Introduction
Welcome back dear readers, to Purple Studios Publishing's blog. We continue with our Brief Lesson in the Christian Church Episode with # 3! Thank you for continuing to follow us on this journey. Last week we explored where Jesus traveled to when he was here on earth (please check out the episode if you missed it). Today we will embark on delving into the ministry of Jesus. We can divide the primary sources of information about Jesus' ministry into the four New Testament Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the ancient texts about Jesus commonly described as the "Gnostic gospels."
The four Gospels in the New Testament
The only sources for the life of Jesus of Nazareth are in the canonical gospels (or those included in the authorized version of the New Testament). We have no contemporary eyewitness testimony from when he lived and preached in Israel. The earliest gospel, Mark, was written approximately in the year 65 or 70 common error (C.E.) , followed by Matthew, Luke, and John. The letters of Paul, the earliest evidence of the Christian movement, were written in the '50s and 60's C.E. but contain very little in terms of the "historical Jesus."
Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Sometime during the 20s of the Common Era, an itinerant preacher known as Jesus, emulating the style of the prophets of ancient Israel, began addressing crowds in his native area, mainly the Galilee region of Northern Israel. He may have been in the circle attached to a famous religious reformer known as John the Baptist, and it appears that he took up the same message after John's death. His basic message was, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Which was thought to be meant by this was that God would soon intervene one last time in history and restore the nation of Israel, whose populace would now live in an ideal kingdom on earth, as God originally intended before the "fall" in the Garden of Eden.
It appears from the first three gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) that his preferred method of instruction was the use of the "parable," a short, concise story that makes use of simple situations and characters to illustrate or illuminate higher, more abstract, concepts such as forgiveness, altruism, or one's relationship with God.
According to the earliest gospel, Mark, he was also noted for miracles—curing diseases, raising people from the dead, exorcisms, or removing "demons," and other seemingly miraculous feats such as multiplying the loaves and fishes and walking on water. He gathered disciples (students, followers) around him, in the symbolic number of "twelve" (reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel). While drawing the countryside to his message, Mark reports constant harassment and persecution by specific groups of Jews, namely the Pharisees, the scribes, and, eventually, the Sadducees. This last group was primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem.
In the gospels, the Pharisees consistently accused Jesus of "violating the Law of Moses," but the gospel writers specifically deny that he challenged the customs of the Jews, claiming he merely offered what they understood as the "true" interpretation of this law and the traditions associated with it.
In Mark, Matthew, and Luke, Jesus spends most of his time moving around Galilee, and then he makes a final trip to the city of Jerusalem during the holiday of Passover. In John, Jesus makes several trips to Jerusalem throughout his ministry.
The Ministry of Jesus on Earth
The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, provide our principal source of information concerning Christ in His life on earth. Though the narratives may be a bit selective, in keeping with the principle governing each gospel, and though only a fraction of the incidents which might be of interest are related, the picture provided in the inspired Scripture is intriguing to all classes of scholars and is replete with theological significance.
Though the historical character of the Gospels makes them easy to understand, their theological interpretation is by no means uncomplicated. While there are few sections of Scripture require more careful analysis and precise performance. The reason does not lie in the complicated narrative but rather in the fact that the incidents recorded are more than just history. They constitute a revelation of God and His purposes.
Central Message of Jesus Christ: The Kingdom of God
Theologians have come to agree today that the primary and central message of Jesus Christ was the Kingdom of God. A brief look at the Gospels will immediately show that Jesus was driven by a vision, which he expressed in two basic concepts or symbols. The first is the word “Abba”, the human expression Jesus used for God, whom he experienced so intensely that he called the Father's will his food. The second is the symbol: “The Kingdom of God”, which he defined as God's plan or vision for the whole of creation.
Jesus himself used this "Kingdom" about 92 times. Most of his parables are about his picture of the Kingdom coming to earth with him. Therefore, the phrase the Kingdom of God contains, in a nutshell, all he wanted to bring and communicate.
