Unit 3: The Ministry of Jesus

Central theme of Jesus’ preaching/mission

The Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew)

“Good news” 

The coming of the kingdom

Basileia

Kingdom in greek; reign

Kingdom of God

signifies the period of God’s reign, where there is righteousness, peace, and joy

Mustard Seed

small and insignificant, gradually blooms into a large tree

Mentanoia

change of mind or change of perspective, calls for a complete reform

Pillars in the subsequent Christian community

Simon, his brother Andrew and the brothers James and John

“follow me”

How Jesus called some of his disciples, response is expected to be instant, call to share his mission

Apostles of Jesus

closest disciples to Jesus 

Theme in the Gospels

Jesus’ concern for the poor and those on the margins of society

Women in the ancient world

Active in most aspects of life, agriculture, spinning and weaving cloth, domestic work, educated, controlled finances

Women in Jewish society

generally restricted to domestic circles; not permitted full access to the temple

Shema Prayer 

every male Jew was expected to pray each morning and evening

Mary Magdalene

Special disciple; See’s empty tomb, Jesus tells her to tell the apostles

Parables

wise sayings of fictitious stories used by Jesus to teach his disciples and his people

Jesus’ speaking in parables

His intention was to conceal his true meaning signifying it was not general knowledge to be consumed, but truth offered to those who submit to his wisdom

Miracles

extraordinary events that manifested divine power, wonders to human understanding, human beings perceive them as signs from God

Healings

most of Jesus’ miracles are healing

Exorcisms

casting out of a demon from a possessed person, evidence God’s reign had arrived

Resuscitations

miracles in-which Jesus raised people from the dead

Nature Miracles 

Jesus displayed power over the forces of nature