8:44'''  ''"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."''
#* Jesus explains that Satan is the source of lies and deception, and he works to lead people away from God’s truth.
# '''Mark 14:38''' ''"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."''
#* Jesus reminds His followers that even though they want to do the right thing, their human nature is weak and easily tempted.
# '''John 6:63'''  ''"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."''
#* Jesus contrasts the Spirit, which brings life and truth, with the flesh, which leads to deception and death.


5. {{bgw|Luke 24:45}} 
=== '''How Jesus Helps Us Overcome Blindness''' ===
  *"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures."* 
  - After His resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures, illustrating that understanding is a gift from God and that spiritual blindness can only be overcome by divine intervention.


6. {{bgw|2 Corinthians 4:4}}  
# '''John 8:32''' ''"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."''
  *"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."*   
#* Jesus calls us to escape deception by embracing the truth He offers, which brings freedom.
  - Paul explains that Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from understanding the truth of the gospel and the glory of Christ.
# '''Matthew 24:4-5'''  ''"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.'"''
#* Jesus warns us to stay alert and not be tricked by false teachers or claims.
# '''John 3:6''' ''"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."''
#* Jesus explains that only the Spirit can lead to truth and life, while the flesh leads to sin and deception.


7. {{bgw|Ephesians 4:18}} 
=== '''Conclusion''' ===
  *"They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts."* 
The ''ה'' (He) reminds us of spiritual blindness and the need for God to help us see clearly. Just as Eve was deceived by lies, humanity continues to be misled by desires and the flesh. However, Jesus, the light of the world, opens our eyes to the truth and gives us the Spirit to overcome deception. By following Him and relying on God’s Word, we can escape spiritual blindness and live in the truth.
  - Paul describes the spiritual blindness of those who do not know God, noting that their inability to understand is due to the hardness of their hearts.


Jesus alluded to humanity's deception and spiritual blindness, often comparing it to the deception experienced by Eve in the Garden of Eden. Here are some verses that suggest humanity is deceived by the flesh and influenced by the same kind of lie:


8. {{bgw| 2 Corinthians 11:3 }}
  * "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
  - Paul explicitly connects Eve’s deception to the broader reality of spiritual deception, emphasizing the vulnerability of humanity to lies that appeal to the flesh.


9. {{bgw| John 8:44 }}
=Discussion=
:* "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
: - Jesus identifies Satan as the source of lies and deception, which echoes the serpent's deception of Eve and humanity's susceptibility to it.


10. {{bgw| Mark 14:38 }}
==== '''He as Symbolizing Spiritual Blindness and Partial Understanding''' ====
:* "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
:- Jesus points out the weakness of the flesh, which is easily tempted and deceived, much like Eve was in the Garden.


11. {{bgw| John 6:63 }}
# The letter ה (He) is described as showing partial understanding or spiritual blindness. Why do you think people might have trouble fully understanding God?
:* "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."
# Imagine seeing only part of a picture—how does that relate to the idea of ה (He) showing incomplete understanding of God’s truths?
:- Jesus contrasts the life-giving Spirit with the flesh, which leads to deception and death.
# How do you think God helps people move from partial understanding to seeing the whole truth?


Broader Biblical Context on Deception by the Flesh
==== '''Connection to Deception and the Flesh''' ====


12. {{bgw| Genesis 3:6 }}
# In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived by what looked and felt good. Can you think of times when something seemed good but turned out to be wrong?
:* "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
# Why do you think people sometimes choose what feels good instead of what is right? How does this connect to spiritual blindness?
:- Eve was deceived by her senses—what was pleasing to the flesh (sight, taste, and desire)—which reflects the ongoing human tendency to fall for similar temptations.
# How can we tell the difference between what is true and what might deceive us?


13. {{bgw| Romans 7:18 }}
==== '''Jesus as the Light That Overcomes Spiritual Blindness''' ====
:* "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out."
:- Paul acknowledges the ongoing struggle of the flesh, which is prone to sin and deception.


14. {{bgw| 1 John 2:16 }}
# Jesus said He is the light of the world and came to help the spiritually blind see. What do you think it means to be "spiritually blind"?
:* "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."
# Why is Jesus called the “light”? How does light help us see things we couldn’t before?
:- This verse mirrors the deception of Eve, who was tempted through her fleshly desires and pride.
# How can following Jesus help us see and understand things more clearly in our lives?


Jesus’ Call to Overcome Deception
==== '''Spiritual Blindness and the Role of the Flesh''' ====


15. {{bgw| Matthew 24:4-5 }}
# The Bible talks about the “flesh” leading people away from God’s truth. What do you think “flesh” means here?
:* "Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.’"
# Why do you think the Bible warns us about the struggles between the flesh and the Spirit?
:- Jesus warns against deception, particularly through false promises and appeals to human desires.
# Can you think of ways to rely on God when it’s hard to see the truth because of distractions or temptations?


16. {{bgw| John 3:6 }}
These questions encourage critical thinking, personal reflection, and connection to real-life situations, helping 6th graders understand spiritual concepts in a relatable way.
:* "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
:- Jesus explains the distinction between flesh and Spirit, highlighting that only the Spirit leads to truth and life, while the flesh is prone to deception.
 
