Nathan Solves the Easter Mystery: Science and Technology Unlock Clues Hidden in the Bible

By Doreen Potter

Youve heard the stories about Easter many times. But except for Eastertime, do you think about what it really means? Do you question what youve read in the Bible and heard about this holy time?

This is what Nathan faces in author Doreen Potters Nathan Solves the Easter Mystery: Science and Technology Unlock Clues Hidden in the Bible. Puzzled by inconsistencies in the timing of Jesuss death and resurrection, Nathan is determined to solve the Easter mystery. While visiting his grandmother, Nathan discovers that by using science and his own sleuthing skills, he can uncover the truth behind the worlds greatest mystery. His grandmother challenges him to prove the scriptures true. Together they set out to solve what is perhaps the most elusive mystery in human history. Using science, technology, and deductive reasoning to unlock the scriptures, they not only solve the Easter mystery but also shed new light on other Bible stories.

Youll be amazed at the discoveries Nathan and his grandmother find in Nathan Solves the Easter Mystery: Science and Technology Unlock Clues Hidden in the Bible. Children and adults alike will view the scriptures anew.

Parents: If your children still believe in Santa Claus, this book is not for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781532042522

Doreen Potter

Doreen Potter founded DLP Research Development in 2000, a business specializing in protocol development and scientific writing. She has been a physician assistant for twenty-three years with experience in family medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and geriatrics. Doreen currently lives in Mechanicville, New York.

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Copyright © 2018 Doreen Potter.

Cover Design and Images Copyright © 2018 by June Ingraham

Illustrations Copyright © 2018 by Linda Maxham

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4253-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4252-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018901320

iUniverse rev. date: 06/04/2018

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Scriptures Jubilee Bible 2000, by R. M. Stendal, copyright © 2010 Ransom Press International, Colombia, South America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Some content taken from the WORD STUDY GREEK-ENGLISH NEW TESTAMENT, by Paul R. McReynolds, copyright © 1999. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from The NIV Interlinear Hebrew-English Old Testament, by J. R. Kohlenberger III, copyright © 1987 by J. R. Kohlenberger III. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Scripture quotations taken from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations taken from JPS HEBREW-ENGLISH TANAKH, The Traditional Hebrew Text and the New JPS Translation - Second Edition, The Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia 1999 • 5759, copyright © 2000 The Jewish Publication Society. All rights reserved.

Direct quote taken from The Star of Bethlehem, The Legacy of the Magi, by M. R. Molnar, copyright © 2000 Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and London. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dedication

To my beloved grandson,

Ryan.

May he always know

how truly loved he is by me

and what joy he brings to my life.

ATTENTION

IF YOUR YOUNG READERS

BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS,

PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS

BOOK WITH THEM YET.

Contents

Dedication

Preface

Acknowledgment

Easter Morning

Brunch

The Adirondack Room

Settling In

Hello Girls

Getting Started

The Facts

Day Two

Promises and Prophecies

A Paradise Lost

A Man Named Abraham

Cutting a Deal

A Son Is Given

A Promise Kept

Who Is Jesus

Kitchen Astronomy

A Tabletop Cosmos

A Bedtime Story

A Star out of Jacob

The Star of Bethlehem

A Miscalculation in Time

The Keys of the Kingdom

Christmas, Made in the USA

Moses Is Called

The Ten Plagues

The First Passover

The Exodus Begins

The Spring Feasts

Nathan Solves the Easter Mystery

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Jesus Is Real-Real

Do This in Remembrance of Me

Nathan’s Glossary

Sources and Resources by Chapter

About the Author

Preface

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for appointed times and for days and years;

Genesis 1:14, Jubilee Bible 2000

In modern times, the narratives of the Bible are often thought of as just myth. However, with the development of computer and satellite technologies and the advancement of astronomy, climatology, and archeology, science is shedding new light on these ancient stories. Some biblical events can now be updated to eyewitness accounts of historical events.

Over 3,000 years ago, it was predicted by a Chaldean prophet named Balaam that:

there shall come a Star out of Jacob,

Numbers 24:17, Jubilee Bible 2000

announcing the birth of the Messiah. In the eighth century BCE, Joel, a prophet in the Old Testament, foretold that:

The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before … the terrible day of the LORD comes.

Joel 2:31, Jubilee Bible 2000

The technologies needed to validate these predictions came into existence only in the last half of the twentieth century!

Nathan, this book’s hero, is puzzled by the inconsistencies in the timing of Jesus’ death and resurrection and is determined to solve the Easter mystery. During a visit with his grandmother, he discovers that the lights in the heavens not only determined set times for holydays, but also provided signs that pointed to Jesus’ birth and death.

This book is for children of all ages—nine to ninety-nine—for unless we become as children, we will not enter the kingdom of the heavens.

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of the heavens.

Matthew 18:3, Jubilee Bible 2000

Acknowledgment

This book became a reality, thanks to:

◆ My grandson, Ryan, for posing as Nathan in the pictures and for being one of my biggest fans.

◆ My sister June for her encouragement and dedication to this project. Her editing skills and artwork helped bring this book to life.

◆ My sister Linda for her support and the beautiful Bible story pictures she drew.

◆ My friend and retired English teacher, Nancy Papish, for her help and support.

◆ My husband, Dale, for his continued love and support.

May this book shed light on the reality that science enhances the Bible and adds to our understanding of the ancient world.

