Life of ChristLife of Christ

Part Seven: The Ministry of Part Seven: The Ministry of Christ around Galilee – Part 2Christ around Galilee – Part 2

Overview of Christ’s Public Overview of Christ’s Public MinistryMinistry

Birt

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First Year

OPENINGEVENTS

4 months

Joh

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trod

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Jesu

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EARLYMINISTRIES

OBSCURITY(VANISHING)

Largely in Judea

8 months

POPULARITY(DECLINING)

Jesu

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turn

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G

alile

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Jesu

s a

pp

oin

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Tw

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4 mos. 10 mos.

Galilee

Second Year

PRIVATEPREPARATION

Around Galilee

6 months

To T

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Sid

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OPPOSITION(INCREASING)

Third Year

Tab

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PUBLICPRESENTATION

Geography of Geography of Life of ChristLife of Christ

Key Regions:

Judea

Galilee

Decapolis

Perea

Samaria

Jerusalem

12 months

14 months

. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?)

6 months

A Period of Private A Period of Private PreparationPreparation

““Knowing that the leaders desire to see Him Knowing that the leaders desire to see Him slain, Jesus sets out to PRIVATELY PREPARE slain, Jesus sets out to PRIVATELY PREPARE His disciples for His death, resurrection, and His disciples for His death, resurrection, and subsequent absence from their midst. For the subsequent absence from their midst. For the next six months Jesus actively and next six months Jesus actively and deliberately seeks solitude, endeavoring to deliberately seeks solitude, endeavoring to find time and opportunity to teach His find time and opportunity to teach His disciples and prepare Himself for the great disciples and prepare Himself for the great work yet to be finished” (from syllabus by Dr. work yet to be finished” (from syllabus by Dr. Doug Bookman). Doug Bookman).

Lesson on the Bread of LifeLesson on the Bread of Life Healings at Gennesaret (Matt 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56)Healings at Gennesaret (Matt 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56)

Gennesaret was a fertile plain just south of Capernaum, on the Gennesaret was a fertile plain just south of Capernaum, on the west side of the Sea of Galilee. Despite their leaders’ rejection west side of the Sea of Galilee. Despite their leaders’ rejection of Jesus as Messiah, the people of Galilee were still more than of Jesus as Messiah, the people of Galilee were still more than willing to benefit from His power.willing to benefit from His power.

Discourse on the true bread of life (John 6:22-59)Discourse on the true bread of life (John 6:22-59) Jesus rebukes the multitudes for seeking Him for the wrong Jesus rebukes the multitudes for seeking Him for the wrong

reason, and exhorts them to work for the food which endures reason, and exhorts them to work for the food which endures to eternal life. He contrasts Himself as the bread of life with to eternal life. He contrasts Himself as the bread of life with the bread given to the Israelites in the wilderness.the bread given to the Israelites in the wilderness.

““I am the bread of Life” is the first of seven “I am” statements I am the bread of Life” is the first of seven “I am” statements made by Jesus in John’s gospel. These are probably traceable made by Jesus in John’s gospel. These are probably traceable back to Exodus 3:14 and the name of God heard by Moses back to Exodus 3:14 and the name of God heard by Moses from the burning bush.from the burning bush.

Defection among the disciples (John 6:60-71)Defection among the disciples (John 6:60-71) Jesus’ strong emphasis on the need for an inner response of Jesus’ strong emphasis on the need for an inner response of

faith caused many to stop following. From this point forward in faith caused many to stop following. From this point forward in John’s gospel, the term “disciple” takes on the more restricted John’s gospel, the term “disciple” takes on the more restricted meaning of “genuine disciple.”meaning of “genuine disciple.”

Despite the public rejection by Christ, Peter and the disciples Despite the public rejection by Christ, Peter and the disciples are coming to understand who He truly is.are coming to understand who He truly is.

