EXAM Unit 6 Gospels, Parables, & Jesus' Ministry
Profiles of the Gospel Authors and the Inner Circle
Matthew (Levi): He was a tax collector and a disciple of Jesus before authoring the longest of the four Gospels. He was the son of Alphaeus and faced social shunning from both Romans and Jews due to his profession.
Mark: A companion who assisted Paul and Barnabas in their Christian ministry and authored one of the Gospels.
Luke: Described as a master historian and the only Gentile author of a Gospel. Notably, he was not one of the original disciples.
John: A fisherman and the brother of James (the sons of Zebedee). He was a member of Jesus' "inner circle" and is identified as "the one whom Jesus loved." In addition to his Gospel, he authored several other biblical books.
The Inner Circle: This exclusive group consisted of Peter, John, and James. They were invited by Jesus to witness significant events such as the Transfiguration.
James and John: Known as the "Sons of Thunder," these brothers were fishermen who left their profession to follow Jesus.
Nathanael (Bartholomew): He initially questioned Jesus' origins, asking, "Could anything good come from Nazareth?" He recognized Jesus as the Messiah after Jesus revealed He had seen him under a fig tree.
Simon (Peter): A fisherman whose mother-in-law was healed by Jesus. He was renamed Peter by Jesus and was part of the inner circle.
Andrew: Peter’s brother and a fisherman who was previously a disciple of John the Baptist.
Philip: A friend of Nathanael who was also a disciple of John the Baptist and the one who introduced Nathanael to Jesus.
Thomas: Frequently referred to as "Doubting Thomas" and also known as "the Twin."
James (Son of Alphaeus): Also referred to as "Little James."
Thaddaeus: Documented as "Judas son of James" or "Judas (not Iscariot)."
Simon the Zealot: One of the disciples.
Judas Iscariot: Identified as the disciple who became a traitor.
Definitions and Principles of Discipleship and Apostleship
The Term "Gospel": This term translates literally to "good news."
Definition of a Disciple: Derived from the Latin word "pupil" or "learner." A disciple is a dedicated follower who learns from a master, remaining close to them to emulate their character and teachings. Characteristics include:
Loyalty and faithfulness to the master.
Full dedication to the leader.
Serving as an ambassador or representative of the master in all locations.
The Nature of the Twelve Disciples: They were ordinary, unremarkable, and weak men whom Jesus turned into valuable companions, transforming their weaknesses into strengths. Jesus maintained full foreknowledge that they would disappoint, desert, deny, and betray Him.
Purpose of Discipleship: Their mission was to communicate God’s love to the world and proclaim that God sent Jesus to redeem humanity. Their instructions and conversations formed the foundational knowledge and teaching for the early church.
Definition of an Apostle: This term literally means "one who is sent" on a specific mission. An apostle carries the authority of the person who sent them. Jesus gave the apostles specific authority to drive out spirits and heal diseases.
The Purpose and Mechanics of Miracles
The Intent of Miracles: Miracles were not performed as "shows" to create a stir or merely draw crowds. Instead, they served three primary functions:
To demonstrate God’s compassion.
To demonstrate God’s power and the arrival of His Kingdom.
To foreshadow the eventual reversal of sin and death.
The Role of Faith: Jesus frequently emphasized the heart's condition, stating, "Your faith has made you well." However, in His mercy, He also healed those who lacked faith, later drawing them to Himself.
Scope of Miracles: The Bible does not record every miracle Jesus performed. According to John , the world could not contain the books if every action was documented.
Specific Miracles and Events:
Turning Water into Wine: The first recorded miracle.
Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Jesus touched her and the fever left; she immediately began serving Him. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
Healing a Leper: Jesus touched the leper and instructed him to show himself to the priest to be declared clean. Despite being told to remain silent, the man spread the news.
Healing the Paralytic: Friends cut a hole in a roof to lower the man to Jesus. Jesus commanded him to take his mat and walk.
The Pool of Bethesda: Jesus healed a man paralyzed for years on the Sabbath. This led the Pharisees to persecute Jesus for "working" on the day of rest.
The Withered Hand: Jesus healed a man inside the temple on the Sabbath. He challenged the Pharisees by asking if it was lawful to save a life or kill on the Sabbath.
