intertestamental · figurative language is used the truth conveyed is quite understandable (e.g....
TRANSCRIPT
INTERTESTAMENTAL
4bc
586b
c
539
420s
332
323
255
167
143
67 63 37
Baby
lon
dest
roys
Je
rusa
lem
Pers
ia d
efea
ts
Baby
lon
Rom
e cr
ushe
s Isr
ael
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d ap
poin
ted
king
of
Jude
a by
Rom
e
Antio
chus
(Epi
phan
es)
dese
crat
es te
mpl
e.
Mac
cabe
us le
ads
Jew
ish re
volt
Jew
ish c
ivil
war
Inde
pend
ence
in
Isra
el
Hebr
ew B
ible
tr
ansla
ted
into
Gre
ek
Gree
ce c
onqu
ers
Pers
ia. G
reec
e di
vide
s in
to 4
kin
gdom
s
Alex
ande
r the
Gre
at
rises
to p
ower
Mal
achi
clo
ses O
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Jesu
s is b
orn
Week 27: Farewell to the Old TestamentOverview of what Happened Historically in the 400 Silent Years
The time between the last book of the Old Testament (Malachi) and the appearance of Christ as recorded in Matthew is known as the “intertestamental” period. Because there was no recorded prophetic word from God during this period, it is sometimes called the “400 Silent Years.” The political and religious atmosphere of Palestine (also called Israel) changed significantly during this period. Much of what happened was predicted by Daniel (chapters 2, 7, 8, and 11).
Israel was under the control of the Persian Empire from about 539-332bc. The Persians allowed the Jews to practice their religion with little interference. They were even allowed to rebuild and worship at the temple (2 Chron. 36; Ezra 1). This time of relative peace and contentment was just the calm before the storm.
Alexander the Great defeated Darius of Persia, bringing Greek rule to the world (332-323bc). Alexander was a student of Aristotle and was well educated in Greek philosophy and politics. He required that Greek culture be promoted in every land he conquered. As a result, the Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek, becoming the translation known as the Septuagint. Alexander allowed religious freedom, but the Greek philosophies he promoted influenced the Jews greatly.
After Alexander died (323bc), Judea was ruled by a series of successors from Syria and Egypt, culminating in Antiochus IV (Epiphanes). Antiochus did far more than refuse religious freedom to the Jews. Around 167bc, he overthrew the rightful line of the priesthood and desecrated the temple. Eventually, the Maccabean resistance to Antiochus restored the rightful priests and rescued the temple. But the period of Jewish independence that followed was one of violence and infighting (167-63bc).
Around 63bc, Pompey of Rome conquered Palestine, putting all of Judea under control of the Caesars. This eventually led to Herod being made king of Judea by the Roman emperor. This would be the nation that taxed and controlled the Jews, and eventually executed the Messiah on a Roman cross. Roman, Greek, and Hebrew cultures were now mixed together in Judea.
These events that set the stage for Christ had a profound impact on the Jewish people. Jews and pagans were becoming dissatisfied with religion. The pagans were beginning to question the validity of polytheism. Romans and Greeks were drawn from their mythologies towards Hebrew Scriptures, now easily readable in Greek or Latin. The Jews, however, were despondent. Once again, they were conquered, oppressed, and polluted. Hope was running low; faith was even lower. They were convinced that now the only thing that could save them and their faith was the appearance of the Messiah.
The New Testament tells the story of how hope came, not only for the Jews, but for the entire world. Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy was anticipated and recognized by many who sought Him out. The stories of the Roman centurion, the Far Eastern wise men, and the Jewish Pharisee Nicodemus show how Jesus was recognized as the Messiah by those who lived in His day. The “400 Years of Silence” were broken by the greatest story ever told—the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Week 27: Farewell to the Old Testament(A Few Prophecies of the Old Testament about to Come Alive in the New Testament)
The books of the Old Testament contain many passages about the Messiah who would be king in Israel—all prophecies Jesus Christ fulfilled. It tells of His birth, His ancestry, His life and His death, as well as His reign as king.
In Luke 24:13-27, Luke records a post-resurrection appearance of Christ, where He is walking along the road to Emmaus conversing with two disciples who did not recognize Him. The disciples explained all the events (crucifixion) that just took place to Jesus. Christ responds, “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.
There are at least three types of Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. First, some prophecies are more general in nature. They might have a near or immediate application during the time period of the prophecy, but are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Second, there are direct prophecies that speak specifically of the future Messiah and are more personal in nature. They are clearly stated as being fulfilled in the coming Messiah. A third type of Messianic prophecy is New Testament applications of the Old Testament. Here the language of the Old Testament leaves no indication of a specific prediction. However the New Testament applies it to the coming of Christ. The prime example of this type is Matthew 2:15 citing Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” A fourth type of prophecy is called typical prophecies, which identify individuals or figures as types of Christ. For example, at the feast of Passover, a lamb in perfect condition had to be killed (Ex. 12). This represented the sacrifice of Jesus, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Many prophecies are quite clear and easy to understand, especially in light of New Testament revelation. However the general nature of some Messianic prophecies lends to some inherent difficulties: First, the language of some Messianic prophecies is often confusing and obscure. In these cases the prophecy may only be understandable in light of the content of the Word of God. Second, Messianic prophecies frequently use figurative language. This can create some difficulty in clearly understanding the prophecy. However, frequently the figure gives a clear idea as to its interpretation and although figurative language is used the truth conveyed is quite understandable (e.g. Isaiah 11:1). Third, sometimes in prophecies future events are often regarded as past or present tense. The prophets will present the event that is predicted for the future as if it has already taken place. The emphasis in these cases is that the completion of the event is so certain to happen that it appears as if it is already realized (e.g. Isaiah 53).
Jesus Christ ought to be sought in all we read in the Old and New Testaments, but care must be taken that we study it in the light of other Scriptures and in the light of the character of God.
For a rather extensive listing of possible Old Testament Messianic prophecies see page 91.
Week Twenty-Seven Reading Plan Genesis 12:1-3; 22:15-18; 2 Samuel 7:12-17 Son of Abraham, Son of David Micah 5:1-5; Isaiah 7:10-8:10; 9:1-7 Immanuel in O Little Town of Bethlehem Isaiah 61:1-11 Mission Statement of the Savior Zechariah 9:9-17; 11:12-13; 12:1-14; 13:6-9 Future Clues of the Humble King Psalm 69:1-36 Deep Waters Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Man of Sorrows Psalm 22:1-31 At the Cross
THE COMING MESSIAH
Week 28: The Living Word(Selections from the Four Gospels)
The story of Jesus is the story of God’s entry into human experience. Since the beginning of time God has desired to have a relationship with His creation. He chose to share the joys of His created world with humans made in His likeness. He has been present with humans since He made them: He walked and talked with them in the Garden of Eden; appeared to them in dreams and visions; and revealed Himself in clouds, a fiery pillar, and laws written in stone. He demonstrated His presence with them through the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. His Spirit worked through their leaders, judges, priests, prophets, and kings, who all represented Him on earth. God’s presence and blessing continued through the Exile as He protected His people.
At the end of the Old Testament, God’s people became a scattered people, living in Egypt, Judea, Syria and Persia. In a world pervaded by Greek thought and culture, they preserved their own history and zealously fought for independence. For 400 years, they held faithfully to the messages of the prophets, the laws of Moses, and the rituals of the Temple. The Jews waited with great anticipation for God’s promise to come true, for the great king of David’s line to arrive.
As we begin to study over the next 3 months about the life of Jesus, the Old Testament, that we have studied in the previous 27 weeks, has prepared us for this moment. This week we are reaching a major turning point in the history of the world. God will come to earth as a man. He will be Immanuel, which means “God with us.” For thousands of years, the Tabernacle, the Temple, the priesthood, the prophets, and the kings all foreshadowed God’s ultimate goal. Now He will physically be with His people. Jesus Christ will be born as a human.
But even as God’s plans culminate in Jesus, many of the Jews who had been waiting for this very moment will completely disregard Him as the king they have yearned for. They will miss the King of kings and the Lord of lords who walks and talks with them during everyday tasks: working in the fields, raising families, baking bread, drawing water. Some will have their eyes opened and will believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Others will keep looking elsewhere, hoping for a powerful ruler who will liberate their people through military force.
Very soon now, Jesus will come. After the end of the Old Testament era the Jewish people faced tumultuous times, being conquered and oppressed first by the Greeks, then the Seleucidae (Syrians) and then by the Romans. They endured persecution and even rebelled against their oppressors for a time, but they still awaited the Messiah—the one God promised who would free them from tyranny and fulfill the righteous hopes of the people. Jesus will be that Messiah. But He will not be the warrior-king they’re expecting, but rather a humble infant. Nonetheless, He will change the world. He will show the world who God is—and nothing will ever be the same!
Week Twenty-Eight Reading Plan John 1:1-18 In the Beginning…Again Matthew 1:1-17 OT to NT Connection Luke 1:5-80 Birth of the Cousins Foretold Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph’s Story Luke 2:1-38 Christmas Special Matthew 2:1-23 Visit of the Magi Luke 2:39-52 Lost and Found
THE LIVING WORD
The four Gospels present four unique and yet complimentary pictures of Jesus—and this is evident in the way they record the birth of Jesus: Matthew presents Jesus as the King of the Jews worthy of obedience and worship; Mark present Jesus as Lord that serves showing a new way, free from the fight for supremacy and status; Luke shows a humane Savior that brings good tidings and liberation to the poor and marginalized; and finally, John presents Jesus as God, who comes as the Word become flesh and this shines in the darkness to bring a new beginning in this world. See the flip side for particulars!
MatthewMatthew, in stark contrast to Mark’s “narrative of omission” begins his account with an elaborate genealogy that places Jesus as an ancestor of King David and Abraham. Here, already, Matthew shows his special interest and who is intended audience is for this Gospel. He is writing to the Jews and presents Jesus as a King, better than David and a teacher greater than Moses.
Matthew’s birth narratives focus on the role of Joseph who is contrasted with Herod, an unjust and wicked ruler. He tells about the wise men that came to worship, bringing gifts fit for a king; the murderous acts of the bad king Herod; records the journey of the holy family to and from Egypt; and of the angels who directed Joseph.
Matthew presents Jesus, in fulfillment of the prophecies and hopes of the Hebrew Scriptures, as the King of the Jews who has been given all authority in Heaven and Earth. He is Immanuel, God with us.
MarkThe Gospel of Mark is possibly the first of the Gospels to be written and probably represents the messages of the apostle Peter. Mark records nothing about the birth of Jesus but starts his story with the calling of John the Baptist in the wilderness. The first time we see Jesus in this Gospel is when He comes to be baptized by John.
This “narrative of omission” serves Mark’s purpose as he wrote his gospel to the Romans emphasizing the paradoxical message of the servanthood of Jesus (10:45). The omission of any details of the birth of Jesus helps the reader to understand that it is not important where a servant is born or from which family he comes—it is his service that defines him.
Society at that time was divided into social classes of status and this picture of radical service by one with all authority calls the reader to emulate the example of Jesus that defined His mission and ministry by His service to others.
LukeLuke wrote his Gospel for Gentiles and focused on the marginalized and neglected groups. Luke’s Gospel is full of references to women, children, the sick, the poor and rejected people groups like the Samaritans.
This focus on the neglected also features in his account of Jesus’ birth. Luke’s birth narrative is the longest of all of the Gospels and gives special attention to the role of the Holy Spirit and women. The angel appears to Mary (not to Joseph) and it is Elizabeth and Mary that each has words of blessings. He records the homeless status of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem and how a lowly feeding troth becomes a crib.
Focus on the poor emerges again as the angels appear to shepherds in Luke’s account, and not to the powerful and privileged wise men as in Matthew’s account. It was the lowly shepherds that witnessed this glorious event and became the first messengers of God’s peace and goodwill to all earth.
JohnThe Gospel of John, possibly the last of the Gospels to be produced, records the birth of Jesus in spiritual language. John presents his narrative of the birth of Jesus as a second “Genesis creation account.”
Jesus’ birth began in Heaven: Jesus, who is the Word, was in the beginning and is God. All that is created was created through Him. John writing to Greek-speaking Gentiles across the Roman Empire explains that in Jesus, the Word became flesh and dwelled with us. As a result we were able to witness His glory full of grace and truth.
John focuses on the divinity of Jesus. He leaves out any mention of Mary, Joseph and all the other characters that Matthew and Luke mentions in their narratives. John shares that Jesus’ birth is the most significant event in the history of the world. God became flesh and let His light shine in the darkness—just as the light broke through the darkness in the creation of the heavens and the earth.
Birth of Christ in the 4 GospelsAr
t by
HJ C
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of A
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Art
Week 29: The Beginning Ministry of Jesus(Selections from the Four Gospels)
God’s Story Chronological Bible Reading Plan spends 12 weeks on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. The first two (weeks 28 & 29) and the last two (weeks 38 & 39) will be presented in chronological order. The eight weeks in between will instead be presented categorically covering His teachings, parables, miracles and prayers. Each week, a portion of the life of Jesus as found in the gospels will be presented in a table. This week, a chart of Jesus’ birth and childhood is provided.
From the age of 12 to the age of 30, Scriptures are silent about the life of Jesus. We can assume that Jesus spent much of His time helping His father in the carpentry trade while living in Nazareth. But it isn’t until Jesus’ thirtieth year, that the Bible picks up the story and unfolds the last three years of His earthly life. Jesus commenced His ministry by being baptized by His cousin John. At His baptism the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove and God the Father testified “this is My beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased.” The Spirit then led Him into the wilderness to be tested for 40 days. While the evil one tried to convince Jesus to prove He was the Son of God by showing off His power, Jesus instead proved His worthiness by not yielding to temptation. From there, Jesus called some of His disciples and began to minister in His home area, with the first recorded miracle being the turning of the tasteless water into the best joyous wine of the wedding. So He still does today—intoxicating the ordinary—one life at a time!
THE LIVING WORD
BIRTH & CHILDHOOD OF JESUS
THIRTY YEARS OLD
Description Matthew Mark Luke JohnBefore Time -- -- -- -- -- -- 1:1-18Introduction -- -- 1:01 1:1-4 -- --
Birth & ChildhoodThe Birth of John the Baptist Foretold -- -- -- -- 1:5-25 -- --The Genealogy of Jesus 1:1-17 -- -- 3:23b-38 -- --The Birth of Jesus Foretold -- -- -- -- 1:26-38 -- --Mary Visits Elizabeth -- -- -- -- 1:39-45 -- --Mary’s Song -- -- -- -- 1:46-56 -- --The Birth of John the Baptist -- -- -- -- 1:57-66 -- --Zachariah’s Song -- -- -- -- 1:67-80 -- --The Angel Appears to Joseph 1:18-25 -- -- -- -- -- --The Birth of Jesus -- -- -- -- 2:1-7 -- --The Angels and the Shepherds -- -- -- -- 2:8-20 -- --Jesus Presented at the Temple -- -- -- -- 2:21-24 -- --Simeon’s Testimony -- -- -- -- 2:25-35 -- --Anna’s Testimony -- -- -- -- 2:36-38 -- --The Visit of the Magi 2:1-12 -- -- -- -- -- --The Escape to Egypt 2:13-15 -- -- -- -- -- --Herod Slaughters the Baby Boys 2:16-18 -- -- -- -- -- --The Return to Nazareth 2:19-23 -- -- 2:39-40 -- --The Boy Jesus in the Temple -- -- -- -- 2:41-51 -- --Jesus’ Childhood -- -- -- -- 2:52 -- ---
Table1 of 11
2bc
5bc
4bc
8ad
JESUS’ 1ST YEAR: INAUGURATION
Week Twenty-Nine Reading Plan Luke 3:1-18 World’s Greatest Prophet Matthew 3:1-17 This is My Son Matthew 4:1-11 The Devil Tempts Jesus John 1:19-51 John Points His Disciples to Jesus John 2:1-11 Water to Wine John 3:1-21 Jesus’ Nighttime Visitor & God’s Great Love John 4:1-54 Jesus Has a Talk with a Samaritan Woman
Topics
Teac
hing
the
Mul
titud
es
Beth
lehe
m&
Naz
aret
h
Incr
easin
g Ac
cept
ance
Cred
entia
lsM
essa
geSu
fferin
g &
Dea
th
His I
denti
ty: I
srae
l’s P
rom
ised
King
Teac
hing
the
12 D
iscip
les
Jeru
sale
mGa
lilee
Incr
easin
g An
tago
nism
Con-
ques
t
His D
estin
y: “
Cruc
ify H
im!”
Resurrection & Commission By Jesus
Jesus Ministers to All Sorts of Folks
Crucifixion of Jesus
John Dies & 3 Miracles
Last Night with Disciples
7 Parables of the Kingdom
2 Parables & Judgment of the Nations
Jesus’ Identity & Pharisees Blindness
Destruction of Jerusalem Predicted
John’s Doubt & Cities’ Unbelief
Woes to the Jewish Leaders
Mission Preparation
Jewish Leaders Try to Challenge Jesus
4 Miracles & the Call of Matthew
Jesus Challenges Jewish Leaders
6 Miracles & Cost of Discipleship
Parable, Miracle & Greatness=Serving
Jesus’ Interpretation of the Law
Relationships in Community
Heart Righteousness
Childlikeness & Forgiveness Praised
9 Blessings & 6 Higher Callings
Wise Men Adore & a King Kills
Transfiguration & Head to Jerusalem
Temptation & Beginning of Ministry
Genealogy & Birth of Jesus
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
John Baptizes Jesus
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2310
2411
2512
2613
2714
2815
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207
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185
217
41
163}
Jesu
s is t
he K
ing,
Isra
el’s
Long
Aw
aite
d M
essia
h
Chap
ters
Them
e
Jesu
s’
Plac
e
Mat
thew
, the
old
tax
colle
ctor
, pro
vide
s an
acco
unt o
f the
ear
thly
life
of J
esus
. H
e de
scrib
es H
is g
enea
logy
, His
mira
culo
us b
irth
and
child
hood
, His
bap
tism
an
d te
mpt
atio
n, H
is m
inis
try o
f hea
ling
and
prea
chin
g in
Gal
ilee,
His
trip
to
Jeru
sale
m m
arke
d by
an in
cide
nt in
the T
empl
e, an
d fin
ally
His
cruc
ifixi
on an
d re
surr
ectio
n. T
he re
surr
ecte
d Je
sus
then
com
mis
sion
s H
is a
post
les
to “
go a
nd
mak
e di
scip
les o
f all
natio
ns.”
Mat
thew
arr
ange
s th
e na
rrat
ive
of J
esus
’ la
st t
hree
yea
rs i
n a
patte
rn.
He
pres
ents
cer
tain
fact
s con
cern
ing
the
wor
k of
Jesu
s and
then
follo
ws t
hat w
ith
an ac
coun
t of J
esus
’ tea
chin
g. E
ach
teac
hing
acco
unt i
s bro
ught
to a
conc
lusi
on
with
one
of t
he fo
llow
ing
thre
e ph
rase
s: “
And
whe
n Je
sus
had
finis
hed
thes
e w
ords
,” “
finis
hed
givi
ng in
stru
ctio
ns,”
or “
finis
hed
thes
e pa
rabl
es.”
