Life of Christ Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and around Perea

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

Geography of Life of Christ Key Regions: Judea Galilee Decapolis Perea Samaria Jerusalem 3 months. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?) 3 months

Principles of Discipleship From Jerusalem to Perea (John 10:40-42) From Jerusalem to Perea (John 10:40-42) This departure begins a period of about 3 months, from the Feast of Dedication until the week of Passover. Many in Perea “believed in Him” (John 10:42). This departure begins a period of about 3 months, from the Feast of Dedication until the week of Passover. Many in Perea “believed in Him” (John 10:42). Question about salvation and entering the Kingdom (Luke 13:22-30) Question about salvation and entering the Kingdom (Luke 13:22-30) This question was prompted by the surprisingly small number of people who were following Jesus as Messiah. Jesus warned that many who thought they would enter the kingdom, as descendants of Abraham, would not. This question was prompted by the surprisingly small number of people who were following Jesus as Messiah. Jesus warned that many who thought they would enter the kingdom, as descendants of Abraham, would not. Anticipation of His coming death and lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) Anticipation of His coming death and lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) Perea belonged to Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction, as did Galilee. Perhaps the Pharisees were seeking to force Jesus back towards Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin had more control. In any case, He knew that His time had not yet come and thus was not intimidated by their threat. Perea belonged to Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction, as did Galilee. Perhaps the Pharisees were seeking to force Jesus back towards Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin had more control. In any case, He knew that His time had not yet come and thus was not intimidated by their threat.

Principles of Discipleship Healing of a man with dropsy while eating with a Pharisaic leader on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-24) Healing of a man with dropsy while eating with a Pharisaic leader on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-24) Clearly this occasion was staged so that the Pharisees might gather evidence against Jesus; they wanted to witness His breaking of Sabbath through healing the sick man. Clearly this occasion was staged so that the Pharisees might gather evidence against Jesus; they wanted to witness His breaking of Sabbath through healing the sick man. Jesus used the occasion to teach three important lessons: Jesus used the occasion to teach three important lessons: The importance of humility instead of maneuvering to secure the places of honor (vv. 7-11); The importance of humility instead of maneuvering to secure the places of honor (vv. 7-11); The importance of impartiality in choosing whom to invite (vv ); The importance of impartiality in choosing whom to invite (vv ); The importance of making the Kingdom of God the highest priority and not forfeiting the chance to enter (vv ). The importance of making the Kingdom of God the highest priority and not forfeiting the chance to enter (vv ). Cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) Cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) Jesus’ ministry in Perea attracted great attention. Convinced that He was the Messiah, the people followed Him closely in anticipation of the establishment of the Kingdom. Jesus took this opportunity to discourage those who had joined the multitude for superficial reasons and to prepare His disciples for the worst kind of adversity. Jesus’ ministry in Perea attracted great attention. Convinced that He was the Messiah, the people followed Him closely in anticipation of the establishment of the Kingdom. Jesus took this opportunity to discourage those who had joined the multitude for superficial reasons and to prepare His disciples for the worst kind of adversity. Parables in defense of associations with sinners (Luke 15:1-32) Parables in defense of associations with sinners (Luke 15:1-32) There are two significant features that prompted these parables: There are two significant features that prompted these parables: Jesus’ enemies were still watching His every move with evil intent. Jesus’ enemies were still watching His every move with evil intent. These enemies lacked the love that the tax-gatherers and sinners found so appealing in Jesus. These enemies lacked the love that the tax-gatherers and sinners found so appealing in Jesus.

