A Preview of Who Jesus is and The Early Years of John the Baptist Life of Christ A Preview of Who Jesus is and The Early Years of John the Baptist Essential that you read (and re-read, become thoroughly familiar with) the text before coming to class. 2. Demonstrate website and discussion forum.

Introductory Matters Aims and Requirements for the class – includes schedule. Very important to read material before coming to class. Textbooks and materials A Harmony of the Gospels Charts of the Gospels and the Life of Christ When God Wore Sandals www.bookmanministries.com Register on the BBI webpage to participate in discussion forum.

The Benefit of Studying the Life of Christ “The central person of Christianity is Jesus Christ. The bulk of what we know about Jesus Christ is found in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. An indispensable step toward a better understanding of these four books is to harmonize the separate accounts so as to assemble as many details as possible into a chronologically meaningful sequence” (Thomas and Gundry, A Harmony of the Gospels, p. 5).

How Did We Get the Gospels? The story of Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection was first spread by eyewitnesses through word of mouth, and was not written down. There were practical and doctrinal issues that arose in the church and created the need for the epistles first. About ten years after James wrote the first epistle, the need for a written account of Jesus' life and ministry was created by two factors: Eyewitnesses of Jesus' earthly life and resurrection became more scarce as many of them began to die. Christianity began to spread to such a degree that there were not enough eyewitnesses to go around and tell the story orally.

Introductory Material on the Gospels (See Chart 18 – Page 81) Each Gospel writer wrote with a particular audience and purpose in mind, and each emphasizes a different aspect of Jesus' character: Matthew wrote first in the late 50s. He was a Jew and wrote to a believing Jewish audience. He emphasizes Jesus role as the King of the Jews, the coming Messiah who was prophesied in the OT. Luke followed in about AD 60. He was a Gentile (Col 4:11, 14), probably the only Gentile writer of Scripture. He was an associate of Paul and emphasizes the humanity of Jesus in his Gospel. Mark was written in the late 60s. Mark wrote as an associate of Peter. He also wrote to a Gentile audience, possibly to believers in Rome. He emphasizes the servanthood of Christ. John wrote his Gospel in the late 80s. He wrote to Jewish and God-fearing unbelievers. His Gospel is more evangelistic. He emphasizes the deity of Christ, and recorded the signs that Jesus did in order that those who read them might believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 20:31). The Gospel writers were not trying to give exhaustive histories. Each one chose events to accomplish a specific purpose. Each had a goal, and they wrote to meet that goal. Combining them together gives us a more complete picture of the life of Christ.

The Historical Context The Roman Empire – Rome comes into power in approximately 63 BC. The Messianic Expectation Different Groups in Judaism (See Chart 12 – Page 72) Pharisees Sadducees Herodians Essenes Zealots

An Overview of Our Study The geography of Christ’s life Thirteen major periods in Christ’s life, culminating in His passion

Overview of Christ’s Public Ministry POPULARITY (DECLINING) PUBLIC PRESENTATION OPPOSITION (INCREASING) OBSCURITY (VANISHING) EARLY MINISTRIES PRIVATE PREPARATION 4 mos. 10 mos. Jesus appoints the Twelve Jesus returns to Galilee OPENING EVENTS 4 months To Tyre and Sidon CONCLUDING MINISTRIES John introduces Jesus 1.5 Mos. 8 months 6 months 3 Mos. 3 Mos. Triumphal Entry Birth Tabernacles Ascension Resurrection Death Largely in Judea Galilee Around Galilee Judea Perea Second Year Third Year First Year

Geography of Life of Christ Key Regions: Judea Galilee Decapolis Perea Samaria Jerusalem 6 months 14 months 3 months 3 months 12 months

Part One: A Preview of Who Jesus Is Luke’s purpose in writing a gospel (Luke 1:1-4) Luke was a careful historian, drew from mostly oral sources. John’s prologue: from preincarnation to crucifixion (John 1:1-18) VEn avrch/| h=n o` lo,goj( kai. o` lo,goj h=n pro.j to.n qeo,n( kai. qeo.j h=n o` lo,gojÅ Organized around 4 significant events Creation (1:3) Coming of the forerunner (1:6) Incarnation of Christ (1:14) Crucifixion of Christ (1:17) Genealogies of Jesus (see Essay 9, “The Genealogies in Matthew and Luke”) Matthew (1:1-17) – legal lineage through Joseph, demonstrating Christ’s right to the Davidic throne. Traces from Abraham down to Christ, in 3 sets of 14. Luke (3:23b-38) – natural lineage through Mary, showing Him as a member of the human race. Traces from Eli back to Adam.

Part Two: The Early Years of John the Baptist John’s birth foretold to Zacharias (Luke 1:5-25) Because of the number of priests, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Zacharias to serve in the temple. His prayer (1:13) is often understood as a petition for a son. It is more likely that he was praying for the redemption of Israel, and that his son would play a key role in this. Jesus’ birth foretold to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) Period of betrothal was usually for about 12 months, to show that the woman was not with child. The kingdom that was announced by Gabriel (1:32-33) was that predicted in the OT and in full continuity with the Davidic line in Israel’s history. Mary’s words (1:38) showed great trust and submission. She knew that this would endanger her social standing and jeopardize her relationship to Joseph.

Part Two: The Early Years of John the Baptist Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and song of joy (Luke 1:39-56) Somehow (by special revelation?) Elizabeth knew that Mary was carrying her Lord, the Messiah. Mary’s song reflects a good understanding of the long-range significance of what she is involved in. It is patterned after the OT Psalms. Verses 51-54 contain 7 prophetic aorists; Mary is rejoicing not in what God has already done but what He will do in delivering Israel both spiritually and politically. John’s Birth (1:57-66) V. 65 – very unusual birth, with the father being smitten deaf and dumb and the baby given an unusual name. Zacharias’ prophetic song (Luke 1:67-79) Vv. 68-75 deal with the Messiah (more prophetic aorists in vv. 68-69), vv. 76-79 with Messiah’s forerunner. Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants are all alluded to. John’s growth and early life (Luke 1:80)

Next Time: Part 3 – The Early Years of Jesus Christ and Part 4 – The Public Ministry of John the Baptist