Journey with Jesus: The Gospels

The Texts (literary features of the gospels) The Theatre (the cultural/historical/theological context)

The Themes (the big idea/ideas of the Gospels)

So What? (the application to 2009)

Where are we heading today?

Mark (Synoptic)Date & Location50 to 70 AD,Rome

About the AuthorProbably Mark who based the gospel on the preaching of Peter. Likely Mark's mother hosted the disciples when they were in Jerusalem.

RecipientsProbably the church at Rome or at least Gentile readers as the Gospel explains Jewish customs and translates Aramaic words.

Particular ConcernThe Cross, discipleship, the teachings of Jesus, The Messianic Secret, Jesus the Son of God.

Matthew (Synoptic)Date & LocationUnclear probably after Mark's.Palestine or Syrian Antioch

About the AuthorA tax collector who leaves to follow Jesus (Mat 9:9-13). In the Gospels of Mark and Luke is called by his other name Levi.

RecipientsWritten in Greek therefore Greek recipients and most likely Jews.

Particular ConcernJesus as the Messiah (lots of Old Testament quotes)

Luke (Synoptic)Date & Location59 to 80 ADProbably Rome

About the AuthorWrote Acts as well. Travelled with Paul on some of his journeys. Gentile by birth well educated doctor by profession.

RecipientsTheolophilus (Luke 1:3 means God lover) may have been wealthy patron or generic title to all who would read this gospel, or both.

Particular ConcernThe way of salvation, the birth of Christ, historical details, concerns of the downtrodden: children, women, the poor, Holy Spirit

JohnDate & LocationAs early as 50 AD or 85 AD

About the AuthorThe disciple whom Jesus loved. Lots of personal eyewitness details: the smell of the perfume

RecipientsGreek readers.

Particular ConcernFocused a Greek thinkers. Evangelistic in intention.

Journey with Jesus: The Gospels

The Teatures Features (literary features of the gospels) The Theatre (the cultural/historical/theological context)

The Themes (the big idea/ideas of the Gospels)

So What? (the application to 2009)

Where are we heading today?

Time line from David to Jesus

King David 1000 BC

Nebuchadnezzar Jerusalem 586 BC

(Persia)

Alexander the Great conquers Palestine.

332 BC(Greeks)

Maccabean War of

Liberation 167 - 141BC

Jesus Born

General Pompey conquer Jerusalem

63 BC(Romans)

Babylonians capture Jerusalem 597

BC

In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

Daniel 2:44

What do to while waiting for the Kingdom to God to appear through the Messiah

Withdraw - The Essences

Join the revolution - The Zealots

Compromise – Herod and the Pharisees.

Journey with Jesus: The Gospels

The Teatures Features (literary features of the gospels) The Theatre (the cultural/historical/theological context)

The Themes (the big idea/ideas of the Gospels)

So What? (the application to 2009)

Where are we heading today?

“Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (The Pharisee in Mark 12:13).

The arrest of Martin Luther King, Birmingham, US

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”

Mat 23:13

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 8:34

Journey with Jesus: The Gospels

The Teatures Features (literary features of the gospels) The Theatre (the cultural/historical/theological context)

The Themes (the big idea/ideas of the Gospels)

So What? (the application to 2009)

Where are we heading today?