Exam 2 (John & Luke) Flashcards
Luke 7:36-50 – The Sinful Woman with the Flask of Ointment
Narrative Summary:
A woman, labeled as sinful, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment and washes them with her tears, demonstrating extravagant love and repentance.
Cultural Context:
In a first-century Jewish setting, her actions would have been shocking. Ointment was a luxury, and her public display of remorse contrasted sharply with social norms regarding purity and propriety.
Theological Significance:
Forgiveness and Grace: Jesus uses her act as a teaching moment, contrasting her genuine repentance with the lack of hospitality shown by the Pharisee hosting him.
Transformation: Her actions exemplify how grace is available to even those most looked down upon by society.
Historical Impact:
This narrative challenges contemporary social and religious prejudices, urging believers to see beyond external status to the sincerity of the heart.
Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Narrative Summary:
Jesus tells the story of a traveler attacked by robbers and left for dead. While a priest and a Levite pass by, a Samaritan stops to help.
Cultural Context:
Inter-ethnic Tensions: Samaritans and Jews held deep-seated mutual distrust. A Samaritan’s compassion was countercultural.
Theological Significance:
Neighborly Love: The parable redefines the concept of “neighbor” to include all, regardless of ethnicity or social standing.
Compassion Over Ritual: It underscores that genuine faith is demonstrated by actions of mercy rather than mere ritual compliance.
Historical Impact:
This parable continues to inspire discussions on social justice and the importance of transcending prejudices.
Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Lost Son (and his Elder Brother)
Narrative Summary:
A younger son demands his inheritance, squanders it, and returns in repentance, while the elder brother struggles with envy over the father’s forgiveness.
Cultural Context:
Inheritance Practices: Demanding one’s inheritance while the father was still alive was considered highly disrespectful.
Theological Significance:
Repentance and Unconditional Love: The father’s joy at the return of his lost son symbolizes God’s boundless mercy.
Self-Righteousness: The elder brother’s resentment serves as a warning against legalism and self-righteous attitudes.
Historical Impact:
This parable speaks to the heart of Christian teaching on forgiveness and the nature of God’s grace.
John 2:13-22 – Jesus Speaks about the True Temple
Narrative Summary:
In the account of the cleansing of the temple, Jesus drives out the money changers and makes a profound statement about His body being the true temple.
Cultural Context:
Temple Significance: The Jerusalem temple was the center of Jewish worship; Jesus’ actions and words challenged the established religious order.
Theological Significance:
Reorientation of Worship: Jesus implies that worship is not about a physical location but about a relationship with Him.
Foreshadowing: His declaration points to His future resurrection, symbolizing the transformation from old covenant practices to a new spiritual order.
Historical Impact:
This passage has been central in discussions about the nature of the church and the move from physical temples to spiritual worship.
John 3:1-21 – Nicodemus Visits Jesus by Night
Narrative Summary:
A Pharisee, Nicodemus, comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding about His teachings on spiritual rebirth.
Cultural Context:
Nighttime Meeting: Meeting at night suggests secrecy and personal struggle with faith.
Theological Significance:
New Birth: Jesus introduces the concept of being “born again” as essential for entering the Kingdom of God.
Light vs. Darkness: The passage contrasts spiritual enlightenment with the ignorance that keeps people in darkness.
Historical Impact:
This conversation has heavily influenced Christian understandings of salvation, renewal, and the transformative power of belief.
John 4:5-52 – Jesus Encounters a Samaritan Woman at a Well
Narrative Summary:
Jesus breaks social conventions by engaging in conversation with a Samaritan woman, revealing her personal history and offering her “living water.”
Cultural Context:
Social Boundaries: Jews typically avoided Samaritans, and a male rabbi speaking with a woman was unusual.
Theological Significance:
Living Water: Represents eternal life and the quenching of spiritual thirst through faith in Jesus.
Transformation and Witness: The woman becomes an unlikely evangelist, spreading the news to her community.
Historical Impact:
The encounter illustrates the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and continues to challenge believers to cross cultural divides.
John 6:22-45 – The Bread of Life Discourse
Narrative Summary:
Jesus explains that He is the true “Bread of Life,” drawing on the imagery of manna provided in the wilderness.
Cultural Context:
Passover and Manna: The discourse echoes Old Testament themes, linking Jesus with Israel’s historical experience of God’s provision.
Theological Significance:
Spiritual Sustenance: Jesus positions Himself as essential for eternal life, beyond physical nourishment.
Faith and Sacrifice: The discourse calls for a faith that recognizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission.
Historical Impact:
This passage has been influential in Christian liturgy and doctrine, particularly regarding the Eucharist and the idea of communion with Christ.
John 7:53-8:11 – The Woman Accused of Adultery
Narrative Summary:
When a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus, He challenges her accusers by stating, “Let any one of you who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Cultural Context:
Legal and Social Norms: The Law of Moses prescribed harsh penalties for adultery; Jesus’ approach was revolutionary.