Principles of Discipleship Parable to teach the proper use of money (Luke 16:1-13) Parable to teach the proper use of money (Luke 16:1-13) Jesus commends the steward’s wisdom in using wealth to secure his future, not his dishonest means. The main point: money can be used to bring blessing to others and thereby make provision for a warm welcome by others in an eternal home. Jesus commends the steward’s wisdom in using wealth to secure his future, not his dishonest means. The main point: money can be used to bring blessing to others and thereby make provision for a warm welcome by others in an eternal home. Story to teach the danger of wealth (Luke 16:14-31) Story to teach the danger of wealth (Luke 16:14-31) This section comes in response to the Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus’ instruction on money. This section comes in response to the Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus’ instruction on money. He speaks to the Pharisees in light of their persuasion that God had granted them wealth because they had carefully kept the Law. He speaks to the Pharisees in light of their persuasion that God had granted them wealth because they had carefully kept the Law. Their external observances did not please God, and they actually broke the Law by adding traditions such as permitting divorce. Their external observances did not please God, and they actually broke the Law by adding traditions such as permitting divorce. The story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly illustrates that riches were not necessarily a sign of God’s favor. The story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly illustrates that riches were not necessarily a sign of God’s favor. Four lessons on discipleship (Luke 17:1-10) Four lessons on discipleship (Luke 17:1-10) Warning against causing others to sin (vv. 1-2) Warning against causing others to sin (vv. 1-2) Forgiving a repentant brother (vv. 3-4) Forgiving a repentant brother (vv. 3-4) The power of faith (even a little goes a long way) (vv. 5-6) The power of faith (even a little goes a long way) (vv. 5-6) The insufficiency of works to gain special honor (vv. 7-10) The insufficiency of works to gain special honor (vv. 7-10)

Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Tour through Samaria and Galilee Sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16) Sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16) Jesus purposely delayed in visiting Lazarus, so that He would not be there until he died. He went to Judea despite the dangers in being there. The raising of Lazarus was clearly designed to bring glory to God and His Son (v. 4). It occurred some 4 to 6 weeks before Passover. Jesus purposely delayed in visiting Lazarus, so that He would not be there until he died. He went to Judea despite the dangers in being there. The raising of Lazarus was clearly designed to bring glory to God and His Son (v. 4). It occurred some 4 to 6 weeks before Passover. Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:17-44) Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:17-44) This was a highly emotional moment for Jesus. He wept not for the loss of Lazarus, for He was about to bring him back from the dead. Why did Jesus weep in this situation? This was a highly emotional moment for Jesus. He wept not for the loss of Lazarus, for He was about to bring him back from the dead. Why did Jesus weep in this situation? Through sin death had gained its power. Through sin death had gained its power. Through sin the mourners were mistaken in their concept of death. Through sin the mourners were mistaken in their concept of death. Because of sin He was about to bring Lazarus back from a better place. Because of sin He was about to bring Lazarus back from a better place. Because of sin Jesus would become a criminal in the eyes of the authorities. Because of sin Jesus would become a criminal in the eyes of the authorities. Decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death (John 11:45-54) Decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death (John 11:45-54) Caiaphas’ intention by his words was that Jesus must be put to death in order that the Jews who were in power under the Roman occupation might remain so. But John notes that God, because of Caiaphas’ office as High Priest, used his words to mean something very different: that Christ would serve as a substitutionary atonement for the Jews and Gentiles. Caiaphas’ intention by his words was that Jesus must be put to death in order that the Jews who were in power under the Roman occupation might remain so. But John notes that God, because of Caiaphas’ office as High Priest, used his words to mean something very different: that Christ would serve as a substitutionary atonement for the Jews and Gentiles. The Sanhedrin convenes and officially decides to have Jesus killed. The Sadducees took the lead in opposing Jesus from this point forward, since a resurrection was now the center of attention in Jerusalem – something which their theology denied. The Sanhedrin convenes and officially decides to have Jesus killed. The Sadducees took the lead in opposing Jesus from this point forward, since a resurrection was now the center of attention in Jerusalem – something which their theology denied.

Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Tour through Samaria and Galilee Healing of ten lepers while passing through Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11-21) Healing of ten lepers while passing through Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11-21) Jesus’ circular route to Jerusalem (“through Samaria and Galilee”) may be explained by His desire to join pilgrims who were traveling from Galilee through Perea to Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus’ circular route to Jerusalem (“through Samaria and Galilee”) may be explained by His desire to join pilgrims who were traveling from Galilee through Perea to Jerusalem for Passover. Was the Pharisees’ question sincere? Was the Pharisees’ question sincere? The Kingdom of God certainly was not “within” the Pharisees. Rather, it was “among” them because Jesus the King was among them. This was the kingdom whose arrival Jesus had already announced (Matt 12:28), but was in a form different from that described in the OT. The subsequent verses describe the kingdom as the disciples knew it from the OT, but this would only come after the Son of Man’s rejection. The Kingdom of God certainly was not “within” the Pharisees. Rather, it was “among” them because Jesus the King was among them. This was the kingdom whose arrival Jesus had already announced (Matt 12:28), but was in a form different from that described in the OT. The subsequent verses describe the kingdom as the disciples knew it from the OT, but this would only come after the Son of Man’s rejection. Instructions regarding the Son of Man’s coming (Luke 17:22-37) Instructions regarding the Son of Man’s coming (Luke 17:22-37) This passage speaks of the separation that occurs when the Son of Man comes. The unprepared, overcome by worldly pursuits, will be taken away to judgment, but the faithful will enter the joys of the kingdom. This passage speaks of the separation that occurs when the Son of Man comes. The unprepared, overcome by worldly pursuits, will be taken away to judgment, but the faithful will enter the joys of the kingdom.

Teaching while on Final Journey to Jerusalem Two parables on prayer: the importunate widow and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:1-14) Two parables on prayer: the importunate widow and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:1-14) The first parable sought to prepare the disciples for a delay in His return, teaching them not to be discouraged by the delay but to persist in faith and prayer. The first parable sought to prepare the disciples for a delay in His return, teaching them not to be discouraged by the delay but to persist in faith and prayer. The second parable was probably addressed to the Pharisees among the crowd, who trusted in their righteousness. It emphasized the need for humility. The second parable was probably addressed to the Pharisees among the crowd, who trusted in their righteousness. It emphasized the need for humility. Conflict with the Pharisaic teaching on divorce (Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12) Conflict with the Pharisaic teaching on divorce (Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12) In light of Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of the marriage bond, His enemies thought they had caught Him in contradiction to Moses. Jesus’ took them from dealing with the aftermath of divorce in Deut 24 to the original commandment in Genesis 2. In light of Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of the marriage bond, His enemies thought they had caught Him in contradiction to Moses. Jesus’ took them from dealing with the aftermath of divorce in Deut 24 to the original commandment in Genesis 2. Example of little children in relation to the Kingdom (Matt 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) Example of little children in relation to the Kingdom (Matt 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) The Kingdom belongs to those who are like children because they trust implicitly in their Father. The Kingdom belongs to those who are like children because they trust implicitly in their Father.

Teaching while on Final Journey to Jerusalem Riches and the Kingdom (Matt 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30) Riches and the Kingdom (Matt 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30) It was inconceivable to the Jews of Jesus’ day that wealth could be a hindrance to enter the Kingdom, for they viewed wealth as a sign of God’s favor. While wealth is not sinful itself, too many in Jesus’ day regarded material things above God. It was inconceivable to the Jews of Jesus’ day that wealth could be a hindrance to enter the Kingdom, for they viewed wealth as a sign of God’s favor. While wealth is not sinful itself, too many in Jesus’ day regarded material things above God. Parable of the landowner’s sovereignty (Matt 20:1-16) Parable of the landowner’s sovereignty (Matt 20:1-16) This parable is a further response to Peter’s question in Matt 19:27, and an explanation of “but many who are first shall be last; and the last, first” (Matt 19:30). Jesus was warning His disciples against assuming that their favored position in the Kingdom would be the result of longer service or more works performed. This parable is a further response to Peter’s question in Matt 19:27, and an explanation of “but many who are first shall be last; and the last, first” (Matt 19:30). Jesus was warning His disciples against assuming that their favored position in the Kingdom would be the result of longer service or more works performed. Third prediction of the resurrection (Matt 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34) Third prediction of the resurrection (Matt 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34) The fear mentioned in Mark 10:32 was probably a fear of what Jesus’ enemies would do to Him. In spite of Jesus’ explicit words concerning His death, the twelve still did not comprehend it (Luke 18:34). They still expected Jesus to reveal Himself as the Messianic conqueror, restore the Davidic throne in Jerusalem, and establish the Kingdom predicted by the prophets. The fear mentioned in Mark 10:32 was probably a fear of what Jesus’ enemies would do to Him. In spite of Jesus’ explicit words concerning His death, the twelve still did not comprehend it (Luke 18:34). They still expected Jesus to reveal Himself as the Messianic conqueror, restore the Davidic throne in Jerusalem, and establish the Kingdom predicted by the prophets.

