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The Ministry of Jesus

The later stages of Galilean Ministry

The synoptic gospels continue to deal with Jesus ministry topically at this time - and that is the simplest way for us to follow: Parables Mk 4:1-34 Miracles Mk 4:34-6:6, 6:30-56 Sending out the 12 will be discussed afterwards and the death of JTB has already been dealt with Withdrawal from Galilee Mk 7:1-9:50 critique of Jewish traditions (going north and east) and then brief return before the journey to Jerusalem

Parables

Parables
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why did he use parables?

Parables
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why did he use parables? If you were reaching people (on a local level, forget the internet, tv etc.) today what would you use, how would you speak?

Parables
Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why did he use parables? If you were reaching people (on a local level, forget the internet, tv etc.) today what would you use, how would you speak? What is your favourite parable - why?

The Greek word from which we get parable means to throw alongside - giving us an idea that a parable has two meanings one of which might be symbolic or analogical - in simplicity a story with two meanings. Whilst it is not the object of this course to talk about parables and Jesus use of them we should note that historically Christians have approached parables in differing ways.

Augustine famously said the Good Samaritan was the story of Adam who left the heavenly city and was attacked by satan - the Law and the prophets were unable to save him, but Christ, the Samaritan, did rescue him and took him to the church for safekeeping until he returned. Blomberg suggests the problem with this is that it neglects the question, Who is my neighbour?

A movement led by Julicher at the end of the 19th cent. brought this allegorical interpretation to an end and led people to see more that parables involved lifelike description of 1st century Palestine, had a point of application and illustrated truths about the KOG. In more recent times a movement has grown suggesting that there is some allegorical aspect to the parables and that parables do not necc. contain one central truth.

What is the following parable: what does it tell you?

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered round him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the waters edge.2He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. 9Then Jesus said, Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear. 10When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11He told them, The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12so that, they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!

13Then Jesus said to them,Dont you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?14The farmer sows the word. 15Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

18Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;19but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.

Parables in Mk 4, Matt. 13, Luke 8


The Sower - Mk 4:1-9, 13-21 - seen as a parable about parables the understanding of which will help you, in general, to understand Jesus teaching - Jesus does present things as allegorical v.13-21 - Gods word is seen as seed in other places e.g Ezra 9:30-33 - 3 soil types produce inadequate harvest - the farmer cares about the soil producing a good harvest

- all 4 responses are seen at other places in the gospels - a 100x harvest was exceptional - in spite of rejection Jesus promises fruitfulness So why did Jesus speak in parables? Mk 4:10-12, 21-25, 31-34 Insert 10-12 here So what does that mean? (For it sounds like Jesus is saying parables conceal not reveal truth)

Blomberg suggests we consider: 1. True spiritual understanding in the Bible is never simply in the mind but also in the will and actions unless you act as a disciple would you have no understanding 2. Parables (when understood) either attract or repel - so either their effect is to produce repentance or to drive people further from Jesus

3. Isa 6:9-10 is in the context of God pronouncing judgement yet at the end of the chapter there is still hope in a remnant reemerging. God never so exercises judgement in this life as to prevent anyone who wants to move from being an outsider to insider so doing Blomberg concludes by suggesting Jesus is now revealing secrets not previously understood about Gods plan for his people

- 24-25 suggests that those already out of touch with Gods plan will be more alienated - v33 for those open to Jesus a new way of discipleship and understanding follows

Pop quiz

Pop quiz

Place the following 10 events from the life of Jesus Christ in the correct order
Clearing of the Temple Jesus and Nicodemus Rejection at Nazareth Jesus Walks on Water Temptation of Jesus Raising of Lazarus Crucifixion Water into Wine The Woman at the Well John Baptizes Jesus
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24

1. John Baptizes Jesus

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1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus

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1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine

24

1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple

24

1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus

24

1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus 6. The Woman at the Well

24

1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus 6. The Woman at the Well 7. Rejection at Nazareth

24

1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus 6. The Woman at the Well 7. Rejection at Nazareth 8. Jesus Walks on Water

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1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus 6. The Woman at the Well 7. Rejection at Nazareth 8. Jesus Walks on Water 9. Raising of Lazarus
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1. John Baptizes Jesus 2. Temptation of Jesus 3. Jesus Turns Water into Wine 4. Clearing of the Temple 5. Jesus and Nicodemus 6. The Woman at the Well 7. Rejection at Nazareth 8. Jesus Walks on Water 9. Raising of Lazarus 10.Crucixion
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What are the following parables what do they tell you?

He also said, This is what the The parable of the seed growing kingdom of 4:26-29 God is like. A man secretly Mk scatters seed on the ground. - 2 elements, the farmer, the seed 27 Night day, whether - farmer is and always uncertain of he the harvest - it depends nature sleeps or gets up, the on seed the good seed guarantees a he sprouts and grows, though harvest due to the sovereignty of does not know how. 28All by God itself the soil produces corn France, Despite appearances to rst the stalk, then the ear, the contrary, [the kingdom of God then the full grain in the ear. is growing], and the harvest will 29 AsIt soon as the ripe, come. will come incorn Godsis time and in Gods not by human he puts the way, sickle to it, effort or in accordance because the harvest with has human come. logic

The parable of the seed growing secretly Mk 4:26-29 - 2 elements, the farmer, the seed - farmer is always uncertain of the harvest - it depends on nature - the good seed guarantees a harvest due to the sovereignty of God France, Despite appearances to the contrary, [the kingdom of God is growing], and the harvest will come. It will come in Gods time and in Gods way, not by human effort or in accordance with human logic

What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or The mustard seed and the yeast Mk 4:30-32 what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is Both these contrast the idea of smallest great results like aof mustard seed, which is the of all from beginnings seedssmall on earth. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of could all garden plants, - some say a mustard seed become only a with such big branches thatcase the birds can perch medium sized bush, in that the result here in its shade. is amazing growth, it becomes a tree! 33 With many similar Jesus spoke - considering the initialparables group of followers that the word to them, as much as they could Jesus had we can see amazing results there too understand.34He did not say anything to them - although yeast is not seen favorably in some without using a parable. But when he was alone instances e.g. Passover it seems here it is with his own disciples, he explained everything.

