User:Andrew c/Jesus: Difference between revisions
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The Gospels give two accounts of Jesus' genealogy in the male line through his legal father [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] ({{niv|Matthew|1:2-16|Matt 1:2–16}}; {{niv|Luke|3:23-38|Luke 3:23–38}}). Both accounts trace his line back to [[David|King David]] and from there to [[Abraham]]. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with [[Solomon]] and proceeds through the kings of [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] to the last king, [[Jeconiah]]. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when [[Babylonian captivity|Babylon conquered Judah]]. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to [[Adam and Eve|Adam]] and provides more names between David and Jesus. |
The Gospels give two accounts of Jesus' genealogy in the male line through his legal father [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] ({{niv|Matthew|1:2-16|Matt 1:2–16}}; {{niv|Luke|3:23-38|Luke 3:23–38}}). Both accounts trace his line back to [[David|King David]] and from there to [[Abraham]]. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with [[Solomon]] and proceeds through the kings of [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] to the last king, [[Jeconiah]]. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when [[Babylonian captivity|Babylon conquered Judah]]. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to [[Adam and Eve|Adam]] and provides more names between David and Jesus. |
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Joseph appears only in descriptions of Jesus' childhood. With Jesus commending Mary into the care of the [[beloved disciple]] during his crucifixion ({{niv|John|19:25-27|John 19:25–27}}), it is likely that he had died by the time of Jesus' ministry.<ref name=WebBible> Easton, Matthew Gallego. |
Joseph appears only in descriptions of Jesus' childhood. With Jesus commending Mary into the care of the [[beloved disciple]] during his crucifixion ({{niv|John|19:25-27|John 19:25–27}}), it is likely that he had died by the time of Jesus' ministry.<ref name=WebBible> Easton, Matthew Gallego.[http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/joseph-fosterfatherofjesus.html Joseph (the foster father of Jesus Christ)]. Accessed June 26, 2006</ref> {{niv|Matthew|13:55-56|Matthew 13:55–56}}, {{niv|Mark|6:3|Mark 6:3}}, and {{niv|Galatians|1:19|Galatians 1:19}} tell of Jesus' relatives, including possible brothers and sisters. The Greek word ''adelphos'' in these verses is often translated as ''brother'' in many Bible translations. However, the word can refer to any familial relation, and most Catholics and certain other Christians translate the word as ''kinsman'' or ''cousin''. |
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The Gospel of Luke records that Mary was a relative of Elizabeth, mother of [[John the Baptist]] ({{niv|Luke|1:36|Luke 1:36}}), though the exact relationship is unspecified. |
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=== Nativity and childhood === |
=== Nativity and childhood === |
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{{main|Baptism of Jesus|Temptation of Jesus}} |
{{main|Baptism of Jesus|Temptation of Jesus}} |
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[[Image:Ary Scheffer - The Temptation of Christ (1854).jpg|thumb|right| |
[[Image:Ary Scheffer - The Temptation of Christ (1854).jpg|thumb|right|175px|[[Ary Scheffer]]'s ''The Temptation of Christ'']] |
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⚫ | The [[Gospel of Mark]] begins with the [[Baptism of Jesus]] by [[John the Baptist]], which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the [[Jordan River]] where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. After Jesus had been baptized and rose from the water, Mark states Jesus "saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'" ({{niv|Mark|1:10-11|Mark 1:10–11}}). [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] adds the chronological details that John the Baptist had begun preaching in the fifteenth year of [[Tiberius|Tiberius Caesar]], ''c.'' 28 AD/CE ({{niv|Luke|3:1|Luke 3:1}}) and that Jesus was about thirty years old when he was baptized ({{niv|Luke|3:23|Luke 3:23}}). [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] adds to the other accounts by describing an attempt by John to decline the baptism, saying that it is Jesus who should baptize John. Jesus insisted however, claiming that baptism was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness" ({{niv|Matthew|3:15|Matt 3:15}}). In John's gospel, it is John the Baptist who has the vision of the dove/Holy Spirit and who recognizes Jesus as being "the lamb of God" and the Christ, while the actual baptism is not explicitly mentioned. |
