Each small group will discuss Gospel passages related to one of the following themes. Read the passages cited (individually or as a group). Try to come to some consensus on the questions asked and cite chapter and verse as evidence in support of your conclusions. Feel free to look at any additional relevant passages you may be familiar with beyond those identified by the instructor. Take notes so you are prepared to report to others with answers to the questions you explored.
1. Jesus the Jew: LK 2:21-24, LK 2:41-42, LK 4:15-22, MT 26:17-19
Did Jesus ever stop being Jewish? On what Biblical evidence do you base your conclusions?
What do you think this does (or should) mean for Christians and Christianity?
2. What does Jesus have to say about himself: MK 8:27-30, MT 12:22-24, MT 27:11-12 & 26:63-64, MK 15:2-5 & 14:61-62, LK 23:3 & 22:67-70, JN 18:37
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the “Son of God,” the Messiah, the Savior who saves humanity from sin. Where in the Gospels is Jesus said to have explicitly said this about himself? Is it only implied? Or do we infer something that may not have been intended?
What did Jesus have to say about himself?
3. What does Jesus have to say about his mission: MT 10:5-6, MT 15:21-28, MT 21:42-45, MT 28:19
Who does Jesus think he is here for?
Does he know from the beginning what he is to do or does he seem to only come to “figure it out” gradually, over time?
Do you think he might have been confused or unsure about what he was supposed to do (at least sometimes)?
4. Jesus as a miracle worker and faith healer: MK 5:25-34, MT: 15:28, LK 17:11-19, JN 4:46-53, MT 17:19-20, MT 21:21
What kind of miracles does Jesus perform? Why? When? For whom? How?
What kind of healing does Jesus perform? Why? When? For whom? How?
Do you think Jesus is teaching any lessons with this healing and these miracles? If so, what lessons?
5. Jesus as a teacher who used story telling (parables) as a teaching tool: MT 13:1-52, LK 13:18-21, LK 17:20-21, MK 12:32-34, LK chapter 15
Why does Jesus teach with stories? Who does he teach in this way?
How do stories work as “teaching tools”?
Why does he not just say plainly what he wants to say?
What are the themes (topics, issues) in the stories and sermons Jesus presents?
What do his stories mean?
6. Jesus as a social critic and reformer: MK 2:23-28, MK 3:1-6, LK 13:10-17, MK 7:14-23, MK 12:28-31, MT 5:43-48
What does Jesus think are some of the most important values to live by?
In what ways does Jesus criticize some of the people he talks with? Who does he criticize? Why?
What does Jesus think of the way some Jews of his day follow their religion?