Lesson on the Leaven of the Lesson on the Leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Pharisees, Sadducees, and

HerodiansHerodians Conflict over the tradition of ceremonial Conflict over the tradition of ceremonial

defilement (Matt 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 7:1)defilement (Matt 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 7:1) These Jews represented the official leadership in These Jews represented the official leadership in

Jerusalem. Unsuccessful in trapping Jesus on the issue of Jerusalem. Unsuccessful in trapping Jesus on the issue of Sabbath observance, they have now come to Galilee to Sabbath observance, they have now come to Galilee to raise another issue, the tradition of the elders. Jesus raise another issue, the tradition of the elders. Jesus confronted the externals of the Pharisees with His confronted the externals of the Pharisees with His emphasis on the inner man.emphasis on the inner man.

Ministry to a believing Gentile woman in Tyre and Ministry to a believing Gentile woman in Tyre and Sidon (Matt 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30)Sidon (Matt 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30) Another clear example of the exclusive character of Another clear example of the exclusive character of

Jesus’ ministry. Jesus initially ignored her request Jesus’ ministry. Jesus initially ignored her request completely, since she was not of the house of Israel. completely, since she was not of the house of Israel. When she acknowledged that Gentiles receive blessing When she acknowledged that Gentiles receive blessing only indirectly when God blesses Israel, Jesus commends only indirectly when God blesses Israel, Jesus commends her perception and faith and grants her request.her perception and faith and grants her request.

Lesson on the Leaven of the Lesson on the Leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Pharisees, Sadducees, and

HerodiansHerodians Healings in Decapolis (Matt 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37)Healings in Decapolis (Matt 15:29-31; Mark 7:31-37)

In contrast to His earlier work in Decapolis, Jesus here In contrast to His earlier work in Decapolis, Jesus here commands silence on those He healed. More publicity commands silence on those He healed. More publicity would have impeded His training of the twelve.would have impeded His training of the twelve.

Feeding the four thousand in Decapolis (Matt 15:32-Feeding the four thousand in Decapolis (Matt 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9)38; Mark 8:1-9) The disciples evidently did not expect Jesus to repeat the The disciples evidently did not expect Jesus to repeat the

miracle that He had performed earlier with the crowd of five miracle that He had performed earlier with the crowd of five thousand. Jesus patiently dealt with the twelve to prove His thousand. Jesus patiently dealt with the twelve to prove His identity to them.identity to them.

Return to Galilee and encounter with the Pharisees Return to Galilee and encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt 15:39 – 16:4; Mark 8:10-12)and Sadducees (Matt 15:39 – 16:4; Mark 8:10-12) As soon as Jesus returned to Galilee His enemies were upon As soon as Jesus returned to Galilee His enemies were upon

Him, demanding a sign from heaven. The opposition was Him, demanding a sign from heaven. The opposition was so strong that the Pharisees and Sadducees were willing to so strong that the Pharisees and Sadducees were willing to put aside their differences and join forces against Him.put aside their differences and join forces against Him.

Lesson on the Leaven of the Lesson on the Leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Pharisees, Sadducees, and

HerodiansHerodians Warning about the error of the Pharisees, Warning about the error of the Pharisees,

Sadducees, and Herodians (Matt 16:5-12; Sadducees, and Herodians (Matt 16:5-12; Mark 8:13-21)Mark 8:13-21) Jesus was using leaven as a figure for evil Jesus was using leaven as a figure for evil

influence, which the disciples did not immediately influence, which the disciples did not immediately recognize. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and the recognize. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians all had distorted ideas about the Herodians all had distorted ideas about the kingdom.kingdom.

Healing of a blind man at Bethsaida (Mark Healing of a blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26)8:22-26) This is the only instance of a gradual cure by Jesus.This is the only instance of a gradual cure by Jesus.

Lesson of Messiahship Learned Lesson of Messiahship Learned and Confirmedand Confirmed

Peter’s identification of Jesus as the Christ, and first prophecy of Peter’s identification of Jesus as the Christ, and first prophecy of the church (Matt 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21)the church (Matt 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21)

This confession by Peter was the objective toward which Christ had This confession by Peter was the objective toward which Christ had been moving since He had left Galilee several months earlier. Virtually been moving since He had left Galilee several months earlier. Virtually every activity by Christ was designed to lead His disciples to a deep every activity by Christ was designed to lead His disciples to a deep conviction of who He was.conviction of who He was.