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⚫ | Following his baptism, according to {{niv|Matthew|4:1-11|Matthew}}, Jesus was led into the desert by God where he [[fasting|fasted]] for forty days and forty nights. During this time, the devil appeared to him and tempted Jesus to demonstrate his [[supernatural]] powers as proof of his [[divinity]], each temptation being refused by Jesus with a quote of [[scripture]] from the [[Book of Deuteronomy]]. In all, he was tempted three times. The Gospels state that having failed, the devil departed and [[angel]]s came and brought nourishment to Jesus. |
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⚫ | The [[Gospel of Mark]] begins with the [[Baptism of Jesus]] by [[John the Baptist]], which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the [[Jordan River]] where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd |
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⚫ | Following his baptism, according to {{niv|Matthew|4:1-11|Matthew}}, Jesus was led into the desert by God where he [[fasting|fasted]] for forty days and forty nights. During this time, the devil appeared to him and tempted Jesus to demonstrate his [[supernatural]] powers as proof of his [[divinity]], each temptation being refused by Jesus with a quote of [[scripture]] from the [[Book of Deuteronomy]]. In all, he was tempted three times. The Gospels state that having failed, the devil departed and [[angel]]s came and brought nourishment to Jesus. |
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[[Gospel of Mark|Mark]]'s account is very brief, merely noting the aforementioned events, but giving no details about them, not even how many there were. [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], on the other hand, describe the temptations by recounting the details of the conversations between Jesus and the devil. |
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Both the Baptism and the Temptation are included in Matthew, Mark and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) and the [[Gospel of the Hebrews]], but there is no mention of these events in the [[Gospel of John]]. |
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=== Ministry === |
=== Ministry === |
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[[Image:Baptism-christ.jpg|thumb|left|175px|''The Baptism of Christ'' (detail), by [[Piero della Francesca]], 1449.]] |
[[Image:Baptism-christ.jpg|thumb|left|175px|''The Baptism of Christ'' (detail), by [[Piero della Francesca]], 1449.]] |
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The Gospels state that Jesus |
The Gospels state that Jesus, as [[Messiah]], was sent to "give his life as a ransom for many" and "preach the good news of the kingdom of God." ({{bibleverse||Mark|10:45}}, {{bibleverse||Luke|4:43}}, {{bibleverse||John|20:31}}). Over the course of his ministry, Jesus performed various [[Miracles of Jesus|miracles]], including healings, [[exorcism]]s, [[walking on water]], [[turning water into wine]], and raising several people, such as [[Lazarus]], from the dead ({{niv|John|11:1–44|John 11:1–44}}). |
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The Gospel of John describes three different [[passover]] feasts over the course of Jesus' ministry. This implies that Jesus preached for a period of three years, although some interpretations of the [[Synoptic Gospels]] suggest a span of only one year. The focus of his ministry was toward his closest adherents, the [[Twelve Apostles]], though many of his followers were considered [[disciples]]. |
The Gospel of John describes three different [[passover]] feasts over the course of Jesus' ministry. This implies that Jesus preached for a period of three years, although some interpretations of the [[Synoptic Gospels]] suggest a span of only one year. The focus of his ministry was toward his closest adherents, the [[Twelve Apostles]], though many of his followers were considered [[disciples]]. Jesus led what many believe to have been an [[Apocalypse|apocalyptic]] following. He preached that the [[End times|end of the current world]] would come unexpectedly; as such, he called on his followers to be ever alert and faithful. |
