Unit 2, Week 1 Lecture

Lecture Overview

  • Focus: Transition from early stories in the Bible (creation and fall) to New Testament narratives focusing on the life of Jesus.

  • Title: Jesus of Nazareth (neutral historical term).

  • Structure: This lecture is divided into two parts; this part covers the biblical context, the next part will address liberation theology and the question of common good.

The Story of the Exodus

  • Exodus meaning: "way out";

  • Significance: Second book of the Bible; crucial for Jewish identity and theology; context for understanding Jesus.

  • Recommendation: Watch The Prince of Egypt (1998 animated film) for a visual and musical encapsulation of the Exodus story.

Summary of the Exodus

  • Generations after early Biblical figures (Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel): Hebrew people enslaved in Egypt.

  • Their suffering is acknowledged by God, who sends Moses to demand Pharaoh releases them.

  • Pharaoh's initial refusal leads to suffering and plagues in Egypt.

  • Last plague: Death of firstborn children and animals; Hebrews safe due to God's protection.

  • The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea transforms the Hebrews into a nation.

  • Important moment: Exodus is commemorated in the Jewish feast of Passover, symbolizing liberation from slavery.

  • God presents the Hebrew people with laws through Moses (e.g., Ten Commandments), providing guidance for living in relationship with Him and each other.

Transition to the New Testament

  • Historical context of Jesus' time: many generations after the Exodus.

  • Jesus described as being born during Roman era under Julius Caesar Augustus (Octavian), first Roman emperor.

  • Inscription found in Turkey: Celebrates Octavian as a divine savior who will bring peace (Pax Romana).

Pax Romana

  • Expansion of territory and civil order established by Octavian.

  • Military peace often came with oppression, leading to complicated social dynamics.

  • Cult of emperor: Worship of Octavian as a deity posthumously; Christians faced persecution for refusal to participate in worship of the emperor.

Geographical Context of Jesus' Life

  • Key regions: Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.

    • Galilee: Jesus's origin; considered a backwater town (Nazareth).

    • Samaria: Historical animosity between Judeans (Jerusalem residents) and Samaritans; context for biblical stories involving these characters.

Political Context

  • Judea, Galilee, Samaria under Roman control through client kings or governors.

  • Jewish leadership groups:

    • Pharisees: Advocated for strict observance of Jewish law to reclaim God's favor.

    • Sadducees: More pragmatic and politically aligned with Rome; temple leaders.

    • Essenes: Isolated themselves in caves, awaiting divine intervention; authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

    • Zealots: Used violence to resist Roman occupation.

    • Majority: General population with mixed responses to Roman rule; all anticipating a messianic figure (Hebrew: "anointed one").

Historical Jesus

  • Affirmation of Jesus as a historical figure by historians; existed during Roman rule and grew up in Nazareth.

  • Executed by Rome in his early thirties; most information derived from New Testament writings.

  • Paul's letters written before Gospels; early Christian texts intended to affirm faith rather than serve as objective history.

Understanding Jesus' Teachings

  • Jesus as a Jew: lived and died within the framework of Judaism; teachings rooted in Jewish law.

  • Supersessionism: Theological debate regarding continuity of God's promises to Jews in light of the coming of Jesus (Messiah).

  • Antisemitism: Historical misuse of theology to justify violence against Jewish people; understanding the implications of Christian teachings is crucial.

Readings for Week One

  • Monday: The Greatest Commandment

    • Discusses moral principles from the Old Testament; introduction to Jesus’ ministry in the Gospel of Mark.

  • Famous Parable: The Good Samaritan

    • Origin of the term "Good Samaritan" from the Gospel of Luke; implications for understanding common good.

  • Wednesday: The Kingdom of God

    • Exploration of Jesus’ proclamation about the Kingdom; description of a God-governed world.

  • Parables: Jesus uses metaphorical stories to illustrate the concept of the Kingdom.

  • Friday: Cost of Discipleship

    • Discusses what it means to follow Jesus, drawing from the Sermon on the Mount.

    • Features the teachings of Saint Augustine as a standard for Christian life.

    • Includes narratives such as Jonathan Daniels’ story related to the civil rights movement.