Theological Significance:
Mercy over Judgment: This encounter highlights the themes of forgiveness and the need for self-reflection before passing judgment.
Compassionate Justice: Jesus demonstrates that true justice is tempered by mercy and understanding.
Historical Impact:
This passage continues to resonate as a call for compassionate and humble judgment within the Christian community.
John 8:39-59 – The True Children of Abraham; Jesus as the I AM
Narrative Summary:
Jesus engages in a heated debate about the identity of the “children of Abraham” and ultimately makes profound “I AM” declarations that assert His divine identity.
Cultural Context:
Patriarchal Legacy: Claiming to be the fulfillment of Abraham’s promises directly challenges the established Jewish identity.
Theological Significance:
Divine Identity: Jesus’ “I AM” statements link Him to the divine name revealed in Exodus, affirming His pre-existence and deity.
Faith and Belief: The passage invites reflection on what it means to be truly connected to God.
Historical Impact:
This text has been critical in shaping Christological debates and the understanding of Jesus’ nature within Christian theology.
John 9:1-41 – Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind
Narrative Summary:
Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth, prompting debates about sin, suffering, and spiritual blindness.
Cultural Context:
Understanding of Sickness: In the ancient world, physical ailments were often seen as manifestations of sin or divine punishment.
Theological Significance:
Spiritual Illumination: The healing is symbolic of bringing light to a spiritually darkened world.
Testimony of Transformation: The healed man’s journey from blindness to sight parallels the transformation expected in a life redeemed by faith.
Historical Impact:
This miracle reinforces the Christian teaching that salvation brings both physical and spiritual restoration.
John 11:1-44 – The Raising of Lazarus
Narrative Summary:
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showcasing His power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection.
Cultural Context:
Funerary Practices: The raising of Lazarus directly confronts the finality of death as understood in Jewish culture.
Theological Significance:
Victory Over Death: This miracle prefigures the resurrection of Jesus and underscores the promise of eternal life.
Faith and Hope: The event is a powerful testament to the hope that faith in Christ offers.
Historical Impact:
The raising of Lazarus remains one of the most celebrated signs of Jesus’ divine authority and continues to inspire hope in resurrection.
John 12:1-11 – Mary Anoints Jesus in Bethany
Narrative Summary:
Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume is an intimate expression of devotion and foreshadows His impending burial.
Cultural Context:
Symbolic Act: Anointing was a customary way to honor someone of high status, yet Mary’s act goes beyond mere respect—it is sacrificial.
Theological Significance:
Preparation for Burial: The anointing prefigures Jesus’ death and serves as an acknowledgment of His unique role as the Savior.
Costly Worship: It challenges believers to consider the value and cost of true worship and devotion.
Historical Impact:
This passage invites reflection on the interplay between human expressions of love and the profound mystery of divine sacrifice.
John 13:1-20 – The Last Supper and Washing of the Feet
Narrative Summary:
At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, teaching them about humility and servant leadership.
Cultural Context:
Foot Washing: A task usually reserved for the lowest servant, making Jesus’ act a powerful countercultural statement.
Theological Significance:
Servanthood: This action models the kind of selfless service and humility expected of His followers.
Covenantal Love: The act prefigures the establishment of a new covenant rooted in love and mutual service.
Historical Impact:
The foot washing continues to be a potent symbol in Christian liturgy and ethics, reminding believers of the call to serve one another.
John 18:28-19:22 – Jesus Before Pontius Pilate
Narrative Summary:
In the lead-up to His crucifixion, Jesus faces the political and judicial authorities, including Pontius Pilate, highlighting the tension between earthly power and divine purpose.
Cultural Context:
Roman Governance: The narrative is steeped in the reality of Roman political authority and the legal practices of the time.
Theological Significance:
Innocence and Sacrifice: Despite being innocent, Jesus accepts His fate, emphasizing the redemptive nature of His sacrifice.
Kingdom Not of This World: His conduct before Pilate contrasts worldly power with the spiritual authority of His mission.
Historical Impact:
This passage is central to understanding the Passion narrative and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering servant.
John 20:1-29 – Different Encounters with the Risen Christ
Narrative Summary:
After His resurrection, Jesus appears to various individuals, including Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and Thomas, each encounter reinforcing the reality of His victory over death.
Cultural Context:
Post-Resurrection Appearances: These encounters serve as a critical turning point in early Christian faith, moving from despair to hope.
Theological Significance:
Resurrection and Faith: The varied responses—from immediate belief to doubt—illustrate the transformative yet challenging nature of faith.
Personal Relationship: Jesus meets each person in a way that speaks to their personal doubts and needs, highlighting the intimate nature of His ministry.
Historical Impact:
The resurrection accounts have been foundational for Christian doctrine, affirming that Christ’s victory over death is the cornerstone of hope and eternal life.