The all-embracing of the 'whole of creation' means embracing everything ever created in heaven and on earth. This symbol is, therefore, not just any vision. As many scholars have pointed out: it is the grandest vision the world has ever seen. This vision can replace the discredited ideologies of the past century. It is this vision for which Jesus lived, labored, suffered, and died. And it is this vision he entrusted to his disciples and the church. It is this vision which discovers the central theme of the Bible. This vision is the consummation of history and the accomplishment of God's intention for his entire creation. This vision provides the most potent symbol of hope in the history of humankind, and it is this vision that provides the believer with a calling and a purpose higher than oneself. Indeed, it is a vision worthy of working for, living for, suffering for, and even dying for.
It is interesting to consider that Jesus did not view the Kingdom he preached as something solely belonging to the future. There is room for interpreting it as belonging to the present world as well. His vision allows for a future that cannot be deduced from current circumstances. The Bible sees the end as something completely new and beyond human capability. It is something that can only be given to us. While we must take the world and human effort seriously, we must remain open to a future that is beyond our understanding, one that is full of God's grace and love.
Only God can ultimately guarantee the fulfillment of humankind's deepest aspirations. Yet, it is equally important to realize that the Kingdom of God is incarnated in history, human society, and the world. Although it is not purely and simply identical to the world, it is 'identifiable' in the world. The Kingdom shows itself in society and is encountered in the community, but this society is not the Kingdom. This aspect finds its expression in the only definition of the Kingdom, which we find in Romans 14:17 "The kingdom of God is not about what a person eats and drinks. But it is about living in a way which is right with God. It is peace. It is joy because a person has the Holy Spirit". With justice, peace, and joy, Paul describes the content of the Kingdom of God, which he sees as already concretely present in the eschatological community. These three characteristics, justice, peace, and joy, are the fundamental values of the Kingdom. Albert Schweitzer called Paul's definition 'a Creed for all times.' The phrase could be seen as a rule of faith or Christian conduct.
Beyond the Kingdom of God
Even though the Kingdom of God is a prominent theme in Jesus' teachings, Jesus' message goes beyond the concept of the Kingdom of God. He preached about love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation. He emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their backgrounds or social status. He taught that we should not judge others, but instead, we should strive to understand and accept them.
Jesus also spoke about the importance of faith and the role it plays in our lives. He encouraged people to have faith in God, to trust in His plan, and to believe in the power of prayer. Jesus believed that faith could move mountains and that it could transform lives. Moreover, Jesus often challenged the traditional religious practices of his time. He criticized the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and emphasized the importance of sincerity and authenticity in our relationship with God. He taught that true worship should come from the heart and that external rituals and practices were not enough.
Conclusion
Jesus' message was one of love, compassion, forgiveness, and salvation. He emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, having faith in God, and living a sincere and authentic life.
As we come to the end of this essay exploring the teachings of Christ, we are filled with awe and gratitude for the profound wisdom and love that emanate from His words. The teachings and message of Christ are not mere words on a page; they are living, breathing truths that have the power to shape our lives and bring us closer to God. They are a lighthouse in the storm, offering hope and guidance in a world that often seems devoid of meaning and purpose. They are a balm for the wounded heart, reminding us of God's unfathomable love and His desire for our healing and restoration.
Let us embrace these teachings with open hearts and minds, allowing them to shape us into vessels of God's love. May we faithfully carry the light of His teachings into every corner of our lives, and may they continue to guide us as we walk the path of Christ, illuminating the way for others to join in this transformative journey of faith. May His teachings assist us all in what it is meant to be a part of the Kingdom of God.
Join us next week for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will explore the transformative power of His death and resurrection, delving into the depths of God's love and mercy for humankind. As we embark on this journey together, may our hearts be open to receiving the deep truths that we will uncover, inspiring us to draw even closer to the heart of our Creator. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your connection with Christ and rediscover the vastness of God's love for you. See you next week!
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