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Some of Jesus' most famous teachings come from the [[Sermon on the Mount]] ({{niv|Matthew|5-7|Matt 5–7}}), which contained the [[Beatitudes]] and the [[Lord's Prayer]]. During his sermons, he preached against anger, lust, divorce, oaths and revenge. Some aspects of Jesus' teachings were traditional, but other aspects were untraditional. He advocated and adhered to the [[Law of Moses]] ({{niv|Luke|10:25-28|Luke 10:25–28}}; {{bibleverse||John|8:55}}). According to {{niv|Matthew|5:17-19|Matthew 5:17–19}}, Jesus stated, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." However, Jesus also [[Expounding of the Law|expounded on Mosaic Law]] and taught a "new command." ({{bibleverse||John|13:34}}, {{niv|John|15:10-14|15:10–14}}) Jesus advocated, among other things, [[Turn the other cheek|turning the other cheek]], [[Expounding of the Law#Love|love for one's enemies]] as well as friends, and the need to follow the spirit of the law in addition to the letter ({{niv|Matthew|5|Matt 5}}). |
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⚫ | At the height of his ministry, Jesus attracted huge crowds numbering in the thousands, primarily in the areas of [[Galilee]] and Perea (in modern-day [[Israel]] and [[Jordan]] respectivly). Some of Jesus' most famous teachings come from the [[Sermon on the Mount]] ({{niv|Matthew|5-7|Matt 5–7}}), which contained the [[Beatitudes]] and the [[Lord's Prayer]]. Jesus often employed [[Parables of Jesus|parables]], such as the [[Prodigal Son]] ({{niv|Luke|15:11-32|Luke 15:11–32}}), and the [[Parable of the Sower]] ({{niv|Matthew|13:1-9|Matt 13:1–9}}) His teachings centered around unconditional self-sacrificing God-like [[agape|love]] for God and for all people ({{niv|Matthew|22:34-40|Matt 22:34–40}}). During his sermons, he preached about service and humility, the forgiveness of sin, faith, [[Turn the other cheek|turning the other cheek]], [[Expounding of the Law#Love|love for one's enemies]] as well as friends, and the need to follow the spirit of [[Torah|the law]] in addition to the letter ({{niv|Matthew|5|Matt 5}}). |
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⚫ | Jesus often met with society's outcasts, such as the [[publicani]] (Imperial tax collectors who were despised for extorting money), including the apostle [[Matthew the Evangelist|Matthew]]; when the [[Pharisees]] objected to meeting with sinners rather than the righteous, Jesus replied that it was the sick who need a physician, not the healthy ({{niv|Matthew|9:9-13|Matthew 9:9–13}}). According to Luke and John, Jesus also made efforts to extend his ministry to the [[Samaritans]], who followed [[Samaritanism|a different form]] of the Israelite religion. This is reflected in his preaching to the Samaritans of [[Sychar]], resulting in their conversion ({{niv|John|4:1-42|John 4:1–42}}). |
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⚫ | Jesus often |
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Jesus also debated with other religious leaders. He disagreed with the [[Sadducees]] because they did not believe in the [[resurrection of the dead]] ({{niv|Matthew|22:23-32|Matthew 22:23–32}}). The relationship between Jesus and the [[Pharisees]] is more complex. Although Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy ({{niv|Matthew|23:13-28|Matthew 23:13–28}}), he also dined with Pharisees ({{niv|Luke|7:36-50|Luke 7:36–50}}), taught in their [[synagogues]] ({{bibleverse||Mark|1:21}}), specified their teachings to his followers ({{niv|Matthew|23:1-3|Matthew 23:1–3}}), and counted Pharisees such as [[Nicodemus]] among his disciples ({{niv|John|7:50-51|John 7:50–51}}). |
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⚫ | Jesus often met with society's outcasts, such as the [[publicani]] (Imperial tax collectors who were despised for extorting money), including the apostle [[Matthew the Evangelist|Matthew]]; when the Pharisees objected to meeting with sinners rather than the righteous, Jesus replied that it was the sick who need a physician, not the healthy ({{niv|Matthew|9:9-13| |
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All four Gospels record Jesus' [[Palm Sunday|triumphal entry]] into Jerusalem at the end of his ministry. This was during the Passover Feast (15 Nisan - in the Spring) according to {{niv|John|12:12-19|John 12:12–19}}. The [[Hosanna]] shout and the waving of palm fronds were ordinarily part of the feast of [[Sukkoth]] (15 Tishri - Autumn), but appear to have been moved by the followers of Jesus to Passover, perhaps because of their Messianic associations. |
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=== Arrest, trial, and death === |
=== Arrest, trial, and death === |
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{{main|Jesus and the Money Changers|The Last Supper|Arrest of Jesus|Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus|Passion (Christianity)}} |