In s
ome
pass
ages
, it i
s cl
ear t
hat M
atth
ew h
olds
the
tradi
tions
of J
udai
sm in
hi
gh e
stee
m, a
nd i
t is
cle
ar t
hat
his
own
com
mun
ity a
re J
ewis
h C
hris
tians
in
orie
ntat
ion.
He
portr
ays
Jesu
s’ m
issi
on a
s be
ing
dire
cted
exc
lusi
vely
to
Jew
s bu
t at t
he e
nd o
f the
gos
pel,
Jesu
s’ “g
reat
com
mis
sion
” to
His
dis
cipl
es
expa
nds
the
mis
sion
to in
clud
e G
entil
es. A
nd th
ough
Mat
thew
see
ms
to h
old
the
Mos
aic
law
in p
artic
ular
ly h
igh
este
em, e
ven
portr
ayin
g Je
sus a
s ins
istin
g on
a ra
dica
lly s
trict
adh
eren
ce to
it, h
is a
ttitu
de is
par
ticul
arly
neg
ativ
e w
hen
deal
ing
with
the
Jew
ish
auth
oriti
es.
But
thr
ough
out
Mat
thew
’s g
ospe
l, th
e go
al is
to d
emon
stra
te th
at J
esus
is th
e fu
lfillm
ent o
f O
ld T
esta
men
t Jew
ish
prop
hecy
. The
re ar
e tw
elve
fulfi
llmen
t cita
tions
from
pro
phet
s, w
here
Mat
thew
ex
plic
itly
stat
es th
at a
n ev
ent i
n Je
sus’
life
has f
ulfil
led
prop
hecy
. He
has o
ver
200
quot
es o
r allu
sion
s to
the
Old
Tes
tam
ent.
MAT
THEW
– L
ion
King
of J
udah
Ch
apte
r
28Ch
apte
r
1
MAT
THEW
: Jes
us th
e Fu
lfillm
ent o
f Old
Tes
tam
ent P
roph
ecy
Ligh
t pur
ple
high
light
ed ch
apte
rs sh
ow th
e nar
rativ
es
Ligh
t blu
e hi
ghlig
hted
chap
ters
show
the s
erm
on
cluste
rs
TEACHINGS of JESUS
JESUS’ 1ST YEAR: INAUGURATIONDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
The First Year of Jesus’ Public Ministry: The Year of InaugurationThe Ministry & Testimony of John the Baptist 3:1-12 1:2-8 3:1-20 -- --The Baptism of Jesus 3:13-17 1:9-11 3:21-23a -- --The Temptation of Jesus 4:1-11 1:12-13 4:1-13 -- --The Jewish Leaders Question John the Baptist -- -- -- -- -- -- 1:19-28The Testimony of John the Baptist Concerning Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 1:29-34John’s Disciples Follow Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 1:35-42Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael -- -- -- -- -- -- 1:43-51The Miracle of the Water Turned into Wine -- -- -- -- -- -- 2:1-12Jesus Clears the Temple Courts during the 1st Passover -- -- -- -- -- -- 2:13-25Jesus’ Night Visit with Nicodemus -- -- -- -- -- -- 3:1-21John the Baptist’s Last Testimony -- -- -- -- -- -- 3:22-36The Day Visit with the Samaritan Woman -- -- -- -- -- -- 4:1-42Jesus Announces Good News in Galilee 4:12-17 1:14-15 4:14-15 4:43-45Jesus Heals the Royal Official’s Son -- -- -- -- -- -- 4:46-54Jesus’ Return to Nazareth -- -- -- -- 4:16-30 -- --The Healing of the Man with an Unclean Spirit -- -- 1:21-28 4:31-37 -- --The Healing of Simon’s Mother-In-Law 8:14-15 1:29-31 4:38-39 -- --Many Are Healed 8:16-17 1:32-34 4:40-41 -- --Preaching Ministry in Judea -- -- 1:35-39 4:42-44 -- --The Calling of Simon, Andrew, James and John 4:18-22 1:16-20 5:1-11 -- --The Healing of the Leper 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-16 -- --The Healing and Forgiveness of the Paralyzed Man 9:1-8 2:1-12 5:17-26 -- --The Calling of Levi (Matthew) 9:09 2:13-14 5:27-28 -- --The Banquet at Levi’s (Matthew’s) House 9:10-13 2:15-17 5:29-32 -- --Jesus Questioned about Fasting 9:14-17 2:18-22 5:33-39 -- --Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath 12:1-8 2:23-28 6:1-5 -- --The Healing of the Man with the Shriveled Hand 12:9-14 3:1-6 6:6-11 -- --Jesus Heals Many 12:15-21 3:7-12 -- -- -- --
Table2 of 11
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28ad
Week 30: The Teachings of Jesus (1)(Selections from the Four Gospels)
Jesus’ teachings are difficult to encapsulate. But God’s Story will devote five weeks to the words of Jesus. In one respect His teachings do not encompass all of Christianity for He did not explain the purpose of His death, and resurrection or even identify the Church. But the red letters in many Bibles (i.e., the words of Christ) do capture the heart of God!
Seek God’s guidance. Then summarize each of His sayings and answer two sets of questions. First, observationally, 1) to
whom was Jesus talking? 2) what were the events surrounding the teaching? and 3) how did the hearers respond?
The second set are geared towards devotion and life application. 1) What does this tell me about God—who He is and how He operates? 2) what does this say about humanity—what we are meant to be and what has gone wrong? and 3) what has God done about this and what does He expect of us in the light of what He has done? And then pray again!
Hebron
Beersheba
Week Thirty Reading Plan Luke 4:14-30, 42-44 Jesus’ Mission Statement Matthew 5:1-6:4 Radical Happiness Matthew 6:4-7:29 The Audience of One John 5:16-47 Jesus Making Himself Equal with God John 7:1-52 The Heavenly Scholar and the Holy Spirit Luke 13:1-9, 18-35 The Narrow Way John 7:53-8:59 Jesus Light of the World
GEOGRAPHY of CHRIST’S LIFE
Jerusalem
Gadara
Caesarea Philippi
Mt. Hermon
ChorazinCapernaum
Magdala
Samaria
Cana
Nazareth
Nain
Bethlehem 1J U D E A
PE
RE
A
DECAPOLISS A M A R I A
GALILEE
PH
OE
NI
CI
A
SYRIA
Jericho
Bethany
Bethany(beyond the Jordan)
Machaerus
Joppa
Sychar
Ptolemais
Tyre
Bethsaida
Sidon
Emmaus
1 Jesus is Born Lk 1-2 Presented in the Temple with Simeon & Anna Lk 2 3 Escapes to Egypt Mt 2 4 Childhood Mt 2 Confounds scholars in the Temple when 12 years old Lk 2 6 Baptism by John Jn 1 7 Tempted in the wilderness Lk 4 8 Turns water into wine Jn 2 First Temple cleansing & visit with Nicodemus Jn 2-3 10 Meets the Woman at the well Jn 4 11 Heals an officer’s son Jn 4 12 Reads Isaiah in the Synagogue, and is rejected Lk 4 Jesus settles here Mt 4 Heals lame man at pool Jn 5 15 Chooses the twelve, sermon on the mount Lk 6, Mt 5-7 Heals centurion’s servant Mt 8 17 Raises the widow’s son from the dead Lk 7 Opposed by the Pharisees Mk 3 19 Parables of the Kingdom Mk 4 20 Calms the storm Mk 4 21 Heals Gadarene demoniac Mt 8 Raises Jarius’ daughter Mk 5 23 Rejection from His hometown Mk 6 Sends out the twelve disciples Lk 9 25 Possibly where John the Baptist died Mk 6 26 Feeding of 5,000 men Jn 6 27 Walks on water Mk 6 28 Many miracles Mk 6 Claims to be the Bread of Life Jn 6 30 Syrophoenician girl healed Mk 7 31 Feeding of 4,000 men Mk 8 32 Jews demand a sign Mk 8 33 Heals blind man Mk 8 34 Confession of Peter of who Christ is Lk 9 35 Possible site of Jesus’ Transfiguration Lk 9 36 Ten lepers healed, one gives thanks Lk 17 Heals blind man Jn 9 38 Raises Lazarus from the dead Jn 11 39 Seclusion with His disciples Jn 11 40 Seven parables & rich young ruler Lk 13-18 41 Heals blind Bartimaeus Lk 18 42 Meets Zacchaeus Lk 19 43 Anointed by Mary Jn 12 Triumphal entry, Temple cleansing Mt 21-25 Last supper Mt 26 46 Garden agony & arrest Mk 14 Trials, crucifixion, & burial Jn 18-19 Resurrection, appearances Jn 20-21 49 Great Commission Mt 28 50 Ascension Acts 1
19, 28
6(?)
25
41, 42739
40
38, 43
46, 50
10
36
8, 1126, 33
17
4, 12, 23
15, 32, 4920, 2127, 31
3
35
3430
TEACHINGS about JESUS
1:1-13PREPARATION OF THE SERVANTForerunner, John the Baptist
Baptism to fulfill righteousness
Tempted and yet without sin
1:14–10:31 MINISTRY OF THE SERVANTShowing a life of service
Teaching a life of service
Service for others
14:43–15:47 GREAT ACT OF THE SERVANTSubmissionto suffering
Submission to death on a cross
Sacrifice for others
10:32-52 THE GOAL OF THE SERVANTJesus said,“For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
11:1–14:42 GREAT WORDS OF THE SERVANTTeaching His disciples
AnsweringHis critics
Submitting toHis Father
CH. 16 GREAT VICTORY OF THE SERVANTThe angel said,“Do not be afraid! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified—He is risen!”
MARK – Servant of GodChapter
1Chapter
161:1 – 8:26 Part One Focuses on. Jesus’ ministry of preaching and healing in Galilee. It asks and answers the question, “Who is Jesus?”
8:27 – 16:8(20) Part Two Focuses on. explaining that the Messiah must suffer and die for the sake of others. It answers the question, “What does it mean to call Jesus ‘Messiah’?”
Week 31: The Teachings of Jesus (2)(Selections from the Four Gospels)
This week the seven readings are teachings of Jesus that tell us a good deal about Jesus! Most people, of any religion, appreciate the teachings of Jesus Christ. But it can prove difficult for one to describe the topics that occupied Jesus’ preaching other than the theme of love. To be sure, love figured predominantly in the message of Jesus, but love did not seem to be the core of His proclamation. If it had been, He certainly wouldn’t have been crucified, for neither the Romans nor the Jewish authorities would have been particularly bothered by a prophet who told people to love each other. So, the fact of Jesus’ death suggests that the core of His message must have been more contentious than a call to love. As we read some of His teachings these next few weeks, take the time to summarize each passage and then assign a key topic or two to each of them.
So as it turns out, love is not the core of His message, though it is close and essential to that core. But what Jesus actually proclaimed, first and foremost, is found in a succinct summary at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel of Mark: Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ (Mark 1:14-15)
The summary of the core of Jesus’ message, in a nutshell is: The kingdom of God has come in Me. It proved to be a scandalous message then and it still proves to be so even today.
There are 1,934 verses in the four gospels where Jesus is the speaker (denoted by red type in some Bibles). He addresses many topics such as salvation, eternal life, characteristics of a disciple, prayer, care for others, and justice. But the umbrella for all these subjects is how it relates to the kingdom of God—both as it is presently being lived out, and how it will look in its fullness in the future. “Thy kingdom, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!”
Machaerus
Bethsaida
Week Thirty-One Reading Plan John 10:1-42 Jesus the Good Shepherd John 12:1-50 Jesus a Grain of Wheat John 14:1-31 The Way, The Truth, The Life John 15:1-27 The True Vine John 16:1-33 Jesus has Overcome the World Luke 19:1-10, 28-48 Jesus Entering Jerusalem Luke 20:1-8, 20-21:4 Testing Jesus
JESUS’ 2nd YEAR: POPULARITYDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
The Second Year of Jesus’ Public Ministry: The Year of Popularity
The Twelve Apostles Chosen -- -- 3:13-19 6:12-16 -- --Many Healed -- -- -- -- 6:17-19 -- --The Sermon on the Mount 5:1-7:29 -- -- 6:20-49 -- --The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant 8:5-13 -- -- 7:1-10 -- --The Raising of the Widow’s Son from the Dead -- -- -- -- 7:11-17 -- --John the Baptist’s Inquiry 11:2-6 -- -- 7:18-23 -- --Teachings about John the Baptist 11:7-19 -- -- 7:24-35 -- --Woe the Unrepentant Cities 11:20-30 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus is Anointed by a Sinful Woman -- -- -- -- 7:36-50 -- --The Women Supporting the Ministry -- -- -- -- 8:1-3 -- --The Parable of the Sower 13:1-9 4:1-9 8:4-8 -- --The Reason for the Use of Parables 13:10-17 4:10-12 8:9-10 -- --The Parable of the Sower Explained 13:18-23 4:13-20 8:11-15 -- --The Parable of the Lamp -- -- 4:21-25 8:16-18 -- --The Parable of the Seed -- -- 4:26-29 -- -- -- --The Parable of the Weeds 13:24-30 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Mustard Seed 13:31-32 4:30-34 -- -- -- --The Parable of the Yeast 13:33-35 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Weeds Explained 13:36-43 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 13:44 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Costly Pearl 13:45-46 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Fishing Net 13:47-50 -- -- -- -- -- --The Application of Parables 13:51-53 -- -- -- -- -- --The Teaching on a Kingdom Divided -- -- 3:20-30 -- -- -- --The Visit of Jesus’ Mother and Brothers 12:46-50 3:31-35 8:19-21 -- --Jesus Calms the Storm 8:23-27 4:35-41 8:22-25 -- --The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man 8:28-34 5:1-20 8:26-39 -- --A Woman Healed and a Girl Raised from the Dead 9:18-26 5:21-43 8:40-56 -- --The Healing of the Two Blind Men 9:27-31 -- -- -- -- -- --The Healing of the Mute, Demon-Possessed Man 9:32-34 -- -- -- -- -- --The Workers are Few 9:35-38 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus Teaching at Nazareth 13:54-58 6:1-6 -- -- -- --The Twelve Sent Out 10:1-11:1 6:7-13 9:1-6 -- --Herod’s Interest in Jesus 14:1-2 6:14-16 9:7-9 -- --The Execution of John the Baptist 14:3-12 6:17-29 -- -- -- --The Healing of the Man at the Pool in Jerusalem -- -- -- -- -- -- 5:1-18Jesus’ Authority -- -- -- -- -- -- 5:19-47
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Characteristics of the Gospel According to MarkThe author is John Mark (of Acts). Focuses on Jesus’ deeds more than His words. Though His
actions are a form of teaching confirming His identity.The word “immediately/at once” occurs 42x in Mark. The teachings of Jesus that Mark does record deals with
the “kingdom of God”—presently and in the future. The theme of suffering recurs throughout Mark’s gospel.
PRIMACY OF CHRIST
JESUS’ 3rd YEAR: OPPOSITIONDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
The Third Year of Jesus’ Public Ministry: Year of Opposition
The Twelve Return -- -- 6:30-32 9:10-11 -- --Jesus Feeds 5,000 Men 14:13-21 6:33-44 9:12-17 6:1-14Jesus Walks on the Water 14:22-33 6:45-52 -- -- 6:15-21A Great Many Healed at Gennesaret 14:34-36 6:53-56 -- -- -- --The Crowd Seeks Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 6:22-40The Teaching on Jesus as the Bread of Life -- -- -- -- -- -- 6:41-59Many Disciples Begin to Desert Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 6:60-71The Hearts of Humankind 15:1-20 7:1-23 -- -- -- --The Healing of the Syrophoenician Woman 15:21-28 7:24-30 -- -- -- --Jesus Heals Many 15:29-31 -- -- -- -- -- --The Healing a Deaf and Mute Man -- -- 7:31-37 -- -- -- --Jesus Feeds 4,000 15:32-39 8:1-10 -- -- -- --The Pharisees’ Request for a Sign 16:1-4 8:11-13 -- -- -- --The Teaching on the Yeast of the Pharisees 16:5-12 8:14-21 -- -- -- --The Healing of the Blind Man -- -- 8:22-26 -- -- -- --Peter’s Confession of Jesus as the Christ 16:13-20 8:27-30 9:18-21 -- --Jesus’ Foretells His Own Death 16:21-23 8:31-33 9:22 -- --The Discourse on the Cost of Discipleship 16:24-28 8:34-9:1 9:23-27 -- --
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Week 32: The Hard Sayings of Jesus(Selections from the Four Gospels)
On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” –Jn. 6:60Even in the time of Christ many of His words were considered hard. They are deemed difficult today because they are either too puzzling to understand, or because the challenging demands they make are only too clear—an insistence for radical divergence from the value system of this world. Jesus opened an entirely new way of thinking—a Kingdom that began in the heart. Yes, many times Jesus did use hyperbolic language,* but the intensity of His directive should not be missed!
His teachings and deeds show the nature of God’s Kingdom—a supernatural reversal from the norms of other kingdoms. The Kingdom of God is present when God’s reign is being exercised. Thus, the kingdom is both present and future. It is already here among us, and not yet fully here. Jesus’ paradoxical maxims contradicted many of the core values of the Jewish leaders and undermined the rule of Rome, but they revealed the characteristics of God’s rule.
The Kingdom looks like: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last.” “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” “It is more blessed to give, than to receive.” “Love those that hate you.” “If anyone slaps you on one cheek, turn to him the other cheek, also.” “Take up your cross daily, and follow Me.” “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” To experience this kind of life requires God’s reign in our lives!
*“If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off.” “Whoever comes to Me and does not hate father and mother...cannot be My disciple.”
For the Son of Man
has come to seek and to save
that which is lost.
Week Thirty-Two Reading Plan Matthew 10:1-42 Cost to Follow Christ Matthew 16:1-17:13 The Messiah and His Disciples Matthew 19:1-30 Divorce, Remarriage, Singleness, & Materialism Mark 3:20-35 A House Divided Mark 9:30-50 Self Abuse for the Sake of the Kingdom? Luke 14:25-35 Primacy of Christ for a Disciple John 6:22-71 The Bread of Life
Characteristics of the Gospel According to Luke• Longest of the four gospels (the Book of Mark is the shortest one)• The author is Luke the non-Jewish physician only mentioned by name 3 times: Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:1; Phm. 24.• Focuses on Jesus’ redemptive mission with extensive usage of Isaiah 53 and 40-66. • The phrases “Son of Man” occurs 23 times; “Son of God” – 7 times; and “Kingdom of God” 32 times.• Luke ties the sacred narrative to secular history by providing verifiable historical background.• Luke shares more about the Holy Spirit and angels than the other gospel writers do.• The theme of salvation for the outcasts and neglected recurs throughout Luke’s gospel.• Focuses on the universality of God’s Kingdom. He ignores all privilege of race, gender, health, economic
status, education, or moral standing, and traces our Lord’s genealogy back to the father of all mankind, Adam. Christ’s first teachings in Nazareth extended God’s mercy beyond Israel (4:16-30).
• It is interesting to track the meals that Jesus shared with those around Him as recorded in Luke!
