Theology Synoptic Gospels

Howis Jesus' choice of Apostles 'unexpected' or against what would be expected of a Messiah?

they were fishermen(low in society) and tax collectors('sinners' by Pharisees

What does the Transfiguration mean?

a change of appearance to something beautiful

What is the role of miracles in gospels?

they tell us that God's kingdom is present and active in our lives

What are the categories of miracles?

healing, nature, exorcism, resurrection

Why does Jesus perform miracles?

proof, compassion, faith

What makes something a miracle?

great work/unnatural cause, couldn't happen on its own, a sign

What is a parable?

a story that uses metaphors and similes from common life experiences to illustrate moral/spiritual truths

Why does Jesus use parables?

they challenge people to question ideas; they are meant to get us to think and disrupt/defy conventional wisdom

What are the 7 elements of a parable?

-What's being compared
-elements from everyday life
-suprise twist
-description of God
-examples of people's relationships w/ one another
-explanation of God's desire for relationship w/ humanity
-description of the kingdom of God

What is the role of beatitudes in our lives?

blessings that respond to our desire for happiness

What is part of the sermon on the mount?

-beatitudes
-our father(prayer)
-loving enemies/judgement
-how to grow in holiness
-golden rule

What is the importance of the sermon on the mount?

teaches us how to live a good and meaningful life and challenges us to think about our values and beliefs

Who does Pope Benedict XVI say our 'neighbor' is?

anyone who needs me and whom I can help

Typically, how did the Apostles die?

martyrdom

Why was Jesus baptized?

accepts His mission freely(precedence), accepts His persecution, death, and resurrection, and to be united with us(solidarity)

How did Jesus prepare for His public ministry?

fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert after His baptism

How is the understanding of holiness and purity changed from the OT to the NT?

OT - We have to purify ourselves for God

NT - God's prescence comes into our lives to purify us

How are the Beatitudes parallels to the life of holiness?

emphasize the importance of humility and mercy, teaches that living a life of holiness and purity leads to being blessed by God

How does Luke portray Jesus as the universal Messiah?

emphasizes that Jesus will bring salvation to all people

How does Isaiah prefigure the suffering servant in Jesus?

he describes the servant as someone who will suffer for the sins of all and be blessed by God for it

What is the importance of the Transfiguration?

provides a glimpse of His divine glory, prepares disciples

What is the role of the Confession of Peter in faith?

Peter shows His ulitmate faith to Jesus and calls Him the Messiah

What is the meaning of the Confession of Peter?

messiah \= anointed one

Jesus' imminent return for Mark's audience

Jesus shows emotion and performs miracles

Matthew infancy narrative

Joseph story (almost divorces Mary), depart from Herod after a dream, told to move to Israel in a dream

Luke infancy narrative

John the Baptist's birth, shepherds visit and tell everyone about Jesus' birth, Jesus preaching in the temple

infancy narrative similarities

bethlehem, concieved by Holy Spirit, people visit, visit temple