17. {{bgw| John 8:32 }}
:* "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
:- This is a call to escape the deception of the flesh and sin by embracing God’s truth.
 
These verses together underscore the theme of humanity's vulnerability to deception, particularly through the flesh, and the way Jesus and the apostles call believers to rely on the Spirit and truth to overcome it.
 
== **Conclusion** ==
 
The *ה* (He) represents a lack of understanding, symbolizing humanity’s spiritual blindness and deception. Jesus spoke often about the spiritual blindness of those who were deceived, drawing parallels to the deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden. True understanding comes through Jesus, the light of the world, who opens the eyes of the spiritually blind.

Latest revision as of 09:36, 3 January 2025

ELTBefore Hei ה [∞]

...that we did not understand

Understanding ה (He) and Spiritual Blindness

The Hebrew letter ה (He) represents times when we don’t fully understand something. It looks like the letter ד (Dalet), but with a small ו (Vav) added that doesn’t reach the top, symbolizing incomplete understanding or spiritual blindness. Jesus often talked about spiritual blindness, comparing it to how Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden. This blindness keeps people from fully knowing God’s truth and can lead them astray.

Here are some Bible verses where Jesus and others explain spiritual blindness and how it can be overcome:

Spiritual Blindness in the Bible

  1. Matthew 13:14-15 "In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'"
    • Jesus explains that people’s spiritual blindness comes from their hardened hearts, which prevent them from truly seeing or hearing God’s truth.
  2. Matthew 15:14 "Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."
    • Jesus calls the religious leaders "blind guides" because they don’t understand the truth and lead others astray.
  3. John 9:39 "Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.'"
    • Jesus came to give spiritual sight to those who know they need help, while those who think they see the truth will realize their blindness.
  4. John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
    • Jesus promises that those who follow Him will no longer be in darkness and will see the truth through His light.
  5. Luke 24:45 "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures."
    • After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples the ability to fully understand God’s Word, showing that spiritual blindness can only be overcome by God.
  6. 2 Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
    • Paul explains that Satan blinds people from seeing the truth of the gospel, keeping them from understanding Christ’s glory.
  7. Ephesians 4:18 "They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts."
    • Paul points out that spiritual blindness comes from ignorance and hardened hearts, which separate people from God.

Deception and the Flesh

  1. Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
    • Eve was deceived by her desires and senses, showing how easily humans can be led astray by what looks or feels good.
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:3 "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
    • Paul warns that believers, like Eve, can be deceived by lies that pull them away from their faith in Christ.
  3. John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
    • Jesus explains that Satan is the source of lies and deception, and he works to lead people away from God’s truth.
  4. Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
    • Jesus reminds His followers that even though they want to do the right thing, their human nature is weak and easily tempted.
  5. John 6:63 "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."
    • Jesus contrasts the Spirit, which brings life and truth, with the flesh, which leads to deception and death.

How Jesus Helps Us Overcome Blindness

  1. John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
    • Jesus calls us to escape deception by embracing the truth He offers, which brings freedom.
  2. Matthew 24:4-5 "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.'"
    • Jesus warns us to stay alert and not be tricked by false teachers or claims.
  3. John 3:6 "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
    • Jesus explains that only the Spirit can lead to truth and life, while the flesh leads to sin and deception.

Conclusion

The ה (He) reminds us of spiritual blindness and the need for God to help us see clearly. Just as Eve was deceived by lies, humanity continues to be misled by desires and the flesh. However, Jesus, the light of the world, opens our eyes to the truth and gives us the Spirit to overcome deception. By following Him and relying on God’s Word, we can escape spiritual blindness and live in the truth.


Discussion

He as Symbolizing Spiritual Blindness and Partial Understanding

  1. The letter ה (He) is described as showing partial understanding or spiritual blindness. Why do you think people might have trouble fully understanding God?
  2. Imagine seeing only part of a picture—how does that relate to the idea of ה (He) showing incomplete understanding of God’s truths?
  3. How do you think God helps people move from partial understanding to seeing the whole truth?

Connection to Deception and the Flesh

  1. In the Garden of Eden, Eve was deceived by what looked and felt good. Can you think of times when something seemed good but turned out to be wrong?
  2. Why do you think people sometimes choose what feels good instead of what is right? How does this connect to spiritual blindness?
  3. How can we tell the difference between what is true and what might deceive us?

Jesus as the Light That Overcomes Spiritual Blindness

  1. Jesus said He is the light of the world and came to help the spiritually blind see. What do you think it means to be "spiritually blind"?
  2. Why is Jesus called the “light”? How does light help us see things we couldn’t before?
  3. How can following Jesus help us see and understand things more clearly in our lives?

Spiritual Blindness and the Role of the Flesh

  1. The Bible talks about the “flesh” leading people away from God’s truth. What do you think “flesh” means here?
  2. Why do you think the Bible warns us about the struggles between the flesh and the Spirit?
  3. Can you think of ways to rely on God when it’s hard to see the truth because of distractions or temptations?

These questions encourage critical thinking, personal reflection, and connection to real-life situations, helping 6th graders understand spiritual concepts in a relatable way.

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