This was the first disclosure of a new work that Jesus was to undertake, This was the first disclosure of a new work that Jesus was to undertake, made to the group of men who would form its foundation. Death would made to the group of men who would form its foundation. Death would have no power over those who belonged to Christ’s church.have no power over those who belonged to Christ’s church.

The open manifestation of Jesus’ messiahship would have to wait for a The open manifestation of Jesus’ messiahship would have to wait for a later time.later time.

First direction prediction of the rejection, crucifixion, and First direction prediction of the rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection (Matt 16:21-26; Mark 8:31-37; Luke 9:22-25)resurrection (Matt 16:21-26; Mark 8:31-37; Luke 9:22-25)

Coming immediately after Peter’s confession, this is the first explicit Coming immediately after Peter’s confession, this is the first explicit prediction of events which were now about a year away.prediction of events which were now about a year away.

Peter was unwilling to accept these words because of he was now so Peter was unwilling to accept these words because of he was now so certain of Jesus’ identity. Jesus strongly rebuked him, then warned that certain of Jesus’ identity. Jesus strongly rebuked him, then warned that those who would follow Him must be willing to suffer as He would.those who would follow Him must be willing to suffer as He would.

Coming of the Son of Man and judgment (Matt 16:27-28; Mark Coming of the Son of Man and judgment (Matt 16:27-28; Mark 8:38 – 9:1; Luke 9:26-27)8:38 – 9:1; Luke 9:26-27)

The prediction that some would not taste death until they saw the Son The prediction that some would not taste death until they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom is fulfilled with Christ’s transfiguration.of Man coming in His kingdom is fulfilled with Christ’s transfiguration.

Lesson of Messiahship Learned Lesson of Messiahship Learned and Confirmedand Confirmed

Transfiguration of Jesus (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Transfiguration of Jesus (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36a)Luke 9:28-36a) Though the exact location is unknown, Mount Hermon, Though the exact location is unknown, Mount Hermon,

near Caesarea Philippi, is the best candidate. near Caesarea Philippi, is the best candidate. The transfiguration served to give three key disciples a The transfiguration served to give three key disciples a

preview of Jesus’ glory at His second coming. Coming as preview of Jesus’ glory at His second coming. Coming as it did after Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection, it did after Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection, it was an assurance to these three that He would fulfill all it was an assurance to these three that He would fulfill all the OT prophesies concerning His rule as Messiah.the OT prophesies concerning His rule as Messiah.

Command to keep the transfiguration secret (Matt Command to keep the transfiguration secret (Matt 17:9; Mark 9:9-10; Luke 9:36b)17:9; Mark 9:9-10; Luke 9:36b) Only after Christ’s resurrection would the disciples be able Only after Christ’s resurrection would the disciples be able

to fully comprehend the meaning of the transfiguration.to fully comprehend the meaning of the transfiguration. Elijah, John the Baptist, and the Son of Man’s Elijah, John the Baptist, and the Son of Man’s

coming (Matt 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13)coming (Matt 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13) John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the coming Elijah John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the coming Elijah

appears to have been contingent on Israel’s reception of appears to have been contingent on Israel’s reception of him. Their rejection nullified the potential fulfillment.him. Their rejection nullified the potential fulfillment.

Lessons on Responsibility to Lessons on Responsibility to OthersOthers

Healing of demoniac boy, and faithlessness rebuked Healing of demoniac boy, and faithlessness rebuked (Matt 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43a)(Matt 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43a) The father and his son may have been used by the scribes The father and his son may have been used by the scribes

to gather evidence against Jesus and His disciples (Mark to gather evidence against Jesus and His disciples (Mark 9:14ff). Jesus rebukes them for their unbelief.9:14ff). Jesus rebukes them for their unbelief.