LUKE – Son of ManChapter
1Chapter
24
SeekingComingThe Son of Man...
1 4 243 5 232011 127 10 196 246 13
His C
hild
hood
His P
repa
ratio
nHi
s Cal
l
His M
inist
ry
His I
nstru
ction
His P
assio
n
His R
esur
recti
on
His R
ejec
tion
Saving
Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jordan Galilee Region Towards Jerusalem Jerusalem
Chapters
Topics
Place
Time 30 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 8 days 40 days
Miracles Parables Plots
Written so that Theophilus (lover of God) may know the exact truth about the things taught
Jesus was the Son of God who became the Son of Man to provide the way to enter the Kingdom of God }
Week 33: The Parables of Jesus(Selections from the Four Gospels)
When Jesus Christ came to earth, He did not simply arrive on a Thursday, die on a Friday, and rise on a Sunday. Rather, He lived for over thirty years as a full-fledged member of the human race. His earthly ministry is significant for a number of reasons, especially for His prolific teaching about the Kingdom of God.
Jesus and ParablesSome scholars list more than 100 sayings of Jesus as parables, but the usual number of Jesus’ teachings that are listed in this category is anywhere between thirty to forty-five (the extras being categorized as metaphors or similes, etc.). On the whole, the parables comprise more than 1/3 of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus loved to tell stories!
Definition of a Parable—an earthly story with a heavenly meaningParables are sayings that teach truth by comparison. The two root words are para (beside) and ballein (to throw) which denotes a throwing or placing beside together for the purpose of making a comparison. It is a story by which something real in life (unlike fables) is used as a means of presenting a moral or spiritual truth.
Why did Jesus teach in Parables?The parables connect the principle about God’s Kingdom into the lives of the hearer by relating it to a principle of everyday life. In the latter part of Jesus’ ministry, His form of public instruction became mostly that of parables. It was becoming clear that the nature of the Kingdom Jesus spoke of was diametrically opposed to the religious leaders’ understanding of the rule of God. So as opposition to Him grew in intensity, so did His parables in their force and number. His purpose in them reflected the conditions which prompted Him to teach in a such a concealing, yet revealing way.
Jesus challenged the people to think by illustrating what God’s economy looked like through simple illustrations of parables, His challenges and teachings were often met by any of these three responses:
1) For those who were hard hearted and closed (in Jesus’ time, usually the religious leaders) the parables served as a kind of consequence for their hardness confirming the decision they had already made. The truth was veiled from them.
2) For those who had an open heart (the crowds in Christ’s day) the parables challenged them to think and drew them towards a decision of following Jesus.
3) For those who were already disciples, the parables served as instructions in the nature of God’s Kingdom.
How to interpret the parablesThe meaning of the parable has to be studied—it is not the story that is of value but the lesson that it teaches. There are two dangers in interpreting parables. One is ignoring some important features and the other is trying to make all the details mean something. In general, a parable has one central meaning, although there may be a number of lesser supporting truths. But, in most cases, the details of the parable merely serve as the background for the main thought.
The first task in studying the parables (and all of Scripture) is to understand what it actually says. Its meaning and main lesson can then be elucidated. Questions to aid in this task are like “What preceded the parable?” “What followed after it?” “What was the conversation about that the parable was a part of?” “Were there questions or objections to which the parable was an effort to answer?” “Who did Jesus tell it to?”
Once we understand what Jesus is saying and what He meant by it, implications for contemporary discipleship emerge. After a head knowledge of the parable is somewhat grasped, further reflection on the theme represented by each parable is helpful through additional Scripture reading, journaling and prayer. Two questions that we should take time to ponder as we read each parable are: “Which part of this story most closely resembles me?” and “What is the response that Jesus is challenging me to make as I read this parable?”
PARABLES of JESUS
PA R A BLES
PARABLES FOR THOUGHT
What Are the Parables About?The general theme is the Kingdom of God.Three sub-themes stressed in the parables are:• The Character of God’s Kingdom
Mt. 13:31-33; 13:44-46; Lk. 13:18-21; etc• The Character of God Himself
Mt. 20:1-16; Lk. 15:1-7; 15:8-10; 15:11-32; etc• The Character of the King’s Followers
Lk. 10: 25-37; 18:1-8; 18:9-17; etc
Week Thirty-Three Reading Plan Matthew 13:1-52 It’s Like… Matthew 18:1-35 Primacy of Forgiveness Mark 4:21-34 Seeds & Sea Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan Luke 12:13-21 The Rich Fool Luke 14:7-24 Humility & the Jilted Invite Luke 15:1-32 Lost Sheep, Coin & Son
JESUS’ LAST FEW MONTHSDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Last Few MonthsThe Transfiguration 17:1-13 9:2-13 9:28-36 -- --The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy 17:14-21 9:14-29 9:37-45 -- --Jesus’ Foretells His own Death & Resurrection 17:22-23 9:30-32 -- -- -- --The Miracle of Temple Tax Found in the Fish 17:24-27 -- -- -- -- -- --Teaching on the Greatest in God’s Kingdom 18:1-6 9:33-37 9:46-48 -- --Whoever is Not Against Us is for Us -- -- 9:38-41 9:49-50 -- --Teaching on Not Causing Others to Stumble 18:7-11 9:42-50 -- -- -- --The Parable of the Wandering Sheep 18:12-14 -- -- -- -- -- --Teaching on Accountability 18:15-20 -- -- -- -- -- --Parable of the Unmerciful Servant 18:21-35 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus is Rejected in Samaria -- -- -- -- 9:51-56 -- --The Cost of Following Jesus 8:18-22 -- -- 9:57-62 -- --Jesus Teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles -- -- -- -- -- -- 7:1-39The People Divided Over Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 7:40-53The Woman Caught in Adultery -- -- -- -- -- -- 8:1-11Dispute about the Authority of Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 8:12-59Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind -- -- -- -- -- -- 9:1-41The Parable of the Good Shepherd -- -- -- -- -- -- 10:1-21Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims -- -- -- -- -- -- 10:22-39Jesus’ Ministry Beyond the Jordan -- -- -- -- -- -- 10:40-42Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two -- -- -- -- 10:1-16 -- --The Seventy-Two Return -- -- -- -- 10:17-24 -- --The Parable of the Good Samaritan -- -- -- -- 10:25-37 -- --At the Home of Martha and Mary -- -- -- -- 10:38-42 -- --Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer -- -- -- -- 11:1-13 -- --Jesus Heals & the Pharisees’ Blasphemy 12:22-45 -- -- 11:14-36 -- --The Six Woes Pronounced on the Pharisees -- -- -- -- 11:37-54 -- --Warnings and Encouragements about Believing -- -- -- -- 12:1-12 -- --The Parable of the Rich Man -- -- -- -- 12:13-21 -- --Do Not Worry for Earthly Possessions -- -- -- -- 12:22-34 -- --Readiness for Christ’s Return -- -- -- -- 12:35-48 -- --Christ will Cause Division -- -- -- -- 12:49-53 -- --Interpreting the Signs of the Times -- -- -- -- 12:54-56 -- --Right Judgment and Reconciliation -- -- -- -- 12:57-59 -- --Necessity of Repentance -- -- -- -- 13:1-5 -- --The Parable of the Unfruitful Tree -- -- -- -- 13:6-9 -- --The Healing of the Woman on the Sabbath -- -- -- -- 13:10-17 -- --The Parable of the Mustard Seed -- -- -- -- 13:18-19 -- --The Parable of the Leaven -- -- -- -- 13:20-21 -- --
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1 COMPASSION1 GRATITUDE2 PRAYER
2 WEALTH3 GOD’S LOVE3 HUMILITY3 JUSTICE4 CHRIST’S RETURN
8 OBEDIENCE
13 KINGDOM OF GOD
35%of Jesus’ recorded
teachings werePARABLES
PA R A BLES
Week Thirty-Four Reading Plan Matthew 20:1-16 Generous Landowner
Matthew 21:28-46 A Changed Mind & the Vinedresser’s Son
Matthew 22:1-14 Wrong Wedding Garment
Matthew 25:1-30 Ten Virgins & Investing
Mark 4:1-20 Parable of the Sower, Seed and Soil
Luke 16:1-31 Unjust Steward & Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 17:1-10 The Unprofitable Servant
PARABLES FOR THOUGHTWeek 34: The More Difficult Parables of Jesus
(Selections from the Four Gospels)Between the many heated confrontations, Jesus continued to teach His disciples quietly concerning the Kingdom of God. He used numerous methods of instruction. He employed hyperbole, warnings, laments, and denunciations. He presents truth through beatitudes, proverbs and dialogue. But of all His methods, perhaps the most interesting and distinctive mode of teaching was His use of parables.
And although Jesus said the parables would have the effect of concealing truth (Mark 4), He must have had in mind those hearers whose hearts were closed to His teaching. Because, conversely, in fulfilling His mission statement as found in Luke, He preached to the poor and outcast making most of His lessons fairly simple to understand and especially well-suited for the common person. Simply explained but often practically difficult.
There are around forty unique parables (see flip side to see why it is difficult to discern between the various comparison literary devices) that are recounted in the Gospels. Jesus used parables to draw His listeners in and compel them to respond—either by pressing closer to grasp what Jesus meant or by giving up and walking away. These two types of responses are seen in the gospel accounts.
Regarding these more difficult parables to understand, they are noticeably found in the latter half of the gospels as Jesus neared the last few weeks of His earthly life. As confrontation and opposition was beyond even Ferguson fervor, Jesus spoke all the more in parables and even more forcibly if the religious leaders were in the audience. The content of His parables seemed dependent on who was listening to Him.
These difficult parables are interspersed amongst more instructive parables as Jesus headed towards His rejection and death. The crowds were being called to repentance. Those who responded were being instructed in the nature of discipleship. But those who rejected the Messiah were being warned that their rejection of God’s Son was the same as rejecting God Himself. It is vitally important as we read this week’s 7 readings, that we observe all the more closely the surrounding context that provoked Jesus to speak these particular parables.
JESUS’ LAST FEW WEEKSDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Last Few WeeksJesus’ Teaching on the Way to Jerusalem -- -- -- -- 13:22-30 -- --Warning about Herod & Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem -- -- -- -- 13:31-35 -- --Jesus Heals the Man with Dropsy on the Sabbath -- -- -- -- 14:1-6 -- --The Parable of Honoring Guests -- -- -- -- 14:7-14 -- --The Parable of the Great Banquet -- -- -- -- 14:15-24 -- --The Cost of Following Jesus -- -- -- -- 14:25-35 -- --The Parable of the Lost Sheep -- -- -- -- 15:1-7 -- --The Parable of the Lost Coin -- -- -- -- 15:8-10 -- --The Parable of the Lost Son -- -- -- -- 15:11-32 -- --The Parable of the Shrewd Manager -- -- -- -- 16:1-9 -- --Teaching Regarding on Monetary Faithfulness -- -- -- -- 16:10-13 -- --Exhortation to the Pharisees -- -- -- -- 16:14-17 -- --Teaching on Divorce 19:1-12 10:1-12 16:18 -- --The Rich Man and Lazarus -- -- -- -- 16:19-31 -- --Teachings on Sin, Forgiveness, Faith & Service -- -- -- -- 17:1-10 -- --Jesus Heals Ten Lepers, Only One Gives Thanks -- -- -- -- 17:11-19 -- --The Coming of the Kingdom of God -- -- -- -- 17:20-37 -- --The Parable of the Persistent Widow -- -- -- -- 18:1-8 -- --The Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector -- -- -- -- 18:9-14 -- --The Children Come to Jesus 19:13-15 10:13-16 18:15-17 -- --The Rich and the Kingdom of God 19:16-26 10:17-27 18:18-27 -- --The Cost of Following Jesus 19:27-30 10:28-31 18:28-30 -- --The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard 20:1-16 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus’ Foretells His Own Death & Resurrection 20:17-19 10:32-34 18:31-34 -- --The Request of James’ and John’s Mother 20:20-28 10:35-45 -- -- -- --The Healing of the Blind Men 20:29-34 -- -- 18:35-43 -- --Zacchaeus the Tax Collector Visited by Jesus -- -- -- -- 19:1-10 -- --The Parable of the Minas -- -- -- -- 19:11-27 -- --The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus -- -- 10:46-52 -- -- -- --The Death of Lazarus -- -- -- -- -- -- 11:1-16Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus -- -- -- -- -- -- 11:17-37The Raising Lazarus from the Dead -- -- -- -- -- -- 11:38-46The Conspiracy to Kill Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 11:47-53The End of Jesus’ Public Ministry -- -- -- -- -- -- 11:54-57Mary Anoints Jesus 26:6-13 14:3-9 -- -- 12:1-11
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Similes Metaphors Proverbs Parables Allegories
Comparative Literary Forms• A simile is a an expressed comparison. It typically uses the words like or as (e.g., “the kingdom of heaven is like...”). • A metaphor is an unexpressed comparison. It does not use the words like or as. The new topic and the common
thing with which it is being compared are intertwined (e.g., “I am the vine, you are the branches.”).• Proverbs are concerned with wisdom, a concept that provides the context for all of them (e.g., Mt. 6:22, 24; 7:12).• Parable refers to an extended simile. The comparison is expressed, and the common event or thing explains more
fully the spiritual or moral truth, yet still kept separate (e.g., last week’s and this week’s readings).• Allegory can be understood as an extended metaphor. The details of the story are not simply coloring to fill out the
story, but are of great importance in themselves and must be interpreted. The comparison is unexpressed, and the truth and the thing compared are intermingled as if one and the same (e.g., Pilgrim’s Progress, Mt. 22:2-14)
M IR A C L ES
OVER N
ATURE OVER HUMAN AILMENTS
O
VER S
PIRI
T W
ORL
D
17 DISEASE & DISABILITY
4 NATURE
5 FOOD
DEATH 3
DEMONS 7
LORD of the SABBATH
Matt Mark Luke JohnDot indicates miracle unique to that gospel
GOSP
EL A
CCO
UN
TS O
F JE
SUS’
MIR
ACLE
S
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0*Three words used to denotemiracles in the NT
SIGNS,WONDERS,
MIGHTYWORKS*
Week 35: The Miracles of Jesus on the Sabbath Day(Selections from the Four Gospels)
Another means whereby Christ taught was miracles. His parables were miracles in words, and His miracles were parables in deeds. No one can say just how many miracles Christ performed, because most of them are referred to collectively. However, the four gospels do record nearly forty unique specific miracles that Jesus did during His ministry. John called these miraculous events “signs” to capture their purpose, for they pointed beyond themselves to God’s power revealed in Jesus. They showed people who Jesus really was—the Son of God.
The gospels describe a range of miracles. Jesus healed “all manner of diseases.” He cleansed people suffering from leprosy, a disease that made a person an outcast in society. He cast out demons from the possessed and raised the dead to life. He typically accomplished His healings by a word of command: e.g., “little girl get up.” But sometimes they were accompanied by a physical gesture: e.g., touching the untouchable leper or putting saliva on the blind man’s eyes.
What then was the function of His miracles? Jesus’ miracles were signs of the inbreaking, restorative rule of God being established with power, which was promised in the OT and which He was proclaiming and embodying. God established His rule through Christ, and proved it with the miraculous power which Jesus exercised over the forces of nature, over the spirit world, and over death and disease. Christ is shown, by His miracles, to be divine and to be triumphant!
The miracles have a twofold value: a) they are a revelation of God; and b) they are a revelation of humanity. The healing miracles represent the ruin caused by sin, and God’s power and will to repair it. Also miracles reveals two realms of God’s power: a) the temporal healing of bodies; and b) the eternal healing of the soul of each individual.
This week’s readings tell of the controversy Jesus provoked by healing on the Sabbath. It seems that Jesus was Himself “fulfilling” the true purpose of the Sabbath and also of the OT “jubilee” year, by bringing release and refreshment to burdened and bound people. But these mighty works stirred up the fervor of those whose value system God’s Kingdom undermined. Pay particular attention to the religious leaders’ responses to this week’s miracles.
Overall, miracles are meant to be supernatural acts of love and power that draw people to Jesus, reveal His divine nature, open hearts to the message of salvation, and cause many to glorify God—if they have eyes to see and ears to hear!
JESUS’ LAST WEEKDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
The Very Last WeekMondayThe Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem 21:1-11 11:1-10 19:28-44 12:12-19Jesus Returns to Bethany -- -- 11:11 -- -- -- --
TuesdayThe Fig Tree Cursed -- -- 11:12-14 -- -- -- --Jesus Drives the Merchants from the Temple 21:12-13 11:15-18 19:45-46 -- --The Praise of Children 21:14-16 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus Teaches Daily in the Temple 21:17 11:19 19:47-48 -- --
WednesdayThe Fig Tree Withered 21:18-22 11:20-26 -- -- -- --Jesus’ Authority Questioned 21:23-27 11:27-33 20:1-8 -- --The Parable of the Two Sons 21:28-32 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Servant Vine-Growers 21:33-46 12:1-12 20:9-18 -- --The Parable of the Wedding Banquet 22:1-14 -- -- -- -- -- --The Question of Imperial Tax to Caesar 22:15-22 12:13-17 20:19-26 -- --The Question of Marriage at the Resurrection 22:23-33 12:18-27 20:27-40 -- --The Question of the Greatest Commandment 22:34-40 12:28-34 -- -- -- --Jesus’ Question Concerning the Son of David 22:41-46 12:35-37 20:41-44 -- --Jesus’ Warning Against the Teachers of the Law 23:1-12 12:38-40 20:45-47 -- --Seven Woes Against the Scribes & Pharisees 23:13-36 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus’ Lament Over Jerusalem 23:37-39 -- -- -- -- -- --The Widow’s Offering -- -- 12:41-43 21:1-4 -- --Destruction of the Temple & Signs of the Times 24:1-51 13:1-37 21:5-36 -- --The Parable of the Ten Virgins 25:1-13 -- -- -- -- -- --The Parable of the Bags of Gold 25:14-30 -- -- -- -- -- --The Sheep and the Goats 25:31-46 -- -- -- -- -- --The Greeks Seek Jesus -- -- -- -- -- -- 12:20-26Jesus Sought by the People Each Day -- -- -- -- 21:37-38 -- --Jesus Foretells of His Death 26:1-2 -- -- -- -- 12:27-50The Authorities Look for Opportunity to Kill Jesus 26:3-5 14:1-2 22:1-2 -- --Judas Iscariot Agrees to Betray Jesus 26:14-16 14:10-11 22:3-6 -- --
ThursdayThe Preparations for the Passover 26:17-19 14:12-16 22:7-13 -- --
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Week Thirty-Five Reading Plan Mark 1:21-28 An Unclean Spirit in the Synagogue Mark 1:29-31 Peter’s Mother-in-Law Lifted up by Jesus Mark 3:1-6 A Man with a Withered Hand Healed in the Synagogue Luke 13:10-17 “Woman, You Are Freed!” Luke 14:1-6 A Man with Abnormal Swelling Under Scrutiny with Jesus John 5:1-9 Jesus Heals the Invalid Man at Jerusalem John 9:1-41 A Man Blind from Birth Receives Sight
Form of the Miracle Accounts• a description of the sickness or
the problem;• the request to Jesus for help,• Jesus’ response (e.g., a word
or a touch, etc.);• the result and the different
people’s reaction
POWER OF JESUS
JESUS’ LAST EVENINGDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Very Last Evening
The Last Supper 26:20-29 14:17-25 22:14-23 -- --The Question of the Greatest in the Kingdom -- -- -- -- 22:24-30 -- --Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet -- -- -- -- 13:1-20Jesus Predicts His Betrayal & Peter’s Denial 26:31-35 14:27-31 22:31-34 13:21-38Jesus’ Final Instructions -- -- -- -- 22:35-38 -- --Jesus Comforts His Disciples -- -- -- -- -- -- 14:1-4Jesus the Way to the Father -- -- -- -- -- -- 14:5-14Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit -- -- -- -- -- -- 14:15-31aThey Leave the Upper Room 26:30 14:26 22:39 14:31bJesus the Vine, We Are the Branches -- -- -- -- -- -- 15:1-11Love One Another -- -- -- -- -- -- 15:12-17Expect Persecution from the World -- -- -- -- -- -- 15:18-25The Promise of the Holy Spirit -- -- -- -- -- -- 15:26-16:15Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Foretold -- -- -- -- -- -- 16:16-22The Discourse on Prayer -- -- -- -- -- -- 16:23-33Jesus’ Prayer for Himself, the Disciples, & All Believers -- -- -- -- -- -- 17:1-26
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Week 36: The Miracles of Jesus(Selections from the Four Gospels)
A miracle is defined in current dictionaries as a phenomenal or supernatural event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers, which more often than not, is incapable of being explained by the laws of nature. However, God never operates contrary to His Word or to the laws of nature which He has established. But He has the prerogative to supersede them. The miracles, then, are not against nature, but rather, beside and beyond nature.
