202, Life of Christ, section 9 Judean Ministry

Section 9Jesus’ Judean Ministry

Friday, 4 October 13

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem so the synoptics converge again in their accounts for this final phase of the life of Jesus.Here we shall look at Jesus’ teaching en route to Jerusalem, including speaking to his own disciples


As Jesus approaches Jerusalem so the synoptics converge again in their accounts for this final phase of the life of Jesus.Here we shall look at Jesus’ teaching en route to Jerusalem, including speaking to his own disciples


On the road to JerusalemMk 10, Jn 11:55-12:11

These events of Mark 10 seem to be chronological order - it is mainly;- teaching material- reveals a number of ‘traps’ as Jesus is engaged in conversation- sees Jesus talking about the demands of discipleship- a concern to reverse patterns of privilege re:powerful males and the sick, women, children, poor


Teaching on divorceMk 10:1-12Dt 24:1 - If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house,Was this about sexual infidelity or more wider issues?

What do you think the Bible teaches about divorce - is it allowed, in what circumstances?




Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’3 ‘What did Moses command you?’ he replied.4 They said, ‘Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.’5 ‘It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,’Jesus replied. 6 ‘But at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female”.[a]


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24595a

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24595a



7 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b] 8 and the two will become one flesh.”[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh.9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.11 He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.’


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24596b

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24596b

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24597c

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=dt%2024:1;mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24597c






Jesus is very conservative here - in Mark divorce is not allowed and in Matt only for adultery.The Pharisees demanded divorce whichever way you agreed to read/interpret this verse.Both Mk/Matt emphasise lifelong faithfulness to marriage vows.


Blomberg explains some principles about marriage:1. God’s primary intention for marriage is no separation of any kind2. Jesus put husband and wife’s rights (and sins) on an equal level Matt 19:10-123. Christians who do not marry should never be treated as second class citizens (Catholics value celibacy, Protestants do not!)


4. 1 Cor 7 adds further teaching - does 15-17 allow divorce if desertion by an unbeliever takes place?5. There needs in all situations to be a balance of compassion and kindness - is there sorrow for sin and true repentance? Is divorce treated as an unforgivable sin or can a person be restored and used in the kog?


Jesus blesses the childrenMk 10:13-16Children seem to be a natural follow on after talking about marriage- often people would ask rabbis to bless children- some people (like the disciples) had a low view of children- Jesus pronounces you must become like a child to enter the kog

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them,‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.


Jesus blesses the childrenMk 10:13-16Children seem to be a natural follow on after talking about marriage- often people would ask rabbis to bless children- some people (like the disciples) had a low view of children- Jesus pronounces you must become like a child to enter the kog


- childishness is not commended- total dependence upon God (an adult) is required- could this be used to promote infant baptism or dedication?


As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’18 ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good – except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.”[d]’20 ‘Teacher,’ he declared, ‘all these I have kept since I was a boy.’21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said.


As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’18 ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good – except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.”[d]’20 ‘Teacher,’ he declared, ‘all these I have kept since I was a boy.’21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said.


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24608d

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24608d

‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.23 Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, ‘Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, ‘Who then can be saved?’


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24613e

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mk%2010&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-24613e

27 Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’28 Then Peter spoke up, ‘We have left everything to follow you!’29 ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – along with persecutions – and in the age to come eternal life.31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’


The rich (in general) and a young ruler (in particular)Mk 10:17-31- called a “ruler” in Lk 18:18- he wants eternal life and asks how to “get it” (does that reflect a mindset that anything could be bought?)- Jesus wonders why he calls him good (isn’t it obvious?)- he quotes key commandments- still the man feels he lacks- Jesus points to his wealth / possessions and says to sell



Does Jesus call all disciples to do this?