Nathan Solves the

Easter Mystery

Easter Morning

Nathan bit the head off a yellow marshmallow Peep as he sat on the front steps and waited for his grandmother to arrive.

images-1.jpg

He squinted in the bright morning sun as he gazed down the long driveway leading to his house. Spring break from school had just begun and he was going to spend a few days with his grandmother while his parents worked.

His family had just returned from Easter morning services and he was still wearing his Sunday best—a long-sleeved white shirt, Star Wars tie, light tan pants, and shiny black shoes.

A yellow and blue Easter basket rested on the step just below where he was sitting. Centered in the basket on a nest of green plastic grass was a large chocolate bunny surrounded by colorful jelly beans, speckled malted eggs, and small Lego toys.

When his grandmother’s gray car pulled into the driveway, he stood up and waved.

Good morning, Nathan! Grammy greeted as she closed the car door and walked over to him. As they hugged, she kissed the top of his head.

Hi, Grammy, he said in a somber voice.

Why so serious on this beautiful morning? she asked.

I have a problem and I’m not sure what to think.

Do you want to talk about it?

"Yeah … at church this morning, Pastor said that Jesus rose from the dead in three days. But Grammy … you know that I’m good at math and Friday afternoon to Sunday morning is not three days!"

You are right. It is not three days—

Before Grammy could finish her sentence, Nathan asked, Is Jesus going to be like Santa Claus? Is Jesus just pretend?

Nathan was remembering his disappointment when he learned from the kids at school that Santa Claus was just make-believe. He had defended the existence of Santa Claus, only to have to take it back later. He had to admit to his friends that he was wrong.

When he asked his father about Santa, he was told that pretending there was a Santa Claus was to make Christmas more fun for little kids. Although he wanted to accept this reasoning, he felt letdown.

"Jesus is real, Grammy assured him. He was born in Bethlehem about 2,000 years ago. The bright star in the sky that the wise men followed was part of a special grouping of planets. Scientists estimate that Jesus was born around April 17, 6 BCE."

In April?

"Yes, in April—not December! Grammy replied. What is even more amazing is that where and when Jesus was to be born was foretold over 3,000 years ago!"

Nathan’s mouth dropped wide open in surprise.

Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer and be killed and in the third day he would be raised, Grammy added.

How can you be so sure?

"The Bible tells us to prove all things for ourselves and I have. Are you ready to solve the Easter mystery? Are you ready to do some detective work?"

Yes. Nathan giggled. I think it was Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with a rope!

Grammy could not help but laugh.

You’re so silly! she said. "Get ready to be amazed at what our investigation reveals!"

Still giggling, Nathan grabbed his Easter basket and he and Grammy went inside.

images-2.jpg

Brunch

Nathan and Grammy entered the house through a side door that brought them into the kitchen.

Good morning, Mom, Nathan’s parents said in unison. They greeted Grammy with a hug.

Good morning, she replied. Mmmm … smells yummy in this kitchen.

Brunch is almost ready, Nathan’s father, AJ, announced.

Please wash your hands, Nathan’s mother, Karen, instructed as she looked at her son.

"My hands are clean!" he protested.

At least wash the yellow marshmallow off your fingers.

Oops! Nathan shrugged his shoulders and grinned. He could not deny the evidence on his hands.

He reluctantly walked to the kitchen sink and ran just enough cold water over his fingers to remove the traces of yellow marshmallow.

AJ looked at Grammy and said, I’m glad to see his mood has improved. He was a little quiet after church today and I’m not really sure why.

Nathan turned off the faucet and glanced at Grammy.

It’s the three-day thing leading up to the resurrection, Grammy said as she winked at Nathan. Friday afternoon to Sunday morning is not three days and he wants to know why.

That has always puzzled me too, AJ admitted.

Nathan smiled. He was glad to know he wasn’t the only one who noticed there was a problem.

During his stay with me, we are going to do a little detective work to answer that question, Grammy said. When he solves the Easter mystery, he can explain it to you and Karen.

Sounds good to me, AJ said.

Nathan dried his hands on a kitchen towel lying next to the sink. Then he held them up for his mother to see.

Mom, I’m not yellow anymore!

Good job!

Nathan was pleased with himself. With minimal effort, he had managed to meet his mother’s approval.

Let’s eat, AJ said.

Everyone took their place at the table. They bowed their heads as Nathan’s dad prayed.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and mercy. We thank you for your Holy Son, Jesus, who gives us new life. Bless this food and bless this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

They all enjoyed a serving of sweet, red strawberries and plump, juicy blueberries topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Nathan’s dad had prepared a large platter of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip pancakes. Fresh squeezed orange juice and hot, crispy bacon completed the meal.

That was delicious! Grammy said as she placed her napkin beside her plate.

My tummy hurts … I ate too much, Nathan teased as he leaned back in his chair and rubbed his belly.

Time to get your suitcase packed. Do you need help? Grammy asked.

No, thanks. I can do it. Nathan smiled and looked at his grandmother. I know, I know … bring a jacket in case it gets cold.

I’ll get your toothbrush and floss, and put them in a Ziploc bag, his dad offered.

Thanks, Dad, Nathan said as he headed toward his bedroom.

Nathan placed his sneakers on the bottom of the suitcase and packed enough clothes for a five-day stay at his grandmother’s. He carefully placed his stuffed snake, Stripy, on top of the clothing, along with a new chapter book about the Transformers.

As his dad placed the Ziploc bag with the tooth-brushing supplies in the suitcase, he noticed the book.

Are you taking the Transformers book we just started to read? he asked, pretending to be sadly disappointed. I wanted to read this one with you!