{{main|Jesus and the Money Changers|The Last Supper|Arrest of Jesus|Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus|Passion (Christianity)}} |
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{{main|Crucifixion|Harrowing of Hell}} |
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The narrative of [[Jesus and the Money Changers]] occurs in both the [[Synoptic Gospels]] and in the [[Gospel of John]], although it occurs close to the end of the Synoptic Gospels (at {{bibleverse||Mark|11:15-19}}, {{bibleverse||Matthew|21:12-17}}, and {{bibleverse||Luke|19:45-48}}) but close to the start in John (at {{bibleverse||John|2:12-25}}). In the episode, Jesus is stated to have visited the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], [[Herod's Temple]], at which the courtyard is described as being filled with [[livestock]] and the tables of the money changers, who according to {{fact}} changed the standard [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] & [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] money for special blessed [[Ancient Israel|Jewish]] & [[Tyre|Tyrian]] money, which was the only coinage allowed in Temple ceremonies. According to the Gospels, Jesus took offence to this, and drives out the livestock, scatters the coins of the money changers, and turns over their tables, and those of the people selling [[doves]]. In the synoptics, Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem upon a colt. Matthew expands on this, citing Zac. 9:9, claiming Jesus rode not only a colt, but a donkey simultaneously. The synoptics also mention 3 other Old Testament references. The crowds great Jesus my repeating the verses of Psalm 118:26. And after over turning the money tables, Jesus chastises the money changers with a combination of Isaiah 56:7 and Jer. 7:11: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'" (Mt. 21:13, Mk. 11:17, Lk. 19:46) |
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According to the synoptic Gospels, Jesus ate a meal, called [[The Last Supper]] with his disciples before going to pray in the [[Garden of Gethsemane]] (the last supper in John's gospel occurs possibly 2 years after the over turning the tables). This meal was possibly the [[Passover Seder]]. In the course of the Last Supper, according to the synoptics (but not John), Jesus divides up some bread, says [[grace (prayer)|grace]], and hands the pieces to his disciples, saying ''this is my body''. He then takes a cup of [[wine]], says grace, and hands it around, saying ''this is my blood of the 'covenant', which is poured for many''. Finally he tells the disciples ''do this in remembrance of me''. |
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According to the Gospels, Jesus came with his followers to Jerusalem during the Passover festival where a large crowd came to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (quoting {{niv|Psalms|118:26|Psalms 118:26}}; {{niv|John|12:13-16|John 12:13–16}}). Following his [[triumphal entry]], Jesus created a disturbance at [[Herod's Temple]] by [[Jesus and the Money Changers|overturning the tables of the moneychangers]] operating there, claiming that they had made the Temple a "den of robbers." ({{niv|John|2:13-17|John 2:13–17}}). Later that week, Jesus and his disciples gathered for what is known as [[The Last Supper]], in which he prophecized his future betrayal by one of his apostles and ultimate execution. Following the supper, Jesus and his disciples went to pray in the [[Garden of Gethsemane]]. |
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While in the garden, Jesus was [[Arrest of Jesus|arrested]] by [[Roman Empire|Roman]] soldiers on the orders of the [[Sanhedrin]] and the high priest, [[Caiaphas]] (cited later in {{niv|Matthew|26:65-67|Matt 26:65–67}}). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, |
While in the garden, Jesus was [[Arrest of Jesus|arrested]] by [[Roman Empire|Roman]] soldiers on the orders of the [[Sanhedrin]] and the high priest, [[Caiaphas]] (cited later in {{niv|Matthew|26:65-67|Matt 26:65–67}}). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, as Jesus was popular with the people at large ({{niv|Mark|14:2|Mark 14:2}}). According to the synoptics, [[Judas Iscariot]], one of his apostles, betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the guards with a kiss. Another apostle (identified as [[Saint Peter|Simon Peter]] in {{niv|john|18:10|John 18:10}}) used a sword to attack one of the captors, cutting off his ear, which, according to Luke, Jesus immediately healed ({{niv|luke|22:51|Luke 22:51}}). Jesus rebuked the apostle, stating "all they that take the sword shall perish by the sword" ({{niv|Matthew|26:52|Matt 26:52}}). After his arrest, Jesus' apostles went into hiding. |