Christ’s object in doing miracles was not merely to astonish those who witnessed them. When asked by the religious leaders for a sign from heaven, Christ refused to oblige (Lk. 11:16-17). He was not a magician or an illusionist. Herod discovered that he could not command Jesus to perform a miracle to satisfy his curiosity. But Isaiah had foretold that Christ would exercise miraculous power (Isa. 35:4-6; 42:7). So when John the Baptist began to doubt while in prison, he asked for a sign of the Messiah. Jesus assures him: “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
But the greatest miracle of all is the Incarnation. All else, including miracles, follows naturally after it. Christ came into the world as God manifest in flesh. He was Himself a miracle in human form, and His miraculous works are bound up inseparably with His life. It is no wonder that He whose name is “Wonderful” (Isa. 9:6) does works of wonders. These mighty works are simply the fruit after its kind which the Divine Tree brings forth.
JOHN – Son of GodChapter
1Chapter
21
Week Thirty-Six Reading Plan Mark 4:35-5:43 Power Over Nature,
Demons, Disease & Death Mark 6:14-56 Feeding 5,000 &
a Stroll on the Sea Mark 7:24-8:10, 22-26 Delicious Crumbs,
Wonderful Wet Willie, Catering Service,
Spit in the Eye Mark 9:14-29; 10:46-52 Unbelief Cured,
Persistence of Bartimaeus Luke 5:1-26 Catch of Fish,
Leper Cleansed, & a Paralytic Forgiven
Luke 7:1-17 Roman Centurion’s Slave & a Poor Widow’s Son
Luke 17:11-19 Ten Lepers Cleansed, One Gives Thanks
Jesus Christthe Son of Godis the eternal
I AMEx. 3:13-15
John 8:56-58
Good ShepherdJohn 10:11
the wAy, the truth
& the lIfeJohn 14:6
reSu
rr
ectIo
n
and the lIfe
John 11:25
true
VIn
eJo
hn 15
:1
breA
d
of lIfe
John 6:35
lIG
ht o
f the
w
or
ld
John
8:1
2
door
of the Sheep
John 10:9
Topi
cs Does not contain birth, baptism, temptation, transfiguration, demons, agony in garden, ascension
Personal Ministry Public Ministry
Signs
Private Ministry
Sermons
3+ years
JerusalemGalilee & Judea
John—The Universal & Unique Gospel (90%)
Passion Ministry
Sacrifice
1 week
Resurre
ction
of J
esus (
6)
Resto
ration
of P
eter (
0)
The Tri
umph
al En
try (1
0)
UR, Jesu
s wash
es the
disc
iples
feet (
1)
Raising
Lazaru
s from
the d
ead
(9)
The Go
od She
pherd
(7)
Heals
the ma
n bo
rn b
lind
(4)
UR, P
romi
se of
the H
oly Spir
it (7)
Woma
n caug
ht in
adult
ery (5
)
UR, A
bide in
the Vi
ne (0
)
Divis
ion amo
ng th
e pe
ople
(5)
UR, W
ork
of the
Holy
Spir
it (4)
5,000
Fed
, Jesu
s Walk
s on W
ater (
8)
UR, Jesu
s’ Prayer
for H
is dis
ciples
(3)
Heali
ng at t
he P
ool o
f Beth
esda
(5)
Water
to W
ine, T
emple
Clea
nsing
(4)
Betra
yal, A
rrest
and
Denia
l (0)
Woma
n at
the W
ell, O
fficial
’s son
(7)
The W
ord
is Go
d &
became
flesh
(3)
Trials
, Death
& Bu
rial o
f Jesu
s (1)
Nicode
mus &
John
the Ba
ptist
(5)
9
m
10 11
m
12 13 14 15 21
m
8 207 196
mm
185
m
2
m
174
m
1 163
}
“But these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” —John 20:31
Chapters
Theme
Jesus’
Place
Time
UR=Upper Room; m=miracle; Keyword=Believe (94x’s in John; Chapter summaries (x)
PRAYERS OF JESUSWeek 37: The Prayers of Jesus
(Selections from the Four Gospels)
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples’.” —Luke 11:1
Jesus answered this request by modeling for them “The Lord’s Prayer.” But what sparked the unnamed disciple’s curiosity to not just learn about prayer but to be actually taught to pray? It was the fact that he saw Jesus in prayer. One way we can learn to pray is by looking at the prayer life of Jesus. The Gospels offer captivating glimpses into Jesus’ prayer life.
Why did Jesus Pray?If Jesus is God, why did Christ need to pray? There are at least three reasons. First, Jesus prayed as an example to His followers—an example we hope to learn from this week. Second, the Incarnation consists of both divine and human natures. From His human nature, it was perfectly natural for a Jewish believer such as Christ to pray. Third, the relational nature of the Trinity allows for communication between its members. As God the Son, Jesus communed with God the Father.
Observations About Jesus and PrayerJesus prayed for others. In Mt. 19:13-14, He placed His hands on the little children and prayed for them. He also prayed in Jn. 17:9 “I pray for them.” His example of prayer underscores the need for intercessory prayer.
Jesus prayed with others. “Jesus took Peter, John and James with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray” (Lk. 9:28). Jesus knew the value of praying with others.
Jesus prayed alone. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Lk. 5:16). As much as Jesus understood the value of praying with and for others, He also understood the need to pray alone.
Jesus prayed regularly. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” The word “often” indicates that Jesus prayed regularly. He prayed regularly and naturally. It was integrated into every aspect of His life.
Jesus prayed in nature. What better place to commune with our Creator than among the wonders of nature? Luke 6:12 says, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray.” He could have gone to a synagogue to pray. But there were times when Jesus decided to pray in nature. God’s world is full of wonders to draw us closer to Him.
Jesus prayed short and long prayers. The Lord’s Prayer, full of wisdom, is short and can be easily memorized. But Jesus also dedicated long periods of time to prayer. “Jesus spent the night praying to God” (Lk. 6:12).
Jesus taught persistence in prayer. “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Lk. 18:1). The parable Jesus shared is not meant to depict a pestering disciple who finally bugs God enough that He chooses to respond, but about persistence in prayer and waiting on God and His timing.
Jesus knew that not all His prayers would be answered as expected. This is a difficult prayer lesson to learn, but the fact of the matter is that not all our prayers are answered in ways we expect. Even Jesus knew this hard lesson as He cried out to God the Father from Gethsemane, “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Mt. 26:36-44).
Jesus recognized the need to be in constant communion with His Father to fully know His will. He also took time for isolated intimacy with the Father to be strengthened as He walked in the Father’s will. May it serve as an example for us this week!
Week Thirty-Seven Reading Plan Luke 11:1-13 Persistence in Prayer Luke 18:1-14 Humility in Prayer Mark 11:20-26 Forgiveness and Prayer Matthew 11:25-30; Prayer of Gratitude & Missions Luke 10:1-2, 21-24 John 11:1-45 Prayer at a Graveside John 17:1-26 Prayer of the Great High Priest Mark 14:32-42 Prayer in the Garden
More Observations about the Prayer Life of JesusJesus believed that prayer works — Mt. 7:7-11; 21:22;
Mk. 11:24; Jn. 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24Praying did not make Jesus passive — Mt. 25:31-46Jesus prayed before meals — Mk. 6:41; 14:22; Lk. 24:30Jesus offered thanks — Mt. 11:25Jesus sang some prayers — Mk. 14:26; Mt. 26:30He prayed before making making decisions — Lk. 6:12-13Jesus prayed for His disciples — Jn. 17:9-26Jesus continues to pray for us — Heb. 7:25
JESUS’ ARREST & TRIALDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Arrest and Trial
In the Garden of Gethsemane 26:36-38 14:32-34 22:40 18:1Jesus’ First Prayer in the Garden 26:39-41 14:35-38 22:41-46 -- --Jesus’ Second Prayer in the Garden 26:42-43 14:39-40 -- -- -- --Jesus’ Third Prayer in the Garden 26:44-46 14:41-42 -- -- -- --Judas Arrives with the Soldiers -- -- -- -- -- -- 18:2-9Judas Betrays Jesus 26:47-50 14:43-46 22:47-48 -- --The Reaction of Jesus’ Followers 26:51-54 14:47 22:49-51 18:10-11Jesus’ Response to His Captors 26:55-56a 14:48-49 22:52-53 -- --The Disciples Desert Jesus 26:56b 14:50-52 -- -- -- --Jesus Before Annas, Caiaphas Father-in-Law -- -- -- -- -- -- 18:12-14, 19-23Jesus Sent To Caiaphas the High Priest 26:57-58 14:53-54 22:54 18:24Peter’s 1st Denial 26:69-70 14:66-68 22:55-57 18:15-18Jesus Mocked and Beaten 26:67-68 -- -- 22:63-65 -- --Jesus Before the Sanhedrin 26:59-66 14:55-65 22:66-71 -- --Jesus Led Out to Pilate 27:1-2 15:1 23:1 -- --Peter’s 2nd and 3rd Denials 26:71-75 14:69-72 22:58-62 18:25-27Judas Hangs Himself 27:3-10 -- -- -- -- -- --The Jewish Leaders Come Before Pilate -- -- -- -- -- -- 18:28-32Pilate Questions Jesus the First Time 27:11-14 15:2-5 23:2-3 18:33-38aPilate Sends Jesus to Herod -- -- -- -- 23:4-7 -- --Jesus Before Herod -- -- -- -- 23:8-12 -- --The People Gather Before Pilate 27:15-18 15:6-8 -- -- -- --Pilate’s Wife’s Dream 27:19 -- -- -- -- -- --Pilate Declares Jesus Not Guilty -- -- -- -- 23:13-16 -- --Crowd Demand Jesus’ Death & Barabbas’ Release 27:20-23 15:9-14 23:17-22 18:38b-40The Soldiers Mock and Beat Jesus 27:27-30 15:16-19 -- -- 19:1-3Pilate Again Declares Jesus Not Guilty -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:4-7Pilate Questions Jesus a Second Time -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:8-11The Choice of Caesar Over Christ -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:12-15Pilate Washes His Hands 27:24-25 -- -- -- -- -- --Pilate Hands Jesus Over 27:26 15:15 23:23-25 19:16Jesus Led Out to be Crucified 27:31 15:20 -- -- -- --
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Week 37: The Prayers of Jesus(Selections from the Four Gospels)
Jesus was continually in a prayer mode. He is shown to pray: • alone – Mt. 14:23; Mk. 1:35; Lk. 9:18; 22:39-41 • in public – Jn. 11:41-42; 12:27-30 • before meals – Mt. 26:26; Mk. 8:6; Lk. 24:30; Jn. 6:11 • before important decisions – Lk. 6:12-13• before healing – Mk. 7:34-35• after healing – Lk. 5:16• to do the Father’s will – Mt. 26:36-44among other things.
He also taught on the importance of prayer: Mt. 5:44; 6:5-15; 7:7-11; 18:19-20; 21:22; Mk. 11:24-26; Lk. 6:27-28; 11:2-4, 9-13; Jn. 14:13-14; 15:7,16; 16:23-24.
This week we are reading 8 selections regarding the prayers of Jesus. Here are all of the verses in the Gospels that show Jesus praying:• At His Baptism, Lk. 3:21-22• In the morning before heading to Galilee, Mk. 1:35-36• After healing people, Lk. 5:15• Praying all night before choosing His 12 disciples/friends, Lk. 6:12-13• While speaking to the Jewish leaders, Mt. 11:25-26• Giving thanks to the Father before feeding 5000, Jn. 6:11; Mt. 14:19; Mk. 6:41; Lk. 9:16• Before walking on water, Mt. 14:22; Mk. 6:46; Jn. 6:15• While healing a deaf and mute man, Mk. 7:31-37• Giving thanks to the Father before feeding 4000, Mt. 15:36; Mk. 8:6-7• Before Peter called Jesus “the Christ,” Lk. 9:18• At the Transfiguration, Lk. 9:28-29• At the return of the seventy, Lk. 10:21• Before teaching His disciples the Lord’s Prayer, Lk. 11:1• Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jn. 11:41-42• Laying hands on and praying for little children, Mt. 19:13-15; Mk. 10:13-16, Lk. 18:15-17• Asking the Father to glorify His name, Jn. 12:27-28• At the Lord’s Supper, Mt. 26:26; Mk. 14:22-23; Lk. 22:19• Prayed for Peter’s faith when Satan asked to “sift” him, Lk. 22:31-32• Prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all believers just before heading to Gethsemane, Jn. 17:1-26• In Gethsemane before His betrayal. (He prayed 3 separate prayers.), Mt. 26:36-46; Lk. 22:39-46; Mk. 14:32-42• Right after being nailed to the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Lk. 23:34• While dying on the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34• In His dying breath, Jesus prayed, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, Lk. 23:46• Prayed a blessing on the bread before He ate with others after His resurrection, Lk. 24:30• He blessed the disciples before His Ascension, Lk. 24:50-53There are also verses outside of the Gospels that show us that even though Jesus is now in Heaven, He is still making intercession on our behalf, Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1.
PRAYERS OF JESUS
12:46
9:1224:8
18:15, 18-19
7:11-12
8:216:10
22:7-822:1522:1622:1831:5
34:2040:341:945:256:769:869:9
69:2172:10110:1
118:22118:22-23
119:139132:11
6:9-107:14
9:1-29:6-711:216:5
40:3-542:1-3, 6-7
49:650:6
53:1, 353:4
53:5-6, 8, 10-1253:7-8
53:953:1255:356:7
60:1-360:3-6
61:2
18:1-419:1-4
23:531:15
2:447:14, 27
10:811:1
2:28-32
5:25-27
5:2
9:911:12-13
12:1013:7
3:14:6
1:22-232:5-62:112:152:17-183:1-34:13-168:16-1712:17-2113:10-1521:4-521:1621:4226:3-426:14-16, 47-5026:31, 5626:37-3826:6727:9-1027:12-1427:26, 3027:34, 4827:35-3627:3827:39-4427:57-6028:2-7
1:21:311:1714:6515:3-415:27-3216:19
1:171:31-341:76-782:4-63:3-64:18-2219:4622:19-2322:32-3723:11, 34-3523:4624:50-51
1:111:231:292:13-177:57:4011:49-5212:12-1612:37-4312:4619:23-2419:28-3019:33-3720:25-27
2:17-212:22-324:1-127:42-438:32-3313:3413:4728:26-27
MESSIANIC PROPHECIES FULFILLEDEXODUS Infographic of some of the messianic prophecies fulfilled
by Jesus. For table format see reverse side.MATTHEW
MARK
LUKE
JOHN
ACTS
NUMBERS
2 SAMUELPSALMS
ISAIAH
JEREMIAH
DANIEL
HOSEA
MICAHAMOS
JOEL
ZECHARIAH
MALACHI
DEUTERONOMY
Matthew
1:22-23 Is. 7:14 2:5-6 Mic. 5:2 2:11 Ps. 72:10; Is. 60:3-6 2:15 Hos. 11:1; Num. 24:8 2:17-18 Jer. 31:15 3:1-3 Is. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1 4:13-16 Is. 9:1-2; 42:1-3, 6-7; 49:6;
60:1-3 8:16-17 Is. 53:4 12:17-21 Is. 42:1-3 13:10-15 Is. 6:9-10 21:5 Zech. 9:9 21:16 Ps. 8:2 21:42 Ps. 118:22-23 26:3-4 Is. 53:1, 3; Ps. 69:8; 118:22 26:14-16, 47-50 Ps. 41:9 26:31, 56 Zech. 13:7 26:37-38 Is. 53:3 26:67 Is. 50:6 27:9-10 Jer. 18:1-4; 19:1-4; 32:6-9;
Zech. 11:12-13 27:12-14 Is. 53:7 27:26-30 Is. 50:6 27:34, 48 Ps. 69:21 27:35 Ps. 22:18 27:36 Ps. 22:16 27:38 Is. 53;12 27:39-44 Ps. 22:7-8 27:57-60 Is. 53:9 28:2-7 Ps. 16:10
Mark
1:2 Mal. 3:1 1:3 Is. 40:3 11:17 Is. 56:7 14:65 Is. 50:6 15:3-4 Is. 53:7 15:27-32 Ps. 22:7-8 ; Is. 53:12 16:19 Ps. 110:1
Luke
1:17 Mal. 4:6 1:31-34 2 Sa. 7:1-12; Ps. 132:11; Is. 7:14;
9:6-7; 16:5; Jer. 23:5; Dan. 2:44; 7:14, 27
1:76-78 Is. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1 2:4-6 Mic. 5:2 3:3-6 Is. 40:3-5; Mal. 3:1 4:18-19 Is. 11:2; 58:6; 61:2 19:46 Is. 56:7 22:21-23 Ps. 41:9 22:32-34, 37 Ps. 22:18; Is. 53:12;
Hos. 10:8 23:11, 35 Ps. 22:7-8 23:34 Ps. 22:18 23:46 Ps. 31:5 24:50-51 Ps. 110:1
John
1:11 Is. 53:1, 3; Ps. 69:8; 118:22
1:23 Is. 40:3 1:29 Is. 53:5-6, 8, 10-12 2:13-17 Ps. 69:9; 119:139 7:5 Is. 53:1, 3; Ps. 69:8;
118:22 7:40 Dt. 18:15, 18-19 11:49-52 Is. 53:5-6, 8, 10-12 12:14-15 Zech. 9:9 12:37-38 Is. 53:1, 3; Ps. 69:8;
118:22 12:46 Is. 6:9-10 19:23-24 Ps. 22:18 19:28-30 Ps. 22:15; 69:21 19:33-36 Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12;
Ps. 34:20 19:34, 37 Ps. 22:1-17; Zech. 12:10 20:25-27 Ps. 22:1-17; Zech. 12:10
acts
2:22-32 Ps. 16:10 4:1-12 Is. 53:1, 3; Ps. 69:8;
118:22 7:42-43 Amos 5:25-27 8:32-33 Is. 53:7-8 13:34 Is. 55:3 13:41 Hab. 1:5 13:47 Is. 9:1-2; 42:1-3, 6-7;
49:6; 60:1-3 15:16-17 Amos 9:11-12 28:26-27 Is. 6:9-10
MESSIANIC PROPHECIES FULFILLED
KILLING THE LIGHT
JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION & BURIALDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Crucifixion and BurialSimon Carries Jesus’ Cross 27:32 15:21 23:26 -- --Jesus’ Words to the Women -- -- -- -- 23:27-31 -- --The Two Criminals Led Out With Jesus -- -- -- -- 23:32 -- --Led Out to Golgotha (the place of the skull) 27:33 15:22 23:33a 19:17Jesus Refuses to Drink 27:34 15:23 -- -- -- --Jesus’ Garments Divided Among the Soldiers 27:35-36 15:24 23:33b-34 19:23-25aThe Crucifixion 27:38 15:24, 27-28 -- -- 19:18Pilates’ Inscription 27:37 15:26 23:38 19:19-22Derision by the People 27:39-40 15:29-30 23:35 -- --Derision by the Priests and Leaders 27:41-43 15:31-32 -- -- -- --Derision by the Soldiers -- -- -- -- 23:36-37 -- --The Two Criminals 27:44 -- -- 23:39-43 -- --Jesus’ Words to Mary and John -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:25b-27Darkness from Noon until Three 27:45 15:33 23:44-45a -- --Jesus Cries Out at Three in the Afternoon 27:46-49 15:34-36 -- -- -- --Jesus’ Final Words -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:28-30aJesus’ Death 27:50 15:37 23:46 19:30bEvents Upon Jesus’ Death 27:51-53 15:38 23:45b -- --The Witness of the Roman Centurion 27:54 15:39 23:47 -- --The Reaction of the Crowd -- -- -- -- 23:48 -- --Jesus’ Side is Pierced -- -- -- -- -- -- 19:31-37Those Who Were Present 27:55-56 15:40-41 23:49 -- --Jesus’ Burial 27:57-60 15:42-46 23:50-54 19:38-42The Preparations of the Women 27:61 15:47 23:55-56 -- --The Guard Placed on the Tomb 27:62-66 -- -- -- -- -- --
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“On the seventh day God restedin the darkness of the tomb;Having finished on the sixth dayall His work of joy and doom.
