Life of Christ Part Eight: The Later Judean Ministry of Christ

Life of ChristLife of Christ

Part Eight: The Later Judean Part Eight: The Later Judean Ministry of ChristMinistry of Christ

Overview of Christ’s Public Overview of Christ’s Public MinistryMinistry

Birt

h

First Year

OPENINGEVENTS

4 months

Joh

n in

trod

uces

Jesu

s

EARLYMINISTRIES

OBSCURITY(VANISHING)

Largely in Judea

8 months

POPULARITY(DECLINING)

Jesu

s re

turn

s to

G

alile

e

Jesu

s a

pp

oin

ts th

e

Tw

elv

e

4 mos. 10 mos.

Galilee

Second Year

PRIVATEPREPARATION

Around Galilee

6 months

To T

yre

an

d

Sid

on

CONCLUDINGMINISTRIES

3 Mos. 3 Mos.

OPPOSITION(INCREASING)

Third Year

Judea Perea

Tab

ern

acle

s

PUBLICPRESENTATION

Ded

icatio

n

Geography of Geography of Life of ChristLife of Christ

Key Regions:

Judea

Galilee

Decapolis

Perea

Samaria

Jerusalem

3 months

. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?)

Teaching at the Feast of Teaching at the Feast of TabernaclesTabernacles

Mixed reaction to Jesus’ teaching and miracles (John 7:11-31)Mixed reaction to Jesus’ teaching and miracles (John 7:11-31) Jesus is back in Jerusalem, the home ground of his strongest Jesus is back in Jerusalem, the home ground of his strongest

enemies. This 3 month period will end with the Feast of Dedication, a enemies. This 3 month period will end with the Feast of Dedication, a period in which conclusions are reached regarded some controversial period in which conclusions are reached regarded some controversial issues. Two specific issues dominated the discussion here:issues. Two specific issues dominated the discussion here:

the source of Jesus’ earthly ministry (7:15-24)the source of Jesus’ earthly ministry (7:15-24) His possible identity as the Messiah (7:25-31)His possible identity as the Messiah (7:25-31)

Frustrated attempt to arrest Jesus (John 7:32-52)Frustrated attempt to arrest Jesus (John 7:32-52) The Feast of Tabernacles included a daily libation of water to The Feast of Tabernacles included a daily libation of water to

commemorate the miraculous supply of water during Israel’s commemorate the miraculous supply of water during Israel’s wilderness wanderings. It also pointed to a future blessing for Israel wilderness wanderings. It also pointed to a future blessing for Israel through her prophets (Ezek 47:1, 12; Joel 3:18). Jesus claimed the through her prophets (Ezek 47:1, 12; Joel 3:18). Jesus claimed the ability to fulfill this promise, though that fulfillment would not come ability to fulfill this promise, though that fulfillment would not come until Jesus departed and sent the Holy Spirit (John 7:39).until Jesus departed and sent the Holy Spirit (John 7:39).

[Jesus’ forgiveness of an adulteress (John 7:53 – 8:11)][Jesus’ forgiveness of an adulteress (John 7:53 – 8:11)] This section probably records a historic incident in the life of Christ, This section probably records a historic incident in the life of Christ,

but one preserved by Christian tradition rather than Scripture.but one preserved by Christian tradition rather than Scripture. Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world (John 8:12-Conflict over Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world (John 8:12-

20)20) The probable allusion here is to the golden candelabrum which was The probable allusion here is to the golden candelabrum which was

lit on the first night of the Feast of Tabernacles, which lit on the first night of the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the Shekinah glory that guided the Israelites through commemorated the Shekinah glory that guided the Israelites through the wilderness.the wilderness.

Teaching at the Feast of Teaching at the Feast of TabernaclesTabernacles

Invitation to believe in Jesus (John 8:21-30)Invitation to believe in Jesus (John 8:21-30) Jesus challenge to the crowd to believe in Himself Jesus challenge to the crowd to believe in Himself

as the Messiah was believed by “many” (John as the Messiah was believed by “many” (John 8:30). There is little doubt that others were not so 8:30). There is little doubt that others were not so receptive.receptive.

