The Life and Teachings of Jesus

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Describing key elements of the Greco-Roman backgrounds of the New Testament, including Roman presence and influence during the life of Jesus.
• Identifying various religious and political groups in first century Judaism, including the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, Herodians, Essenes, and the Sanhedrin.
• Identifying specific styles, themes, and content of each of the Gospels.
• Explaining the religious and political significance of Messiah in first century Judaism.
• Correlating the two genealogies in Matthew and Luke.
• Comparing and explaining variations among Gospel parallels.
• Discussing the birth and childhood of Jesus and John the Baptist.
• Describing the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist and its correlation with the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
• Grappling with the meaning and implications of the stories of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness.
• Analyzing unique encounters with people, such as the woman at the well of Sychar.
• Tracing the three stages of the great Galilean ministry of Jesus.
• Describing the calling and special training of the Twelve disciples in Galilee.
• Tracing the later Judean Ministry, the Perean Ministry, and the last public ministry of Jesus in Jerusalem.
• Describing the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus.
• Describing the resurrection, numerous appearances, and the ascension of Christ.
• Understanding the substance and meaning of select parables of Jesus.
• Discussing the Sermon on the Mount with special attention to the Beatitudes, the influence and responsibility of discipleship, the meaning of prayer, and the Golden Rule.
• Discussing the purpose and value of the signs and miracles of Jesus.
• Discussing the broad implications of the ministry of Jesus and the gospel message to the nations of the world.
• Explaining prophecy as a means of identifying Jesus as Messiah.
• Discussing the pre-existence of the son of God and the concept of Incarnation in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.