Now the Word had fallen silent,and the Water had run dry,The Bread had all been scattered,and the Light had left the sky.
The flock had lost its Shepherd,and the Seed was sadly sown,
The courtiers had betrayed their King,and nailed Him to His throne.
O Sabbath rest by Calvary,O calm of tomb below,Where the grave-clothes and the spicescradle Him we do not know!
Rest you well, beloved Jesus,Caesar’s Lord and Israel’s King,In the brooding of the Spirit,in the darkness of the spring.”
Week 38: The Crucifixion of Jesus (Selections from the Four Gospels)
Week Thirty-Eight Reading Plan Luke 22:1-65 A Meal to Remember John 13:1-38 A Meal to Remember Luke 22:66-23:25 It’s All About You,
Jesus Matt. 26:30-27:10 Kangaroo Court
and the Courtyard Debacle
John 18:12-38 Trial Before Sanhedrin
Luke 23:1-56 Remember Me John 19:1-37 Jesus is Pierced
― N.T. Wright, The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is
GEOGRAPHY OF HIS LAST WEEK
Herod Antipas’ Palace
Praetorium
Jesus’ Last Weekend
Pilate’s Hall
Golgotha
Temple
Garden of
Gethsemane
Temple Mount
Upper Room
House of Caiaphas
b
Jesus met with His disciples in the Upper Room in Jerusalem for the Last Supper (Jn. 13–17). Jesus agonized in the Garden as He surrendered to His Father’s will. Roman soldiers came to Gethsemane and arrested Him perhaps at two in the morning (Mt. 26:31-56; Mk. 14:26-52; Lk. 22:35-53; Jn. 15:1-18:12). Once Jesus was arrested He was taken to Annas who had no real authority since he was the former high priest. His harassment of Jesus could have been a matter of killing time while Caiaphas gathered the Sanhedrin together (Jn. 18:12-24). At night, Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin at Caiaphas’ house. Jesus testified that He was the Son of God. He was charged with blasphemy. Peter denied the Lord here (Mt. 26:57-27:1; Mk. 14:53-72; Lk. 22:54-65; Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27).b At daybreak the Sanhedrin met again, making official what they had established during the night. This may have occurred in their chambers in the temple complex (Mt. 27:1-10; Lk. 22:66-71). Jesus was then sent to the Roman governor. In the midst of the case Pilate learned that Jesus was a Galilean. Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, was in town, so he sent Jesus to him (Mt. 27:2, 11-14; Mk. 15:1-5; Lk. 23:1-6; Jn. 18:28-38). King Herod had long wanted to see Jesus, but he had a guilty conscience over the death of John the Baptist. He refused to have anything to do with condemning Jesus. Therefore, after torturing Jesus, Herod sent Jesus back (Lk. 23:7-12). Jesus appeared before Pilate a 2nd time that morning. He knew Jesus had been set up. But the Jewish leaders threatened to end Pilate’s career so he signed the death warrant (Mt. 27:15-26; Mk. 15:6-15; Lk. 23:13-25; Jn. 18:39-19:16). Jesus was then led to the Praetorium where He was mocked by the Roman soldiers (Mt. 27:27-31; Mk. 15:16-20). From the Praetorium Jesus was led to Golgotha to be killed (Mt. 27:32-56; Mk. 15:21-41; Lk. 23:26-49; Jn. 19:16-37). Joseph and Nicodemus buried Jesus in a newly hewn tomb (Mt. 27:57-66; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56; Jn. 19:31-42).
Annas’ House
Week 39: The Resurrection of Jesus(Selections from the Gospels)
“Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.”
“Made for spirituality, we wallow in introspection. Made for joy, we settle for pleasure. Made for justice, we clamor for vengeance. Made for relationship, we insist on our own way. Made for beauty, we are satisfied with sentiment. But new creation has already begun. The sun has begun to rise. Christians are called to leave behind, in the tomb of Jesus Christ, all that belongs to the brokenness and incompleteness of the present world....That, quite simply, is what it means to be Christian: to follow Jesus Christ into the new world, God’s new world, which He has thrown open before us on the day of resurrection.” ― N.T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
Week Thirty-Nine Reading Plan John 20:1-20 The Linchpin Mark 16:1-8, 9-20 Gospel Power Luke 24:1-53 The Third Disciple John 20:21-21:25 Follow Me! Matthew 28:1-20 Resurrection Thriller 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Fact and Hope Acts 1:1-11 So Long for Now
HE IS RISEN
JESUS’ RESURRECTIONDescription Matthew Mark Luke John
Resurrection and Ascension
The Rolling Away of the Stone 28:1-4 16:1-4 24:1-2 20:1The Angels Appear to the Women 28:5-7 16:5-7 24:3-7 -- --Some Women Remained Silent -- -- 16:8 -- -- -- --Some Women Report the News to the Disciples 28:8 -- -- 24:8-11 20:2Peter & John Visit the Tomb -- -- -- -- 24:12 20:3-10Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene -- -- 16:9-11 -- -- 20:11-18Jesus Appears to Some Women 28:9-10 -- -- -- -- -- --The False Report of the Guards 28:11-15 -- -- -- -- -- --Jesus Appears on the Road to Emmaus -- -- 16:12-13 24:13-35 -- --Jesus Appears to the Ten -- -- -- -- 24:36-49 20:19-23Thomas’ Doubts and Confesses -- -- -- -- -- -- 20:24-25Jesus Appears to the Eleven -- -- 16:14-18 -- -- 20:26-29Jesus Appears at the Sea of Galilee -- -- -- -- -- -- 21:1-23Jesus Appears to the Eleven in Galilee 28:16-20 -- -- -- -- -- --Christ’s Ascension into Heaven -- -- 16:19 24:50-51 -- --The Apostles’ Actions -- -- 16:20 24:52-53 -- --Summary -- -- -- -- -- -- 20:30-31, 21:24-25
Table11 of 11
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THE 12 APOSTLES IN THE GOSPELS• Peter—Peter’s original name was Simon son of Jonah. His brother Andrew introduced him to Jesus who then renamed
him Peter, rock. He was a married man from Bethsaida who was the most outspoken of the twelve. His fishing partners were James and John. He became (along with James and John) one of the three key disciples. He gave two great confessions concerning the identity of Jesus. But he also cowered in fear by denying Christ. Afterwards, he had a time of restoration with the resurrected Christ and became the first to preach at Pentecost. Peter appears in all four Gospels, Acts, and Galatians. He wrote 1st and 2nd Peter and is considered to be Mark’s eyewitness source for his gospel.
• Andrew—He and his brother Peter were from Bethsaida. They were both fishermen but he hungered for truth. He found it, first in John the Baptist, and then in Jesus. He was the first one to follow Jesus. He then introduced his brother to Jesus. He was also the one who introduced the boy with the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to Jesus so He could feed 5,000 men. We also see Andrew introducing some Greeks to Jesus. Andrew is always mentioned 4th in the list of disciples.
• John—John the son of Zebedee and Salome is the writer of five books of the New Testament. He and his brother James, were fishermen who lived in Capernaum. Though he later became the more loving disciple, he had earlier sought to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village that had rejected Jesus. That earned him and his brother the nickname sons of thunder. But John was faithful to the end. He was present at Jesus’ trial and was the only one of the apostles present at the cross. To him, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother. John preached the gospel in Jerusalem and then Ephesus until he was exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ. John was the last disciple to die about 98ad. John is mentioned in the four Gospels, Acts, wrote a gospel, and most likely 3 letters and Revelation.
• James—When Jesus called Zebedee’s sons, James and John, they were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They immediately left their business to follow Him. James was in Jesus’ inner circle along with his brother and Peter. But James was not above making mistakes. When a Samaritan city rejected Jesus, he wanted to judge them with fire. Thus their nickname sons of thunder. James was the first of the 12 apostles martyred by order of Herod Agrippa I for preaching about Jesus. He was killed with the sword about 44ad. James is mentioned in all four Gospels and his martyrdom is cited in Acts 12.
• Philip—He was one of the earliest followers of Jesus. Jesus invited him to “Follow Me.” He witnessed to the skeptical Nathanael. In the feeding of the 5,000, it was Philip that Jesus tested by asking him how they were going feed all of them. Philip calculated the impossibility of it. The last we hear of Philip is at the Day of Pentecost. Philip is mentioned 5th in all the lists of the apostles. A different Philip is mentioned in Acts who was a deacon and an evangelist.
• Nathanael (also called Bartholomew)—Bartholomew means son of Tolmai. Nathanael always follows Philip in the lists of the apostles. Philip testified to Nathanael to which he prejudicially exclaimed, “Nazareth? Can anything good come from there?” After Jesus revealed Himself, the guileless Israelite proclaimed Jesus the Son of God, the King of Israel.
• Matthew (also called Levi)—Matthew was a dishonest tax collector who had a booth on the highway in Capernaum, until Jesus called him to be a disciple. He worked for the Roman Empire and was greatly despised by the Jews. Matthew was named Levi before he met Jesus. When Jesus invited Matthew to follow him, Matthew threw a banquet so his fellow publicans could meet Jesus too. Despite his sinful past, God used him to pen the first book the New Testament.
• Thaddaeus (also called Jude)—He was the son of Alphaeus and probably the brother of James the Less.• James the Less—This son of Alphaeus always appears 9th in order in each listing of the disciples. The title the Less
distinguishes him from the other James. The Greek word mikros (the less) conveys both younger or smaller in stature.• Simon the Zealot—The Zealot may refer to his membership in the Zealot party. Perhaps Jesus chose a member of
the tax-hating, Roman-hating Zealots, to counterbalance Matthew, a former tax collector and employee of the Roman empire. Such a move shows God’s kingdom reaches out to people in all walks of life.
• Thomas—When Jesus’ life was at risk by returning to Judea, Thomas bravely wanted to go with Jesus, no matter the danger. But he is probably most remembered for the time that he would not believe that Jesus was risen unless he could touch Jesus’ wounds. Jesus later presented Himself to the apostles and invited Thomas to inspect His wounds. Though often remembered as doubting Thomas, he gave the clearest testimony of Jesus’ identity than any other apostle, “My Lord and my God!”
• Judas Iscariot—Judas was from Kerioth in Judea. He served along with the other 11 when they were sent out to minister. He was in charge of the money bag though he stole from it. Lastly, he betrayed Jesus with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver from the religious leaders. Judas regretted betraying Jesus, returned the money, and hung himself in the end.
Summarization from the Life of Jesus Christ
Before leaving the four gospels and the Life of Christ behind, may I suggest a few things to be mindful of when you take the time to reread all 89 chapters again. Keep an eye out for the...• Miracles of Christ—nearly 40 specific ones• Parables of Christ—about 40 of them• Prayers of Christ—about 19 of them• Predictions that Christ made—about 45 of them• Full blown sermons of Christ—about 16 of them• Dialogues of Christ—about 36 of them• Old Testament references of Christ—about 16 of them• Old Testament quotes by Christ—about 22 of them• Passages that indicate Christ’s deity—10 or so• Passages that demonstrate Christ’s humanity—about 30 of them• Names and titles of Christ—37 unique titles• Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Christ—about 37 of them too• Last statements of Christ on the cross—7 of them• Resurrection appearances of Christ—10 separate appearances recorded• Geographical places visited by Christ—gobs (see Week 30’s map for assistance)• Various individuals that Christ interacted with
Week 40: The Early Church(Acts 1 – 10)
We begin Luke’s account of the early church with the greatest transition ever—the Old Covenant transitioning into the New Covenant. And just like other major shifts in the Bible, it is accompanied by signs, wonders and mighty works. The Old Testament was about God making a covenant with man (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, etc.) and humanity managing to find a way to botch it up. The New Testament was God making a covenant with Himself in the form of Jesus Christ. And guess what? Jesus didn’t botch it!
The book of Acts is the sequel to the gospel of Luke, written by the same author. It carefully records the “acts” of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and the early church. In great detail it tells the story of the church’s beginnings, the significance of the passion of Christ, the Spirit’s arrival to empower God’s people to share the gospel, and the amazing growth of the church from a few people in Jerusalem to thousands in communities throughout the known world. The book begins with Jesus’ ascension (1) and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (2) with the Church pruned (5) and blooming (2-8). Then it focuses on the missionary work of Peter with the Church coming into its inclusive fullness (10-11). Then it moves on to the conversion (9) and the missionary journeys of Paul (12-28). The apostles preach the Good News of salvation and sins forgiven first in Jerusalem before spreading out into Judea and Samaria, to the cities of Damascus and Antioch, and then to “the ends of the earth”—Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece and Rome.
Acts is a selective narrative of the church’s first three decades from about 30ad to 62. The key word for the book is Spirit. The key text is Acts 1:8 and a one-sentence summary is: Christianity—the message of sins forgiven and hearts saved by the life and death of Christ which was motivated by God’s great love for us—spread from Jerusalem to Rome and from Jews to Gentiles by the power of the Holy Spirit, working especially through Peter and Paul.
Week Forty Reading Plan Acts 1:12-2:47 Promise of the Father Acts 3:1-26 Lame Man Leaps for Joy Acts 4:32-5:42 The Life of the Church Acts 6:1-15; 7:44-8:3 The Life of Stephen Acts 8:4-40 Gospel to the Samaritans Acts 9:1-31 Gospel to the Religious Jew Acts 9:32-10:48 Gospel to the Gentiles
GOD’S KINGDOM SPREADS
30ad
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
Pentecost (2)
Stephen stoned (7)
Church grows rapidly (2-7)
Paul writes Galatians
James (Jesus’ brother) writes James
Paul writes Thessalonians
Nero emperor at age 16
Paul writes 1 & 2 Corinthians
Paul writes Romans from Corinth
Paul preaches in Ephesus (19)
Paul goes to Rome (27)Paul prisoner in Rome (28)
Paul writes Prison Epistles*Paul writes Pastoral Epistles*
Peter writes 1 & 2 PeterRome is burnt & Christians blamed
Paul prisoner in Caesarea (24-26)Paul arrested in Jerusalem (20-23)
James the disciple is martyred (12)
First mission trip (13-14)
Second mission trip (15-18)
Third mission trip (19-21)
Preaching in Antioch (11)
Cornelius converted (10)
City of London founded
Saul converted (9)Ethiopian converted (8)
Luke writes Acts
The Ascension (1:1-12)
Jerusalem conference (15)
*Pastoral Epistles = 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus*Prison Epistles = Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians and Philippians
ACTS
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he A
POST
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e HO
LY S
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m
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bert
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aria
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p th
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ange
list
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onal
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reac
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Ends
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he E
arth
Paul
Cros
s-cu
ltura
l Out
reac
h
Chur
ch E
xten
ded
“You
will
rece
ive
pow
er w
hen
the
Holy
Spi
rit co
mes
on
you;
and
you
will
be
My
witn
esse
s in
Jeru
sale
m, a
nd in
all
Jude
a an
d Sa
mar
ia, a
nd to
the
ends
of t
he e
arth
.” Ac
ts 1
:8
Conversion of Saul
Pentecost, Church blossoms
Church scattered & gospel spreads
Christ ascends & believers wait
In Thessalonica, Berea & Athens
Paul & Silas go on 2nd mission trip
In Corinth with Priscilla & Aquila
Paul’s 3rd mission trip
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian church
Jerusalem Council
Paul arrested in Jerusalem
Paul is stoned & returns to Antioch
Stoning of Stephen
Paul testifies how he was saved
Paul & Barnabas leave Antioch
Seven table-servers chosen
Imprisoned in Caesarea
James killed, Peter freed
Purifying, healing & persecution
Paul’s trial before Felix
Paul sails for Rome but ship wrecks
Church becomes inclusive
Persecution and prayer
Paul’s trial before Festus
Paul imprisoned in Rome
Peter leads a Roman to salvation
Ministry of Peter & John
Paul’s trial before Agrippa
910
1112
1314
1522
2128
820
277
1926
618
255
217
244
116
233
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Chapter
1Chapter
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Week 41: Paul’s Travels: 1st Missionary Journey(Acts 10 – 15; Galatians)
Antioch was the 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire with about half a million people. It is where the nickname Christian was given. Paul’s three missionary journeys began in Antioch. The church there continued to grow faith which impacted the world for Christ for centuries.
