Introduction to New Testament: The Gospels

The Nature of the Gospels

The Gospels are written later than many of the other NT writings, the four Gospels however, share a place of prominence in the NT. Located at eh beginning of the NT, for the biblical witness. Together these writings compose the story of Jesus, an essential and seamless continuity between the story of Israel and the story of the church.

As we approach these works we must ask: What is a Gospel?

What Is a Gospel?

For most readers of the NT a Gospel is a book that narrates the career of Jesus, focusing especially on the nature of his public ministry, his suffering, and death, and the empty tomb. Justin 9d 165 CE) writing in his First Apology, refereed tho these documents as “the memoirs of the apostles, which are called the Gospels” (66.3)

Gospel means “Good News”.

Mark 1:1 CSB

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

But it isn’t actually the writing Mark is doing that is the Gospel it is the writing in Isaiah

Mark 1:1-3

Mark 1:1–3 LEB

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!’ ”

Quoting from Isaiah 40.

The Term Gospel or Good news does not refer to a book, but an announcement of good news. In the Roman world “gospel” refers to all announcement of good news, such as victory in battle or birth of a child.

“Interestingly, the birthday of the emperor Augustus is known to have been regarded as the beginning of good news for the whole world — a fact that would not have been lost on those who expressed their allegiance to Jesus, and not Caesar, as Lord. (Achtemeir, Paul. Intro to the New Testament).

Gospel is the proclamation of Jesus as King.

These books are Biographical Sermons. Displaying the life and teaching of Jesus. Not history focused but theological focus. The aim of the gospels is not a recollection of Jesus nor glorification of his miracles. Main concern is rather to evoke faith and to strengthen it

Growing body of Material:

If you divide the 1st century into thirds

1st third (Ad 0-33)

Ministry of Jesus and Disciples

nothing written

2nd third (AD 33-66)

Growth and expansion of the church

Letters - Paul, Peter, James, Jude

Teaching of Jesus

Quelle = Q source - This Jesus’ teaching shared by only Matthew and Luke from this period. Argued if even exist.

Deeds of Jesus probably written down

Passion Narratives - greatest similarities between the 4 canonical gospels are in the passion narratives. Thus likely that strong oral and written traditions in circulation

3rd third (66-99)

gospels and Acts written down

Why Were the Gospels Written?

The written gospels were needed because of the speed and extent of the spread of the message.

Time: as the apostles aged they died those who witnessed first handed died leaving us a need to write down the story. Early believers were also looking to the future. They new Jesus was coming many believed in their lifetime, but what if he didn’t come in their lifetime need to write things down to preserve the teachings and to keep the traditions alive.

Distorted accounts were being formed and they need to form a clear and accurate teaching of Jesus lest it be lost to the hands of time and corruption.

Need for factual material to use in the instruction of new converts. That is why we write things down. So that we can teach things to others. To allow those coming to the faith material that they can look at and so teachers get it straight.

Can the Gospels be Trusted?

Trustworthiness of the gospels is even more probable when you consider 3 things about the writing process

Writing took place while those who had known Jesus were still alive and the info could be traced back to them, because either they said it or they wrote it.

3 of the 4 gospels are directly linked to the apostles and the fourth, Luke was dependent on eyewitnesses and those who had known Jesus from the beginning

God had a hand in all of this. God has been doing this kind of revealing business for a long time

The Gospel of Matthew

As we go through the Gospel’s we will be looking at each Gospel separately and then the life of Jesus as a whole.

Matthew is the most Jewish Gospel. That is to say his primary audience is Jewish people. He focuses on Jesus the Jewish Messiah. Jesus in this is often called, “The Teaching Christ”.

Author

The only person ever suggested as the author of the first Gospel, until recently, was the apostle Matthew. Tradition holds that the apostle Matthew wrote a Gospel in Hebrew or Aramaic. Tradition stems from the testimony of Piapias, bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, died AD 130. Recorded by Eusebius, “Matthew collected the oracles in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as best he could”.

However some reject Matthew. About 90% of mark is found in the Matthew. if Mark is the first gospel to be written, which is commonly believed.

Matthew has added genealogy and certain infancy traditions, also a considerable amount of Jesus’ Teachings.

Matthew was a Jewish tax collector

Date

Arguments galore but all place it no earlier than the 50’s and no later than 110

Purpose

No where does he state his purpose. Wrote it to preserve what he knew about Jesus’ life and words and wanted to make sure that the truth about Jesus would never be lost.

Structure of Matthew

Outline:

The Birth and Preparation of Jesus (1:1-4:16)

The Birth and Childhood of Jesus (1:1-2:23)

Preparation for Ministry (3:1-4:16)

Jesus’ Public Ministry in Galilee (4:17-16:20)

Jesus Begins His Public Ministry (4:17-25)

Jesus’ Teaching on Discipleship (5:1-7:29)

Jesus’ Authority Manifested (8:1-9:34)

The Disciples’ Ministry (9:35-11:1)

Jesus’ Ministry Receives Diverse Responses ((11:2-12:50)

Jesus’ Parables of Kingdom (13:1-53)

Jesus’ Teaching and Parables Receive Diverse Response (13:54-16:20)

Jesus’ Private Ministry in Galilee (16:21-18:35)

Teaching On Jesus’ Mission (16:21-17:27)

Teaching about Relationships among Jesus’ Followers (18:1-35)

Jesus’ Ministry in Judea (19:1-25:46)

Teaching on the Way to Jerusalem (19:1-20:34)

Arrival in Jerusalem (21:1-22)

Confrontations in Jerusalem (21:23-23:39)

Jesus’ Teaching about the Future (24:1-25:46)

Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection (26:1-28:20)

Preparation fro the Passion (26:1-46)

Jesus’ Arrest and Trial (26:47-27:26)

Jesus’ Crucifixion (27:27-56)

Jesus’ Burial and Resurrection (27:57-28:20)

B.W. Bacon proposed the gospel consist of alternating narrative an discourse

Narrative – 1-4

Discourse – 5-7

Narrative – 8-9

Discourse – 10

Narrative – 11-12

Discourse 13

Narrative – 14-17

Discourse – 18

Narrative – 19-23

Discourse - 24-25

Narrative – 26-28

Jesus in Matthew

Teaching Christ

His whole public ministry was directed toward instructing the people took advantage of every opportunity to lead them into a deeper understanding of God. He even ends his Gospel with Jesus commanding his disciples to go to all the nations and teach them to obey everything he commanded, he never stopped teaching.