Second prediction of the resurrection (Matt 17:22-Second prediction of the resurrection (Matt 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43b-45)23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43b-45) From the area of Caesarea Philippi and northeast Palestine, From the area of Caesarea Philippi and northeast Palestine,

Jesus began a journey that would take Him through Galilee Jesus began a journey that would take Him through Galilee and Perea to Judea and ultimately Jerusalem, where His and Perea to Judea and ultimately Jerusalem, where His crucifixion and resurrection would take place about 6 crucifixion and resurrection would take place about 6 months later. The disciples could not yet understand Jesus’ months later. The disciples could not yet understand Jesus’ statements about His impending death and resurrection statements about His impending death and resurrection (Luke 9:45).(Luke 9:45).

Payment of the Temple tax (Matt 17:24-27)Payment of the Temple tax (Matt 17:24-27) The tax here was sought to provide sacrificial animals for The tax here was sought to provide sacrificial animals for

Temple worship. The normal time to pay it was in the Temple worship. The normal time to pay it was in the spring, and it was now early autumn. Jesus and his spring, and it was now early autumn. Jesus and his disciples had been out of the area at the normal time, and disciples had been out of the area at the normal time, and thus were now approached about the tax.thus were now approached about the tax.

Lessons on Responsibility to Lessons on Responsibility to OthersOthers

Rivalry over greatness dispelled (Matt 18:1-5; Rivalry over greatness dispelled (Matt 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48)Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48) The transfiguration before 3 disciples and Peter’s The transfiguration before 3 disciples and Peter’s

prominence as a spokesman is in the background of this prominence as a spokesman is in the background of this discussion. Jesus responded by stressing humility as a discussion. Jesus responded by stressing humility as a condition both of true greatness and even entrance into condition both of true greatness and even entrance into the kingdom.the kingdom.

Warning against causing believers to stumble Warning against causing believers to stumble (Matt 18:6-14; Mark 9:38-50; Mark 9:49-50)(Matt 18:6-14; Mark 9:38-50; Mark 9:49-50) Jews did not refer to the sinful act itself, but instead to Jews did not refer to the sinful act itself, but instead to

the member of the body by which it is committed. This the member of the body by which it is committed. This is not a call to self-mutilation, but to a refusal to place is not a call to self-mutilation, but to a refusal to place the body at the disposal of selfish pleasures.the body at the disposal of selfish pleasures.

Treatment and forgiveness of a sinning brother Treatment and forgiveness of a sinning brother (Matt 18:15-35)(Matt 18:15-35) The rabbis only required 3 acts of forgiveness; by The rabbis only required 3 acts of forgiveness; by

comparison Peter’s proposal seemed generous. Jesus’ comparison Peter’s proposal seemed generous. Jesus’ response is essentially to require unlimited forgiveness.response is essentially to require unlimited forgiveness.

Journey to Jerusalem for the Journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of TabernaclesFeast of Tabernacles

Ridicule by the Lord’s half-brothers (John 7:2-Ridicule by the Lord’s half-brothers (John 7:2-9)9) After 6 months of relative obscurity, Jesus’ half After 6 months of relative obscurity, Jesus’ half

brothers prodded Him to make a dramatic brothers prodded Him to make a dramatic appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles. Only after appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles. Only after His resurrection would they come to believe in His resurrection would they come to believe in Him.Him.

Journey through Samaria (Luke 9:51-56; John Journey through Samaria (Luke 9:51-56; John 7:10)7:10) To go to Jerusalem to worship was a repudiation of To go to Jerusalem to worship was a repudiation of

the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim.the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim. Complete commitment required of followers Complete commitment required of followers

(Matt 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62)(Matt 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62) Jesus’ call to discipleship was to receive the Jesus’ call to discipleship was to receive the

highest priority.highest priority.

Next Week: Part Eight: The Next Week: Part Eight: The Later Judean Ministry of Later Judean Ministry of

ChristChrist