Fourteen years after Saul’s conversion, the Antioch church commissioned him and Barnabas as missionaries. Thus began the first of what is called the 3 missionary journeys of Paul. The first journey lasted about 2 years (47-48ad), and was the shortest—distance and time wise. Saul and Barnabas, accompanied by John Mark, set out from Antioch for Cyprus. They then went to Turkey, landing at Attalia. They proceeded inland along the military road in Asia Minor. At Perga, John Mark left them. Saul and Barnabas then stopped at Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, all in the province of Galatia, before retracing their steps to revisit the congregations they had founded earlier. This first mission trip confirmed Paul as a leader in spreading the gospel of sins forgiven through Jesus Christ to the non-Jews. And it also gave him credibility when he met with the council in Jerusalem to discuss what relationship Judaism and Christianity had with each other.
Paul sent this passionate letter, written about 49ad, from Antioch to Gentile believers being harassed by Judaizers who were insisting that they must be circumcised to be saved. Paul had established churches in Galatia during his first missionary journey. The key word for the book is faith. The key verse is Galatians 2:16. One sentence summary: People are justified by trusting Christ’s righteousness alone, not by keeping the law or by their good works.
Week Forty-One Reading Plan Acts 11:1-30 Gospel in Antioch Acts 12:25-13:52 Missionaries Barnabas & Saul (Paul) Sent from Antioch Acts 14:1-28 Mission Tour through Asia Minor Acts 15:1-35 Jerusalem Council and the Place of the Law for Non-Jews Galatians 1:1-2:21 Law is not Part of the Gospel Galatians 3:1-4:7 Life of Faith Galatians 5:1-6:10 Christian Liberty Led by the Spirit
MISSIONS BEGIN
GALATIANS – Works vs. FaithChapter
1Chapter
6
1—2PAUL’S AUTHORITYpersonal narrativeTruth of the apostle
Freeness of the Gospel
1:1-5 Greeting1:6-10 Misconstruing the gospel1:11-21 Paul’s backstory 2:1-10 True Gospel affirmed2:11-21 Correction given
5—6 CHRISTIAN LIBERTYpractical applicationPower of the Holy Spirit
Freedom to love and to serve
5:1-15 Free from the law5:16-25 Walk in the Spirit6:1-5 Free to help others6:6-10 Free to be generous6:11-18 Conclusion
3—4 JUSTIFICATION BY FAITHdoctrinal emphasisFailure of legalism
Freedom from legalism
3:1-9 Faith or Works3:10-14 Righteous shall live by faith3:15-29 Belief or Law4:1-20 Heirs through Christ4:21-31 Bondage or Freedom
THE
JOU
RNEY
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IA
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PHY
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PHRYGIAMACEDONIA
SYRIA
JUD
EAPHOENICIA
Iconiu
m
Troa
s Mityl
ene Mi
letus
Tarsu
s
Damascus
Tyre
Ptole
mais
Patar
a
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s
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samo
s Cos
Rhod
es
Athe
nsEp
hesu
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hrea
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th
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thrac
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Philippi
Apollonia
Thessalonica
Berea
Derb
eLy
stra
Antio
chSe
leucia
Salam
is
Paph
os
Perg
a
Antio
chin
Pisid
ia
Attal
ia
Jeru
salem
Caes
area
MY
SIA
Amphipolis
Paul
’s E
arly
Tra
vels
(Ac
ts 9
, 11
; G
al.
1:17
)
Paul
’s 1
st M
issi
onar
y Jo
urne
y (A
cts
13:1
-14:
28)
—w
ith
Barn
abas
and
Joh
n M
ark
(47-
48ad
; 1,
500
mile
s)
Paul
’s 2
nd M
issi
onar
y Jo
urne
y (1
5:36
-18:
22)
—w
ith
Sila
s, T
imot
hy,
Luke
, Pr
isci
lla &
Aqu
ila
(50
-52a
d;
3,00
0 m
iles)
Paul
’s 3
rd M
issi
onar
y Jo
urne
y (1
8:23
-21:
16)
—w
ith
Tim
othy
, Lu
ke &
oth
ers
(52-
57ad
; 3,
300
mile
s)
Paul
’s t
rip
to R
ome
(Act
s 21
:17-
28:3
1)—
wit
h Ju
lius
and
Aris
tarc
hus
(58-
62ad
; 2,
300
mile
s)
Sido
n
Myra
Salm
one
Lase
a
Cnidu
s
Phoe
nix Fair H
aven
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IA
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iatic
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cuseRh
egium
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oi
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m of
Appiu
sTh
ree T
aver
ns
Rome
Fill
in th
e fo
ur ro
utes
of t
he jo
urne
ys th
at P
aul t
ook
in th
e th
irty
year
s co
vere
d by
Luk
e in
the
Boo
k of
Act
s. Pa
ul’s
ear
ly tr
avel
s ar
e a
little
bit
sket
chy,
but
st
artin
g w
ith th
e fir
st m
issi
onar
y jo
urne
y, y
ou m
ay e
njoy
cha
rting
his
1,5
00-m
ile, 3
,000
-mile
, 3,3
00-m
ile m
issi
onar
y tri
ps a
roun
d th
e R
oman
Em
pire
shar
ing
the
love
and
forg
iven
ess o
f Jes
us C
hris
t, w
ith a
fina
l 2,3
00-m
ile se
a jo
urne
y as
a p
rison
er to
Rom
e.Ea
ch jo
urne
y is
repr
esen
ted
by a
col
or. S
ever
al p
lace
s wer
e vi
sited
mor
e th
an o
nce
mak
ing
them
mor
e co
lorfu
l!
Week 42: Paul’s Travels: 2nd Missionary Journey(Acts 16 – 18; 1st & 2nd Thessalonians)
The Council of Jerusalem (15) conceded that God accepts Gentiles without circumcision or keeping the law. This decision made it possible for people to come to God without going through Judaism. Paul was jubilant and returned to Antioch with Barnabas. They were eager to begin another missionary journey so they could at least return to Galatia and report the outcome of the Jerusalem proceedings to the believers there.
Paul and Barnabas had an argument about whether or not John Mark should accompany them on the 2nd missionary trip. The reason for the difference of opinions was that during the 1st missionary journey, Mark left Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem prematurely. Unable to resolve this dispute, Paul and Barnabas decided to separate—Barnabas took his cousin John Mark with him, while Silas joined Paul. And though Paul and Barnabas apparently never traveled together again, there was no lasting animosity between them—Paul later spoke highly of Barnabas. And he also made up with Mark (who was the author of the Gospel of Mark studied in Week 31), who later was with him during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.
Paul left for his second missionary journey from Antioch, in late Autumn 49ad and he would not return until about 3 years later. Paul and Silas first visited Tarsus where Paul was born and Galatia. Then they went on to revisit the churches that were established during the first mission trip in Derbe and Lystra. In Lystra, they met Timothy, a promising disciple, and decided to take him with them. Churches were planted (in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea), many people became Christians, and disciples were strengthened in their faith.
But the journey was not without its problems—Paul and Silas were often opposed by those who refused to believe. It seems that riots and mobs were always close at hand. Even while in Philippi, Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a servant girl, whose masters were unhappy about the loss of income which her fortune telling had provided. The masters turned the city against Paul and Silas and threw them into jail. But as they were singing and praising God at the midnight hour, an earthquake occurred that caused the gates of the prison to break open. Paul and Silas could have escaped but instead remained in their cell. This led to the conversion of their jailor and to their release. They then continued traveling to Berea and then on to Athens where Paul preached to the Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue and to the Greek intellectuals in the Areopagus. The Gospel of Jesus was spreading into Europe.
Around 50ad, Paul crossed over to Corinth, the seat of the Roman government of Achaia, and spent 18 months there. The reference to Proconsul Gallio helps ascertain this date. While in Corinth Paul wrote his two letters to the church of Thessalonica. Also, he met Priscilla and Aquila who became faithful believers and helped Paul through his other missionary journeys. After other successful visits throughout the region, Paul then began making his journey towards Jerusalem in order to observe Pentecost there. He was accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla as far as Ephesus. They stayed there and started one of the strongest and most faithful churches at that time. In 52ad, he made his way by sea, to Jerusalem. Afterwards, he returned to Antioch where they stayed for about a year before leaving again on their 3rd missionary journey.
Week Forty-Two Reading Plan Acts 15:36-16:40 The Missionary Adventures of Paul, Silas, Timothy & Luke Acts 17:1-34 Ministry in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea & Athens Acts 18:1-17 Priscilla & Aquilla in Corinth with Paul 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20 Paul’s Ministry in thessalonica 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:12 Knowing God’s Will 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2; 2:13-3:18 Knowing God’s Will Acts 18:18-23 Paul Returns to Antioch
CHURCHES BEGIN
1 THESSALONIANS – Readiness
2 THESSALONIANS – Return
Chapter
1
Chapter
1
Chapter
5
Chapter
3
The key word is coming. The key verse is 1 Thes. 4:16-17. One sentence summary: Whatever difficulties and sufferings believers experience in this life, the coming of Christ is the true hope of the Christians.
1:1-10 3:1-13 4:1-182:1-20 5:1-28
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The of a pastor
How a Christian leader is to act
A saving hope
Past: work of faith
A purifying hope
Present: Labor of love
The burden of a pastor
How a follower is to respond
A comforting hope
Future: steadfastness of hope
Chapters
Topics
TimeChurch established beginning of 2nd missionary journey. Letter written about 50ad.
}
The key word is stand firm. The key verse is 2 Thes. 2:15-17. One sentence summary: Whatever difficulties believers face, they should stand firm and continue living useful lives even though Christ’s return may be in the distant future.
1 AFFIRMATION AMIDST AFFLICTIONwhy are we suffering?Written to discouraged believers
Comfort in the hope of Christ’s return
Peace amidst pain
Be faithful
Thanksgiving prayer
The Lord knows
3 CLARIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSEhow do i respond?Written to wayward believers
Encouragement to live in light of Christ’s return
Work while waiting
Keep working
Diligence in the church
Do not grow weary of doing good!
3 EXPLANATION OF PROPHECYwhen will He come?Written to confused believers
Correction on the timing of Christ’s return
Lawlessness versus restraint
Stand firm
Man of lawlessness
The day of the Lord has not yet come
Week 43: Paul’s Travels: 3rd Missionary Journey(Acts 19 – 26; 1st & 2nd Corinthians)
Paul’s 3rd mission trip can be divided into 3 main parts—Ephesus phase, where he worked for nearly 3 years; the Macedo-nian and Corinth phase; and the journey to Jerusalem, on which he encouraged all the churches along the way. Paul’s main co-worker was Timothy, who had been on the previous journey. On this mission trip Paul wrote three of his main doctrinal letters (Romans will be looked at next week). The trip lasted from 52ad to Pentecost 57ad and ended in Jerusalem.
Instead of church planting, the nature of the 3rd journey was chiefly pastoral—Paul aimed to strengthen the churches both by visitation and by letters. Beginning from Galatia and Phrygia, Paul travelled round all the churches strengthening all the disciples.
Paul then went to Ephesus and stayed for almost three years. The church there benfited from the extensive teaching ministry of Paul. For the first time in a Gentile city, a public lecture hall became the center of Christian ministry. From this place many people went out to impact the world for Christ, because the entire province of Asia heard the gospel. As far as the record shows, this was the time when more people heard the gospel and responded than any other period of Paul’s life.
Acts does not describe the difficulties that Paul had during this time with the Corinthian church. Studying 1 & 2 Corinthians, however, demonstrates that the apostle exerted a great deal of energy to help that congregation solve its many problems. This involved more than two letters to the church and two more visits.
Returning to Ephesus after a brief visit with the believers in Corinth, the church had so affected the pagan culture that business for the world-renowned shrine of the Ephesian patron divinity (Artemis, also known as Diana, a fertility goddess) was alarmingly down. As a result the pro-Artemis forces started a citywide riot. Government officials were able to regain control of the situation but this made Paul a marked man in Ephesus. For the safety of the Christians he left the city. Thus he said goodbye and set out for the city of Troas and then crossed the Aegean sea to Macedonia to encourage the churches there and gather the collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem.
Paul then left Macedonia and traveled back to winter at Corinth for his 3rd visit. While there in Corinth, Paul composed the longest and important doctrinal epistle to the Romans (see Week 44’s handout). While awaiting to sail for Syria, Paul discovered a plot was awaiting him, so he instead returned back again through Macedonia. Upon reaching Philippi, and after observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread there, he sailed across to Troas. From Troas, Paul made his way through many cities to Miletus where the church elders from Ephesus came up to meet with him for the last time.
Paul then made the final stage of the voyage, by way of Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Cyprus, and then over to Syria where he landed at Tyre. From there he made his way through Ptolemais, Caesarea, and finally up to Jerusalem for Pentecost. (See map from Week 41 for a visual aid.) This journey reveals the more tender side of Paul unlike the others.
Week Forty-Three Reading Plan Acts 18:24-19:22 Paul in Ephesus 1 Corinthians 5:1-7:40 Pastor Paul Addressing Some Issues in Corinth 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13 Body and Love Acts 19:23-20:1 Silversmiths Start a Riot in Ephesus 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; 4:1-18; 5:12-21 Comfort; Unconquered; Reconciliation 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 11:16-12:10 Voluntary Giving; Glory in Weakness Acts 20:1-38 Paul’s Last Time with those from Ephesus
PAUL’S MISSION TRIPS END
1 CORINTHIANS – Answers
2 CORINTHIANS – Sufficiency
Chapter
1
Chapter
1
Chapter
16
Chapter
13
The Believer and the Christian Community
divisions disorder marriage errorfood
Disruptions
Christian conduct in the church
Responding to reports
“I exhort you...” 1:10
worship & gifts
Doubts
Answering questions
“Now concerning the thing about which you wrote...” 7:1
Chapters
Topics
Theme
Greetin
gs an
d Divis
ions
Prior
ity o
f Christ
Prop
riety
in Wo
rship
and
Comm
union
Proo
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mmatu
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Idolat
ry an
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Glor
y of
God
Exam
ple o
f Fait
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ss
Sexua
l Imm
orali
ty
Laws
uits,
Strife
an
d Im
moral
ity
Single
ness, celiba
cy, m
arriag
e, sep
aratio
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orce, rem
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e
Freed
om a
nd
the W
eaker B
rothe
r
Freed
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nd
the H
igher
Callin
g
The Bo
dy
Suprem
acy of
Love
Gifts
in Scti
on
Resurre
ction
Collecti
on, P
lans a
nd p
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1 2 3 5 7 94 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
} Debates
S p i r i t u a l G i f t S
The church which Paul planted in Corinth on his 2nd missionary journey had a number of difficulties such as drunken, snobbish worship, sectarianism, and immorality. So in 55 or 56ad while in Ephesus during his 3rd mission trip, Paul wrote his first letter to the believers in Corinth to address these issues. The key word is love (as the core problem was pride). The key verse is 1 Cor. 15:58. One sentence summary: The problems a congregation may have, whether doctrinal or practical, can be resolved as that church humbles itself before the Lord Jesus and learns to love one another genuinely.
While in Macedonia still on his 3rd mission trip, Paul sent a follow up letter to the believers in Corinth, around 56ad. It seems the church responded to his first letter with repentance for their shameful treatment of him and other wayward behaviors. However, the last four chapters of the book appear to be addressed to those who had not repented. The key word is defense. The key verse is 2 Cor. 12:9. One sentence summary: Jesus is the One who comforts us in our suffering, reconciles us to God, and gives us strength in our weaknesses.
1–7 PRINCIPLE CONCERNSmisunderstandings & explanations
Dealing with past issues
Response to accusers
Understanding of the Gospel
Appeal for restoration
10–13 PAUL’S CREDENTIALSvindication & apologetics of paul’s ministry
Planning for future visit
Paul defends his ministry
Paul defends himself
Paul plans a trip
8–9 PRACTICAL GIVINGfinancial giving project
Encouraging present stewardship
Example of giving in Macedonia
Motivation for Giving
Cheerful giver
Week 44: Paul Lands in Rome(Acts 27 – 28; Romans; Colossians)
At the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, 57ad, he wintered in Corinth. While there he wrote the longest and most doctrinally full letter to the church in Rome providing a concrete theological foundation on which to construct their faith and to live for and serve God effectively. Paul supplies information on many topics, such as salvation, the sovereignty of God, judgment, spiritual growth, and the righteousness of God. The book of Romans is often called The Gospel and the Righteousness of God, which can be received by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s third trip ended in Jerusalem. Within a week of his arrival Paul was arrested in the temple precincts on the false charge that he had taken a Gentile into the area of the temple reserved only for Jews. Riots soon erupted among the non-Christian Jews of the city who were screaming for Paul’s life. The intervention of a Roman army officer spared Paul’s life, and Paul asked if he could address the mob. It was only the beginning of many times that he would have opportunity to defend himself and his beliefs throughout this four-year arrest:
• To the Jewish crowd at the temple• To the Jewish Sanhedrin the next day• To the Roman governor Felix• To the Roman governor Festus• To King Herod Agrippa II
The crowd was inflamed and the Roman centurion took him into the barracks. After avoiding a conspiracy from 40 zealous Jews who had sworn that they would not eat until Paul was dead, Paul arrived in Caesarea. Though none of the Roman governors could find anything that merited bonds or death against Paul, he was sent to Rome to be tried by Caesar, as Paul did not want to go back to Jerusalem to be tried.
The voyage to Rome began in early autumn of about 60ad, and was completed the following spring after a spectacular shipwreck caused by a great storm in the Mediterranean Sea. At last he reached the city where he had longed to preach, but under entirely different circumstances than he had supposed when he had written to the Roman church three years earlier. The entire voyage is recorded in Acts 27 and 28.
Although Paul was a prisoner, he was allowed in Rome to live by himself guarded by a Roman soldier. He was able to receive visitors and continued to preach the Gospel (28:17-31). He had the opportunity to speak with Jewish religious leaders in Rome (28:17-29). During the two-year house imprisonment he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
While in prison, he met Onesimus, a slave who had run away from his master Philemon in Colossae. He had become a disciple of Jesus and Paul faced the delicate responsibility of sending Onesimus back home to his master, the story of which is contained in the Book of Philemon (a quick-read of 25 verses).
About the same time, Paul received a visit from Epaphras, a leader in the church of Colossae. He gave a report of the church’s status and Paul wrote a letter to the believers there in response to that report. He realized that the truths in that letter would be helpful for others and so he used much of the material from this epistle in his next one, which was to the Ephesians.
Week Forty-Four Reading Plan Romans 3:9-31 Gift of God Romans 5:1-21 Peace and Joy Romans 8:1-39 Nothing Can Separate Us from God Romans 12:1-21 The Other Body and Love Chapter Acts 27:1-44 Paul’s Ship to Rome Wrecked Acts 28:1-31 Paul’s Snakebite and Arrival in Rome Colossians 3:1-4:6 Paul’s Letter from Roman Prison
PAUL HEADS TO PRISON
}} in Caesarea
in Jerusalem
ROMANS – Righteousness
COLOSSIANS PHILEMON
Chapter
1
Chapter
1
Chapter
16
Chapter
4
1:1 – 2:5PERSON OF CHRISTWarning: Don’t be distracted from Christ (2:4)
A proper view of spiritual formation begins with a proper view of the person and work of Christ.