Healing Jairus’ Daughter: Jairus, a synagogue leader, pleaded for his dying -year-old daughter. While traveling, a woman was healed by touching Jesus’ cloak. Although news arrived that the girl was dead, Jesus raised her to life, allowing only Peter, John, James, and the parents to enter the room.
Walking on Water: Jesus walked on water toward the disciples' boat. Peter attempted to walk to Him but began to sink when he saw the wind and became afraid.
Feeding the : This is the only miracle written in all four Gospels. Using only loaves of bread and fish from a small boy, Jesus fed men (not including women and children). They sat in groups of , and baskets of leftovers were collected.
Healing the Blind Man (Two Stages): Jesus spit on the man's eyes and touched him. Initially, the man saw people who looked like "trees walking." After a second touch, his vision was fully restored.
The Sermon on the Mount and Parables
The Nature of Parables: These are earthly stories with heavenly meanings. Jesus used them to reveal truth to seekers and conceal it from those who were indifferent. They utilize common metaphors (vineyards, yeast, jewelry, money) that remain relatable even after years.
The Sermon on the Mount: Regarded as the most famous sermon in history, delivered from a hill to the disciples and a following crowd. It presents a picture of life under God’s rule. IT’s about the kingdom of God and God’s fatherly desire for His creatures. The Sermon on the Mount is about Jesus because HE is presented as THE ONE who fully understands, reveals, models, and authoritatively teaches what God wants and how His coming Kingdom will look.
The Beatitudes (The Ideal Disciple):
Blessed are the poor in spirit: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn: For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: For they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Key Parables from the Sermon:
Lamp Under a Bowl: Represents the need to let one's light (the Gospel) shine to brighten others' lives.
The Speck and the Log: Teaches against hypocritical judgment; one must judge their own faults before attempting to help others.
Wise and Foolish Builders: Building a life/house on rock (God's way) versus building on sand (which falls to the storm).
Specific Historical and Biblical Context
The Death of John the Baptist: Herodias sought John's death because he declared it unlawful for her to marry King Herod (her ex-husband’s brother) while the ex-husband was still living. Her daughter danced for the King, who promised her up to half his kingdom; at Herodias's urging, she requested John's head on a platter.
The Transfiguration: On a mountain, Jesus' appearance changed to become as bright as the sun. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him about His departure in Jerusalem. Peter offered to build three shelters. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and God the Father said, "This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." This quote mirrored the declaration at Jesus' baptism.
Questions & Discussion
What authority did Jesus give the apostles? Jesus gave them the specific authority to drive out spirits and heal every disease.
Why did Herodias want John the Baptist beheaded? Because John stated it was unlawful for her to marry her ex-husband's brother while her ex-husband was still alive.
What is the significance of God's statement at the Transfiguration? God said, "This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased." This is significant because it is the exact same thing God said during Jesus' baptism.
What happened when Peter walked on water? Peter initially stepped onto the water successfully, but when he focused on the wind and the waves rather than Jesus, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus then calmed the storm once they reached the boat.
What is unique about the miracle of the Feeding of the ? It is the only miracle (aside from the Resurrection) recorded in all four Gospel accounts.
Additional expanded notes:
Unit 6 Study Guide: The Coming of Jesus (Gospels, Parables, & Ministry)
I. The Gospels and Their Authors
Gospel Definition: The word "Gospel" literally means "good news" (p. 1).
Matthew (Levi): A former tax collector who was shunned by both Romans and Jews (p. 3). He authored the longest Gospel (p. 1).
Mark: A companion who assisted Paul and Barnabas in their ministry for Christ before writing his Gospel (p. 1).
Luke: A master historian and the only Gentile to write a Gospel (p. 1). He was not a disciple himself (p. 1).
John: An original disciple who wrote a Gospel, authored five total books, and was called "the one whom Jesus loved" (p. 3).
Apostolic Authors: Out of the four Gospel writers, only Matthew and John were among the original twelve disciples (p. 1).
II. Discipleship & Apostleship
Disciple Definition: From the Latin word for "pupil" or "learner" (p. 4).
The Initial Call: When calling the first disciples, Jesus simply said, "Follow me" (pp. 1, 4).
Characteristics: The disciples were ordinary, weak, and unremarkable men (p. 4). Jesus knew beforehand they would disappoint, desert, deny, and betray Him (pp. 1, 4).
