The Authority of Jesus From the last session

The authority of Jesus 1. 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 Authority Kingdom of God present in Jesus Executive Authority/Rule of God =

The Historical Jesus Mark MatthewLuke Older Source Works Of Jesus Words Of Jesus

Mark = Peter 1. 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 original story 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 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 Jerusalem Triumphal 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: 1. Jesus authority questioned by “the authorities” 2. A parable against the Priests and Scribes 3. The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus politically 4. The Sadducees try to trap Jesus in theology 5. A scribal theological question 6. Who is the Messiah? David’s Lord! 7. The temple treasury: who really gives? Kingdom authority confronts religious authority

Jesus Ministry in Galilee: First Phase 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 Phase 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 territory Reaching new heights Jesus kingdom authority: Extended in territory Reaching new heights

What is this? Kingdom Authority Religious Authority 1. Authority of God 2. Restoring creation: Sin Sickness Demonic bondage Death Nature Abundance over poverty Religious “authorities” 2. His family 3. Satan 4. Death 5. Fallen creation 6. Poverty Cosmic Warfare

The Cross: The Final Confrontation 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 effect Jesus mission of kingdom authority Jesus death The climax of cosmic warfare

The 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 death All the powers of darkness to their worst But he rises again, defeating them all! The kingdom of God is triumphant

Next 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?