Introduction to the Bible Session 8: Jesus the Fulfiller of God’s Purpose

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose Luke’s writing covers the story of the earthly Jesus and the activity of the risen and ascended Lord in and through his disciples. Part I= Luke Part II= Acts of the Apostles Luke’s concern is to show the fulfilment of Old Testament hopes in the person and work of Jesus. Luke’s writing covers the story of the earthly Jesus and the activity of the risen and ascended Lord in and through his disciples. Part I= Luke Part II= Acts of the Apostles Luke’s concern is to show the fulfilment of Old Testament hopes in the person and work of Jesus.

Luke addresses Theophilus 1:1-4 Infancy Narratives 1:5-2:52 Ministry of John the Baptist 3:1-20 The beginning of Jesus’ ministry 3:21-4:13 Jesus in Galilee 4:14-9:50 Journey to Jerusalem 9:51-19:44 Jesus in Jerusalem 19:45-21:38 The crucifixion of Jesus 22:1-23:56 The resurrection of Jesus 24:1-53

MOOREMOORE Read Luke 1:67-79 Work carefully through Zechariah’s song. What is said about the ministry of Jesus? How are the promises to David and Abraham fulfilled by Jesus? –You might want to look at some of these OT passages: Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Samuel 7:11b-16, Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 42:5-7, Isaiah 49:5-7, Jeremiah 31:31- 34, Malachi 3:1 If you have time, repeat this for the songs of Mary (1:46-55) and Simeon (2:29-32). What themes recur most frequently?

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose 1:1-4 1:5-2:52 3:1-20 Luke addresses Theophilus saying that he is going to present an orderly & well researched account of Jesus’ ministry based on the eyewitness testimony. The infancy narratives begin with an outburst of prophecy by Mary, Zechariah, Simeon & 3 angelic messengers which prepare for the dawn of the messianic era and focus on Jesus as the promised Davidic king. The ministry of John the Baptist marks the end of the era of the Law and the Prophets and the beginning of the era when the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached.

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose 3:21-4:13 4:14-9:50 9:51-19:44 Jesus’ ministry begins with his baptism to identify him as (i) the one who would fulfil the role of the Servant of the Lord, (ii) God’s ‘beloved son’, (iii) a human waiting for the coming salvation of God. Jesus returns to Galilee to begin his public ministry by reading from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue to suggest that he was the one anointed by the Holy Spirit to ‘preach good news to the poor’. Jesus summarises his ministry in 7:22 to show that the blessings of the coming kingdom were already being made available in advance for those who came to Jesus.

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose 3:21-4:13 4:14-9:50 9:51-19:44 Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem was so that he would suffer and die before being raised to his heavenly rule as Messiah. There are three types of teaching during this journey: special teaching for disciples, teaching for the crowds, special challenges for the Jewish religious leaders. Zacchaeus (19:1-10) is a high point because he is one of the ‘lost’ Israelites Jesus ahs come to save. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, recalling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, suggests he is indeed the promised king of the Jews.

MOOREMOORE Read Luke 9:18-27 Why do you think the disciples were able to confess that Jesus was the Christ? –What evidence did they have, at this point in the Gospel story? –Why did Jesus charge and command them ‘ not to tell this to anyone ’ ? Why did Jesus wait until this point to reveal to the disciples the necessity for his suffering and death? In this context, what does Jesus mean by 'take up his cross daily' (v23)? –What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? –What does Jesus call for?

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose 19:45- 21:38 22:1- 23:56 24:1-53 Jesus in Jerusalem started by purifying the temple and making it a centre for his daily teaching of the people. His popularity with the crowds is contrasted with the hostility of the religious leaders. Jesus referred to himself as the ‘Son of Man’***, but paradoxically, before he can enter into his glorious heavenly reign, in completion of God’s purposes, he must be betrayed and suffer. *** The title ‘Son of Man’ alludes to the vision of Daniel 7:13-14, in which “authority, glory & sovereign power” are given by God to him so that “all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him.”

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose 19:45- 21:38 22:1- 23:56 24:1-53 The crucifixion of Jesus occurred after the Last Supper, where Jesus’ words as he gives thanks for the bread and the cup indicate that a new act of redemption is about to be accomplished. His body and blood will be the sacrifice inaugurating the new covenant of Jeremiah 31: Even though the events are determined by God, Luke 23 also shows that those who betray Jesus are still responsible for their actions. Jesus’ resurrection indicates his extraordinary victory over death. The focus is on the fulfilment of Jesus’ own prophecy (24:6-7) and the teaching of the Old Testament (24:25-27; 24:44-46). Luke’s Gospel concludes with a commission to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, with the promise of the Spirit’s power to make it possible.

MOOREMOORE Read Isaiah 53 & Luke How does Isaiah point forward to the crucifixion? –What specific parallels do you notice?

Jesus the fulfiller of God’s purpose Despite the fact that Jesus is shown to be the promised king of David’s line, who brings the end-time salvation and inaugurates the rule of God over Israel that will bring blessing to the nations; there is the tension between the NOW - BUT NOT YET! This is where despite the fact that Jesus has come, suffering and death still flourish in the world. As Jesus preaches about the kingdom, he invites people to enter and enjoy its benefits, even before it fully arrives! The kingdom seems to be open right NOW. However, the kingdom is also referred to as NOT YET; a reality still to come. The end of this creation will be marked by Jesus’ return. Disciples therefore ought to live in a state of readiness for the coming of the Son of Man.