Preacher

Jesus had a prophetic ministry of Expounding the world of God. Calling the people to repentance. He warned them of the coming judgment, proclaiming God.

Healer

Healing is an important part of Jesus ministry. Spends a great deal of his ministry doing so. Healing the whole person: Physical healing, Mental Healing, Spiritual healing, Social healing.

Jewish Christ

Most Jewish Gospel.

Genealogy (Matthew 1) - Jesus son of David son of Abraham. Serves two functions

Jesus is indeed God’s messiah from the house of David

Summarizes the whole History of God’s dealing with the chosen people of Israel

Matthew constantly reminds the people that Jesus is the Jewish messiah from David

Fulfill-er of God’s Intention

Jesus is the Fulfillment of God’s Intentions

Emphasis This is the Supreme event in History

Matthew 1:22 “Now all this happened in order that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,”

Matthew 2:15, 17, 23 “And he came and lived in a town called Nazareth, in order that what was said by the prophets would be fulfilled: “He will be called a Nazarene.””

Matthew 4:14–16 “in order that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, who said, “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, toward the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, and the ones who sit in the land and shadow of death, a light has dawned on them.””

Matthew 8:17 “in order that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, who said, “He himself took away our sicknesses, and carried away our diseases.””

Matthew 12:17 “in order that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled, who said,”

Matthew 13:35 “in order that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, who said, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden since the creation.””

Matthew 21:4 “Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,”

Matthew 26:53–54 “Or do you think that I cannot call upon my Father, and he would put at my disposal at once more than twelve legions of angels? How then would the scriptures be fulfilled that it must happen in this way?””

Matthew 27:9, 35 “And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots.”

Jesus came to fulfill the destiny mapped out for him in advance by God

Ensured a Divine Birth by Virgin Mary Matthew 1:18

Spoke to Joseph in a Dream Matthew 1:20

Warned Not to Return to Herod Matthew 2:12

Sent Holy Family to Egypt to Escape Herod Matthew 2:13

Spoke from Heaven at Jesus’ Baptism Matthew 3:17

Led Jesus into Wilderness Matthew 4:1

Had Angels Minister to Jesus Matthew 4:11

Calls Peter’s Confession a Revelation Matthew 16:17

Affirmed Jesus as Son at Transfiguration Matthew 17:5

Provided Supernatural Events at Jesus’ Death Matthew 27:51–53

Raised Jesus from the Dead Matthew 28:2–7

God had it all planed out and was with Jesus

Fulfillment of the prophecies of old

Heilsgechicte - German “A Healing Story”. Salvation History. When we look back on this History we look back with the light of Jesus Christ. Development of God’s salvific purposes in history. Tracing the history of God’s action is for the salvation of persons. History is for this climatic point.

Savior of Israel and the World

Jesus is the final world of God to his people. He came to minister to Israel first and through Israel he came to the whole world, Gentiles.

Save us from what?

Punishment of our sin

The Supreme Authority

Matthew shows Jesus to be supreme over all

Over people

Paralysis and suffering

over illness and disease

over blindness

over leprosy

over the wind and the water

over the temple

over sin

over demons

over nature

over history

over the individual destinies of all human beings

over his own destiny

over his mission on earth

over space, time, and the future

Sermon on the Mount (Only found in Matthew)

Introduction

9 Beatitudes (5:3-12)

Goal of Kingdom Living is To be Salt and Light (5:13-16)

Thesis Statement

Jesus and the Law

The Higher Righteousness (5:17-20)

Jesus Fulfills the Torah

Six Antithesis (“You have heard that it was said….But I say to You”). Implicit in his teaching is “one greater than Moses” is Here

Jesus condemns murder as well as hatred and abusive language (5:21-26)

Jesus Teaches that not only adultery is sinful but so is lust (5:27-30)

Jesus Takes a more stringent stand on divorce (5:31-32)

Jesus condemns oath-taking and commands of disciples unswerving integrity (5:33-37)

Jesus abolishes the lex talionis

Mosaic “law of relation”

in favor of doing good to one’s opponents (5:38-452)

Jesus commends loving one’s enemy (5:43-47)

True Vs Hypocritical Piety

Almsgiving (charity), Prayer, Fasting

Kingdom living involves the tension between “letting our good deeds shine out for all to see” (5:16)

And “not doing your good deeds publicly, to be admired (6:1)

Almsgiving / Charity (6:1-4)

Prayer (6:5-15)

begins with God

Turns to human bodily needs

the to human spiritual needs

End with God

Fasting (6:16-8)

Social Issues (Money VS Real Riches)

In Kingdom God not Money is Served

Do not accumulate to many possessions (6:19-21)

Decision making about possession affects all of life (6:22-24)

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”

Don’t worry about material needs (6:25-34)

God will provide

How to treat others : Social Behavior

Disciples should not be judgmental or censorious

Disciples make discerning judgments about the behavior of others (7:1-6)

Disciples Pray boldly and persistently for their needs and expect God to answer them (7:7-11)

Golden Rule (7:12)

Conclusion: Only Two Ways

Narrow vs. Wide Gate (7:13-14)

Good vs. Bad Tree (7:15-20)

Masquerade (7:21-23)

Wise vs. Foolish Builder (7:24-27)

Gospel of Mark

“The Suffering Christ”

The shortest Gospel

God’s son comes to break up Satan’s rule

Author

The only name ever attached to this Gospel is Mark

unbroken testimony

Papias

Irenaeus

Muratorian Canon

Clement of Alexandria

Tertullian

Origen

Jerome

Eusebius

Though like the other three it is anonymous

Who is Mark?