Relationship to Abraham and attempted Relationship to Abraham and attempted stoning (John 8:31-59)stoning (John 8:31-59) ““Believed” Him (8:31) is not as strong as “believed Believed” Him (8:31) is not as strong as “believed

in Him” (8:30). In this section Jesus is addressing in Him” (8:30). In this section Jesus is addressing those who see the plausibility of His messianic those who see the plausibility of His messianic claims without being fully committed to Him.claims without being fully committed to Him.

The Jews claimed an inheritance of freedom The Jews claimed an inheritance of freedom through Abraham, contradicting Jesus’ claim that through Abraham, contradicting Jesus’ claim that they could only be free (from sin) if they abided in they could only be free (from sin) if they abided in His word.His word.

Jesus claim of “I am” in John 8:58 is tied to the Jesus claim of “I am” in John 8:58 is tied to the name of God (Exod 3:15). The Jews understood this name of God (Exod 3:15). The Jews understood this and attempted to stone Him for blasphemy.and attempted to stone Him for blasphemy.

Private Lessons on Loving Private Lessons on Loving Service and PrayerService and Prayer

Commissioning of the seventy (Luke 10:1-16)Commissioning of the seventy (Luke 10:1-16) Similar to Moses’ appointment of seventy elders to help Similar to Moses’ appointment of seventy elders to help

him, Jesus appointed a like number to expedite His him, Jesus appointed a like number to expedite His ministry in the time He had remaining. These were sent ministry in the time He had remaining. These were sent ahead of Jesus to either Perea or Judea to prepare for His ahead of Jesus to either Perea or Judea to prepare for His visit to their cities.visit to their cities.

Their message is still about the nearness of the Their message is still about the nearness of the kingdom. Their widespread ministry served to prepare kingdom. Their widespread ministry served to prepare Israel for the official presentation of her Messiah in the Israel for the official presentation of her Messiah in the triumphal entry some 6 months away.triumphal entry some 6 months away.

Return of the seventy (Luke 10:17-24)Return of the seventy (Luke 10:17-24) It is likely that different ones of the seventy would have It is likely that different ones of the seventy would have

met Jesus as he came into the cities where they were. met Jesus as he came into the cities where they were. This dialogue takes place later, after the seventy had This dialogue takes place later, after the seventy had returned to the place from which Jesus had sent them.returned to the place from which Jesus had sent them.

Story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)Story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) With the story, Jesus corrects the lawyer’s question from With the story, Jesus corrects the lawyer’s question from

“Who is my neighbor?” to “To whom do I prove myself to “Who is my neighbor?” to “To whom do I prove myself to be a neighbor?” The correct answer is “Whoever is in be a neighbor?” The correct answer is “Whoever is in need.” Love, not place, dictates neighborhood.need.” Love, not place, dictates neighborhood.

Private Lessons on Loving Private Lessons on Loving Service and PrayerService and Prayer

Jesus’ visit with Mary and Martha (Luke Jesus’ visit with Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)10:38-42) Mary was characterized by a life of worship and Mary was characterized by a life of worship and

meditation, Martha by a life of activity and meditation, Martha by a life of activity and service. Both are legitimate; Martha’s error was service. Both are legitimate; Martha’s error was to allow anxiety to intervene and spoil what to allow anxiety to intervene and spoil what otherwise was a necessary service.otherwise was a necessary service.

Lesson on how to pray and parable of the Lesson on how to pray and parable of the importunate friend (Luke 11:1-13)importunate friend (Luke 11:1-13) The ideas of earnestness and urgency are The ideas of earnestness and urgency are

found in the word “persistence” (v. 8). In the found in the word “persistence” (v. 8). In the case of God, as with the inconvenienced friend, case of God, as with the inconvenienced friend, it is the shamelessness of the asker who is so it is the shamelessness of the asker who is so motivated that results in the answered motivated that results in the answered request.request.

Second Debate with the Second Debate with the Scribes and PhariseesScribes and Pharisees

A third blasphemous accusation and a second debate (Luke A third blasphemous accusation and a second debate (Luke 11:14-36)11:14-36) The same accusation was made about a year ago during a The same accusation was made about a year ago during a

similar debate (Matt 12:22-37). Jesus used the same three similar debate (Matt 12:22-37). Jesus used the same three arguments that He had used on the earlier occasion.arguments that He had used on the earlier occasion.

