Chapter 8: Jesus and The Gospels PDF

THE GOSPE LS “After speaking in many places and varied ways through the prophets, God last of all in these days has spoken to us by his son” Hebrew 1:1-2 THE LAND OF JESUS AND ITS PEOPLE  Jesus is not just a myth or a...

THE GOSPE LS “After speaking in many places and varied ways through the prophets, God last of all in these days has spoken to us by his son” Hebrew 1:1-2 THE LAND OF JESUS AND ITS PEOPLE  Jesus is not just a myth or a legend, but a real person who lived and walked upon the earth.  According to the Bible, Jesus lived under the Rule of the Roman Empire.  He lived in a land called as Canaan, Israel, or Palestine.  Once described as “overflowing with milk and honey” THE LAND OF JESUS AND ITS PEOPLE  Jesus was from Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.  The dominant ethnic group during his time was the Jews.  They claim descent from the ancient Hebrews.  Classic language – Hebrew  Common language – Aramaic  Widely used in the Roman Empire – Greek  Official imperial language - Latin POLITICS AND ECONOMY DURING JESUS’ TIME  It was the time of the Roman Empire, ruled through kings and chiefs from among the locals.  In 40 B.C. Rome appointed the Herod the Great an Idumean (half- Jew) as King of Judea.  He built cities, palaces, and rebuilt the temple of Jerusalem.  After he died the land was divided among his three sons. POLITICS AND ECONOMY DURING JESUS’ TIME  Herod Antipas – ruled Galilee  Philip – ruled north-eastern parts  Archaelaus – ruled Samaria and Judea  Later on the place was ruled by the Roman prefects and procurators like Pontius Pilate  Economically, the land were given pasturing, agriculture, and merchant trade.  Lake of Galilee/Tiberias – fishing Industry  Jesus’ family trade in Nazareth - carpentry THE RELIGION OF JESUS  “Jew” applied both to race and religion.  The Jewish religion claims direct link to the ancient Israelite religion, as attested in the Torah.  Belief in God, YHWH – this was Jesus’ faith.  The religious life covered by the worship system run by priests and Levites.  Great feasts – Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. THE RELIGION OF JESUS  Several Groups within Judaism 1. Sadducees - Descendants of the priest, Zadok - Religious conservatives - They did not believe in angels, not that human beings have an immortal soul, nor in the resurrection of the dead. 2. Pharisees - Literally means separated ones - Strict observers of the Torah - They believed in the resurrection of the dead THE RELIGION OF JESUS  Several Groups within Judaism 3. Essenes - Belonged to a sect responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls. - Practiced ascetism and celibacy - Observed Torah in a very strict manner - But distanced themselves from the official priesthood in Jerusalem. 4. Zealots - They were revolutionaries - Referred as patriots and terrorists - They saw the Messiah as a political, military leader. NON-CHRISTIANS SOURCES 1. Cornelius Tacitus (AD 56-116)- a Roman Historian, in his annals, wrote of a certain “Christ” who began a pernicious superstition, was crucified when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. 2. Suetonius (AD 69)- chronicler of the Emperor Claudius wrote of an event when the emperor expelled Christians in Rome in 49 AD due to riots instigated by the “Chrestus” NON-CHRISTIANS SOURCES 3. Flavius Josephus (AD 38-100)- a Jewish Historian, wrote about Jesus as a wise man put to death by Pontius Pilate. He also wrote about John the Baptist and the execution of apostle James. 4. Pliny the Younger (AD 61-112)- he wrote about Christians in Bithynia, who sang hymns and chanted verses to Christ “as if a god” NON-CHRISTIANS SOURCES 5. Luciano di Samosata (AD 120- 180)- a traveling lecturer and Sophist rhetorician wrote about Jesus Christ as a man crucified in Palestine for introducing a new cult. The Christians “worshipped the crucified sophist and lived under his laws. 6. The Babylonian Talmud – spoke of a certain Yeshu who practiced magic. This Yeshu was “hanged on the eve of the Passover” TITLES OF JESUS 1. Messiah/Christ - Gk. Christos, Heb. Mashiah, “the anointed one”. In the Old Testament it signifies a person for a very important, Divinely mandated task, as king, prophet, or priest. 