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REL2032

The Life and Teachings of Jesus

The course presents a survey of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as presented in the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), including historical, political, social, and religious contexts.

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.

Syllabi

Summer 2023 Download
Winter 2024 Download
Summer 2024 Download