What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or The mustard seed and the yeast Mk 4:30-32 what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is Both these contrast the idea of smallest great results like aof mustard seed, which is the of all from beginnings seedssmall on earth. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of could all garden plants, - some say a mustard seed become only a with such big branches thatcase the birds can perch medium sized bush, in that the result here in its shade. is amazing growth, it becomes a tree! 33 With many similar Jesus spoke - considering the initialparables group of followers that the word to them, as much as they could Jesus had we can see amazing results there too understand.34He did not say anything to them - although yeast is not seen favorably in some without using a parable. But when he was alone instances e.g. Passover it seems here it is with his own disciples, he explained everything.

The mustard seed and the yeast Mk 4:30-32 Both of these contrast the idea of great results from small beginnings - some say a mustard seed could become only a medium sized bush, in that case the result here is amazing growth, it becomes a tree! - considering the initial group of followers that Jesus had we can see amazing results there too - although yeast is not seen favorably in some instances e.g. Passover it seems here it is

The parable of the weeds and the net - Matt 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50 47Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net the that weeds was parable let down also into has the a long lake explanation and caught (cf kinds all sower) of sh.48When it was full, the shermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they - God and satan are opponents with farmer, seed sat and collected thefor good sh in baskets, anddown weeds being the focus a while but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be - initially the weeds seem to be winning at the end of the age. The angels will come and then thethe wheat survives grows separate wicked from and the righteous50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where - on judgement day all will be sorted out properly there will be and gnashing ofbad teeth. - similarly in weeping the net we see good and sh as well as shers (angels)

The parable of the weeds and the net - Matt 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50 47Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net the that weeds was parable let down also into has the a long lake explanation and caught (cf kinds all sower) of sh.48When it was full, the shermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they - God and satan are opponents with farmer, seed sat and collected thefor good sh in baskets, anddown weeds being the focus a while but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be - initially the weeds seem to be winning at the end of the age. The angels will come and then thethe wheat survives grows separate wicked from and the righteous50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where - on judgement day all will be sorted out properly there will be and gnashing ofbad teeth. - similarly in weeping the net we see good and sh as well as shers (angels)

The parable of the weeds and the net - Matt 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50 - the weeds parable also has a long explanation (cf sower) - God and satan are opponents with farmer, seed and weeds being the focus for a while - initially the weeds seem to be winning - then the wheat survives and grows - on judgement day all will be sorted out properly - similarly in the net we see good and bad sh as well as shers (angels)

Matthew also includes parables not found in Mark Treasure and pearl 13:44-46 - twin parables of mustard seed and yeast - make one point in different ways, the value of the kingdom or the need to sacrice all to obtain it The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a eld. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that eld. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for ne pearls.46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Matthew also includes parables not found in Mark Treasure and pearl 13:44-46 - twin parables of mustard seed and yeast - make one point in different ways, the value of the kingdom or the need to sacrice all to obtain it

51Have you understood all these things? Jesus New and old asked. treasures (the Yes, they replied. scribe trained for 52He said to the kingdom) them,Therefore 13:51-52 every teacher of the - discerning law who has become followers of Jesus a disciple in the will distinguish kingdom of heaven both the continuity is like the owner of a and discontinuity house who brings with the OT law out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.

New and old treasures (the scribe trained for the kingdom) 13:51-52 - discerning followers of Jesus will distinguish both the continuity and discontinuity with the OT law

36When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisees house and reclined at the table. 37A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisees house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is that she is a sinner.

40Jesus answered him,Simon, I have something to tell you. Tell me, teacher, he said. 41Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him ve hundred denarii,[c] and the other fty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more? 43Simon replied, I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven. You have judged correctly,Jesus said. 44Then he turned towards the woman and said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I came into your house.

You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. 48Then Jesus said to her,Your sins are forgiven. 49The other guests began to say among themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins? 50Jesus said to the woman,Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

One other parable is found in Luke 7:36-8:3 Jesus is found at the home of Simon, a Pharisee and is the subject of attention for a woman (sinner v37) who weeps, wets his feet with her tears, kisses his feet, wipes them with her hair and nally anoints his feet with expensive oil - Jesus tells a parable of two debtors owing differing amounts and asks who will be more grateful - the obvious answer, the one who is forgiven more

Luke then follows on by talking of the women who accompanied Jesus - 8:1-3 - they had been healed of inrmities and delivered of evil spirits - Cuzas wife would have been wellto-do (we do not know about the others) - travelling like this would have been unusual / scandalous in the ancient world - there is no sign they were treated in the same way as the 12, though at the same time not treated in any way inappropriately

Luke then follows on by talking of the women who accompanied Jesus - 8:1-3 they had been healed of April Elena Cuza (June 17, 1825 inrmities and delivered of evil 2, 1909), also known under her spirits semi-ofcial Elena Doamna, - Cuzas wife title would have been wellwas a(we Moldavian-born Romanian to-do do not know about the others) noble woman and philanthropist. travelling like this wouldof have She was princess consort the been unusual / scandalous in the United Principalities and the wife ancient world of Alexander John Cuza. - there is no sign they were treated in the same way as the 12, though at the same time not treated in any way inappropriately

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