The New Covenant and the Gospels

The New Covenant

The Royal Priest

  • David the Priestly King

The New Covenant and Jesus

  • The New Covenant is embodied by Jesus.
  • The Old Testament shows a series of failed covenants between God and humans.
  • God's ultimate covenant in the New Testament involves Mary agreeing to bear Jesus Christ.
    • Reference: Lk. 1:26-38 (encounter between Mary and the Angel Gabriel).

Jesus as the Messiah

  • Messiah: "anointed one," a savior or leader.
  • Reasons for Jesus's arrival on Earth:
    1. To serve as a role model for human behavior.
    2. To mend the broken relationship between humanity and God.
  • Jesus sacrifices himself to save humanity from sins, enabling a fresh start in the relationship between God and humans.

Maintaining the Repaired Relationship

  • Jesus's sacrifice cleanses humanity's slate, but it does not restore the perfection of the Garden of Eden.
  • Humans must actively maintain their relationship with God.
  • This maintenance involves:
    • Following moral teachings of the Bible.
    • Emulating Jesus's example.

Learning About Jesus

  • Faith Sources: Books written by believers inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaiming God's work.
    • Example: The New Testament.
  • Historical Sources: Non-Biblical sources confirming Jesus's existence as a historical figure.
    • Examples: Writings by Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius.

The Gospels

  • Gospel: "good news."
  • The Gospels depict Jesus's life and work.
  • They are testimonies of faith, reflecting the experiences of Jesus's followers, not strict biographies.
  • Focus: Learning about Jesus's example for living a just life.

Stages of Gospel Development

  • First Stage: The disciples' direct experiences of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.
  • Second Stage: The spread of the Good News by disciples and the early church throughout the Roman Empire.
  • Third Stage: The Gospels are written down by Evangelists.
  • Fourth Stage: The Church selects books to be included in the official canon (sacred scripture) from the many books written about Jesus and the early Church.

Timeline of Gospel Development

  • 10 BCE: Birth of Christ
  • 20-30 CE: Jesus' Public Ministry & Death
  • 40-50 CE: Early Church Missionary Activity
  • 60-70 CE: Mark's Gospel Written
  • 80-90 CE: Matthew and Luke's Gospels Written
  • 100 CE: John's Gospel Written

Diversity in the Gospels

  • Each Gospel offers a unique portrait of Jesus, written by different authors, at different times, for different audiences and purposes.
  • Writers either witnessed events firsthand or interviewed those who did.
  • Multiple versions are valuable for a comprehensive understanding of Jesus's life and ministry.

Interpretation of Evidence

  • Multiple interpretations don't necessarily invalidate any single one.
  • Multiple perspectives can combine to provide a more complete picture.
  • Interpretation is crucial for understanding.
  • Four interpretations of Jesus's life offer a richer understanding of him and how others perceived him.

Observe/Infer/Conclude

  • Observe: Identify what is visible and what is absent.
  • Infer: Make logical assumptions based on observations.
  • Conclude: Draw conclusions based on informed assumptions.

Synoptic Gospels

  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke are similar, complementary, and likely share sources.
  • 'Synoptic' means "seen together."
  • John's Gospel is distinct, with different stories and focuses.

Synoptic Gospels' Connection

  • Similarities suggest influence or a shared common source.
  • Agreement on major concepts despite minor differences.

Distinctiveness of John's Gospel

  • Extensive use of symbols and metaphors.
    • Examples: Jesus as Bread of life, lamb of God, the Word, the resurrection, the door, the light of the world, the way the truth and the life, etc.
  • Focus on heavenly, not earthly, life.
  • Intentionally antagonistic language (e.g., more overt hostility towards Jewish tradition).
  • Theme of Lamb of God.
  • Stronger connection to Jerusalem (Judaea) and anti-establishment stance regarding the priestly class at the temple.

Gospel Portraits

  • Each Gospel likely has multiple authors.
  • Written for different groups, times, and purposes.
  • Seen as faith testimonies reflecting experiences with Jesus, not biographies.

