NT001-512 - Jesus and the Gospels

  • 2,679 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • new testamentUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code NT301. Unit exclusions: It is not permitted to enrol in this unit concurrently with NT003-512 or NT003-712.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of the ministry of Jesus and the contents, themes and character of the canonical Gospels.

B. Be able to

1. Describe the historical, socio-cultural, religious and political setting of first-century Palestine as the context of Jesus’ life and ministry

2. Identify the distinctive features of the four Gospels and the interrelationships between them

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on: a) the life and identity of Jesus; and b) the message and ministry of Jesus

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives from ‘Jesus and the Gospels’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

  1.    Context and setting:

The historical, socio-cultural, religious and political setting of first century Palestine

  1. One Gospel and four Gospels:
    1. A detailed study of one or more gospels
    2. Distinctive features of the Gospels
    3. The interrelationship of the Gospels
  2. The identity and life of Jesus:
    1. The designations and titles of Jesus
    2. The passion and resurrection narratives
  3. The message and ministry of Jesus:
    1. The Kingdom of God in the proclamation of Jesus
    2. The significance and interpretation of the parables
    3. The ethics of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount
    4. The miracles of Jesus and their significance
  4. Reflection on the significance of Jesus Christ for contemporary life and ministry

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Recommended:

Bauckham, R., Jesus and the Eyewitnesses (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008).

Blomberg, C. L., Jesus and the Gospels (Leicester: Apollos, 2002 repr).

Bockmuehl, M., The Cambridge Companion to Jesus (Cambridge: CUP, 2001).

Bock, D. L., Studying the Historical Jesus: A Guide to Sources and Methods (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002).

Borg, M. J., Jesus (New York: Happer One,2008).

Hultgren, A. J., The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000).

Meier, J. P., A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus (2 Vols, New York: Doubleday, 1991, 1994).

Seccombe, D., The King of God’s Kingdom: A Solution to the Puzzle of Jesus (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2002).

Witherington, B., What They Have Done With Jesus? (New York: Happer One, 2007).

Wright, N.T. and M. Bird. The New Testament in its World. Rapids: Zondervan, 2019 

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