- no other such command in the Bible




- no other such command in the Bible- Luke follows on with Zacchaeus 19:1ff who voluntarily gives half of his wealth to the poor and promises to restore 4X to anyone who he has cheated




- no other such command in the Bible- Luke follows on with Zacchaeus 19:1ff who voluntarily gives half of his wealth to the poor and promises to restore 4X to anyone who he has cheated- rabbinic law normally discouraged someone from giving away more than 20% of their wealth


- Jesus then teaches about rich people entering the kog- the camel was the largest animal living locally - the needle the smallest common opening - the disciples see the impossibility of this


- Jesus then teaches about rich people entering the kog- the camel was the largest animal living locally - the needle the smallest common opening - the disciples see the impossibility of this


- the OT seems to declare riches are a blessing from God, so how then can anyone be saved?- Jesus makes sure they realise salvation is all of God- Jesus promises 100X blessing to those who have followed him - assuming the persecutions are literal shouldn’t we think the other blessings are too?


The labourers in the vineyardMatt 20:1-16- added by Matthew- shows that all disciples are equal (no privilege in the KOG)- we learn from those hired 1st that God treats no one unfairly- from those hired last we see God treats some people very generously- from 16 ‘So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ - there is no inequality in kog


Jesus again predicts his deathMark 10:32-45- the context is of leadership equating to servanthood- the most detail of death given by Jesus 32-34- in that light the disciples after the request of James and John, argue over their status- Jesus shows selfless service to be the way to lead, in contrast to the ways of the world- v45 makes clear the vicarious atoning nature of the death Jesus will suffer

32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 ‘We are going up to Jerusalem,’ he said, ‘and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.’


Jesus again predicts his deathMark 10:32-45- the context is of leadership equating to servanthood- the most detail of death given by Jesus 32-34- in that light the disciples after the request of James and John, argue over their status- Jesus shows selfless service to be the way to lead, in contrast to the ways of the world- v45 makes clear the vicarious atoning nature of the death Jesus will suffer


Healing BartimaeusMk 10:46ff- final full-fledged healing in the Gospels- Messiah = Son of David- again faith is the source of healing (sp and phys healing)- previously those healed had been told to go and tell no one- now the response is to follow - Jesus is on course for the cross

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’49 Jesus stopped and said,‘Call him.’So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.51 ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him.The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’52 ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.Friday, 4 October 13

Healing BartimaeusMk 10:46ff- final full-fledged healing in the Gospels- Messiah = Son of David- again faith is the source of healing (sp and phys healing)- previously those healed had been told to go and tell no one- now the response is to follow - Jesus is on course for the cross


Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.[a]’


http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jn%2012&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-26586a

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jn%2012&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-26586a

6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.7 ‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you,[b] but you will not always have me.’9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.Friday, 4 October 13

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jn%2012&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-26589b

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jn%2012&version=ESVUK;MSG;NLT;NIVUK;MOUNCE#fen-NIVUK-26589b

Anointing in BethanyMk 14:3-9- John is most explicit here 11:55-12:11- takes place on the Saturday before palm Sunday- Matt and Mk rearrange here due to the symbolism of preparing Jesus for his burial- 14:1-2 Jewish leaders plan to arrest Jesus- 14:10-11 Judas agrees to betray him






-the perfume was worth about one years wages- Judas complains (but he was stealing money)- Jesus accepts the generosity even though it is lavish- he says the poor will always be there - which is no excuse for inactivity to help them- it was not uncommon to be lavish in expenditure at a funeral- Dt 15:11


Jesus in JerusalemThe final days of public ministry Mk 11,12

- Jesus arrives in Jerusalem- expectation and conflict reach fever pitch- dramatic days with dramatic activity























http://www.bigbookmedia.com

http://www.bigbookmedia.com


Actions of judgementMk 11:1-26- triumphal entry 11:1-10 - Palm Sunday- Jesus acting out Zech 9:9Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious,lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.- the donkey is taken as a king would and is unridden and pure, suitable for Jesus purpose


Actions of judgementMk 11:1-26- triumphal entry 11:1-10 - Palm Sunday- Jesus acting out Zech 9:9Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious,lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.- the donkey is taken as a king would and is unridden and pure, suitable for Jesus purpose


- probably many of those greeting Jesus would have been pilgrims from Galilee

- they line the road with clothes and palm branches

- Hosanna is Heb for “God save us” - Ps 118:25-26 which was commonly sung when ascending the temple mount

