Religion Test Study Guide: The Gospels, The sermon on the mount, etc.

Why the Gospels?

Many people believed that Jesus was coming back during their lifetime, and when they realized that they weren’t, they decided it was time to write them down.

When was the Gospel of Mark written?

AD 65-70.

What is the Gospel of Mark considered as?

The shortest Gospel.

Who was the writer of the Gospel of Mark?

A second generation Christian (follower of Peter).

Who was the target audience of the Gospel of Mark?

Gentile Christian community in Rome.

What is the historical situation in the Gospel of Mark?

Romans subdue Jewish rebellions ; Christian persecution in Rome.

What are the images of Christ in the Gospel of Mark?

Suffering servant; Son of man; Son of God; Messiah and Lord.

When was the Gospel of Matthew written?

AD 75-80.

Who is the writer of the Gospel of Matthew?

Unknown Jewish Christian ; Traditionally the apostle Matthew.

Who was the target audience of the Gospel of Matthew?

The Jewish Christian community.

What is the historical situation of the Gospel of Matthew?

Written after Romans destroyed all of Jerusalem.

What are the images of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew?

Teacher and Prophet.

When was the Gospel of Luke written?

AD 80-85.

Who was the writer of the Gospel of Luke?

A gentile Christian ; traditionally Luke the physician and Paul’s traveling companion.

Who was the target audience of the Gospel of Luke?

Gentiles, women, and poor people.

What was the historical situation of the Gospel of Luke?

Written when the persecution of the Jews and Christians was intensifying.

What were the images of Christ in the Gospel of Luke?

Redeemer and lamb of God.

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Why are Matthew, Mark, and Luke considered the Synoptic Gospels?

1.) They share a similar structure, content, and narrative style.
2.) They often concern many of the same events and teachings of Jesus in a comparable order and with similar wording.
3.) The Synoptic Gospels present a more unified view of Jesus’ life, ministry, parables, and miracles, allowing for a synoptic (side-by-side) comparison.

Which of the Gospels is NOT synoptic?

John’s Gospel.

Why is John’s Gospel considered NOT to be synoptic?

John’s Gospel is christological and provides a different perspective on Jesus’ life and teachings. It focuses on a more theological and reflective understanding on who Jesus is.

What was the start of Jesus’ public ministry?

His baptism was the start of his public ministry, having been baptized by John the Baptist.

Did Jesus need to be baptized? Why or why not?

He did not need to be baptized because he was born without original sin.

Why did Jesus choose to be baptized?

His baptism was an act of humility and solidarity with humanity. Jesus identified himself with sinners, sharing fully in the human experience.

During the baptisms, what do we see for the first time?

We see the Holy Spirit for the first time and acknowledge the trinity.

Where did the baptisms take place?

The river Jordan.

What was Jesus’ first public miracle?

The wedding at Cana.

What did Jesus performing this miracle show?

His obedience to Mary.

What was this miracle a revelation of?

Jesus’ divinity.

What did this miracle foreshadow and symbolize?

Both the Eucharist and the last supper.

How many days and nights did Jesus spend in the desert?

40 days and 40 nights.

What was Jesus doing in the desert for all of that time?

Fasting and praying.

What was this a preparation for?

His ministry.

Jesus spending time in the desert showed what?

His solidarity with humanity.

What was Jesus a model for?

Resisting temptations.

Was his time in the desert a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?

Yes.

What Old Testament prophecy did Jesus spending time in the desert fulfill?

Adam or the Israelites in the wilderness.

What was the first temptation that Jesus faced while being in the desert?

Satan urges Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger, appealing to his physical needs.

What was the second temptation that Jesus faced while being in the desert?

Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and challenges him to throw himself down, testing God’s protection.

What was the third temptation that Jesus faced while being in the desert?

Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, tempting him with power and glory.

Jesus is the king where?

In Heaven.