Marcus common Roman name

John Mark - Worked closely with Peter, called peter’s Son. Cousin of Barnabas. Traveler with Paul and Barnabas

The Book of Mark very well may be Peter’s story written by Mark

Date

AD 40-70

Purpose

Concerned with recording a description of who Jesus was and the impact he had on those who came in contact with him. Jesus is the Son of God

Structure of Mark

Outline

Thematic Prologue: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God (1:1–15)

The Beginning of the Gospel

John the Baptist’s Preaching in the Wilderness

Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus’ Temptation in Wilderness

The Beginning of Jesus’ Proclamation

Jesus Invades Wilderness and City with Good News (1:16–8:26)

Jesus’ Inaugural Ministry in Galilee

Jesus’ Itinerant Ministry in Galilee

Jesus’ Withdrawal to the Wilderness beyond Galilee

The Gentile Mission

Questions Concerning Signs and Seeing

Jesus Invades the Hostile City of Jerusalem (8:27–15:47)

The Journey to Jerusalem

Jesus Confronts Jerusalem

Jerusalem Opposes Jesus

Unfinished Epilogue (16:1–8)

2 Controversy cycles

One in Galilee one in Jerusalem

These cycles consisted of 5 stories each

In each cycle Jesus is clearly the winner

In Galilee where Jesus has the Home court advantage

In Jerusalem where Jesus is the away team

Galilean Controversy Cycle

Jesus Heals a Paralytic (2:1-12)

Jesus Eats W/ Tax Collectors and other “sinners” (2:13-17)

Jesus Does Not Fast (2:18-22)

Jesus “Harvest Grain on The Sabbath” (2:23-27)

Jesus Heals A Man With A Withered Hand (3:1-6)

Jerusalem Controversy Cycle

Question of Authority (11:27-33)

Vineyard and Tenants Parable (12:12)

Paying Taxes to Caesar (12:13-17)

Question of the Resurrection (12:18-27)

Greatest Commandment (12:28-34)

Question of David’s Son (12:35-37)

Christology

Supernatural nature of Jesus

Being Known by Demons 1:24

Healing the Paralytic 2:5

Reading Thoughts of Critics 2:8–10

Silencing Evil Spirits 3:11

Calming a Stormy Sea 5:7

Touching and Healing a Woman 5:26–27

Raising Jairus’s Daughter from the Dead 5:40–42

Multiplying Loaves and Fishes 6:39–44

Walking on Water at Night 6:47–48

Recognition of Divinity of Jesus

John the Baptist

Demons

Disease

Wind

Waves

Disciples

God

Son of Man

The appearance of the Son of Man signifies the beginning of the end of time

Ezekiel 2:1; 36:1 37:3

Son of Man as a “mortal man”

Daniel 7:14

Son of Man as the “heavenly figure who receive divine power

Israel’s faithful

1 Enoch 37-71; Jude 14-15

Son of Man a “supernatural being who judges the world”

Mark

Son of Man as

Mortal man charged with divine responsibility with power on earth to forgive sins, to heal

The one who must suffer

Supernatural being who judges the world

Secrecy Motif in the Gospel of Mark

Jesus’ commands those who had been healed or told some profound truth not to disclose it but to remain silent

Jesus tried to keep his work and identity a secret

commands to demons

Jesus did not want the evil spirits to shout out testimony to the truth

Jesus didn’t want to be associated with them

Commands following miracles

Relieve the pressure of the crowds

Commands following Peter’s confession

Desire to remain unknown

Commands from others

Why?

Most often Jesus was seeking to avoid popular ideas of messiahship with their political overtones. If you look at when he tells people to be silent verse not He tells them to be quiet when He was around people that would know the messiah. In outside areas he doesn’t

Gospel of Luke

The Universal Christ

The Motor of Love

The Most Gentile Gospel and longest

Somewhat like MT, LK represents a Jewish gospel of sorts (beings and ends in Jerusalem & Temple, the most holy places). Luke however Jesus as the universal Christ. Jesus relates to diverse sorts of people: outsiders, outcasts, insiders.

Author

All early evidence points to Luke. Traveling companion of the apostle Paul. Author of Acts a two volume work with Luke. Luke was probably, though some argue against, a Gentile, Well educated, Doctor.

Date

Early 50s-60s or late (80-100)

Acts ends with Paul in Rome, before Neronian persecution in Late AD 64

Purpose

He wants Theophilus to know that faith in Jesus rest on historical facts that stand up under the most severe scrutiny, founded as they are on firsthand testimony

Luke’s Research Methods

Gathering Information

Checking Evidence

Verifying the Sources

Eyewitnesses

Accredited Servants of the Word

Critical Evaluation

Orderly Arrangement of the Material

Some wonder if he even used Mary mother of Jesus as a source

Structure of Luke

Outline

Prologue: A Reliable Account of Salvation History (1:1–4)

Preparation for Jesus’ Ministry (1:5–4:13)

Two Births Predicted

Two Sons Born

The Baptist’s Ministry

Preparation for the Lord

Jesus

Endowed by the Spirit for Ministry

Jesus Proclaims Salvation in Galilee by the Power of the Spirit (4:14–9:50)

Proclamation of Good News in Galilee

Conflict with the Pharisees

Good News for the Poor

Revelation and Obedience

The Revelation of Jesus’ Identity

Galilee to Jerusalem: Discipleship (9:51–19:27)

The Journey Begins

The Journey Continues

The Last Leg of the Journey

Arrival at Destiny: Death and Resurrection in Jerusalem (19:28–24:53)

Entrance into Jerusalem

Controversy Between Jesus and Leaders Heightens

Apocalyptic Discourse

Passover Events

Arrest and Trial

Crucifixion and Burial

Resurrection

Scripture Fulfilled

Special Material in Luke

only 50% of Mark is in Luke

Preface (1:1-4)

2 Births (1:5-2:40)

Jesus’ Childhood (2:41-52)

Best Known Parables only In Luke

Good Samaritan

Prodigal Son

Rich Man and Lazarus

Pharisee and Publican

Zacchaeus

short and sinfully rich

Christology

Universal Christ

Outsiders = Gentiles

angels

“to all Persons”

Simeon

Jesus as light to all the Gentiles

Genealogy

back to Adam

Jesus Praises two Gentiles from OT (4:25-27)

Outcast

Samaritans

Samaritan Village

Good Samaritans

Samaritan leper

Poor

Sermon on the Plain

Rich Fool and Lazarus

Pharisees

called lovers of Money

Women

Treatment of Women

Jesus is exceptional for his day in the way he treated women

He accorded them a dignity and respect that was virtually unknown among the rabbis of Palestine