- the donkey is an animal of peace and humility

- if Jesus was coming for war he would have been on a horse

- the people do not understand this


- probably many of those greeting Jesus would have been pilgrims from Galilee

- they line the road with clothes and palm branches

- Hosanna is Heb for “God save us” - Ps 118:25-26 which was commonly sung when ascending the temple mount

- the donkey is an animal of peace and humility

- if Jesus was coming for war he would have been on a horse

- the people do not understand this


- Luke is powerful in recording that Jesus declares Jerusalem’s lack of acknowledgement of their king and of the destruction that will come as a result of it 19:41ff- perhaps in this light it is not surprising that in 5 days some of those welcoming Jesus will be crying for his crucifixion- John again emphasises hat the disciples did not really understand what was going on 12:16


- this is in the context of 12:23-50 where Jesus speaks of his glorification, but these words could have been anytime from Sunday through to Thursday

- the Greeks want to speak to Jesus 12:21, an action that sparks, in Jesus, a recognition of the time

- Jesus now declares his time has come 2:4, 7:30, 8:20 cf 12:23, 13:1, 17:1


- the voice of God is heard affirming Jesus in Jn 12:27-30 ‘Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!’Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.Jesus said, ‘This voice was for your benefit, not mine.


The withered fig treeMk 11:12-14, 20-25- Jesus enters Jerusalem it is an anticlimax as he goes to the Temple, looks around, and does nothing- stays in Bethany overnight and then goes to the Temple again- on the way he sees a fig tree with leaves but no fruit and curses it - by the next day it is withered- this is symbolic of the doom of the jewish nation if it did not repent





- the disciples are amazed- Jesus teaches them about faith (again!)- Blomberg argues here that the idea of casting a mountain into the sea is meant specifically about the Mount of Olives or Zion (The Temple Mount)- he suggests that based on Zech 14:4 it is more likely that Jesus is declaring a new world order, replacing the temple, is imminent and they should trust his promises


Clearing the templeMk 11:15-19- Blomberg suggests at this stage it is not cleansing but clearing the temple- it is too late in Jesus’ ministry for any real change to be brought about- it is a catalyst for those plotting his death Mk 11:18, Lk 19:47f- again there is a strong element of prophetic symbolism



- the temple will not fall until 70AD- but the sacrificial system is about to be superseded in just a few days- then only in Jesus will forgiveness of sins be available- the ‘last’ words of Jesus in the temple are significant, Matt 23:38 Look, your house is left to you desolate.



- the temple will not fall until 70AD- but the sacrificial system is about to be superseded in just a few days- then only in Jesus will forgiveness of sins be available- the ‘last’ words of Jesus in the temple are significant, Matt 23:38 Look, your house is left to you desolate.


Teaching in the templeMk 11:27-12:44Tuesday morning- faces a series of questions from Jewish leaders trying to get Jesus to incriminate himself- in Mk the 4 questions relate directly to 4 aspects of the Passover liturgy- paying taxes, the resurrection, the greatest commandment, on being David’s son- arguably the answers given here show that Jesus is fulfilling the Passover


Questioning Jesus’ authorityMk 11:27-33- by whose authority did Jesus create the chaos the previous day?- Jesus uses a common rabbinic ploy and asks them a question (about JTB)- they cannot answer honestly in front of the people and so an impasse is reached- Jesus takes it further and then speaks the parable of the wicked tenants (which is directly about them, who have not acted in the way they should)


Paying taxes to CaesarMk 12:13-17- Pharisees resent paying taxes to Rome, Herodians like the status quo- Jesus appears to affirm both views- some say this is a good argument for keeping church and state (political and religious kingdoms) separate (some Baptists included)


Paying taxes to CaesarMk 12:13-17- Pharisees resent paying taxes to Rome, Herodians like the status quo- Jesus appears to affirm both views- some say this is a good argument for keeping church and state (political and religious kingdoms) separate (some Baptists included)

The resurrection Mk 12:18-27- Sadducees did not believe in resurrection from the dead (not in Law)- in an attempt to ridicule the idea they invent a preposterous story of a woman marrying 7 brothers, all of whom died- Jesus’ reply is simple, ‘Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?- no marriage in the age to come and resurrection is shown in the Torah


