Life of Jesus Flashcards
Meaning of the resurrection
The literal truth of the resurrection was an absolute requirement for the Christian faith.
What did the resurrection confirm?
It was absolute confirmation that Jesus was more than simply another human- offers a promise to humans of an eternal life.
What do the Gospels show of Jesus’ resurrection
Highlights the continuity from Jesus who died to the raised Christ.
Hypostatic union
Jesus was identified as fully God and fully human.
This gave him clear authority beyond that of a radical teacher.
‘He wept ,didn’t know who touched him during a miracle, was tempted by the devil and prayed not to have to undergo death’
Jesus seemed to ne more human than divine.
What did miracles do?
Displayed God’s power working through Jesus to help humanity.
Was Jesus viewed as a miracle worker?
He was viewed as a miracle worker but her was not the only one at the time- magicians were mentioned in the new testament.
Efforts of the gospel- Jesus as a miracle worker.
The Gospels make a real effort to distinguish Jesus from magicians.
Miracles of Jesus did not discriminate
Jesus healed outcasts; women and foreigners as well as Jews; his ministry is for all. Perhaps this is the level on which the miracles need to be understood.
Jesus approach to inclusivism
Through his miracles it showed to importance of not discriminating against someone for a certain characteristic as everyone is treated the same by God.
How did Jesus’ miracles show his connection to God?
They often included the forgiveness of sins, which was something that was thought only God could do.
Jesus thinks he is divine example 1
Jesus is lost in the temple as a child and says to his parents ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house’.
Jesus thinks he is divine example 2
Paul’s letters indicates an assumption that Jesus was divine.
Jesus thinks he is divine example 3
‘Messianic secret’- Jesus was not keen to overwhelm his audience so he kept his divine actions a secret especially at the start of his ministry.
Jesus didn’t think he was divine example 1
We cannot use the gospel as evidence of his divinity: the stories are stories of a human being a radical preacher.
Jesus didn’t think he was divine example 2
The clearest claim of Jesus’ divinity comes from John’s gospel which may of been exaggerated as it was written as late as 100 AD.
Jesus didn’t think he was divine example 3
Jesus clearly understood himself as a prophet- the old testament does not suggest the Messiah would be divine so why should jesus think that of himself.
Jesus with politics and religion
For Jesus at the time politics and religion overlapped- daily life revolved around the synagogue. There were multiple different authorities at the time.
Political figures at the time- Scribes
Usually members of the pharisee group but experts in the interpretations of the law.
Political figures at the time- Romans
The conquering nation who controlled the holy land but gave Jews control in order to keep the peace.
Jesus seemed to not mind their presence as long as they left spiritual matters to individuals.
Political figures at the time- Pharisees
They represented the majority of the Jews who were criticised by Jesus for following the old testament law too literally.
Political figures at the time- Sadducees
Aristocratic group who controlled the Temple and also the Jewish council.
They only accepted the first five books of the old testament so they were at odds with Jesus’ teachings.
Political figures at the time- Zealots
A small revolutionary group that wanted to overthrow the Romans by force.
Jesus was sometimes hoped to be one of them but seemed careful to distance himself.
Example of Jesus distancing himself from Zealots
He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, not a war horse.
How did Jesus challenge religious authority on the Sabbath.
Criticised for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus illustrated his change in focus by pointing out that the pharisees had lost sight of God’s message- to do good before all else.
How did Jesus challenge political authority.
He preached about the kingdom of God- a future time when God will rule which was seen as a political statement.
Suggested that power would be taken from those in charge.
What did Jesus teach about the rule of God?
It would become central to society and God’s ways would be understood, not as a set of laws to obey but based on the rule of love.
Example of Jesus exercising his political authority.
He turned the tables over in the Temple, challenging the fact that the Temple had lost all spiritual focus.
Meaning of the turning of the Tables
It indicates that Jesus was comfortable with challenging political authority on its own.
When asked if it was lawful to pay taxes Jesus said; ‘give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s’.
How did people refer to Jesus when he came to Jerusalem.
The revolutionary Messiah who was the crucified as a political troublemaker by the Romans.