Subsidizers of Jesus’ ministry

Mary and Martha

Widow of Nain

Sinful Woman

Tax Collectors

Taxes to Caesar

Levi

Pharisee and tax collector

Zacchaeus

Children

Luke only refers Child –hood of John the Baptist and Jesus

Jesus with Children

Son who leaves home

Insurrectionist (robber)

On the cross with Jesus

Insiders = such as Pharisees

Harsh words

Lover of Money

Jesus dines with Pharisees

Pharisees warn Jesus

Herod is about to kill you

Pharisee named Saoul (Paulos)

in Acts of the Apostles

Emphasis on the Holy Spirit in Luke

Jesus conception by the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit Among a Few Pious Israelites

Jesus Receives Holy Spirit At Baptism

Holy Spirit with Jesus in Temptation

Fulfillment of Scripture

Jesus Lived His Life “full of Joy through the Holy Spirit

The Heavenly Father Knows How to Give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him

Dire consequences of those who Blaspheme the Holy Spirit

At Death Jesus Commits his “Sprit” to God

Gospel of John

The Eternal Christ

A unique view of Jesus’ Glory

Synoptic Gospels

When placed in parallel columns they reveal striking similarities. John stands apart at leas 90% of it lacks direct verbal parallel in the three synoptics. Scholars have questioned whether John even knew of the Synoptics. There are differences in Chronology. John stresses different aspects of Jesus’ teachings. Emphasize Jesus’ ministry in area of Jerusalem differently

Author

Tradition holds that it is John Son of Zebedee, one of the 12 Apostles. The Beloved Disciple. Tradition is well established by end of 2nd century.

Irenaeus (ca 180-200), Based on reports by Polycarp. Who was taught by John himself. Author apparently wished to remain nameless in the gospel as a “beloved Disciple”, one that Jesus Loved.

Might be from the Johannine school.

Argument against John’s authorship

Christology Is Too Developed

The Gospel Is Too Theological

The Gospel Is Too Mystical

Words of Jesus Are in a Different Order from the Synoptics

Material Reflects a Church Situation outside Palestine

Author Was Probably a Jerusalem Disciple of Jesus This is because John gives more time to the Jerusalem ministry

Acts 4:13 LEB

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished, and recognized them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 Refers to John as Illiterate and Ignorant

Date

Traditionally in the 90’s probably in Ephesus

Purpose

Paint a portrait of Jesus by drawing from what he and others witnessed and shaping these recollections to convey an appropriate message

Structure of John

Outline

The Prologue 1:1–18

The Book of Signs 1:19–12:50

The Testimony of John the Baptist

Jesus and the Institutions of Judaism

Jesus and the Festivals of Judaism

Foreshadowing of Death and Resurrection

The Book of Glory 13:1–20:31

The Passover Meal

The Farewell Discourse

The Passion

The Resurrection

Conclusion

Epilogue 21:1–25

The Miracle of One Hundred fifty-Three Fish

Jesus and Peter

Appendix

In the Beginning was the Word

John 1 LEB

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from him not one thing came into being that has come into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of humanity. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. This one came for a witness, in order that he could testify about the light, so that all would believe through him. That one was not the light, but came in order that he could testify about the light. The true light, who gives light to every person, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, and the world did not recognize him. He came to his own things, and his own people did not receive him. But as many as received him—to those who believe in his name—he gave to them authority to become children of God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a husband, but of God. And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about him and cried out, saying, “This one was he about whom I said, ‘The one who comes after me is ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ ” For from his fullness we have all received, and grace after grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the one and only, God, the one who is in the bosom of the Father—that one has made him known. And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem so that they could ask him, “Who are you?” And he confessed—and he did not deny, and confessed—“I am not the Christ!” And they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not!” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No!” Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ just as Isaiah the prophet said.” (And they had been sent from the Pharisees.) And they asked him and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water. In your midst stands one whom you do not know—the one who comes after me, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal!” These things took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. On the next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This one is the one about whom I said, ‘After me is coming a man who is ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ And I did not know him, but in order that he could be revealed to Israel, because of this I came baptizing with water.” And John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and remaining upon him. And I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water, that one said to me, ‘The one upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him—this one is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testify that this one is the Chosen One of God. On the next day again John was standing there, and two of his disciples, and looking at Jesus as he was walking by, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” And the two disciples heard him speaking, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus, turning around and seeing them following him, said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means when translated “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see!” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day (it was about the tenth hour). Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. This one first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is translated “Christ”). He brought him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said, “You are Simon the son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is interpreted “Peter”). On the next day he wanted to depart for Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me!” (Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.) Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the one whom Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets wrote about—Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth!” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see!” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Look! A true Israelite in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “From where do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these!” And he said to him, “Truly, truly I say to all of you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Emphasis on the divine glory of Christ nothing less than God incarnate in flesh. Divine Glory of Jesus.

The Divine Qualities and Essence of Jesus. Jesus is or embodies life, light, truth, glory, and grace because he is the Word of God. He is the YHWH, The I Am, The Creator God. Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus—A Unique Divine Messenger. Teacher of God from God. Through whom the Holy Spirit Speaks.

Jesus—The Answer to Humanity’s Deepest Needs. John points to Jesus as the Messiah, The King of Israel, the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, the Prophet and the one to whom all the Old Testament pointed towards the Fulfillment of all of the promises and also the fulfillment of the larger world’s dreams. Savior of the World

John’s Gospel is the “Signs Gospel”

Turning water into wine at Cana

Healing of officials son

Healing a crippled man

Feeding 5000 people

Walking on water

Restoring sight to a blind man

Raising of Lazarus from the dead

All pointing to the uniqueness and divine-ness of Jesus as the spiritual Gospel continues

Principles of Faith

What should we believe

Believe God 14:1

Believe That God Sent Jesus 12:44

Believe the Old Testament 2:22; 5:46–47

Believe Jesus as the One Sent from God 6:29

Believe Jesus’ Name 2:23

Believe Jesus Himself 3:18; 4:39

Believe Jesus as the Son of Man 9:35–38

Believe Jesus’ Miracles 10:38

Believe That Jesus Is the Messiah 11:27; 20:31

Believe What Jesus Says 8:45–46; 14:11

Believe That Jesus Is in the Father and the Father Is in Jesus 14:10; 7:21

Life of Jesus Christ

Life of Jesus begins before he was born

Hebrews 13:8 LEB

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Micah 5:2 LEB

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go out for me, to be ruler in Israel; and his origins are from of old, from ancient days.

