TOPIC 3 THE HISTORICAL JESUS

FORUM

STUDY EXERCISE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION

Basic Question: The deeper they dig for the historical Jesus, said one speaker in the documentary, From Jesus to Christ, scholars find a plurality of figures. (See Jesus' Many Faces) The result is a variety of images such as:

	Rabbi (see Pelikan, chap. 1)
	Healer
	Miracle Worker/Magician
	Cynic Philosopher
	Sage
	Charismatic
	Revolutionary
	Eschatological Apocalyptic Prophet (See Ehrman)

For a discussion of some of these images read The Complexity of Jesus' Religious Identity.

Which one is the real Jesus? We will find, by reading Pelikan's first chapter, Ehrman, chapters 8-12, and by listening to scholars in the videotape documentary and online, that people can agree on certain historical facts but disagree on how to interpret them. In this week's classes, sift through the materials and decide for yourselves what image best fits the "Real Jesus" as you trace his life between the two historical events that Ehrman agrees are basic to Jesus as a historical figure:

	John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
	Pontius Pilate crucified Jesus.

Between those two events, Jesus taught, healed, attracted crowds, made enemies, and was executed. As you work through the materials, notice how historians try to reconstruct that life and what issues they have to confront.

Notice how Ehrman presents the events that make up the story of Jesus' life, how he weighs evidence, and he reaches conclusions about who Jesus was.

FINAL CRISIS AND EXECUTION

Arrest and Crucifixion Note how these scholars in the documentary discuss the final crisis in Jesus' life. Where are they in agreement, disagreement? What do you find most persuasive as you look at the evidence?

THE MAJOR HISTORICAL QUESTION: WHY WAS JESUS KILLED?

	THE PASSION NARRATIVES AS EVIDENCE Mark, 14-15; Matthew, 26-27; John, 12--13, 18:1-19:38 (Note that John uses chapters 14-17 for an extended theological presentation with the Last Supper as venue. John uses the device of Jesus teaching his disciples about the significance of his life, suffering and death.)
	These Sources: Issues of Interpretation Perspectives of the authors Context of Christian/Jewish Polemic and Relations

HOSTILE GROUPS: Who were Jesus' enemies?
Notice how characters from these groups figure in the gospels. In particular, note which of these groups is least involved in the passion narratives.

	Pharisees & Scribes
	Priests
	Romans

JESUS' MINISTRY AND TEACHING

POLITICAL SUBVERSIVE ?

Gospels passages: The Passion narratives

Matthew, 26-27; Mark, 14-15; Luke, 22-23; John, 12--13, 18:1-19:38

The evidence

Roman trial and execution

The charge: King of the Jews

His View of the Kingdom of God

Compare Matthew and Luke on the Beatitudes [MT 5:1-11; LK 6:17-38.] Note that Luke's version stresses the poor and the marginalized in society, Matthew's version is spiritualized. Which is closer to the original?

Social Order & Political Issues

The kinds of people he attracted

The crowds and apocalyptic expectations

The Entry into Jerusalem & Passover Crowds

RELIGIOUS SUBVERSIVE ?

Gospel passages presenting his teaching and actions

	Matthew, 5-7
	Mark, 1-9
	Luke, 6-20:49
	John, 2:13-23 (Cleansing the Temple)
	John 4(Samaritan Woman)
	John 5:1-18 (Sabbath Healing)

Subversive Wisdom vs. Conventional Wisdom

Jesus confronts traditions in a patriarchal society.

He left home and family [LK 8:19-21], & called disciples to do the same

Women among his followers

MK 15:40; 16:8

LK 8:1-3; 10:38-42;

Meals with all comers

Great Banquet - LK 14:15-24; MT 22:1-10

Kingdom of God as Center of His Teaching

For Traditional View see Psalm 72, especially verse 9, and Psalm 101

For Jesus view see LK 17:20-21; MK 9:1.

MT 5:27-48 on the Law

Radical Ethics of the Kingdom

Divorce LK 16:18;MT 5:32, 19:9

Purity MK 7:15

Loving Your Neighbor, LK 18:9-14

PARABLES [See Jesus' Parables for Dominick Crossan's views.] Analyze at least one of these parables as subversive teaching.

The Sower - MT 13:1-23; MK 4:1-20; LK 8:4-15

Two Builders - MT 7:24-27

Lost Sheep - LK 15:3-7

Good Samaritan - LK 10:29-37

Prodigal Son - LK 15:11-32

Pharisee & Tax Collector - LK 18:9-14

Principles of God's Kingdom

Seven parables of the Kingdom: MT 13, 20:1-15; MK 4:26-29 (Seed growing secretly); LK 15:8-10 (Lost Coin)

Prophet of Restoration Eschatology: The Kingdom is here now (in his circle of fellowship) and also to come in future.

Reconstructing Jesus' Life: Limits of the Historical Project