Teaching while on Final Journey to Jerusalem Warning against ambitious pride (Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45) Warning against ambitious pride (Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45) The question by James and John was understandable in light of Jesus’ earlier words concerning the twelve’s position on twelve thrones in the kingdom. Yet not only had James and John missed the point on the importance of humility, they had also failed to realize that there were would be a delay in the kingdom because of Messiah’s coming passion. The question by James and John was understandable in light of Jesus’ earlier words concerning the twelve’s position on twelve thrones in the kingdom. Yet not only had James and John missed the point on the importance of humility, they had also failed to realize that there were would be a delay in the kingdom because of Messiah’s coming passion. Healing of blind Bartimaeus and his companion (Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43) Healing of blind Bartimaeus and his companion (Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43) Matthew describes two victims while Mark and Luke write only about one. The latter two gospels focus on the more vocal of the pair. The miracle was evidently performed as Jesus left the city (Matt 20:29; Mark 10:46) though He first encountered the men when He approached the city (Luke 18:35). Matthew describes two victims while Mark and Luke write only about one. The latter two gospels focus on the more vocal of the pair. The miracle was evidently performed as Jesus left the city (Matt 20:29; Mark 10:46) though He first encountered the men when He approached the city (Luke 18:35).

Teaching while on Final Journey to Jerusalem Salvation of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) Salvation of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) The despised occupation of tax-gatherer could not nullify the birth right of Zaccheus; Jesus was divinely compelled (“must” in v. 5) to give him an opportunity to repent. This was visible fruit of Jesus’ outreach to tax-gatherers. The despised occupation of tax-gatherer could not nullify the birth right of Zaccheus; Jesus was divinely compelled (“must” in v. 5) to give him an opportunity to repent. This was visible fruit of Jesus’ outreach to tax-gatherers. Parable to teach responsibility while the Kingdom is delayed (Luke 19:11-28) Parable to teach responsibility while the Kingdom is delayed (Luke 19:11-28) Spoken in Jericho, just 15 miles from Jerusalem, this parable was designed to prepare the listeners for what might be an extended delay before the institution of the kingdom on earth. Jesus’ followers fully expected Him to establish that kingdom when He arrived in Jerusalem. Spoken in Jericho, just 15 miles from Jerusalem, this parable was designed to prepare the listeners for what might be an extended delay before the institution of the kingdom on earth. Jesus’ followers fully expected Him to establish that kingdom when He arrived in Jerusalem. The lesson of the parable is twofold: The lesson of the parable is twofold: While awaiting the kingdom, the disciples were to apply themselves diligently to the King’s business. While awaiting the kingdom, the disciples were to apply themselves diligently to the King’s business. The Jews who refused to acknowledge Him as King were given a stern warning regarding the consequences of rejecting Him. The Jews who refused to acknowledge Him as King were given a stern warning regarding the consequences of rejecting Him.

Next Time: Part Ten: The Formal Presentation of Christ to Israel and the Resulting Conflict