Woes against scribes and Pharisees while eating with a Woes against scribes and Pharisees while eating with a Pharisee (Luke 11:37-54)Pharisee (Luke 11:37-54) Though the formal decision to destroy Jesus had not yet been Though the formal decision to destroy Jesus had not yet been

reached (John 11:51), the members of the Sanhedrin were reached (John 11:51), the members of the Sanhedrin were clearly out to get Jesus. Thus the scribes and Pharisees had clearly out to get Jesus. Thus the scribes and Pharisees had one of their members invite Him to a meal, so as to find some one of their members invite Him to a meal, so as to find some charge against Him.charge against Him.

Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees (vv. 39-44) and the Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees (vv. 39-44) and the lawyers or scribes (vv. 45-51) was climaxed when He charged lawyers or scribes (vv. 45-51) was climaxed when He charged the lawyers with taking away the key of knowledge: the Old the lawyers with taking away the key of knowledge: the Old Testament. The religious leaders had hidden its true meaning Testament. The religious leaders had hidden its true meaning from the people with their erroneous interpretations and man-from the people with their erroneous interpretations and man-made traditions.made traditions.

Warning the disciples about hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-12)Warning the disciples about hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-12) Though this warning was directed at the disciples, it comes in Though this warning was directed at the disciples, it comes in

the presence of a large crowd, many of whom were hostile the presence of a large crowd, many of whom were hostile towards Jesus.towards Jesus.


Warning about greed and trust in wealth Warning about greed and trust in wealth (Luke 12:13-34)(Luke 12:13-34) The request in v. 13 reflected the tendency of The request in v. 13 reflected the tendency of

the Pharisees toward greed, a subject with the Pharisees toward greed, a subject with which Jesus had dealt earlier (Matt 6:19-24).which Jesus had dealt earlier (Matt 6:19-24).

Warning against being unprepared for the Warning against being unprepared for the Son of Man’s coming (Luke 12:35-48)Son of Man’s coming (Luke 12:35-48) A state of constant readiness for the coming A state of constant readiness for the coming

Kingdom is the only way to avoid future Kingdom is the only way to avoid future punishment.punishment.

Warning against the coming division (Luke Warning against the coming division (Luke 12:49-53)12:49-53) Where there was refusal to meet Jesus’ terms of Where there was refusal to meet Jesus’ terms of

inner purity, division was bound to result, even inner purity, division was bound to result, even within the same household.within the same household.


Warning against the failing to discern the present Warning against the failing to discern the present time (Luke 12:54-59)time (Luke 12:54-59) ““This present time” (v. 56) was a period mainly This present time” (v. 56) was a period mainly

characterized by the nearness of the kingdom. The signs characterized by the nearness of the kingdom. The signs of the times should have been as obvious as the weather of the times should have been as obvious as the weather signs. Yet Jesus’ enemies pretended not to notice them, signs. Yet Jesus’ enemies pretended not to notice them, just as they ignored the clear evidence that Jesus was the just as they ignored the clear evidence that Jesus was the Messiah.Messiah.

Two alternatives: repent or perish (Luke 13:1-9)Two alternatives: repent or perish (Luke 13:1-9) The false notion that a person’s extreme sinfulness was The false notion that a person’s extreme sinfulness was

always to blame for great calamity was rejected by Jesus. always to blame for great calamity was rejected by Jesus. Yet it was true that the suffering of a whole nation might Yet it was true that the suffering of a whole nation might result from that nation’s sin. Christ foresaw the result from that nation’s sin. Christ foresaw the approaching judgment of Israel and warned them of the approaching judgment of Israel and warned them of the consequences if they failed to repent.consequences if they failed to repent.

The parable of the fig tree represents Israel’s lack of The parable of the fig tree represents Israel’s lack of spiritual fruit.spiritual fruit.

Opposition from a synagogue official for healing a Opposition from a synagogue official for healing a woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-21)woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-21) The “Therefore” of v. 18 connects the two following The “Therefore” of v. 18 connects the two following

parables with what precedes.parables with what precedes.