Portrayals of Jesus

  • Matthew:
    • The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-12)
    • The Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat (Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43)
    • Forgiveness (Matthew 18: 21-22)
  • Mark:
    • Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection (Mark 9: 30-32)
    • The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Mark 14: 43-50)
    • The Soldiers Mock Jesus (Mark 15: 16-20)
  • Luke:
    • Jesus Cleanses a Leper (Luke 5: 12-16)
    • Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman (Luke 13: 10-17)
    • Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Luke 19: 45-48)
  • John:
    • Jesus Walks on the Water (John 6: 16-21)
    • Jesus the Light of the World (John 8: 12-20)
    • Jesus and Thomas (John 20: 24-29)

Exegesis

  • Exegesis: Critical interpretation of sacred texts.
  • Understanding requires background information on:
    • The author's purpose and writing style.
    • The audience's culture and language.

Importance of Exegesis Elements

  • Author's Purpose
    • Example: Writing an opinion piece interpreted as fact.
  • Author's Writing Style
    • Example: Sarcasm mistaken for literal statements.
  • Language of the Time
    • Example: Different meanings of words like "lit."
  • Culture of the Time
    • Example: Historical acceptance of spousal abuse.

Contextualizing the Gospels

  • Culture and language of Jesus's time (2000 years ago in the Middle East) are vital for understanding the Gospels.

Understanding Jesus

  • What do you know about Jesus' life and message?

Messiah

  • Messiah translates to "anointed one."
  • Monotheistic religions believe in two messianic comings: to begin a new age and to herald the end of times.
  • The Old Testament (Tanakh) does not explicitly mention a Messiah.
  • Scholars suggest the concept arose from Jewish oppression and ties to the prosperity under Kings like Saul, David, and Solomon.

Questions on Gospel Context

  1. Why would Jews at the time desire a Messiah?
  2. Why would some Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah?
  3. Why would women identify with Jesus's message?
  4. Why would the poor identify with Jesus's message?
  5. How did Jesus's message threaten various groups (High Priest, Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, Scribes)?
  • Reference: The Chosen (Episode 1)

Mark Portrait: The Human Jesus

  • Author: Possibly John Mark, a Christian and disciple of Peter.
  • Date Written: Approx. 65 CE-70 CE (the first Gospel).
  • Audience: Non-Jewish (Gentile) Christians, potentially in Rome, facing persecution.

Mark: Major Themes- Suffering

  • Focus on Suffering appealed to oppressed, sick, and impoverished, who related to Jesus's portrayal
  • The Gospel of Mark divided into 3 sections:
    1. New King/New Kingdom/New Order
    2. Jesus predicts his suffering (i.e. his death for the salvation of humanity) three times
    3. Suffering Servant

Mark: Major Themes- Being a Servant/Disciple

  • Mark initially portrays Jesus’ disciples as fearful and hard-hearted.
  • They desired power, importance, and peer approval.
  • Mark concludes his Gospel by showing the men were humbled and realized that power, importance, and approval wasn't the aim of Jesus's mission.
  • Jesus warns followers will also suffer and be rejected (Mark 6:1-6).
  • Jesus reminds followers that being a follower means being a servent to others (Mk. 10:42-45).

Mark's Symbol

  • Symbol: winged LION.
  • Symbolizes courage and monarchy.
  • Reflects the need for Christians to have courage on the road to salvation.

Mark: The Takeaway

  • Target audience: Non-Jewish Christians in Rome (traditions explained).
  • Jesus' human suffering encouraged suffering Christians.
  • Suggests suffering is essential; strength (like Jesus) needed.
  • Emotions of Jesus are evident: anger (Temple), anxiety (alone time), sadness/fear/disappointment.

Mark Example

  • Mark 8:31-32
  • 31 Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, “The nation’s leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make the Son of Man suffer terribly. He will be rejected and killed, but three days later he will rise to life.” 32 Then Jesus explained clearly what he meant.

Which one is Mark?

  • Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, “Sit here while I pray.”
  • Jesus took along Peter, James, and John. He was sad and troubled and told them, “I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me.”
  • Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, “Father,[e] if it is possible, don’t let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. Don’t make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.” 18 When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, “Who are you looking for?” They answered, “We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!” Jesus told them, “I am Jesus!” 6 At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. Jesus again asked, “Who are you looking for?” “We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth,” they answered. This time Jesus replied, “I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as I said, ‘I did not lose anyone you gave me.’” Simon Peter had brought along a sword. He now pulled it out and struck at the servant of the high priest. The servant’s name was Malchus, and Peter cut off his right ear. Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me.”

Mark: Quick Check!

  • When was Mark’s gospel written?
  • Who was his target audience? (Jewish or not? How do you know?)
  • How does he portray Jesus?
  • What is one interesting fact you learned today?

Luke Portrait: A compassionate savior

  • Author: a Gentile Christian, possibly a disciple of Paul; possibly a physician
  • Date Written: approx. 85CE
  • Audience: Greek Christians, to better understand their faith (the first chapter is addressed to a Greek man named Theophilus)
  • **St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians mentions a doctor named “Luke”, and he is mentioned 3x in the NT as a companion of St. Paul, who mentions that Luke was not a Jew. Some scholars point out sections of his Gospel that seem to indicate having medical knowledge.

Luke: Major Themes- All are welcome!

  • Luke’s writing emphasizes that the Christian message is for everyone. Converting over to Christianity and writing to an audience that was either non- Jewish or very wealthy Jews, Luke wanted to emphasize that outcasts have a role. Constant reminder: God’s forgiving love brings us great joy. Sinners are welcome!
  • Examples:
    • Infancy Narrative: Mary, poor, shepherds
    • Jesus addresses woman at the well
    • Jesus heals a Roman Centurian
    • Jesus forgives the Adulterous Woman

Luke's Gospel

  • Luke and the book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles) go together. Both books are written by the same author. Luke never knew Jesus…he starts out his Gospel by acknowledging that he gathered information from a variety of sources. One source of information was likely St. Paul, who also never directly studied under Jesus.
  • Given that Luke was a gentile (non-Jew) who was writing primarily for a gentile audience, Luke’s Gospel isn’t as concerned with proving that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants
  • The Gospel of Luke is broken into 4 sections:
    1. Humble beginnings
    2. Jesus brings Good News to outcasts; challenges the powerful
    3. Kingdom of God
    4. Jesus’ Death

Luke Symbol

  • Symbol: Winged ox or bull “Sacrifice, service, or strength”
  • God’s love is for everyone, but accepting it requires that we make sacrifices and serve the people who are cast aside.

Luke Example

  • The Parable of the Lost Coin
  • 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
  • What clues are in this parable that might suggest to the reader that Luke is the author?

Luke: Quick Check

  • When was Luke’s gospel written?
  • Who was his target audience? (Jewish or not? How do you know?)
  • How does he portray Jesus?
  • What is one thing the winged ox symbolizes?

Who am I? Mark/Luke Review

  • I am a well-educated gentile and I am also a physician
  • I portray Jesus as a healer and a miracle worker, in other words, Jesus was a man of action
  • My symbol is a lion
  • I want my readers to know the Christian message is for everyone
  • I wrote my Gospel account around 85CE

Who am I? Mark/Luke

  • My symbol is associated with strength and courage (these are qualities needed to endure suffering)
  • My audience is Greek Christians. Since they are not Jewish, they want to better understand the faith.
  • Jesus is merciful, compassionate, and is especially concerned with outcast such as women and non-Jews
  • My symbol is an ox which represents sacrifice, service, and strength
  • The community to which I am writing is undergoing persecution. I want them to know that suffering is part of life… after all, Jesus suffered too!
  • I was the first to write my Gospel

Matthew Portrait: The Teaching Messiah

  • Author: unknown, but typically associated with the Apostle called Matthew
  • Date Written: approx. 90CE
  • Audience: Christian Jews, likely those who felt “rejected” by other Jews

Matthew: Major Themes- Jesus was Jewish, the "new way" is a continuation of Judaism

  • Many Jews rejected “Christian Jews” as though they were betraying their religion. Matthew’s Gospel was likely a defense of their beliefs.
    • Jesus linked to important Jewish traditions
    • Gospel starts by linking Jesus back to Abraham and David
    • He makes frequent references to Old Testament laws, prophecies and events that Jesus fulfills or completes
    • He also shows how Jesus broke with Jewish beliefs to give new interpretation of them (ex. Healing of the paralytic)

Matthew: Fun Fact!