1:1 – 3:20NEED OF SALVATIONRighteousness displayed in the law
Sinfulness in a lost world
Wrath
2:6 – 2:23 OUR POSITION IN CHRISTWarning: Don’t be legalistic (2:20)
Paul unpacks the sufficiency of Christ over the philosophies of the day and passionately advocates a faith in action.
3:21 – 5:21 WAY OF SALVATIONRighteousness imputed through Christ
Salvation of grace by faith
Eternal Life
3:1-17PRACTICAL LIVINGWarning: Don’t be tempted by the “old life” (3:5-7)
In view of what has been provided for us we are to consider responsibly how we think and act toward God and others.
6:1 – 8:39LIFE OFSALVATIONRighteousness imparted by the Holy Spirit
Sanctification by faith thru the Spirit
Holiness
3:18 – 4:18RELATIONSHIPS IN CHRISTWarning: Don’t abuse relation-ships (4:5-6)
Paul concludes with some final pleas for prayer. His closing show his concern and passion for the health of their community.
9:1 – 11:36SCOPE OFSALVATIONRighteousness enacted in Israel & the Church
Sovereignty of God in history
History
12:1 – 16:27SERVICE OFSALVATIONRighteousness reproduced in the believer
Instruction for Christian living
Community
DOCTRINAL – Right thinking
Concerning Sinners
Faith
PRACTICAL – Right living
Christian Conduct
Love
Israel & Gentiles
Hope
For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Himyou have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes...”
While in Corinth at the end of his 3rd missionary journey, 57ad, Paul sent a letter to the church in Rome which he had not established himself. This epistle is the greatest summary of Christian doctrine found in the Bible. Its central message is that the just shall live by faith. The key word for the book is righteousness. The key verse is Romans 1:16-17. One-sentence summary: Righteousness with God is given freely to all those who have faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
While Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he penned four letters. Two of them were carried by Tychicus and Onesimus to the city of Colossae about 61ad.
Colossians was addressing false teaching by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ in all things. The key word is supremacy. The key verse is 1:18. One-sentence summary: Jesus is Creator, Head of the Church and Redeemer.
Philemon is a personal letter to this man who was a leader in the church. Paul urged Philemon to treat one of his slaves who had run away, and later became a Christian, in a gentle manner—as a brother. The key word is brother. The key verse is 1:16. One-sentence summary: everyone who repents of sin and comes to Christ should be welcomed as a brother or sister, treated gently, and forgiven.
DOCTRINAL – Right thinking PRACTICAL – Right living
PAUL’S PASTORAL HEARTWeek 45: Paul’s Letters from Rome
(Colossians; Philemon; Ephesians; Philippians)
Paul was able to conduct some ministry while imprisoned in Rome (60-62ad) as described in Acts 28:30-31. During this time he wrote at least four letters called PrisonEpistles—three to churches in Colosse, Ephesus, and Philippi, as well as a personal letter to Philemon. Last week we looked at the two letters delivered to the city of Colosse.
Colossians was written to address heresy. Paul dealt with it by emphasizing the deity of Christ, the error of adding Jewish rituals to salvation by faith, and the conduct practiced by Christ followers. The letter to the church at Ephesus reflects Paul’s concerns for the believers with emphasis on salvation by grace through faith alone, church unity, and spiritual warfare. The epistle to the Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter. He encourages the Philippian believers to rejoice in spite of suffering and to continue to look to Christ. The fourth prison letter was written to Paul’s “friend and fellow laborer,” Philemon as a plea for forgiveness and relationship transformation with a runaway slave.
Week Forty-Five Reading Plan Philemon 1:1-25 “No Longer as a Slave, but a Brother” Ephesians 1:15-2:10 Wisdom and Grace Ephesians 5:22-6:24 Christ and the Church & The Armor of God Philippians 3:1-4:23 Press Toward the Goal in Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 1:1-2:7; 3:14-16 Fight the Good Fight Titus 2:11-3:15 Kindness and the Love of God 2 Timothy 1:1-2:13 Encouragement to be Faithful
1 RICHES IN CHRIST
2 ONENESSIN CHRIST
3 PRIVILEGEIN CHRIST
4 LIFE INTHE BODY
5 LIFE INTHE FAMILY
6 LIFE IN THE TRENCHES
DOCTRINAL – Being in Christ
Spiritual Wealth
“He chose us in Him” 1:4
“In Christ” is an expression Paul uses in his letters some 200 times. It is found 30x’s in Ephesians.
PRACTICAL – Living in Christ
Spiritual Walk
“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling” 4:1
EPHESIANS – Sit, Walk, StandChapter
1Chapter
6
PHILIPPIANS – Joy in the LordChapter
1Chapter
4
1 CHRIST OUR LIFEPaul’s prayers & pleas1:20-21
3 CHRIST OUR HOPEPaul’s example3:14
2 CHRIST OUR MODELChrist’s humility2:2-3
4 CHRIST OUR STRENGTHPaul’s joy & contentment4:13
Key words are Joy, Mind, Christ Church in Philippi was the first one Paul established in Europe 11 years before the letter
Week 45: Paul’s Letters after Rome(1st Timothy; Titus; 2nd Timothy)
The New Testament does not describe Paul’s acquittal before Nero (around 62ad), but the last letters he wrote show that he traveled to see a number of his churches again once being released. The PastoralEpistlesare the last letters written by Paul, after his Roman imprisonment. They were written from an old man at the close of his ministry who was concerned for the next generation of pastors. They contain information crucial for young pastors to understand—church worship and organization, qualifications of elders and deacons, opposition of false teaching, and the maintenance of doctrinal wholeness.
After his release Paul visited the island of Crete where he took his long-term disciple Titus and left him there as a servant leader. Sometime later Paul wrote a brief letter to Titus reminding him of his objectives for Crete.
Paul returned to Ephesus where they had experienced a number of difficulties that required attention. So Paul left his closest friend Timothy there to help navigate the congregation. Sometime later Paul wrote a letter to Timothy reminding him to tend to his own personal relationship with the Lord as well as how to care for the church in Ephesus.
Paul was arrested again, perhaps in 64ad, and taken back to Rome. At his preliminary hearing he realized that he would not be released. He would soon face death. He wanted to see his dearest friend Timothy once more before he died. Thus, he wrote one final letter, asking Timothy to come at once. In the letter, however, he expressed his final thoughts, just in case Timothy did not arrive in time. Nobody knows whether Timothy made it there to visit him or not.
Thus in the space of about 20 years (45-64ad), many churches committed to God’s Kingdom grew throughout the provinces of the Roman Empire through Paul’s ministry. Paul served faithfully during the transition of Christianity as a branch of Judaism to becoming its own entity, which occurred fully after the destruction of the temple in 70ad.
PAUL’S PASTORAL EPISTLES1 Timothy Titus
1 33 2316 124 4
The
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The
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Doin
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2 Timothy
Paul’s Testimony Timothy’s Tasks
Gospel’s Trustworthiness Leader’s Qualifications
Protect the Word Endure Hardship Continue in Truth
Proclaim the Word
“Be on Guard!” “Be Careful!”
A ch
urch
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good
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A ch
urch
with
go
od d
octr
ine
A ch
urch
of
good
wor
ks
Written from Corinth 63ad Written from Rome 66 or 67adWritten from Macedonia 62-63ad
Each mentioned 7x’s Good works, Savior, Salvation CommitGodliness is mentioned 9x’s
It is only mentioned in his Pastoral Epistles
“Be Diligent!”
Chapters
Topics
Watchword
Time & Place
Keyword
}
James, 45
Jude, 45-70
Galatians, 49
1 Thessalonians, 50
2 Thessalonians, 51
1 Corinthians, 55
2 Corinthians, 56
Romans, 57Book of Acts endsColossians, 60-62
Philemon, 60-62
Ephesians, 60-62
Philippians, 60-62
1 Peter, 63-65
1 Timothy, 63
Titus, 63
2 Peter, 64-66
2 Timothy, 65-67
Lette
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Len
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Com
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Tim
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John
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Lette
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Hebrews, 65-70
1 John, 80s
2 John, 80s
3 John, 80s
Revelation, 90s
Week 46: The Other Apostles’ Teachings (1)(Hebrews and James)
This week we will look at the two letters written specifically to the Jewish Christians. Chronologically speaking, James was probably first of all the New Testament letters written, even before Paul penned Galatians (45ad-ish). And though we do not know exactly who wrote the letter to the Hebrews (some regard Paul as the author while others propose Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos), the time frame in which it was written was between 64-69ad and most likely to the Jews dispersed in Rome.
JaMes: More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with their faith. Jesus’ half-brother (who became a follower after Jesus’ resurrection), was one of the leaders of the church at Jerusalem, and wrote this letter in the same vein as the book of Proverbs to provoke the Jewish Christians to let their faith be seen by their works. He brought focus to practical action in the life of faith. He encouraged God’s people to act like God’s people. Because to James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless.
He offered numerous practical examples to illustrate his point: faith endures in the midst of trials, calls on God for wisdom, bridles the tongue, sets aside wickedness, visits orphans and widows, and does not favor those who have money. While James recognized that even believers stumble, he also knew that faith should not coexist with people who snub their noses at the less fortunate, ignore the plight of others, or curse those in their paths. In language and themes that sound similar to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, James nails the hypocritical person who says one thing but does another.
hebrews: The goal of the author is to encourage the Jewish believers who were struggling under Nero’s persecution. The heated trials they faced provoked them to consider going back toward the Mosaic Law and denying their profession in Christ. The writer reminds these Christians that, though they were confronted with suffering, they were indeed following a better way and that they should persevere in their belief in Jesus as the Messiah.
So the book of Hebrews is a message about Jesus Christ exceeding all other people, pursuits, or objects to which humans offer allegiance and look to for hope. The letter reminds them of how Jesus is better than the angels, is bringing better lives to humanity
through salvation, is offering a better hope than the Law could promise, is a better sacrifice for our sins than a bull or a goat, and is providing a better inheritance in heaven for His children. “With this as our hope,” he says, “persevere!”
Week Forty-Six Reading Plan Hebrews 4:14-6:20 Christ Our High Priest Hebrews 10:1-39 Christ’s Death Once for All Hebrews 11:1-40 Hall of Faith Hebrews 12:1-13:8 The Race of Faith James 1:1-2:26 Just Do It! James 3:1-4:17 Draw Near to God James 5:1-19 One Another
JEWISH EPISTLES
James, 45
Jude, 45-70
Galatians, 49
1 Thessalonians, 50
2 Thessalonians, 51
1 Corinthians, 55
2 Corinthians, 56
Romans, 57Book of Acts endsColossians, 60-62
Philemon, 60-62
Ephesians, 60-62
Philippians, 60-62
1 Peter, 63-65
1 Timothy, 63
Titus, 63
2 Peter, 64-66
2 Timothy, 65-67
Hebrews, 65-70
1 John, 80s
2 John, 80s
3 John, 80s
Revelation, 90s
HEBREWS – Better Things
JAMES – True Wisdom
Chapter
1
Chapter
1
Chapter
13
Chapter
5
Nearly 100 OT references are made in the Book to the Hebrews
1 TRIALSOF FAITHElements for Christian living
Endure thru trials
Listening & doing
Pure religion
2 WORKSOF FAITHSin of favoring the rich
Sin of indifference toward the poor
Faith and Deeds
3 WORDS OF FAITHControlling the tongue & heart
Live authentically
Two kinds of wisdom
4 WALK OF FAITHProblem: PrideSolution: Humility
Two Examples:Pride toward others Pride toward God
Submit to God
5 WAITINGFAITHMirage of materialism
Endurance in suffering
Endurance thru prayer
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only!” Real Faith produces Authentic Deeds.
This letter was sent to Jewish believers outside of Jerusalem that were being harassed because of their commitment to Jesus as the Messiah. The letter pre-dates Paul’s travels, probably around 45ad. James was the younger half-brother of Jesus, converted after the resurrection. The key words are faith and works. The key verse is 2:26. One sentence summary: True faith lives out everyday-life by good deeds, especially in the face of trials. Orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy!
A Better Way
1 113 8 102 13
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A Be
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A Be
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Bette
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A Living Way
Jesus as
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A Be
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riest
Prophet
Eternal Son
“Much better than...” 1:4prophets
angels Moses
Sabbath Priests
Priest
Perfect Savior
“Better than...” 7:19earthly priesthood
Old covenant Sanctuary
Animal sacrifices Daily offerings
King
Great Shepherd
“Let us” have... 12:1
faith to believe God
hope to endure trials
love to encourage others
Week 47: The Other Apostles’ Teachings (2)(1st & 2nd Peter; Jude)
The 35-year period from Paul’s death to the end of the first century is not known nearly as well as the earlier period. There are a few facts that can be gleaned from later epistles and the Book of Revelation. The (non-Pauline) epistles written in the 60s-ad show that the Christians were to start thinking of themselves as separate from Judaism.
hebrews (see Week 46) was written to Jewish followers of Christ suffering for their faith. When these Jewish believers started considering giving up Christ and going back to the synagogue the author wrote a strong letter demonstrating the superiority of Christ. He explained that the old system was obsolete; the new covenant had arrived (8:13; 12:24).
Peter wrote his first Letter from Rome to scattered Gentile churches that were being persecuted under Nero. He shared how to suffer as a Christian as well as how the church was God’s chosen people, royal priesthood, and holy nation (2:9). The language that was appropriate for Israel in the beginning of God’s story was now fully applicable to the church too. The key word is hope. The key verse is 4:13. One-sentence summary: As Christians grow in understanding their privileges and blessings they will have an easier time living in holiness and humility, enduring hardships with hope in Christ’s grace.
Peter’s first letter dealt with problems from the outside. His second Letter deals with problems from the inside. It was written shortly before his death to help Christians deal with false teachings. He urged the believers to not give up expecting the return of Christ. The key word is return. The key verse is 1:12. One-sentence summary: As Christians grow in understanding, they will be safeguarded from false teachers, especially those who deny the lordship of Christ and His return.
As the author of Hebrews is unknown, so the exact year of when Jude was written is unknown—anywhere between 45-69ad. One thing is for sure, it contains many similarities with 2 Peter. Compare 1:4-16 with 2 Pe. 2:1-18 and 1:17-18 with 2 Pe. 3:2-3. Jude tells us he had intended to write concerning the common salvation, but was led to write of quite a different subject. Why? Because of the danger from false teachers who had snuck in. They are clearly described so that Christians may be on guard against them. At the same time believers are comforted and encouraged (20-25) The key word is ungodly. The key verse is 1:3. One-sentence summary: Christians must protect their faith from false teachings and confusion.
LETTERS AFTER PAUL
Reassurance Remembrance
Suffering from within
2 Peter
Suffering from without
1 Peter
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132152 41 3
In the days of the church there will be hope in the midst of suffering; holy living in the midst of a crumbling world; and truth in the midst lies. Therefore, grow in grace!
Chapters
Theme
Tone
Background
Book
Week 47: The Other Apostles’ Teachings (2)(1st, 2nd, & 3rd John)
Jesus predicted events of the Jewish War that occurred in 66-73ad. The fulfillment is not described in the NT, but abundant documentation shows Jesus’ prophecy came true. After the Roman governor Gessius Florus raided the temple in 64ad, the Pharisees organized a revolt. A rebel named Menahem led a band to capture Masada and Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem. Menahem was killed in 66ad. The early successes of the rebels caused revolution fever to spread. But Rome’s might was provoked. Nero sent Vespasian to Palestine. He subdued Galilee early in 67ad and approached Jerusalem. The war was interrupted by Nero’s suicide (68ad) but by July of 69 he took all of Israel except for Jerusalem and 3 Jewish fortresses. He was then proclaimed emperor and left Palestine for Rome.
In spring of 70ad, Vespasian sent his son Titus to crush the Jews. His troop sieged Jerusalem in April and the en-tire city was rubble by the end of September. After the fires cooled, the troops pried apart the stones of the temple to retrieve the gold that had melted between the cracks. By 73ad, Rome ruled all of Judea with an iron fist. The Jewish population in Judea remained intact, but everything about Judaism changed with the loss of the temple.
Our final contributor to the NT, the apostle John, seems to be the only one to write after these events took place. The challenge for Christians of the 80s and 90s was no longer how to relate to Judaism, but how to relate to the challenges of Greco-Roman philosophical speculation that extolled a “special knowledge” that only a few could attain. But John writes to assure the believers that with Christ, there is no special knowledge—we can all know the truth of God and have loving fellowship with Him through Christ.
The Gospel of John was written that we might have life. The Epistles of John were written that believers might know they have life.In the Gospel of John we have divine life as revealed in Christ. In the epistles of John we have divine life realized in the Christian.The Gospel of John declares the way of life through the incarnate Son. The Epistles of John unfolds the nature of that life as possessed by the children of God.The Gospel of John was written to produce faith. The Epistles of John were written to confirms faith.
Week Forty-Seven Reading Plan 1 Peter 1:13-2:25 Living Stone 1 Peter 4:7-5:14 To a Suffering People 2 Peter 1:1-21 Peter’s Last Words:
Fruitful Growth Jude 1:1-25 Stand for the Faith 1 John 1:5-3:3 Fellowship with One Another 1 John 4:7-5:21 God is Love 2 & 3 John Walking in Truth and Love
The Relationship of TRUTH and LOVE in a Believer’s Life(the theme for all 3 of John’s epistles)
• TRUTH is the LIGHT that provides the Divine Energy
• LOVE is the SOIL in which we are rooted in Divine Resources
• TRUTH and LOVE should never be separated
1 John• God is Light (1:1–2:29)• God is Love (3:1–4:21)• God is Life (5:1-21)Love 46x; Know 39x; Abide 22x; Born of God 9x
2 John• Walk in Truth (1:1-4)• Walk in Love (1:5-6)• Walk with Discernment (1:7-11)• Walk in Joy (1:12-13)Truth 6x; Love 4x; Walk 3x
3 John: 3 Men• Gaius (1:1-8)
Faithful, humble man who walks in truth• Diotrephes (1:9-11) Proud, divisive man• Demetrius (1:12)
Another example of one who walks in truth
LETTERS AFTER 70 ad
love
truth
walk
UNVEILING of JESUSWeek 48: The Revelation
(Revelations)
Revelation is one of the most confusing and controversial books of the Bible. It seems to predict the future but, defies decoding. People have used it to define the day the world would end and to determine who is in or out of heaven. And yet, the first few verses seems to say its purpose is to “bless” us.
First of all, the background of the book is that the last living apostle, John, wrote down a record of his visions to give to the beleaguered churches who were being hotly persecuted by the Roman emperor Domitian at the end of the 1st century. It was an attempt to encourage them in the face of suffering.
Secondly, genre matters. The Book of Revelations is not a Rockwell-isque narrative. It is rather apocalyptic literature that has a future orientation but uses abstract imagery much like Picasso’s Guernica. Much of the imagery is taken from Old Testament books superimposed over and against one another.