Ambassador: A disciple acts as an ambassador, which means representative (p. 4).
Apostle Definition: Literally means "one who was sent" on a mission (p. 4).
Apostolic Authority: Jesus granted them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease (pp. 2, 7).
III. The 12 Disciples Reference Chart
Jesus' Inner Circle: Peter, John, and James (p. 1). They were selected to witness major events like the Transfiguration (p. 2).
Simon (Peter): A fisherman renamed Peter who witnessed Jesus healing his mother-in-law (pp. 1, 3).
Andrew: A fisherman and brother to Peter; former disciple of John the Baptist (p. 3).
James & John (Sons of Zebedee): Fisherman brothers nicknamed the "Sons of Thunder" (pp. 1, 3).
Philip: A disciple of John the Baptist who went to find and tell Nathanael about Jesus (p. 3).
Bartholomew (Nathanael): Questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth (p. 3). Recognized Jesus as Messiah when Jesus revealed seeing him under the fig tree (pp. 1, 3).
Thomas: Nicknamed "Doubting Thomas" and "the Twin" (p. 3).
James (son of Alphaeus): Known as "Little James" (p. 3).
Thaddaeus: Also known as "Judas son of James" or "Judas (not Iscariot)" (p. 3).
Simon the Zealot: Radical political background before his call (p. 3).
Judas Iscariot: The disciple who became a traitor (p. 7).
IV. Miracles of Jesus
Core Purpose: Not meant to draw crowds or put on a show (pp. 1, 5). They were meant to do three things:
Show God's power (p. 5).
Show God's compassion (p. 5).
Foreshadow God's Kingdom upon earth (p. 5).
The Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law: Jesus touched her, her fever left, and she immediately began serving Jesus (pp. 1, 6).
The Leper: Jesus touched him and told him to go to the priest to be declared clean (pp. 2, 6).
The Paralytic: Lowered through a hole cut in a roof (p. 6). Jesus told him to take his mat and walk (p. 6).
The Pool of Bethesda: Jesus healed a man paralyzed for 38 years (p. 6). The Pharisees persecuted Jesus because it was done on the Sabbath (pp. 2, 6).
Jairus' Daughter: A 12-year-old girl was brought back to life (pp. 1, 6). Only Peter, John, James, and the parents were allowed inside (p. 6).
The Withered Hand: Healed inside the temple on the Sabbath (pp. 1, 6).
Walking on Water: Peter walked out to Jesus but began to sink when he saw the wind and was afraid (pp. 2, 9).
Feeding of the 5,000: The only miracle written about in all 4 gospels (pp. 2, 9). Fed 5,000 men (excluding women/children) with 5 loaves and 2 fish (p. 9). Left 12 baskets of leftovers (p. 9).
Blind Man (Twice): Jesus spit on his eyes (p. 10). The man first saw people looking like "trees walking" before being completely healed the second time (p. 10).
V. Sermon on the Mount & Parables
The Setting: Jesus walked up a hill, His disciples followed, and a large crowd gathered below (p. 7).
Purpose of Parables: Earthly stories with heavenly meanings used to reveal truth to seekers and conceal truth from the indifferent (p. 7).
The Beatitudes: Declarations of blessedness that outline the ideal disciple and promise rewards that are great in heaven (pp. 2, 7).
Parable Meanings:
Lamp Under a Bowl: You must let your light shine and brighten those around you with the Gospel (p. 8).
The Speck and the Log: Judge yourself and fix your own faults clearly before trying to judge or fix others (p. 8).
Wise and Foolish Builders: Build your life on the solid rock of God's way rather than shifting sand (p. 8).
VI. Key Historical Events
Death of John the Baptist: Imprisoned by King Herod because John said it was unlawful for Herod to marry Herodias (his brother's wife) (pp. 2, 9). Herodias' daughter danced for Herod, and he promised her up to half his kingdom (p. 9). She requested John the Baptist's head on a platter (p. 9).
The Transfiguration: Jesus' appearance changed to a bright light on a mountain (p. 10). The disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Him (pp. 2, 10). God the Father spoke from a bright cloud: "This is my son, with whom I am well pleased" (pp. 2, 10). This matched what God said at Jesus' baptism (p. 2).