Life of Christ
A Preview of Who Jesus is
and
The Early Years of John the Baptist
Introductory Matters
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Aims and Requirements for the class – includes
schedule. Very important to read material
before coming to class.
Textbooks and materials
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A Harmony of the Gospels
Charts of the Gospels and the Life of Christ
When God Wore Sandals
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www.bookmanministries.com
Register on the BBI webpage to participate in
discussion forum.
The Benefit of Studying the Life of
Christ
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“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?
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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:
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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)
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Each Gospel writer wrote with a particular audience and purpose in
mind, and each emphasizes a different aspect of Jesus' character:
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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 Godfearing 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
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The Roman Empire – Rome comes into power in
approximately 63 BC.
The Messianic Expectation
Different Groups in Judaism (See Chart 12 –
Page 72)
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Pharisees
Sadducees
Herodians
Essenes
Zealots
An Overview of Our Study
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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)
OBSCURITY
(VANISHING)
PUBLIC
PRESENTATION
EARLY
MINISTRIES
PRIVATE
PREPARATION
4 mos.
3 Mos. 3 Mos.
Around Galilee
Judea
Third Year
Perea
Ascension
Resurrection
Death
Second Year
6 months
1.5 Mos.
Triumphal Entry
First Year
Galilee
CONCLUDING
MINISTRIES
Tabernacles
Largely in Judea
To Tyre and Sidon
8 months
10 mos.
Jesus appoints the Twelve
4 months
Jesus returns to Galilee
Birth
John introduces Jesus
OPENING
EVENTS
OPPOSITION
(INCREASING)
Geography of
Life of Christ
6 months
14 months
Key Regions:
Judea
Galilee
3 months
Decapolis
Perea
3 months
12 months
Samaria
Jerusalem
Part One: A Preview of Who Jesus
Is
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Luke’s purpose in writing a gospel (Luke 1:1-4)
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Luke was a careful historian, drew from mostly oral sources.
John’s prologue: from preincarnation to crucifixion (John
1:1-18)
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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
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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”)
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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
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John’s birth foretold to Zacharias (Luke 1:5-25)
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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)
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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
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Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and song of joy (Luke 1:39-56)
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John’s Birth (1:57-66)
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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)
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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.
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