John 8:58 LEB

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!”

John 1:1–4 LEB

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from him not one thing came into being that has come into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of humanity.

Jesus Christ was before the world was created. Through Him all was created. Everlasting because he is divine.

Preparation of Birth

In the OT History is all about Christ. All the other anointed ones is in preparation for Jesus Christ. Since the fall of Man it has been about Jesus.

Jesus will succeed were Adam fell. Isaac and Abraham point to Christ.

Isaiah 9:6 LEB

For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the dominion will be on his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 11:1 LEB

And a shoot will come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from its roots will bear fruit.

Micah 5:2 LEB

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go out for me, to be ruler in Israel; and his origins are from of old, from ancient days.

Just to name a few, point to the coming of a messiah. He whom Jesus will be.

In the NT. John The Baptizer points to Jesus

Luke 1:5–22 LEB

It happened that in the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest, Zechariah by name, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. And they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren. And they were both advanced in years. And it happened that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood he was chosen by lot to enter into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. And the whole crowd of the people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering. And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was terrified when he saw the angel, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. And you will experience joy and exultation, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he must never drink wine or beer, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while he is still in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to prepare for the Lord a people made ready.” And Zechariah said to the angel, “By what will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years!” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and began to wonder when he was delayed in the temple. And when he came out he was not able to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them, and remained unable to speak.

Luke 1:5-22 tells us of the angel Gabriel comes to Zechariah a priest. Pious priest who had a barren wife. Barren wife = special child. Because he doesn’t believe the words of the angel. Can’t speak until later.

John grew up in Judea. He may have been part of the Qumran community, Essenes. He will be sent to proclaim Jesus. Mary was probable about three months pregnant when John was born.

Angel will also visit Mary. The angel begins will do not fear. your son will be the Son of the Most High and whose kingdom would never end. Though she is a virgin. Angel will also have to appear to Joseph to tell him not to divorce Mary. Who believed she had been unfaithful.

Jesus Birth

We know that Jesus was born December 25, 00. In a manger and since he was God there was no crying and shepherds came and three Wiseman and all the animals sang and the drummer boy played

Year

During the reign of Heard the great: 37-4 BC. 0 was a date set for this period who miscalculated the reign of Heard. Probable 6 BC. 7-4 BC

December

more like Late September or Early October.

Why December 25?

Birthday of Jesus was forgotten by the early Christian movement. Different Groups celebrated at different times: Jan 6, Apr 21, May 1.

December 25 dates to “Pagan” (Non Christian) practices. December 25 is the time in which one can tell that the daytime had become notably longer, after the winter solstice December 21. This was a time in when man made religions celebrated the birth of a deity, called Son of Man, Light of the World, Sun of Righteousness, Savior.

Attis

The story of Attis (pronounced /ˈætɪs/; Greek: Ἄττις, also Ἄτυς, Ἄττυς, Ἄττης), god of vegetation, began in Phrygia. His repeated cycle of consuming himself, dying and resurrecting represents the agricultural cycle.

Birth

The daemon Agdistis is linked to both the birth and death of Attis. Agdistis had both female and male reproductive organs. The gods feared this and plotted his death. Tricked into swallowing a sleeping potion, the gods tied his male genitalia to his foot. He castrated himself when he woke and stood. His blood fell to earth fertilizing the ground. An almond tree grew where it fell. The daughter of the river god Sangarius, Nana, picked almonds from the tree and carried them at her bosom. The almonds disappeared and Nana became pregnant with Attis.

Life

Nana abandoned her baby. A he-goat found him and cared for him. Eventually, a couple became his foster parents.

Attis grew into a handsome man with long hair and god-like features. He got engaged to the daughter of King Midas of Pessinos. However, Agdistis in the guise of the earth mother goddess Cybele fell in love with him on sight.

During Attis’ wedding, as the vocalist performed the wedding song, a jealous Agdistis/Cybele attacked, driving the bride, groom and the father of the bride mad. Attis and his father-in-law castrated themselves in front of the wedding guests. The bride cut off her own breasts.

Death

Attis died as a result of his self-inflicted wounds. The heartbroken Agdistis begged Zeus, the Father God, to preserve Attis so his body would never decay or decompose.

Memory Preservation & Worship

Although a mortal, Attis was venerated and worshipped. Originally a part of the pantheon of Phrygia, the Greeks added him to their pantheon, also elevating him to an agriculture god. A statue of him stands at the Shrine of Attis on the Campus of the Magna Mater in Ostia Antica, Italy. Another statue which was at the mouth of Rome’s river, now resides in the Vatican museum. It depicts Attis reclining post-castration holding a shepherd’s crook in his left hand and a pomegranate in his right. He wears a pine garland with fruits interwoven and a Phrygian cap featuring a crescent moon. Attisian priests were eunuchs, following in the footsteps of their god. Artifacts found in Herculaneum, such as a wood throne that featured a relief of Attis beneath a sacred pine gathering pine cones, indicate the Attis cult was popular in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

ATTIS: HTTPS://GREEKGODSANDGODDESSES.NET - Greek Gods & Goddesses, June 12, 2018

Roman deity

Son of Virgin Nana

He was sacrificed as an adult in order to bring salvation to Mankind

He died after being crucified

Descended for three days to the underworld

Arose as the solar deity for the new Season

Worshiped in Rome CA 200 BC

From here I will just list similarities that people point to.

Dionysus

Greek

Had been a center of worship in Jerusalem in the 1st century BC

Birth celebrated on December 25

Some ancient coins have been found in Gaza with Dionysus on one side and YHWH on the other

His flesh and blood were symbolically eaten in from of bread and wine

Son of Zeus Father God

Osiris

Egyptian

Savior god

Judge between life and death

Birth December 25

Mithra

Persian

Birth was witnessed by shepherds and by carrying Magi

When Christians in 4th century were deciding a day easy to choose one that was already celebrated

Birth of Jesus

Caesar Augusts ordered a census to be taken. Everyone must go to their own city. Joseph is from the line of David so he must go to the city of Bethlehem, House of Bread.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 2

to register all the empire Known censuses in proximity to Caesar Augustus’ reign (27 BC–AD 14) occurred around 28 BC, 8 BC, and AD 14. Given the size of the Roman Empire, the task of registering its people would have taken years; consequently, Luke could be pointing to the census of 8 BC. Based on the reference to Quirinius (see v. 2 and note), this would place Jesus’ birth around 6–4 BC.