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While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named [[Barabbas]]. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to display that he himself was innocent of the injustice of the decision ({{niv|Matthew|27:11-26|Matt 27:11–26 |
During the [[Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus]], the high priests and elders asked Jesus, "Are you the [[Son of God]]?", and upon his reply of "You say that I am", condemned Jesus for [[blasphemy]] ({{niv|luke|22:70-71|Luke 22:70–71}}). The high priests then turned him over to the Roman Prefect [[Pontius Pilate]], based on an accusation of [[sedition]] for claiming to be King of the Jews ({{niv|Matthew|27:11|Matt 27:11}}; {{niv|Mark|15:2|Mark 15:12}}). While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named [[Barabbas]]. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to display that he himself was innocent of the injustice of the decision ({{niv|Matthew|27:11-26|Matt 27:11–26}}). |
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According to all four Gospels, Jesus died before late afternoon, and the wealthy Judean [[Joseph of Arimathea]], according to Mark ({{niv|Mark|15:42-46|Mark 15:42–46}}) and Luke ({{niv|Luke|23:50-56|Luke 23:50–56}}) a member of the [[Sanhedrin]], received Pilate's permission to take possession of Jesus' body, placing it in a tomb. According to John, Joseph was joined in burying Jesus by [[Nicodemus]], who appears in other parts of John's gospel ({{niv|John|19:38-42|John 19:38–42}}). The three Synoptic Gospels tell of an earthquake and of the darkening of the sky from twelve until three that afternoon. |
According to all four Gospels, Jesus died before late afternoon, and the wealthy Judean [[Joseph of Arimathea]], according to Mark ({{niv|Mark|15:42-46|Mark 15:42–46}}) and Luke ({{niv|Luke|23:50-56|Luke 23:50–56}}) a member of the [[Sanhedrin]], received Pilate's permission to take possession of Jesus' body, placing it in a tomb. According to John, Joseph was joined in burying Jesus by [[Nicodemus]], who appears in other parts of John's gospel ({{niv|John|19:38-42|John 19:38–42}}). The three Synoptic Gospels tell of an earthquake and of the darkening of the sky from twelve until three that afternoon. |
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=== Resurrection and Ascension === |
=== Resurrection and Ascension === |
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[[Image:Grunewald - christ.jpg|thumb| |
[[Image:Grunewald - christ.jpg|thumb|left|175px|A 16th century painting of the [[resurrection of Jesus]] by [[Matthias Grünewald]].]] |
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{{main|Resurrection of Jesus|Great Commission|Ascension|Second Coming#Christianity}} |
{{main|Resurrection of Jesus|Great Commission|Ascension|Second Coming#Christianity}} |
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According to the Gospels, Jesus was [[resurrection of Jesus|raised from the dead]] on the third day after his [[crucifixion]].<ref name="Resurrection">{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew |chapter=28|verse=5|range=-10}}; {{niv|mark|16:9|Mark 16:9}}; {{niv|luke|24:12-16|Luke 24:12–16}}; {{niv|John|20:10-17|John 20:10–17}}; {{niv|Acts|2:24|Acts 2:24}}; {{niv|1Cor|6:14|1Cor 6:14}}</ref> The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to [[anoint]] the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. The sight of this angel had apparently left the Roman guards unconscious ({{niv|Matthew|28:2-4|Matt 28:2–4}}). (According to {{niv|matthew|27:62-66|Matt}}, the high priests and Pharisees, with Pilate's permission, had posted guards in front of the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen by Jesus' disciples.) {{niv|Mark|16:9|Mark}} states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to [[Mary Magdalene]]. {{niv|john|20:11-18|John}} states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name. |