  • Matthew’s Gospel was placed first because it contains a lot of instruction and makes a lot of reference to Old Testament teachings.
    Thus, anyone who is new to the religion would benefit from reading it because it contains the teachings as well as their context (Jewish history).

Matthew: Major Themes: Jesus as a teacher/example

  • Matthew often portrays Jesus as a teacher. He is a man with great religious knowledge and wisdom who is readily able to back up everything he says with scriptural evidence. Jesus is often seen "educating" the religious leaders in this way!
  • Matthew's Gospel contains countless stories of Jesus teaching lessons, often through use of parables. The most famous of all of his teachings is presented in Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes)

Matthew Symbol: Winged man

  • Doctrine of the Incarnation: Jesus is the human form of God
  • The Messiah was the human man who came from David’s line
  • Thus, Jesus is the human form of God's promises laid out in the Old Testament.

Matthew Example

    • 17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Matthew Another Example

  • Matthew 1:1
  • 1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron……..

John Portrait: The Divine Son of God

  • Author: member of the Christian community possibly founded by “the Beloved Disciple” (more on this later)
  • Date Written: 95CE
  • Audience: all Christians of the world

John: Why is John's Gospel so different?

  • Timing:
    • John’s Gospel was written a full generation after the synoptic authors
    • The synoptic authors already laid out the details about Jesus’ life and ministry – there was no need to do it again
    • There was a need to clarify theological points (Jesus’ connection to God)
    • We have the details, now what do they mean?

John: Major Theme- Poetry and Symbolism

  • John is famous for using a lot of poetic, symbolic language. He describes Jesus as:
    • the Word, who was with God at the beginning of Creation.
    • the Light that overcomes darkness (guides, lighthouse)
    • the Good Shepherd
    • the Bread of Life
    • the Living Water

John vs. Synoptic gospels

  • Synoptic Gospels
    • Jesus’ teaching focuses on the Kingdom of God
    • Parables, healings, miracles
    • More historical
  • John’s Gospel
    • Jesus’ teaching stresses relationships (God, Jesus, us)
    • 7 miraculous signs
    • More theological, reflective
    • Holy Spirit (several passages)
    • Jesus’ death isn’t tragic: “I will come again…so that where I am, there you will be also.” (14:3)

John's Symbol

  • A winged eagle
  • John spends much of the beginning of his Gospel elevating Jesus higher than any of the synoptic Gospels
  • The eagle soars higher than any other bird; this symbolizes Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven. Because of the Resurrection, when we follow Jesus, we also conquer death and rise up to be with Him.

Let's Play a Game!

  • View the following images and try to decipher which Gospel is being portrayed.

Which Gospel is this image depicting?

  • AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Which Gospel is this image depicting?

Which Gospel is this image depicting?

Which Gospel is this image depicting?

  • BUT A SAMARITAN BANDAGER HIS WOUNDS

Gospel Comparison

  1. The next slide will show 4 Bible passages. Each passage is from a different Gospel
  2. Each group will be given 4 sticky notes. For each passage, you must identify and write the Gospel writer and WRITE A REASON for your choice.
  3. The first group to correctly identify and provide a solid reason for each passage, will win a prize

Gospel Passage Examples

12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

2 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Try this one

  • Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

OK, now this one!

  • 10 Then the disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered, “To you it has been given to know the secrets[a] of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 13 The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.’ 14With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: ‘You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

And this one?

  • 15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Quiz Review!

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