The Greatest commandmentMk 12:28-34- a lawyer asks about the law, how surprising!- Jesus’ answer is entirely orthodox- he also joins commandments 1 and 2 together, you must do them both- as a non-disciple of Jesus, the man cannot fulfill this (he is not far away though)- by loving God and neighbour you will then fulfill all the Torah


The Greatest commandmentMk 12:28-34- a lawyer asks about the law, how surprising!- Jesus’ answer is entirely orthodox- he also joins commandments 1 and 2 together, you must do them both- as a non-disciple of Jesus, the man cannot fulfill this (he is not far away though)- by loving God and neighbour you will then fulfill all the Torah

The questions about David’s son Mk 12:35-37-having silenced the questioners Jesus turns the tables on them- how do they see the Messiah as a human, royal, nationalist descendant of David?- Ps 110 (most quoted Ps in NT) was believed to be Davidic- 2 ‘Lords’ - Yahweh and another- there is no human master higher than David so who is the other lord? It must be the messiah


Jesus attacks the Jewish leadersMatthew 23- strong words against the pharisees and scribes- Jesus is not attacking all Jews, simply denouncing leaders, like much OT prophecy- 2-3 Jesus announces even these leaders should be followed as they teach the Torah, but points out their inconsistencies


Jesus attacks the Jewish leadersMatthew 23- strong words against the pharisees and scribes- Jesus is not attacking all Jews, simply denouncing leaders, like much OT prophecy- 2-3 Jesus announces even these leaders should be followed as they teach the Torah, but points out their inconsistencies

- motivated by a desire for human praise and status 5-12- misguided in their proselytizing zeal 13-15- wrong priorities in oath taking and tithing 16-24- more concerned for ritual cleanliness than moral purity 25-28- worst of all they repeat the sin of their forefathers in killing spokesmen sent by God 29-36Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started! v32Friday, 4 October 13

Widows offeringMk 12:41-44- we have seen the rich, powerful and influential in the temple, now a contrast- miniscule amount of money- small copper coins(Gk. lepta; a lepton was a Jewish coin worth about 1/128th of a denarius, which was a day’s wage for a laborer)- the amount was small but the percentage was enormous


Widows offeringMk 12:41-44- we have seen the rich, powerful and influential in the temple, now a contrast- miniscule amount of money- small copper coins(Gk. lepta; a lepton was a Jewish coin worth about 1/128th of a denarius, which was a day’s wage for a laborer)- the amount was small but the percentage was enormous


Jesus speaks on the Mount of Olives - the Olivet discourse

Jesus leaves the Temple and walks up the Mount of Olives- the disciples admire the temple but Jesus predicts its destruction- the disciples ask when and how will we know it is about to happen?








When will the temple be destroyed?Mk 13:5-23- not immediately!- Jesus then gives a number of signs to help the disciples see the end coming- we shall not be looking at these details here- it would appear clear that in some way Jesus is referring to the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes in AD70


When will the temple be destroyed?Mk 13:5-23- not immediately!- Jesus then gives a number of signs to help the disciples see the end coming- we shall not be looking at these details here- it would appear clear that in some way Jesus is referring to the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes in AD70

What will signal the end of the age?Mk 13:24-32- “nothing conclusive” “don’t worry you won’t miss it”- Christ will come back (the parousia) at some point after the destruction of the temple- it will be public, worldwide and universally visible, Matt 24:30-31- at the same time Jesus makes it clear that even he does not know when he will return Mk 13:32 - see also Acts 1:7


Be alert!Mk 13:33-37- in the light of what has been said how should we live?- be about the business of the kog, and be ready and alert at all times so that you are not caught unaware- Matt 24, 25 contain parables telling of the foolishness of not being properly prepared- the parable of the talents is followed by the sheep and the goats


The three Degrees recorded a song, “When will I see you again?” it included the lyrics, “Is this the beginning or is it the end?”I guess we shall have to wait and seeAnd that (right) is what used to be called a record (a single not an album)


The three Degrees recorded a song, “When will I see you again?” it included the lyrics, “Is this the beginning or is it the end?”I guess we shall have to wait and seeAnd that (right) is what used to be called a record (a single not an album)


Spiritual

202, Life of Christ, section 9 Judean Ministry