According to the Gospels, Jesus was [[resurrection of Jesus|raised from the dead]] on the third day after his [[crucifixion]].<ref name="Resurrection">{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew |chapter=28|verse=5|range=-10}}; {{niv|mark|16:9|Mark 16:9}}; {{niv|luke|24:12-16|Luke 24:12–16}}; {{niv|John|20:10-17|John 20:10–17}}; {{niv|Acts|2:24|Acts 2:24}}; {{niv|1Cor|6:14|1Cor 6:14}}</ref> The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to [[anoint]] the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. The sight of this angel had apparently left the Roman guards unconscious ({{niv|Matthew|28:2-4|Matt 28:2–4}}). (According to {{niv|matthew|27:62-66|Matt}}, the high priests and Pharisees, with Pilate's permission, had posted guards in front of the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen by Jesus' disciples.) {{niv|Mark|16:9|Mark}} states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to [[Mary Magdalene]]. {{niv|john|20:11-18|John}} states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name. |
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The [[Acts of the Apostles]] tell that Jesus appeared to various people in various places over the next forty days. Hours after his resurrection, he appeared to two travellers on the road to [[Emmaus]]. To his assembled disciples he showed himself on the evening after his resurrection |
The [[Acts of the Apostles]] tell that Jesus appeared to various people in various places over the next forty days. Hours after his resurrection, he appeared to two travellers on the road to [[Emmaus]]. To his assembled disciples he showed himself on the evening after his resurrection. Although his own ministry had been specifically to Israel,<ref name="Israel">{{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Matthew |chapter=15|verse=24}}</ref> Jesus sent his apostles to the Gentiles with the [[Great Commission]] and [[Ascension|ascended]] to heaven while a cloud concealed him from their sight.<ref name="Ascended">{{niv|Mark|16:19|Mark 16:19}}; {{niv|Luke|24:51|Luke 24:51}}{{niv|Acts|1:6-11|Acts 1:6–11.}}</ref> According to Acts, [[Paul of Tarsus]] also saw Jesus during his [[Road to Damascus]] experience ({{niv|Acts|9:1-19|Acts 9:1–19.}}). Jesus promises to [[Second Coming|come again]] to fulfill the remainder of [[Messianic prophecy]].<ref name="return">{{niv|Matthew|24:36-44|Matthew 24:36–44}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
Revision as of 16:16, 8 August 2006
Life and teachings based on the Gospels
Events in the |
Life of Jesus according to the canonical gospels |
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Genealogy and family
The Gospels give two accounts of Jesus' genealogy in the male line through his legal father Joseph (1:2–16 Matthew 1:2–16; 3:23–38 Luke 3:23–38). Both accounts trace his line back to King David and from there to Abraham. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with Solomon and proceeds through the kings of Judah to the last king, Jeconiah. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when Babylon conquered Judah. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to Adam and provides more names between David and Jesus.
Joseph appears only in descriptions of Jesus' childhood. With Jesus commending Mary into the care of the beloved disciple during his crucifixion (19:25–27 John 19:25–27), it is likely that he had died by the time of Jesus' ministry.[1] 13:55–56 Matthew 13:55–56, 6:3 Mark 6:3, and 1:19 Galatians 1:19 tell of Jesus' relatives, including possible brothers and sisters. The Greek word adelphos in these verses is often translated as brother in many Bible translations. However, the word can refer to any familial relation, and most Catholics and certain other Christians translate the word as kinsman or cousin.
Nativity and childhood
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Gerard_van_Honthorst_%E2%80%94_Adoration_of_the_Shepherds.jpg/220px-Gerard_van_Honthorst_%E2%80%94_Adoration_of_the_Shepherds.jpg)
According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea to Mary, a virgin, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her that she was chosen to bear the Son of God (1:26–38 Luke 1:26–38). Catholics call this event the Annunciation. According to Luke, an order of Caesar Augustus forced Mary and Joseph to leave their homes in Nazareth and come to the home of Joseph's ancestors, the house of David, for a census. After Jesus' birth, the couple had to use a manger for a crib because there was no room for them in the town's inn or family guest room (depending on which translation from Greek is used) (2:1–7 Luke 2:1–7; "inn" may be "guest room", see 22:11 luke 22:11). According to 2:8–20 Luke 2:8–20, an angel spread the word of Jesus' birth to shepherds who came to see the newborn child and subsequently publicized what they had witnessed throughout the area (see The First Noël). Matthew 2:1–12 also tells of the "Wise Men" or "Magi" who brought gifts to the infant Jesus after following a star which they believed was a sign that the Messiah, or King of the Jews, had been born.