2. Lord – Aram. Adonai. In the Old Testament, the Israelites applied the name varied from the title (Sir) 3. Son of God – In the Old Testament this title referred to angels, to righteous men or to an important judger or ruler. But on a special sense this title referred to the true TITLES OF JESUS 4. Son of Man – a Semitic idiom used to denote self or humanity in a humble manner. The phrase alludes to Daniel 7:13 which describes a vision of the “son of man” 5. Son of David – signifies that the lineage of David continues; that the kingdom of David never ends. 6. Word of God – Gk. Logos, word, phrase, or reason mind. In Greek Philosophy it was the Rational Principle ordering the cosmos. TITLES OF JESUS 7. Lamb of God – In the Old Testament, the lamb was an animal of sacrifice offered to God for the forgiveness of sins. 8. Suffering Servant – Heb. Ebed YHWH, “servant of God”. The mysterious figure is described in the book of Isaiah, as someone chosen by God undergo tremendous suffering to bring justice in the world 9. Eternal High Priest – a priest is a mediator between God and man, whose primary responsibility is to offer sacrifice to God. THE GOSPEL AND GOSPELS  Gospel comes from the old English term “godspel”, which means “good news”.  Literal translation of the Greek euaggelion.  Gospel can be a form of literature pertaining to the good news of salvation proclaimed by Jesus Christ or in a deeper sense the person of Jesus is the Gospel. THE GOSPEL AND GOSPELS  These are faith documents/accounts describing what the early Christians believe about Jesus.  They are not literal, chronological account of the words and deed of Jesus.  Primordial and best source of information concerning Jesus.  Testimony of the apostles and the first generation of Christians who are the witnesses to the life and THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS 1. The Ministry of the Historical Jesus - The actual life of Jesus in Palestine - Proceedings from encounters with the person of Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God in flesh. 2. The Oral Preaching of the Apostles - On Pentecost the apostles led by Peter were fired by the Holy Spirit and started to preach the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and his  THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS - They brought the good news from Jerusalem and Judea to ends of the world. - The first Christians kept the memory of Jesus by making collection of his words. They used these memoirs in their preaching, liturgy and instruction fro new converts. - The early church was a preaching church more than a writing church. - Writing the gospel was not a prime concern as they thought Jesus was  THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS 3. The actual writing of the gospels. - After realizing that Jesus’ was not imminent after all - Felt the necessity to write the gospels for the following reasons: a. The death of the apostles and other witnesses of Jesus b. The need for organized instruction to the many converts c. The norm of Jesus’ life and ministry as measure for authentic preaching  THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS - This stage emphasizes the role of the evangelists (human author of the gospels) - In summary, the four gospels represent the end products of a long process of development extending over some sixty or more years of Christian preaching…. - The process also reflects the faith and life of the early church. - They are not histories or biographies - The evangelists reshaped the Jesus’ tradition they received in light of the  THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS - Each author drew on his own particular Christian experience shaping his account according to his own insight and point of view. - Four gospels recognized and inspired: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - Two bear the names of Apostles (Matthew and John) - While others claim derived traditions, also from apostles (Mark from Peter, and Luke from Paul.  THE STAGES IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPELS - The evangelists were not the actual writers of the gospels. - The church accepted their authorship according to Ancient Standards. - For sure they did play a vital role in the formation of the gospels. - Involved in the earlier stage of composition - They are the head of the community from which the Gospel eventually emerged.  ORDER OF THE GOSPELS - In Canonical not chronological order the Gospel of Matthew comes first. - It was composed for the Christians from the Jewish background in Palestine at a time when the apostles had not started to preach the good news outside the Holy Land. - Earliest Gospel – Mark - Matthew and Luke used the gospel of Mark in their gospels, along with other sources. - Last to be written in the order of time – John - The other gospels  CLASSIFICATION OF THE GOSPELS a. Synoptic Gospels - From Greek syn + optikos “to view with the same look - Mark, Matthew, and Luke - They are structures in striking similarity, following the same story line. b. The Gospel of John - Dissimilarity rather than likeness. - Few incidents in common with the first three gospels - Style, language and order of events is  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Mark a. The Evangelist Acts 12:12 “John Mark” Native of Jerusalem and Peter’s companion in his ministry to Asia Minor and Rome Feast Day – April 25 b. Intended Audience Early community of Christians both Jewish and Gentile background (persecuted Christians c. Date and Place of Written in Rome (65-70 Composition AD) after the death of Peter d. Content 16 chapters, 4 parables, more than 20 miracles  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Mark e. Characteristics Shortest gospel Vivacious and detailed and described as the “gospel of deeds” Called the gospel of “Messianic secret” f. Themes Jesus as Son of Man emphasizes his humanity. Divinely endowed Jesus as a suffering servant Jesus as the Son of God  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Matthew a. The Evangelist Identified as Levi son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14) Tax collector in Capernaum Matthew preached in Palestine for several years while compiling his book in Aramaic. Feast Day – September 21 b. Intended Christians of Jewish Descent Audience c. Date and Place of First Gospel – Aramaic, Composition Judea before 50 AD Second Gospel – Greek, Antioch about 80 AD  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Matthew e. Characteristics Theological dependence of the New and Old Testament Ecclesiastical gospel f. Themes Jesus as Emmanuel Jesus is the Messiah Jesus is the Messianic King  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Luke a. The Evangelist A Gentile covert from Antioch Syria A companion of Paul Author of the Acts of the apostles An artist Feast Day – October 18 b. Intended Christians coming from a Audience Gentile background c. Date and Place Written in Rome between 80-85 of Composition AD d. Content 24 Chapters, 4 divisions Infancy Narrative, Ministry in Galilee, toward Jerusalem,  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of Luke f. Themes Compassion and Mercy Prayer Concern for the poor  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of John a. The An apostle and son of Zebedee brother of Evangelist James Beloved Disciple Thrown in prison with Peter Author of the Book of Revelation and 3 epistles that bear the name John Feat Day – December 27 b. Intended Christian community with issues against Audience Jews and Gnostics c. Date and Written in Ephesus around 90-98 AD Place of Compositio n  THE FOUR GOSPEL'S The Gospel of John e. Characteristics Theological Gospel Spiritual Gospel Long discourses with less actions of Jesus and with many abstract things. f. Themes Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life Jesus is the Light of the world  THE INCARNATION  Heart of the Christian Faith is the assertion that “Jesus Christ is God in the flesh”  Doctrine of Incarnation (from Latin caro, carnis “flesh or meat”)  It means that God has chosen to taken on human nature in the unique historical person of Jesus of Nazareth.  The gospels depicted Jesus as divinely endowed as well as all-too-human  Gospel of John prologue  THE DIVINITY OF JESUS  Controversy among the first Christians.  The Son of God had already been existing prior to his becoming  He is begotten Son of God and not created by the Father  The Son of God is God  Christians Writers of the second century many whom were trained by the Apostles likewise taught about the Divinity of Jesus  St Clement of Rome in his epistle to the Corinthians he wrote “Brethren we ought so to think of Jesus Christ as  THE DIVINITY OF JESUS  St. Polycarp a disciple of Apostle John and Bishop of Smyrna. In his epistle to the Philippians he wrote “Now may the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ… the God Jesus Christ…  St. Ignatius of Antioch in his epistle to the Corinthians he said that Jesus is God himself appearing in the form of man.  Jesus is God, we believe that the human and the Divine are forever conjoined  The sacred has entered into our  THE RESURRECTION  It is the central truth of our Christian faith.  He rose on the third day.  This rising of Jesus from the death radically changed the way that his disciples knew him.  Most sensational event ever take place in history  It is more than just a historical event  St. Augustine said “We are an Easter people and Alelluia is our song”  Christianity is the expression of faith in  THE HUMANITY OF JESUS  The Bible tells us that Jesus was born of a human mother.  He really had a human body and underwent the human process of growth.  He experienced hunger, thirst, exhaustion, death, grief, anger, fear and anguish, pity.  While he did not commit sins Jesus like us experienced temptation.  God cannot remain outside our human situation “watching us from distance”  God now shares fully in the human  THE INFANCY NARRATIVES  The accounts of Jesus’ birth and early childhood  They are not biographical but theological statements.  