Bible Blitz Msgr Ed Thompson And Deacon Norm Kazyk With Technical Assistance Ray Hosler

THERE WAS A MAN WHO DWELT IN THE EAST, CENTURIES AGO AND NOW I CANNOT LOOK AT A SHEEP OR A SPARROW, A LILY OR A WHEATFIELD, A RAVEN OR A SUNSET, A VINEYARD OR A MOUNTAIN WITHOUT THINKING OF HIM! G. K. Chesterton

Formation of the Gospels The Gospels are first and foremost documents of Faith. Sources: Oral tradition from the Faith Community and some written: “Q” source. Actual final formation of the first written Gospel was delayed because of the imminent expectation of the Parousia.

Revelation 3:1! “I am coming quickly. Hold fast to what you have.” Rev 22:20 “The one who gives this testimony says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’” Mt 10:23 “Amen I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel until the Son of Man comes.”

1 Pet 4:7 “The end of all things is at hand.” Rev 1:3 The appointed time is near.”

The Synoptic Gospels Mark Source: St. Peter Luke 60% 80% Matthew M Antioch A.D. L Antioch A.D. Independent Rome: 70 A.D.? “Q”

Matthew written with a special emphasis for persons of Jewish ethnicity to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. Mark written for Gentiles presents Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. Luke written for gentiles to show Jesus as universal Savior.

Gospel of John Very different from the synoptics, and will be considered later. John presents Jesus as one who was with the Father from eternity, descended from heaven and became man.

Gospel of Matthew A question is posed throughout: “Who is Jesus and what does it mean to be his follower?” There is a sense of discovery in all the synoptic gospels. Five books along with the infancy narrative and passion make up this Gospel.

Ch 1:1-17 The Genealogy –Begins with Abraham (Jewish emphasis) –Three sets of fourteen point to David –Some questionable women: Tamar, the “wife of Uriah”

Ch 1:18-25 –The angel speaks to Joseph: Patriarchal society –Pregnancy, Holy Spirit, dilemma of a man of honor –Takes Mary to his “home” (vs 20,24) Ch 2 –Magi, a star, an evil king, an angelic warning and response –The new Israel begins like the old Israel: escape to Egypt

Ch 4 –The new Israel is likewise tested in the desert –The Church begins: calling, preaching, healing

Sermon on the Mount St. Matthew Chapters 5 – 6 - 7

Ch 5 –(1-12) Beatitudes –(13-16) Salt and Light –(17-20) Law –(21-26) Anger –(27-30) Adultery –(31,32) Divorce –(33-37) Oaths –(38-42) Retaliation –(43-48) Love of Enemies

Ch 6 –(1-4) Almsgiving –(5-8) Prayer –(9-14) The Lord’s Prayer –(16-18) Fasting –(19-21) Treasure in Heaven –(22,23) Light of the Body –(24) God and Money –(23-34) Dependence on God

Ch 7 –(1-5) Judging Others –(6) Pearls – Swine –(7-11) Answer to Prayers –(12) The Golden Rule –(13-14) The Narrow Gate –(15-12) False Prophets –(21-23) The True Disciple –(24-29) Two Foundations