Jesus' childhood home is stated in the Bible to have been the town of Nazareth in Galilee, and aside from a flight to Egypt in infancy to escape Herod's Massacre of the Innocents (2:13–23 Matthew 2:13–23) and a short trip to Tyre and Sidon (15:21–28 Matthew 15:21–28; 7:24–30 Mark 7:24–30), all other events in the Gospels are set in ancient Israel. Luke's Finding in the Temple (2:41–52 Luke 2:41–52) is the only event between Jesus' infancy and adult life mentioned in any of the canonical Gospels, although New Testament apocrypha fill in the details of this time, some quite extensively.
Baptism and temptation
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The Gospel of Mark begins with the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the Jordan River where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. After Jesus had been baptized and rose from the water, Mark states Jesus "saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased'" (1:10–11 Mark 1:10–11). Luke adds the chronological details that John the Baptist had begun preaching in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, c. 28 AD/CE (3:1 Luke 3:1) and that Jesus was about thirty years old when he was baptized (3:23 Luke 3:23). Matthew adds to the other accounts by describing an attempt by John to decline the baptism, saying that it is Jesus who should baptize John. Jesus insisted however, claiming that baptism was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness" (3:15 Matthew 3:15). In John's gospel, it is John the Baptist who has the vision of the dove/Holy Spirit and who recognizes Jesus as being "the lamb of God" and the Christ, while the actual baptism is not explicitly mentioned.
Following his baptism, according to Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus was led into the desert by God where he fasted for forty days and forty nights. During this time, the devil appeared to him and tempted Jesus to demonstrate his supernatural powers as proof of his divinity, each temptation being refused by Jesus with a quote of scripture from the Book of Deuteronomy. In all, he was tempted three times. The Gospels state that having failed, the devil departed and angels came and brought nourishment to Jesus.
Ministry
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The Gospels state that Jesus, as Messiah, was sent to "give his life as a ransom for many" and "preach the good news of the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:45, Luke 4:43, John 20:31). Over the course of his ministry, Jesus performed various miracles, including healings, exorcisms, walking on water, turning water into wine, and raising several people, such as Lazarus, from the dead (11:1–44 John 11:1–44).
The Gospel of John describes three different passover feasts over the course of Jesus' ministry. This implies that Jesus preached for a period of three years, although some interpretations of the Synoptic Gospels suggest a span of only one year. The focus of his ministry was toward his closest adherents, the Twelve Apostles, though many of his followers were considered disciples. Jesus led what many believe to have been an apocalyptic following. He preached that the end of the current world would come unexpectedly; as such, he called on his followers to be ever alert and faithful.
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At the height of his ministry, Jesus attracted huge crowds numbering in the thousands, primarily in the areas of Galilee and Perea (in modern-day Israel and Jordan respectivly). Some of Jesus' most famous teachings come from the Sermon on the Mount (5–7 Matthew 5–7), which contained the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. Jesus often employed parables, such as the Prodigal Son (15:11–32 Luke 15:11–32), and the Parable of the Sower (13:1–9 Matthew 13:1–9) His teachings centered around unconditional self-sacrificing God-like love for God and for all people (22:34–40 Matthew 22:34–40). During his sermons, he preached about service and humility, the forgiveness of sin, faith, turning the other cheek, love for one's enemies as well as friends, and the need to follow the spirit of the law in addition to the letter (5 Matthew 5).
Jesus often met with society's outcasts, such as the publicani (Imperial tax collectors who were despised for extorting money), including the apostle Matthew; when the Pharisees objected to meeting with sinners rather than the righteous, Jesus replied that it was the sick who need a physician, not the healthy (9:9–13 Matthew 9:9–13). According to Luke and John, Jesus also made efforts to extend his ministry to the Samaritans, who followed a different form of the Israelite religion. This is reflected in his preaching to the Samaritans of Sychar, resulting in their conversion (4:1–42 John 4:1–42).