Teaching at the Feast of Teaching at the Feast of DedicationDedication

Healing of a man born blind (John 9:1-7)Healing of a man born blind (John 9:1-7) At this point (v. 11) the man knows little of who Jesus is. As At this point (v. 11) the man knows little of who Jesus is. As

events unfold, his appreciation of Jesus grows rapidly: he events unfold, his appreciation of Jesus grows rapidly: he recognizes him as a prophet (v. 17), becomes His disciple recognizes him as a prophet (v. 17), becomes His disciple (vv. 27-28), acknowledges that He is from God (v. 33), then (vv. 27-28), acknowledges that He is from God (v. 33), then finally accepts Him as the Son of Man (vv. 35, 38).finally accepts Him as the Son of Man (vv. 35, 38).

Reaction of the blind man’s neighbors (John 9:8-12)Reaction of the blind man’s neighbors (John 9:8-12) Some recognize the beggar as healed, others refused to Some recognize the beggar as healed, others refused to

believe it.believe it. Examination and excommunication of the blind man Examination and excommunication of the blind man

by the Pharisees (John 9:13-34)by the Pharisees (John 9:13-34) As opposed to the healed man, the Pharisees regress in As opposed to the healed man, the Pharisees regress in

their recognition of Jesus. They say He is not from God (v. their recognition of Jesus. They say He is not from God (v. 16), question His miracle (v. 18), call Him a sinner (v. 24), 16), question His miracle (v. 18), call Him a sinner (v. 24), then finally acknowledge their ignorance of who He is (v. then finally acknowledge their ignorance of who He is (v. 29).29).

The excommunication feared by the parents is executed The excommunication feared by the parents is executed upon the man because of His tenacious defense of Jesus.upon the man because of His tenacious defense of Jesus.


Jesus identification of Himself to the blind Jesus identification of Himself to the blind man (John 9:35-38)man (John 9:35-38) The man believes and worships Jesus as the The man believes and worships Jesus as the

Son of Man, a worship that is due to God alone.Son of Man, a worship that is due to God alone. Spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (John Spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (John

9:39-41)9:39-41) If the Pharisees had been willing to admit their If the Pharisees had been willing to admit their

spiritual blindness, they would have yearned spiritual blindness, they would have yearned for spiritual light and could have been forgiven. for spiritual light and could have been forgiven. However, they were fully persuaded that they However, they were fully persuaded that they were right in their rejection.were right in their rejection.


Allegory of the Good Shepherd and the thief (John 10:1-18)Allegory of the Good Shepherd and the thief (John 10:1-18) The occasion for this allegory was furnished by the The occasion for this allegory was furnished by the

excommunication of the healed man.excommunication of the healed man. The healed man is one of the sheep of Israel.The healed man is one of the sheep of Israel. The Pharisees are identified as thieves, strangers, and hirelings.The Pharisees are identified as thieves, strangers, and hirelings. The fold is Judaism of Christ’s day from which He led the godly The fold is Judaism of Christ’s day from which He led the godly

remnant.remnant. Other sheep are those of the Gentile world, eventually to be united Other sheep are those of the Gentile world, eventually to be united

in one flock.in one flock. Jesus is both the door of access for the flock and their good Jesus is both the door of access for the flock and their good

shepherd.shepherd. Further division among the Jews (John 10:19-21)Further division among the Jews (John 10:19-21)

Jesus’ function as a divider of men was evident.Jesus’ function as a divider of men was evident. Another attempt to stone or arrest Jesus for blasphemy Another attempt to stone or arrest Jesus for blasphemy

(John 10:22-39)(John 10:22-39) The heart of the whole dispute was whether Jesus was Israel’s The heart of the whole dispute was whether Jesus was Israel’s

promised Messiah. As proof that He was, Jesus offered His promised Messiah. As proof that He was, Jesus offered His works (v. 25), His impartation of eternal life to His sheep (v. works (v. 25), His impartation of eternal life to His sheep (v. 28), and, climactically, His unity with the Father (v. 30).28), and, climactically, His unity with the Father (v. 30).

Such a claim was more than His enemies could bear, so they Such a claim was more than His enemies could bear, so they sought to stone Him and arrest Him, both unsuccessfully.sought to stone Him and arrest Him, both unsuccessfully.

Next Week: Part Nine: The Next Week: Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and Ministry of Christ in and

around Pereaaround Perea

Documents

Life of Christ Part Eight: The Later Judean Ministry of Christ