No room at the inn so they go to the manger for the night. There Jesus is born. Probably means there was no normal rooms. SO Jesus had to sleep in the bottom part of the house where they kept all the animals.

Shepherd were told of his arrival and were the ones to come and visit the boy

Eight days later he is taken to the Temple in Jerusalem

Luke 2:22–38 CSB

And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons). There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel. His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Presented before the temple. This was the time which one would be taken and circumcised as a Jew. Ones he is there and is proclaimed to be the Son of God by Simeon and Anna. Simeon was promised that he would not die until he had seen the Christ.

After this they return to Bethlehem, where they apparently get a house. Possibly waiting until Jesus was old enough to make the trip to Galilee.

The Wise men bring Gifts

Jesus was probably about 2 years old or younger Ca 4 BC

Gold - Gift for royalty, King of the Jews, King of Kings

Frankincense - Connected with the priesthood and the temple sacrifices. Jesus the perfect sacrifice

Myrrh - When a person died this perfume was wrapped with the body to help cover up the stench of death.

The wise men tell them to Escape to Egypt because the death of the first born was ordered

Herod dies in 4 BC and they return to Nazareth not in Egypt very Long Year at the most

12 Years old

Luke 2:41–50 CSB

Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days, they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.

Went to Jerusalem for Passover as accustomed. 12 first step of adulthood. Read the Song of Songs. They leave with their whole group. Mary believed Jesus was just with one of his other family members. Days Journey away they realized he wasn’t with them and went back to look at him. Found him in the temple

Luke 2:46–52 LEB

And it happened that after three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting in the midst of the teachers and listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his insight and his answers. And when they saw him, they were astounded and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have been searching for you anxiously!” And he said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that it was necessary for me to be in the house of my Father?” And they did not understand the statement that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was submitting to them. And his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus was advancing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with people.

Year of Inauguration

We meet Jesus again when he is 30 yrs old or so

Ministry of John the baptizer

At this time John has gone out into the desert, he wearing camel hair and leather cloths eating bugs and what not. He came to say that one greater was coming. John was anti-temple, anti-nationalism, and anti- establishment. Preached hat God required repentance, confession of sin, baptism. He baptizes with water. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is an ethical behavior to prove one’s sincerity.

John was arrested for publicly rebuking Herodias and thrown into prison, he is killed during a drunken oath he makes to his step daughter. Serve the head on a platter

Jesus begin with his baptism. Jesus goes from Galilee to a place called Bethany. While he is baptized God came and said. You are my Son, Whom I love; with you I am well pleased, and the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove.

After his baptism he was lead into the wilderness. Jesus was tempted for forty days, and fasting.

Luke 4:1–13 CSB

Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.” So he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to him, “I will give you their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If you, then, will worship me, all will be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” So he took him to Jerusalem, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you, and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.” After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.

1 John 2:16 LEB

because everything that is in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance of material possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.

1 John 2:16

World

Genesis 3:6

Adam

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus

“The Lust of the Flesh”

The tree was good for food

Command this stone to become bread

The lust of the eyes

It was pleasant to the eyes

The devil showed him all the kingdom

The pride of life

A tree desirable to make one wise

Throw yourself down from here

Three major temptations

three times Jesus quotes from the book of Deuteronomy

Jesus will make his way back to Galilee where he will settle in Capernaum

Gathers His Disciples

Peter

From Bethsaida but lived in Capernaum

Always quick to judge and act

Volunteers to Walk to Jesus on Water

Quickly states his intentions to die for Jesus but will deny him three times

Fisherman

Leader of the twelve

Foundation of the Church

First Pope to some Catholics

is believed to start the church in Rome

John

From Capernaum

Known as the Beloved Disciple who rested on Jesus Chest at last meal

Spiritually Sensitive

Son of Zebedee

Wealthy fisherman

Son of thunder

fiery temperament

Fishing Partner with Peter

James

From Capernaum

Johns Brother

Son of thunder

Wants to call down fire from heave on the Samaritans

Fisherman

Acts tells us that he was beheaded

probably the first disciple to be put to death

Andrew

From Bethsaida but Lived in Capernaum

Brother of Peter

originally a follower of John the Baptist

switched over at request of John the Baptist

first Disciple to Believe

then brings Peter to him

Wanted others to know the truth of Jesus

Brings people to Jesus

boy with the 5 loves and 2 Fish

The Inquisitive Greeks

Philip

In the Synoptic Gospels only mentioned in the List of Apostles but in John has a larger role

From Bethsaida

Also a disciple of John the Baptist

Depicted as having a clear understanding of the Old Testament

Thomas

Twin

Poperly known as doubting Thomas

Little slow to believe

but once he does he is deeply devoted

When Jesus Decides to go to Bethany in Judea to Heal Lazarus

knowing the Jews want to Kill him

He reveals a pessimistic outlook

Let us also Go, that we may Die with him

Pessimistic but Devoted

John 20:28 “Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”” Confesses Jesus as Lord and God. This is one of the Most profound declarations of Jesus’ Deity in the NT

Bartholomew

From Cana

Appears in the list but otherwise is unmentioned

identified with Nathanael brought to Jesus by Philip

Matthew

Tax Collector

from tax office by lake Galilee

Also known as Levi

Writer of Matthew?