Thirdly, is this book a prophecy of future events yet to take place, or have the prophecies been fulfilled? There are, on the whole, four (4) common ways of interpreting the Book of Revelation, especially chapters 4-19. ideaLisM understands Revelation not in any specific historical or future event, but only symbolizes the ongoing struggle between good and evil until Christ returns. Revelation, for them, is about the principle of war and not about specific history .PreterisM view the symbols and content as relating only to events at the time when John wrote the book (1st century ad). The happenings described throughout have already passed. For them, Revelation is a coded photograph of John’s last days.historicisM holds that it predicts the future, but that it has been progressively fulfilled throughout all of church history—not some future tribulation—between Christ’s two advents. Revelation, for them, is an historical time line or road map.futurisM reads Revelation as a vision of events that will happen soon before Christ’s return and the end of the world, much like the Left Behind series. The events are still yet to happen. Revelation is a prophecy of the end times. (Futurists can then be broken into Pre-, Post-, and A-millenialist in understanding chapters 20-21, too broad to be addressed here).We could say that there is a fifth method—the ecLectic method—which is an incorporation of the strengths of the other four approaches. Acknowledging Revelation may be written about specific past and future events, but allowing that the interpretation of some events may apply to the church in all circumstances.
Fourthly, a few general principles: the symbols that are used within Revelation have Old Testament significance, and as such their imagery provoke certain thoughts. The best commentary is the Bible itself when trying to understand many of the images used. Focus on theology not mathematical equivalency (i.e., this = that).
Fifthly, consider the structure of the Book of Revelation as discussed on the opposite side of this page.
Above all, remember, the one thing for certain—Jesus is the victor and we are His! In every passage ask yourself “how would this have encouraged or challenged the people to whom John wrote?” And then ask ourselves today, “What does this tell me about God?” “What does this tell me about us (creation, humanity, or individually)?” and “What does this tell me about relationship or how we are to respond?” This is an abstract Guernica, not a realistic Saturday Evening Post!
If you are interested in more details, Rev. Clay Lein taught on Revelations in 2008 during a two-year Fellow’s Program at St. Philip’s. His five lectures and handouts are available on the St. Philip’s God’s Story page at www.stphilipsfrisco.org/CBR/.
THE REVELATIONChapter
1Chapter
22Week Forty-Eight Reading Plan
Revelation 1:1-20 A Voice and a Vision Revelation 2:1-3:22 Good News, Bad News Revelation 4:1-5:14 My Heavens! Revelation 11:1-12:17 The Woman, The Child,
and the Red Dragon Revelation 13:1-14:5 The Beast and the Lamb Revelation 19:1-20:15 Great White Throne Revelation 21:1-22:5 Jerusalem--The City of Peace
The OT contributed over 500 connections to Revelation. Here’s a picture how much each book contributed to the imagery & prophecy
7 Trumpets Eg, comparison 7 Bowls 8:7 earth/land 16:2 8:8-9 sea 16:3 8:10-11 rivers 16:4-7 8:12 sky 16:8-9 9:1-12 torment 16:10-14 9:13-21 destruction 16:12-16 11:15-18 end 16:17-21
Describing the same time & events
1 Samuel
Malachi
Micah
Hosea
Genesis
Jonah
Numbers
1 Chronicles
Leviticus
Ezekiel
Esther
2 Samuel
Ezra
2 Kings
Jeremiah
Nahum
Proverbs
Zechariah
2 Chronicles
Deuteronomy
Psalms
Lamentations
Amos
Judges
Job
Exodus
Nehemiah
Joel
Daniel
Zephaniah
1 Kings
Isaiah
7 Letters to the Churches (1-3)
7 Visions Ultimate Reality (19-20)
7 Seals Suffering
Church (4-7)
7 Words Babylon Destroyed (17-18)
Rev.20-21
7 Trumpets Warning
World (8-11)
7 Bowls Punish World
(15-16)
7 Visions Cosmic Conflict (12-14)
12
34
56
7
For Deeper Thought: Structure of Revelation*
Perhaps the best way to understand Revelation is by taking a circular approach instead of attempting to read it linearly chronologically. After all, the best teachers always repeat themselves!
Revelation is a repeat of patterns (represented by the rings in the diagram below), within eight scenes (represented by the box and arrows), to drive home the point. The first seven scenes take a different perspective on the reality leading up to the end, but all describing the same time period between the first and second advent of Christ symbolically. The eighth scene is of the New Jerusalem where God’s reign is perfect harmony. Each scene begins with a change of location/view, usually with the words, “Come,” and “I saw.”
Within each scene a pattern of seven is reflected. Rings 1 to 4 are various aspects of present reality while ring 5 focuses on the inner experience of people. The darker ring 6 is the final destruction and ring 7 is the end in which scene 8 bursts unto the scene as described in Revelation 20 and 21.
When attempting to draw up a time line of this 7-cycled approach found in Revelation 1 – 19 use Jesus’ teaching in Mt. 24:1-31 and Paul’s teaching found in 2 Th. 2:1-12 as anchoring points.
*Concept presented in Michael Wilcox’, The Message of Revelation, The Bible Speaks Today Series, IVP, 1975 found in St. Philip’s library.
Week 49: The Second Coming of Jesus(Selected New Testament Passages)
In Week 48, the Book of Revelation and the four common views regarding its interpretation was summarized (Idealism, Preterism, Historicism, Futurism). A fifth concept propositioned by Michael Wilcox in his commentary The Message of Revelation, (The Bible Speaks Today Series) was also added to the discussion. For the sake of labeling, we will call this fifth view Cyclism or Recapitulationism, which emphasizes the idea that the Book of Revelation is not to be read linearly, but rather as eight scenes describing the same pattern of events which culminates in an ultimate never-before-experienced kind of tribulation, then the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then the new age of God’s perfect reign in absolute harmony.
In the Nicene Creed we confess, “…He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end....We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”
But regarding particularly, Christ’s Second Advent, or the parousia, various prophecies are found in Scripture, some of which will be read this week. Views about the nature of Jesus’ Second Coming vary among denominations but most affirm three eschatological (study of last things) concepts: 1) There will be a physical return of Jesus Christ to earth2) There will be a bodily resurrection of the living and the dead3) The Lord will make all things right
As one studies the Return of Christ, it is important to consider the genre of the literature being read. Perhaps the teaching of Jesus or Paul (as found in Matthew 24 or 2 Thessalonians 2) provides a more didatic, Rockwell-isque portrait of events rather than the abstract apocalyptic literature of Revelation. Also, when numbers are provided in the last book of the Bible, it is good to remember the idea that numbers are conveying more of a concept rather than actual literal figure (eg, 144,000 as the number of those redeemed, Rev. 14:3). When symbolism or figures are used, it is good to trace it throughout the Old and New Testament to get the Bible’s understanding of it.
Revelation 20 discusses the millennium—a thousand year reign of Christ. There are three main views of understanding the millennium. PreMiLLenniaLisM understands Christ’s return to occur before the 1,000 year reign, similar to how it is portrayed in the Left Behind series. The believers are raptured away, then the great tribulation occurs, and then Jesus comes back and reigns for a 1,000 years on earth. This view is the most literal and probably the most prevalent in American churches today.
Those holding a PostMiLLenniaL view believe this present age will end with a worldwide spiritual revival resulting from the gospel being preached to all nations. They believe that the world will be Christianized and brought to liberation through the gospel before the return of Christ—the Millennium occurring prior to the second coming of Christ. So their position is not so much a literal reign of Christ on earth as much as the Kingdom of God triumphing in this world in this age.
aMiLLenniaLisM does not interpret the numbers of Revelation to be literal, including the millennium. They believe that Satan was conquered at the first coming of Christ, and that this present age (between the first and second coming of Christ) is the fulfillment of the millennial kingdom through the Church.
Clearly there is considerable difference in opinions concerning Christ’s return and the millennium. The most certain statement we can make is that all the questions surrounding this subject will be answered only when the actual prophecy is fulfilled. But one constant throughout Scripture should give us all rest in the middle of the discussion—this is God’s Story, and it is in His care and control!
SURELY, I WILL COME!
Week Forty-Nine Reading Plan Acts 1:1-11 The Greatest Sequel
of All Time 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:24 If I Should Die Before I Wake 2 Thessalonians 1:3-2:12 Don’t be Alarmed 2 Peter 3:1-18 Waiting for ? Luke 21:1-38 Be Watchful Matthew 23:37-24:51 The Great Tribulation Revelation 22:7-21 Jesus is Coming!
3 VIEWS OF CHRIST’S RETURN
27% Definitely will return
20% Probably will return
28%Probably
will not return
14%Don’t know
10% Definitely
will notreturn
Will Jesus Return Soon?Percent of U.S. Christians who say Jesus will return to earth in the next 40 years
Pew Research Center survey, April 21-28, 2010
PreMiLLenniaL
PostMiLLenniaL
aMiLLenniaL
Symbolic/Spiritual Millennium
Literal or Symbolic Millennium
Literal MillenniumSecond Coming
LastJudgment
Second Coming &Last Judgment
Second Coming &Last Judgment
Though we may not know the details of Christ’s return, we can be confident that chapters 21 and 22 provide the imagery of what the end will be like! God will finally dwell with His people—His heart cry from the beginning!
God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!" —Revelation 21:3-5
If you are interested in more details, Rev. Clay Lein taught on Revelation in 2008 during a two-year Fellow’s Program at St. Philip’s. His five lectures and handouts are available on the St. Philip’s God’s Story page at www.stphilipsfrisco.org/CBR.
Week 50: Who is Jesus? (Selected Christological Passages)
Unlike the question “Does God exist?” very few people question whether Jesus Christ existed. It is generally accepted that Jesus was truly a man who walked on the earth in Israel 2000 years ago. The debate begins when the subject of Jesus’ full identity is discussed. Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet or a good teacher or a godly man. The Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than a prophet, a good teacher, or a godly man.
C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity writes the following: “I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [Jesus Christ]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to.”
So, who did Jesus claim to be? Who does the Bible say He is? First, let’s look at Jesus’ words in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” At first glance, this might not seem to be a claim to be God. However, look at the Jews’ reaction to His statement, “‘We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God’” (Jn. 10:33). The Jews understood Jesus’ statement as a claim to be God. In the following verses, Jesus never corrects the Jews by saying, “I did not claim to be God.” That indicates Jesus was truly saying He was God by declaring, “I and the Father are one.” John 8:58 is another example: “‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’” Again, in response, the Jews took up stones in an attempt to stone Jesus (Jn. 8:59). Jesus’ announcing His identity as “I am” is a direct application of the Old Testament name for God, Yahweh (Ex. 3:14). Why would the Jews again want to stone Jesus if He had not said something they believed to be blasphemous, namely, a claim to be God?
John 1:1 says “the Word was God.” John 1:14 says “the Word became flesh.” This clearly indicates that Jesus is God in the flesh. Thomas the disciple declared to Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28). Jesus does not correct him. The apostle Paul describes Him as, “…our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The apostle Peter says the same, “…our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pe. 1:1). God the Father is witness of Jesus’ full identity as well, “But about the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom.’” Old Testament prophecies of Christ announce His deity, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).
Why is the question over Jesus’ true identity so important? Why does it matter whether or not Jesus is God? The most important reason that Jesus has to be God is that if He is not God, His death would not have been sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2). Only God could pay such an infinite penalty (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ deity is why He is the way of salvation. Jesus’ deity is why He proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). All who arrive at the Father’s side will be there because of the atoning death and resurrection of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Week Fifty Reading Plan John 1:1-18 God Incarnate John 8:48-59; 14:1-11 One with God Romans 8:1-4; 1 Cor 8:4-7 Mission of God Philippians 2:1-11 God in Humiliation Colossians 1:13-23; 2:9-10 God of Creation Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:5-18 God of Revelation Revelation 5:1-14 Worthy is the Lamb
JESUS – Yahweh Saves
NAMES OF JESUSR T A S C R H I S N S E J A L M I G H T Y S O A N O CT H E O L O G Y O F I R S U R B O R R E L U R L M N HL E U N A M M I O U R E H T A F L A N R E T E P A E RD W S O U T L E E U T D O H B A R E S T A R M H N O NB A O F R N A E L P R A M O B J T S I R H C E A P R AR Y V M E I M J U C O E B R I E R Y E M A N E A H A EE T E A V A B R A N C H S A R O F H F K C M D N I T WA H R N O T O L I O A R T N O G O D I T H A E D R S OT E S I S P F W A R M M A D A T S A L E A N R O E G NH T E A S A G S T A R L M F E N M I F G R O Q M S N DS R E T A C O V D A F C U I W V G O O D I F T E U I ER U R C P L D A I A Y H K N O H O D D U T S A G R N RE T S S H O O T T R E I M I T I O L A J E O R A R R FN H R E D U G H E A R E T S A M A L E I B R I D E O UN A O O J R E G L O R F D H E A R T R B L R O H C M LU N E L P R O I V A S C R E O G A P B M Y O E M T T CR D A R I H B L H P M O O R G E D I R B E W I O I H OE T O W X H I T F O S R W G O O N E R F H S J D O G UR H E V O L S C D O P N D R T F R O N A A H S S N I NO E G N I R P S Y A D E L O E G E N Y I W I E I K R SF L I V I N G W A T E R R D H O H K M L V N T W A B EK I N G O F K I N G S S O D P D C C A E O E G H L H LI F L D O G F O N O S T L L O F A O N N L H U M Q U OD E L I V E R E R S E O V A R N E R E T N E P R A C RE R E C A E P F O E C N I R P E T B A T C R E A T O RF A I T H F U L T R U E W I T N E S S H E P H E R D L
• Jn. 1:1-3, 10; Col. 1:16-18• Lk. 1:78-79, KJV• Rom. 11:26• Jn. 10:9, KJV• Is. 9:6, CEV• Rev. 1:5; 3:14• Heb. 6:20• Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8• Eph. 5:23• Mk. 1:24; Acts 2:27• 1 Ti. 1:1• Jn. 8:58-59; 18:5-8• 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15• Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:23• Mt. 1:21, 25• Jn. 5:22, 23; Acts 10:42
• Rev. 17:14• Jn. 1:29; Rev. 5:6-12• 1 Cor. 15:45• Jn. 8:12• Rev. 5:5• Jn. 4:10; 7:38• Rev. 19:16; 1 Ti. 6:15• Is. 53:3• Mt. 8:19, KJV• Jn. 1:41; 4:25• 1 Cor. 5:7• Heb. 3:1-2• Is. 9:6; Eph. 2:14• Jn. 6:14; 7:40; Lk. 7:16• Job 19:25; Is. 59:20; 1 Pe. 1:18• Jn. 11:25
• 1 Cor. 10:1-4• 1 Ti. 6:15• Titus 1:3-4; 2:13; 3:4-6• Gal. 3:16, 19; Rom. 1:3• Jn. 10:11, 16; 1 Pe. 2:25; 5:4• Gen. 49:10, KJV• Ps. 2:7; Mt. 16:16; Mk. 1:1• Jn. 14:6• Jn. 15:1-5• 1 Cor. 1:24, 30• Is. 9:6• Jn. 1:1, 14• Ph. 2:6-11; Ex. 3:14 (Hebrew)
NIV 1984 is the default version names are listed alphabetically
• 1 Jn. 2:1, KJV; Job 16:19• Rev. 1:8• Rev. 21:6; 22:13• Rev. 3:14• Heb. 12:2, KJV• Eph. 1:6, KJV• Is. 11:1; Jer. 23:5• Jn. 6:35• Mt. 9:15; Jn. 3:29• Rev. 22:16• Heb. 2:10, KJV• Mk. 6:3• Eph. 2:20• Lk. 23:35• Jn. 1:41; 4:25; • Is. 9:6
NAMES OF JESUSR T A S C R H I S N S E J A L M I G H T Y S O A N O CT H E O L O G Y O F I R S U R B O R R E L U R L M N HL E U N A M M I O U R E H T A F L A N R E T E P A E RD W S O U T L E E U T D O H B A R E S T A R M H N O NB A O F R N A E L P R A M O B J T S I R H C E A P R AR Y V M E I M J U C O E B R I E R Y E M A N E A H A EE T E A V A B R A N C H S A R O F H F K C M D N I T WA H R N O T O L I O A R T N O G O D I T H A E D R S OT E S I S P F W A R M M A D A T S A L E A N R O E G NH T E A S A G S T A R L M F E N M I F G R O Q M S N DS R E T A C O V D A F C U I W V G O O D I F T E U I ER U R C P L D A I A Y H K N O H O D D U T S A G R N RE T S S H O O T T R E I M I T I O L A J E O R A R R FN H R E D U G H E A R E T S A M A L E I B R I D E O UN A O O J R E G L O R F D H E A R T R B L R O H C M LU N E L P R O I V A S C R E O G A P B M Y O E M T T CR D A R I H B L H P M O O R G E D I R B E W I O I H OE T O W X H I T F O S R W G O O N E R F H S J D O G UR H E V O L S C D O P N D R T F R O N A A H S S N I NO E G N I R P S Y A D E L O E G E N Y I W I E I K R SF L I V I N G W A T E R R D H O H K M L V N T W A B EK I N G O F K I N G S S O D P D C C A E O E G H L H LI F L D O G F O N O S T L L O F A O N N L H U M Q U OD E L I V E R E R S E O V A R N E R E T N E P R A C RE R E C A E P F O E C N I R P E T B A T C R E A T O RF A I T H F U L T R U E W I T N E S S H E P H E R D L
• Jn. 1:1-3, 10; Col. 1:16-18• Lk. 1:78-79, KJV• Rom. 11:26• Jn. 10:9, KJV• Is. 9:6, CEV• Rev. 1:5; 3:14• Heb. 6:20• Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8• Eph. 5:23• Mk. 1:24; Acts 2:27• 1 Ti. 1:1• Jn. 8:58-59; 18:5-8• 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15• Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:23• Mt. 1:21, 25• Jn. 5:22, 23; Acts 10:42
• Rev. 17:14• Jn. 1:29; Rev. 5:6-12• 1 Cor. 15:45• Jn. 8:12• Rev. 5:5• Jn. 4:10; 7:38• Rev. 19:16; 1 Ti. 6:15• Is. 53:3• Mt. 8:19, KJV• Jn. 1:41; 4:25• 1 Cor. 5:7• Heb. 3:1-2• Is. 9:6; Eph. 2:14• Jn. 6:14; 7:40; Lk. 7:16• Job 19:25; Is. 59:20; 1 Pe. 1:18• Jn. 11:25
• 1 Cor. 10:1-4• 1 Ti. 6:15• Titus 1:3-4; 2:13; 3:4-6• Gal. 3:16, 19; Rom. 1:3• Jn. 10:11, 16; 1 Pe. 2:25; 5:4• Gen. 49:10, KJV• Ps. 2:7; Mt. 16:16; Mk. 1:1• Jn. 14:6• Jn. 15:1-5• 1 Cor. 1:24, 30• Is. 9:6• Jn. 1:1, 14• Ph. 2:6-11; Ex. 3:14 (Hebrew)
NIV 1984 is the default version names are listed alphabetically
• 1 Jn. 2:1, KJV; Job 16:19• Rev. 1:8• Rev. 21:6; 22:13• Rev. 3:14• Heb. 12:2, KJV• Eph. 1:6, KJV• Is. 11:1; Jer. 23:5• Jn. 6:35• Mt. 9:15; Jn. 3:29• Rev. 22:16• Heb. 2:10, KJV• Mk. 6:3• Eph. 2:20• Lk. 23:35• Jn. 1:41; 4:25; • Is. 9:6