Found only in the gospel of Matthew and Luke and are full of references to the Old Testament.  Matthew focuses on the figure of Joseph who comes from the tribe of David.  Luke concentrates on Mary who is always shown as pivotal in the scenes  THE INFANCY NARRATIVES  They are narratives of an exquisite portrayal of God’s shaping of history begun in Israel and completed in Christ and the Church.  But not the primordial interest to the early Christians.  The evangelists were not eyewitnesses and their accounts were written after the resurrection.  The stories were written in the light of their faith in the risen and glorified Christ.  THE INFANCY NARRATIVES  They are attempts to describe Jesus Christ through an imaginative story regarding his origins.  They were not written to tells us the exact chronology of events or the actual events that took place.  The authors wrote the infancy narratives to tell us who Christ is. MATTHEW 1-2: THE BIRTH OF JESUS  First two chapters serve as preparation for the main narrative of Jesus’ public ministry.  The genealogy of Jesus (Mt. 1:1-7)  The announcement to Joseph and the birth of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25)  The episode of Magi, with the portent of the Star and their encounters with Herod (Mt. 2:1-2)  And the flight from Massacre (2:13-23)  Matthew grounds his story in Old Testament passages. LUKE 1:5-2:52: THE BIRTH OF JESUS  He begun his narratives by showing the parallelism between John and Jesus: there is angelic pre- announcement of the birth; a hymn celebrates the event; birth happened by the had of God.  He gives us the Roman imperial census as context of journey to Bethlehem  The angels bidding, it was the shepherds, who visited the new born child.  No flight to Egypt, no massacre  Peculiar scenes: Jesus circumcision, presentation and finding at the MATTHEW 1-2: THE BIRTH OF JESUS  Both gospels (Matthew and Luke) have crucial common points:  Joseph and Mary were his parents  An angel announced Jesus’ birth - to Joseph according to Matthew - to Mary according to Luke  He was virginally conceived through the Holy Spirit  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Judea  Jesus grew up in Nazareth. JESUS’ HIDDEN YEARS  What about Jesus’ so-called hidden life?  Matthew mentioned an eventual settlement in Nazareth in Galilee.  The Gospels hardly tell us anything about Jesus life in Nazareth.  Non-canonical documents have speculated scenarios and events for this period.  According to CCC 531, Jesus shared the condition of the vast majority of human beings: a daily life spent w/o evident greatness, life of manual labor… JESUS’ HIDDEN YEARS  The hidden life of Jesus consisted of growing up in a family.  He learned to love and obey his parents, he learned to exercise a craft and trade, learned the Word of God, and lived by devout Jews like his parents.  Jesus’ hidden years are tremendous importance for they have brought about sanctification of family life, work, and ordinary life as a whole.  IN THE GOSPE LS The Second Vatican Council calls Mary as an “exceptional daughter of the human race,” an extraordinary woman who became the Mother of Christ. MARY IS THE MOTHER OF JESUS  Mary as Mother of Jesus defines her whole function in the work of salvation.  In the gospel of Luke, Mary is called the “favored one”  In her encounter with Elizabeth she is acknowledged as the “graced” and “blessed” of God and proclaimed as blessed among women.  Mary was also proclaimed “mother of my Lord”  In the gospel of Matthew, Mary is a young Jewish woman betrothed to MARY IS THE MOTHER OF JESUS  She conceived Jesus in her womb by the power of the Holy Spirit.  It was of her that Jesus who is called the Messiah was born. MARY IS THE WOMAN OF FAITH  To believe means “to abandon oneself” to the truth of the word of the living God…  At the annunciation, Mary entrusted herself to God completely.  The obedience of faith.  Elizabeth proclaimed Mary blessed for her faith.  Mary is considered a believer.  The most visible and profound expression of faith is her prayer, the Magnificat.  The faith of Mary is a humble faith  She always “pondered all things in her MARY AS INTERCESSOR  At the wedding at Cana, Mary said to Jesus: “They have no wine”  The situation showed a respectful and trusting request for Jesus to intervene.  Mary represents people who believed in Jesus and expected help from him.  She acted as an intercessor before Jesus.  In telling people, “Do whatever he tells you”  Mary assumed a teaching function to the Christian community.  She believed in Jesus and fulfilled his words but she also asked others to do the same. SOURCE/S  Esma, Victoria , and Richard Pazcoguin. Salva Vida: Salvation Story and Study for College. Manila, UST Publishing House, 2008.