James the Son of Alphaeus

unmentioned other them in list

Leader of the 3rd group of four disciples

Simon the Zealot

Formerly a fanatical opponent of Roman Rule in Palestine

Otherwise not mentioned

Judas the Son of James

AKA Thaddaeus

only mentioned in a question during the last supper

“how is it that you will manifest yourself to us and not to the World”

Judas Son of Simon Iscariot

From Kerioth

Betrayer

Kept the Common Money Box

Thief

Pretended to have concern over the poor when Mary anointed Jesus Feet

Kissed Jesus to betray him at Gethsemane

Jesus First Miracle

Jesus First Miracle will be the turning Water into wine

https://media.faithlife.com/logos-media/1225447-7387788--

John 2:1–11 LEB

And on the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. And both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. And when the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine!” And Jesus said to her, “What does your concern have to do with me, woman? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it!” Now six stone water jars were set there, in accordance with the ceremonial cleansing of the Jews, each holding two or three measures. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the head steward. So they took it. Now when the head steward tasted the water which had become wine and did not know where it was from—but the servants who had drawn the water knew—the head steward summoned the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and whenever they are drunk, the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee, and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

Why Turn Water to Wine?

By Dr. Nicholas J. Schaser -

April 13, 2021

23250 149

According to John’s Gospel, Jesus performs the first miracle of his ministry when he turns water to wine. After the wine runs out at a wedding in Cana, Yeshua has stone jars filled with water, which he transforms into the best wine at the banquet. But of all the wonders that the Messiah could have wrought, why does he begin with this one? Jesus’ first sign validates his own messianic identity and recalls the prophetic vision of a time when the blessings of water and wine would flow in abundance.

Jesus’ sign of turning water into wine alludes to divine cleansing for Israel. The transformed water comes from “six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding two or three metretas” (2:6). A metretes was an ancient measure of about ten gallons, so Jesus makes somewhere around 150 gallons of wine! More important are John’s exact numbers: six jars with two or three metretas each. Six multiplied by two is 12; six times three is 18. These numbers had symbolic resonance in first-century Judaism: twelve signifies the tribes of Israel (cf. Matt 19:28; Rev 21:12) and eighteen alludes to God’s gift of renewed life or prosperity (e.g., Lk 13:11-16; 1 Esd 1:21-22; SibOr 11:80-102; in the later rabbinic numerical system of gematria, in which each Hebrew letter also represents a number, the word for “life” [חי; chai] equals 18). Thus, Jesus’ sign shows that he has come to purify all Israel and offer the gift of eternal life to the whole world.

Jesus’ use of water to produce wine also echoes the prophecy of Joel, which details an abundance of wine and purifying waters in the messianic age: “In that day, the mountains shall drip with wine (עסיס; asis)… and all the stream beds of Judah shall flow with water (מים; mayim); a spring shall come forth from the House of the Lord” (Joel 3:18 [Heb. 4:18]; cf. Amos 9:13). The fact that John’s Gospel is particularly interested in Jesus’ offer of life-giving water supports the likelihood that his first miracle alludes to Joel’s prophetic words (cf. John 3:23; 4:7-15, 46; 5:7; 7:38). The expansive world of Jewish Scripture and tradition provides Gospel readers with a deeper theological understanding of Jesus’ first sign. These ancient contexts underscore Jesus’ role as a heavenly savior whose activity signals the divine desire to lavish life.   

The Galilean Ministry

More than Seventy events are recorded during this year and a half. We call this the year of Popularity.

After he arrived in Galilee after John the Baptist imprisonment, and he began to proclaim. He began to teach in the synagogues of Galilee. Announced in his home town that he is the messiah, Nazareth

Gospels make no attempt to record every healing that Jesus performed

Jesus Healed

Lameness

Paralysis

Leprosy

Fever

Deformity

Muteness

hemorrhage

blindness

and more

Power over disease

raises the dead

Commands a storm to cease

During this time he seems to have a goal of reaching all of Galilee with the Good News of the kingdom of God. He even sends out his twelve to preach in areas he is not able to Go personally

Training his followers for what is to come

Set and example for them

Established organization by gathering disciples and appointing twelve as apostles over them

Sent them on Preaching mission

Sent them endowed with his own power and authority

teaches them the things they would need to know

Activity at the Sea of Galilee

(Also called Lake of Gennesaret and Sea of Tiberias) 1. Calms a storm from the boat 2. Sends demons into swine 3. Feeds 5,000 men 4. Walks on sea 5. Feeds 4,000 men 6. Traditional location of Sermon on the Mount

Outside Of Galilee

Year of Opposition. Not to say that he was not opposed before that but not as strong.

Why Jewish Leader Opposed Jesus

Jealousy

he was accepted readily by common people

His Authority

He taught with authority that superseded theirs

Perceived Recklessness

he made messianic claims which Roman rulers might interpret as treasonous

His liberal attitudes

He simplified the law and rejected established customs

His social practices

He associated with the wrong people

His lack of rabbinic education

He was not the educated under the recognized teacher

not a seminary student

Their embarrassment

He publicly contradicted them

His power

He did miraculous work the couldn’t

Their political fears

He was neutral regarding Roman Rule

His call for repentance

he denied their righteousness

His knowledge

He won debates by referring to scripture

His popularity

Large Numbers of people traveled to hear him

Perean and Judean Ministry

Ad 29 Jesus knew that the time had arrived for him to go to Jerusalem to fulfill the purpose of his life, die and raise

Jesus is at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. As he teaches, the people try to stone him for ‘blasphemy.’

Jesus and his disciples leave Jerusalem, cross the Jordan and stay near the place where John had baptized. Many people came to him.

At Bethany, Mary's and Martha's brother Lazarus is taken ill. The sisters send Jesus a message.

Jesus delays leaving for 2 days.

Jesus and the disciples go to Bethany. Lazarus is dead and has been buried 4 days. Jesus raises him to life.

Eyewitnesses report the event to the Sanhedrin. They plot to kill Jesus.

Jesus travels secretly to Ephraim with the disciples.

Jesus and his disciples pass through Jericho. (Luke records the meeting with Zacchaeus here.)

On the way out of Jericho, followed by a large crowd, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus.

On the Mt of Olives, Jesus sends 2 of his disciples to collect a donkey, as arranged, from its owner in either Bethphage or Bethany.

Jesus rides the donkey into Jerusalem, and a crowd welcomes him as the Messiah.

They spend the night in Bethany.

Next morning, they re-enter Jerusalem.

