The Authority of JesusThe Authority of Jesus

From the last session

The authority of JesusThe authority of Jesus1. Jesus explained the kingdom through wise sayings (as

wisdom teacher) to give concrete directions on how to

observe the Mosaic Law (Torah). A striking characteristic

of Jesus was his use of “amen”, not to endorse the

saying of another, but his own saying (authority).

2. Jesus differed from other contemporary teachers by the

way he took the initiative in calling disciples (with

authority) to follow him.

3. He called twelve disciples into a special group that

symbolized the beginning of the re-gathered Israel of the

coming age.

4. Jesus miracles (acts of kingdom authority) attracted

large crowds and many followers.

5. It was the combination of his kingdom preaching, plus

his miracles, plus his authority in teaching the Law, plus

his gathering of disciples to symbolize a new Israel, that

made him unique.

Kingdom AuthorityKingdom Authority

Kingdom of God present in Jesus

Executive Authority/Rule of God

=

The Historical JesusThe Historical Jesus

Mark

Matthew

Luke

OlderSource

WorksOf

Jesus

WordsOf

Jesus

Mark = PeterMark = Peter1. NT texts and early church tradition tell us Mark

was with Peter in Rome, as his PA/Scribe.

2. Mark is all action and motion – repeated use of “immediately.”

3. Reads like story-telling, “and this” “and that.”

4. Written for a Gentile audience.

5. Full of Semitisms and Latinisms.

6. The most vivid: How they broke open the roof for the paralytic Jesus sleeping with his head on a pillow, in the storm 5000 sat down on the green grass Peter warming himself at the fire during the trial Peter and the disciples embarrassment

The most o

riginal s

tory of Jesus

A Recent Approach to Biblical Texts: Narrative

Criticism

David Rhoads, Joanna Dewey, Donald Michie,

Mark As Story: An Introduction to the Narrative of

a Gospel, Fortress Press, 2012.

The main theme of Mark:The main theme of Mark:The Authority of JesusThe Authority of Jesus

The Passion Narrative:

The climax of the conflict of authority

It was Jesus confrontational acts in

Jerusalem and the Temple that led to his

trial and death

Jesus Ministry in JerusalemJesus Ministry in JerusalemTriumphal entry, then two acts of judgment:

1.Judgment on the fig tree

2.Judgment on the temple

3.Judgment on the fig tree

Seven confrontations in the temple area:

•Jesus authority questioned by “the authorities”

•A parable against the Priests and Scribes

•The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus politically

•The Sadducees try to trap Jesus in theology

•A scribal theological question

•Who is the Messiah? David’s Lord!

•The temple treasury: who really gives?

Kingdom authority confro

nts relig

ious authority

Jesus Ministry in Galilee: First Jesus Ministry in Galilee: First PhasePhase

Announcement: The Kingdom of God is at hand:

Day One: Authority of his teaching, authority over

demons, authority over sickness

Five confrontation stories:

1.Jesus authority to forgive sins

2.Jesus eating with sinners

3.Jesus disciples not fasting

4.Jesus “breaking” the Sabbath: picking corn to eat

5.Jesus again “breaking” the Sabbath: authority to heal

Kingdom authority confronts religious authority

Jesus Ministry in Galilee: Second Jesus Ministry in Galilee: Second PhasePhase

Jesus ministry goes regional: Into Gentile territory –

extending further his works of authority.

1.Jesus calls the 12: Delegated authority

2.His family and the “authorities” say he is demonized or

mad

3.Jesus teaches through parables (wise sayings)

4.Jesus has authority over nature

5.Jesus has authority over demons

6.Jesus has authority over sickness and death

Jesus kingdom authority: Extended in territoryReaching new heights

What is this?What is this?

Kingdom

Authority

Religious

Authority

1. Authority of God

2. Restoring creation:

Sin

Sickness

Demonic bondage

Death

Nature

Abundance over

poverty

3.

1. Religious

“authorities”

2. His family

3. Satan

4. Death

5. Fallen creation

6. Poverty

Cosmic Warfare

The Cross: The Final The Cross: The Final ConfrontationConfrontation

The Journey to Jerusalem: Jesus sense of destiny – the

disciples in turmoil.

1.Peter’s confession – first prediction of suffering

2.Transfiguration – second prediction of suffering

3.The disciples argue about positions – third prediction of suffering

4.The disciples conflicted - fourth prediction of suffering

A question about spiritual authority.

Mission statement #1: Has come to preach the kingdom

Mission statement #2: Has come to give his life

Whose side are they on?

Cause and effectCause and effect

Jesus mission of kingdom authority

Jesus death

The climax of cosmic warfare

The final confrontationThe final confrontation

1. 7 Temple confrontations

2. The entire authority structure unites to remove

Jesus

3. Religious and Political powers sentence him to

death

4. Darkness and cosmic events surround his

deathAll the powers of darkness to their worst

But he rises again, defeating them all!

The kingdom of God is triumphant

Next sessionNext session

What was the mission and message of

Jesus?

What is the meaning of his

death/resurrection?

What is our mission?

What is the gospel?