Arrest, trial, and death
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According to the Gospels, Jesus came with his followers to Jerusalem during the Passover festival where a large crowd came to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (quoting 118:26 Psalms 118:26; 12:13–16 John 12:13–16). Following his triumphal entry, Jesus created a disturbance at Herod's Temple by overturning the tables of the moneychangers operating there, claiming that they had made the Temple a "den of robbers." (2:13–17 John 2:13–17). Later that week, Jesus and his disciples gathered for what is known as The Last Supper, in which he prophecized his future betrayal by one of his apostles and ultimate execution. Following the supper, Jesus and his disciples went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane.
While in the garden, Jesus was arrested by Roman soldiers on the orders of the Sanhedrin and the high priest, Caiaphas (cited later in 26:65–67 Matthew 26:65–67). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, as Jesus was popular with the people at large (14:2 Mark 14:2). According to the synoptics, Judas Iscariot, one of his apostles, betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the guards with a kiss. Another apostle (identified as Simon Peter in 18:10 john 18:10) used a sword to attack one of the captors, cutting off his ear, which, according to Luke, Jesus immediately healed (22:51 luke 22:51). Jesus rebuked the apostle, stating "all they that take the sword shall perish by the sword" (26:52 Matthew 26:52). After his arrest, Jesus' apostles went into hiding.
During the Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus, the high priests and elders asked Jesus, "Are you the Son of God?", and upon his reply of "You say that I am", condemned Jesus for blasphemy (22:70–71 luke 22:70–71). The high priests then turned him over to the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate, based on an accusation of sedition for claiming to be King of the Jews (27:11 Matthew 27:11; 15:12 Mark 15:2). While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named Barabbas. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to display that he himself was innocent of the injustice of the decision (27:11–26 Matthew 27:11–26).
According to all four Gospels, Jesus died before late afternoon, and the wealthy Judean Joseph of Arimathea, according to Mark (15:42–46 Mark 15:42–46) and Luke (23:50–56 Luke 23:50–56) a member of the Sanhedrin, received Pilate's permission to take possession of Jesus' body, placing it in a tomb. According to John, Joseph was joined in burying Jesus by Nicodemus, who appears in other parts of John's gospel (19:38–42 John 19:38–42). The three Synoptic Gospels tell of an earthquake and of the darkening of the sky from twelve until three that afternoon.
Resurrection and Ascension
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According to the Gospels, Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.[2] The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to anoint the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. The sight of this angel had apparently left the Roman guards unconscious (28:2–4 Matthew 28:2–4). (According to matthew 27:62–66, the high priests and Pharisees, with Pilate's permission, had posted guards in front of the tomb to prevent the body from being stolen by Jesus' disciples.) Mark 16:9 states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene. john 20:11–18 states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name.
The Acts of the Apostles tell that Jesus appeared to various people in various places over the next forty days. Hours after his resurrection, he appeared to two travellers on the road to Emmaus. To his assembled disciples he showed himself on the evening after his resurrection. Although his own ministry had been specifically to Israel,[3] Jesus sent his apostles to the Gentiles with the Great Commission and ascended to heaven while a cloud concealed him from their sight.[4] According to Acts, Paul of Tarsus also saw Jesus during his Road to Damascus experience (9:1–19. Acts 9:1–19). Jesus promises to come again to fulfill the remainder of Messianic prophecy.[5]
References
- ^ Easton, Matthew Gallego.Joseph (the foster father of Jesus Christ). Accessed June 26, 2006
- ^ Matthew 28:5-10; 16:9 mark 16:9; 24:12–16 luke 24:12–16; 20:10–17 John 20:10–17; 2:24 Acts 2:24; 6:14 1Cor 6:14
- ^ Matthew 15:24
- ^ 16:19 Mark 16:19; 24:51 Luke 24:511:6–11. Acts 1:6–11
- ^ 24:36–44 Matthew 24:36–44