In the temple, in Solomon's Porch, Jesus throws out the dishonest merchants

Jesus Last Day

1. Jesus and disciples eat the Passover at a secret location—the upper room (Mark 14:12–26).

2. Judas leaves at night to betray Jesus (John 13:21–30).

3. In Gethsemane, Jesus prays while disciples sleep (Mark 14:32–42).

4. Judas leads Roman soldiers and temple guards to arrest Jesus. Disciples flee (Mark 14:43–52).

5. Jesus before Annas (father-in-law to Caiaphas), to decide the charge (John 18:12–14).

6. Jesus before Caiaphas (High Priest) and the Jewish Council. Witnesses disagree, Jesus refuses to answer questions. Convicted of blasphemy. Peter denies knowing Jesus (Mark 14:53–72).

7. Early morning, taken to Pilate’s palace, charged with political crimes. Pilate thinks he is innocent (Luke 23:1–5).

8. Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas (who had executed John the Baptist) at his palace. Jesus refuses to talk, Herod and soldiers dress him up as king (Luke 23:6–12).

9. Pilate offers to release Jesus, crowd chooses Barabbas. Jesus condemned on Gabbatha, pavement outside palace (John 18:38–19:16).

10. Judas hears and tries to return his betrayal payment to the priests.

11. Judas commits suicide (Matthew 27:3–10).

12. Soldiers mock Jesus (Matthew 27:27–31).

13. On Golgotha, ‘the Skull.’ Jesus is crucified (Matthew 27:32–50).

Simon Jenkins, Nelson’s 3-D Bible Mapbook (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995).

Seven Last Statement from the Cross

Father, Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing

Luke 23:34 “⟦But Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”⟧ And they cast lots to divide his clothes.”

It makes since that Jesus would care about forgiveness first. That is the point of the Cross.

(To Mary) Woman, Here is your son; (to John) Here is you mother

John 19:26-27 “So Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.”

Shows his earthly Love for his mother. and the closeness of John to Jesus

(To The Criminal on the Cross) I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise

Luke 23:43 “And he said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

I am Thirsty

John 19:28 “After this, Jesus, knowing that now at last everything was completed, in order that the scripture would be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.””

Psalm 69:21 “They also gave me gall for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”

My God, My God, Why have you forsaken Me

Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)”

Martin Luther once said “God forsake God who can understand it”

It is finished

John 19:30

Father, into your hand I commit my spirit

Luke 23:46

Not all the Gospels record the same thing which actually helps in the case of validity. We can know that the stories are true because they don't all agree. We would worry if all four wrote down all same thing like they were copied But some as eye witnesses and some as Historians getting information from eyewitnesses it is not surprising that people remember things he said differently. Today when you go home you will remember (if you remember) thing I said a little differently.

Resurrection

When the women arrived at the grave they found it empty

Nelson’s 3-D Bible Mapbook We Are Witnesses

1. At the tomb. Mary Magdalene meets Jesus (John 20:11–18; Mark 16:9–11).

2. Near the tomb. Mary Magdalene and ‘the other Mary’ (Matthew 28:9–10).

3. On the Emmaus road. Cleopas and another disciple (Luke 24:13–35; Mark 16:12–13).

4. In the upper room. As the disciples were eating (Mark 16:14–18). Jesus allows them to feel him and he eats fish (Luke 24:36–49). Behind locked doors without Thomas (John 20:19–23). With Thomas (John 20:24–29).

5. By Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee). Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and 2 others are cooked breakfast by Jesus (John 21:1–22).

6. On ‘the hill in Galilee.’ Eleven disciples (Matthew 28:16–20).

7. On the Mt of Olives (‘as far as Bethany’). Jesus ascends to heaven (Luke 24:50–51; Acts 1:6–11).

8. On the Damascus road. Jesus appears to Saul (Acts 9:1–9).

Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:5–7 records separate appearances to Peter, James (brother of Jesus), and ‘to more than 500 of his followers at once.’

Acts 1:3 notes that Jesus appeared many times over a 40 day period after his resurrection.

The Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ

How to understand Jesus: For a clear grasp of Jesus’ teaching Four points.

Jesus came primarily as a preacher-teacher who was delivering his message in spoken fashion to his hearers

Not a researcher, scholar or theologian

Jesus generally shared fundamental assumptions with his audience

they understood things that we do not

So when we look at the teaching sometimes we need to be filled in

His aim was to correct the fundamental assumptions not to impart completely new info

Jesus’ most formidable challenge was how to covey his message in a way that the people can understand

At numerous points the people knew too much and had become complacent

how to tell the familiar in a new way

Jesus’ task was not confined simply to communicating ideas

he was attempting to challenge his hearers to make a decision to enter the kingdom and establish personal relationship

Came to offer life, not just good ideas

Jesus the Preacher

Jesus use of language

Master of creative language

vocabulary is so that common people could understand

not the technical talk of the rabbis

To get his message across some times he would hide his meaning below the surface to make people listen and to think about what he was saying

Used self-contradictory language to force people to think

Form of Jesus Language

Parable

Short compact saying which may include allegory

Illustrations from everyday life

Object lessons

Proverbial sayings current among the people

Heal yourself, doctor

Quote from Hebrew Bible

Jesus and his message

the way he related himself to his message

Ultimately in order to understand the things that Jesus said we must understand the Jesus who said them

Is he who is says he is

He came to proclaim himself

Themes of the Teaching of Jesus

God, the Kingdom of God and Jesus Relation to the Kingdom

God’s kingdom, not man’s

God is primary

we are secondary

Uniqueness of Jesus

he is unlike any other person who ever lived

He was fully human

and fully God

Jesus special relation to other human begins

Jesus believed that our ultimate destiny depends on our relationship to him and his evaluation of us

Taking up the cross and follow him

Mission driven

Throughout his life he was aware of a special sense of timing and conveyed this to his followers

Human life, human sinfulness, and God

Jesus’ chief concerns was to make God real again in the lives of his people

Jesus is also aware of human sinfulness and our inability to do what God requires of us

End of the age and the second coming and the life to come

Go and prepare and come back

Events that will precede Jesus’ second coming

Apostasy

Rise of Antichrist

Betrayal

Earthquakes

False Christ

False Prophets

False Signs and miracles

Famines

Increase of evil

International strife

persecution of Believers

Pestilence

Unparalleled distress

wars and rumors of wars

worldwide proclamation of the gospel

Modern Approaches to the New Testament

Hermeneutics

“Interpretation”

Taking the Scriptures and where we are and bringing them together