Gospels Final Flashcards
(113 cards)
1
Q
Who were the first parables addressed to? Who were they interpreted for?
A
Addressed to the crowds
Interpreted for the disciples
2
Q
What were the first parables about?
A
The Kingdom
3
Q
What does Jesus say to the disciples when they ask why he speaks in parables?
A
Because to YOU it has been given (divine passive) to know secrets of the Kingdom.
Parables give to some and take away from others who do not see.
4
Q
How do parables have the potential to “take away”
A
No plain prose. Jesus can be dismissed.
5
Q
How do parables give? (7)
A
1 Graphic
2 memorable
3 vivid
4 close to reality
5 thought provoking
6 open ended
7 disarming.
6
Q
In the interpretation of the sower, what does the soil represent?
A
The four types of people, four types of response to word and Kingdom.
7
Q
What do the:
path
rock
thorns
harvest
sower
seed
represent in the parable of the sower?
A
Path: nonbelievers
rock: counterfeit/temporary believers
thorns: defeated/fruitless believers
harvest: true, fruitful believers
sower: Jesus
seed: the Kingdom
8
Q
What are the two foundational parables?
A
Parable of the sower and the parable of the wheat and the weeds.
9
Q
What is the context of Luke 11?
A
People tended to travel at night and there was probably not food along the way. So they were probably very hungry. It is a hospitality culture as well.
10
Q
What is the overall interpretation of the wedding feast.
A
Gospel is free but costly.
11
Q
What are the three types of parable, their method, timing, and prime audience?
A
Type/topic: Kingdom
Method: allegorical, clear in the end
Time: middle ministry
Prime audience: disciples
Type: Everyday people
Method: translucent
Time: middle ministry
Prime audience: crowds, encounters
Type: Controversy
Method: translucent
Time: late, last week
Prime Audience: opponent
12
Q
What are Blomberg’s four key thesis considering parables?
A
1: Historically, most interpreters take the parables as allegories- until the 20th century
2: They were correct but allegorized too much
3: Allegorical interpretation begins with Jesus’ teaching
4: Even confirmed opponents of allegorical interpretation cannot avoid it in practice.
13
Q
What does Blomberg say are 3 good principles for interpreting parables?
A
- find symbolic dimensions, not wild embellishments
- spot allegory: find extravagant detail that could point to another level of meaning.
- Rule of proportional analogies prevent unbridled speculation: A is to B as a is to b with respect to X.
14
Q
How does Blomberg determine how many points a parable has?
A
it has as many points as it does major characters.
15
Q
3 big conclusions about parables?
A
1: they start with everyday events and twist into surprising developments
2: they leave the hearer in some doubt, calling for self examination
3: often have a veiled reference to Christ.
16
Q
Who is the rock in Matt 16?
A
Jesus demonstrates a play on words: petros (Peter) and petra (rock). Jesus is the rock. The apostles, together, build on Christ.
17
Q
What are the keys of the Kingdom?
A
Peter’s proclamation of Peter’s confession grants or bars entry into the Kingdom (Luke 11:52)
18
Q
What turned Peter into a stumbling stone?
A
When he rebukes Jesus for proclaiming his death.
19
Q
What is the message of the transfiguration? What is the application?
A
Jesus is the Christ, the son of God! True form shines forth. Acts 9, Rev 1
Application: Listen to him, especially when he says hard things.
20
Q
Matt. 14-17 enters into a time of painful transition. What are the traits of the era?
A
opposition from Jews
dullness from crowds
slow progress of disciples
21
Q
What do the four gospels emphasize differently in Matt. 14-17
A
1: Matthew: 14-16 opposition of Jews, incomprehension of crowds, slow progress of the twelve.
2: Mark 8-10 Jesus is suffering Messiah. Disciples are slow to learn
3: Luke 9-18 Disciples have blunders and successes during “Journey to Jerusalem”
4: John 6-10 Disappointment from Jesus’ family. Leaders show strong opposition.
22
Q
When the crowds are making no progress, what does Jesus do?
A
He turns to the disciples and gives more in depth teaching.
23
Q
How do we categorize Matthew 18?
A
It is the fourth block of teaching in Matthew and covers community life in the kingdom.
24
Q
4 ways humility is shown to be a trait of Christian community in the Gospels:
A
1: If you are asking who is the greatest, you are missing the point.
2: to be great is to welcome children and teach them well
3: do not despise children.
4: rescue a sinning brother.
25
What is the basic plan for sin and reconciliation in Christian community?
1: Go
2: reprove him
3: Privately, unless it is a public offense
4: Pastors: catch error before it requires rebuke. `h `
26
How does Jesus relate to the father/older son dynamic in the parable of the lost son?
Jesus is to the Pharisees as the father is to the older brother in that he ignores their offenses and warmly invites them to join the party.
27
What are 3 ways parables can vary?
1: various literary styles: similes, example stories, allegory
2: various topics: judgment, grace, decision
3: by topic: kingdom, discipleship
28
What is the difference between Kingdom and people parables?
Kingdom parables are allegorical, clear to disciples. People parables are low level allegory. Often open ended.
29
How does the tone of the parables change from early on in Jesus' ministry to later?
They start off more instructional, and move to more confrontational.
30
Basic outline and meaning of the parable of the Great Banquet:
1: rich man prepared great banquet/ invited noble guests
2: they begin to make excuses
3: he begins to invite those outside the city and they come.
Meaning: Jesus invites all to his feast. If Jews spurn invitation, the feast will go on. The Messiah has come. Judgment is self imposed for those who refuse invitation.
31
What three parables does Jesus use to defend his associations with lost people to the Pharisees?
1: Wouldn't a shepherd seek a lost sheep?
2: Wouldn't a woman search for a lost coin?
3: Would a gracious father seek lost sons?
32
In Matthew 18:21, Peter asks Jesus how many times he is obligated to forgive. What is Jesus' response and what parable does he use?
He says, "not seven but 77 times" (an impossible amount of times)
Parable of unforgiving servant. A servant is forgiven his debt but won't forgive the one who owes him. To which the master says, "All that debt I forgave you. Was it not necessary for you to forgive?"
33
In summary, what are the themes of Matt. 19-20
Themes: Kingdom life proven in service to spouse, to children (little ones), to community. Discipleship defined through controversy regarding divorce, children, money.
34
What is the structure of Matt. 19-20?
Disciples prove themselves in relations with little ones, offending brothers, spouse, and treasured possessions.
35
How does the story of the rich young ruler demonstrate the commitment to the Kingdom?
Jesus reveals that the rich young ruler's idol is money and it feels impossible for him to give it up. Peter responds saying, "we gave up everything" Jesus responds by saying yes, but remember that in the kingdom the first will be last and the last will be first.
36
What parable does Jesus use to illustrate that the first will be last and the last first in the kingdom?
Parable of the workers in the vineyard. The one who works all day is paid last and less. This is used to show that even believers lose sight of grace and dwell on merit.
37
How does Jesus respond to the mother's request for James and John to sit at his right and left hand in the kingdom?
Jesus asks if you are able to drink "my cup"which represents the wrath he is about to receive on the cross. This is meant to communicate, that they do not know what they ask.
38
The ten disciples over the mother's request for James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left hand. How do they respond? What does Jesus then say?
They are indignant. Jesus compares them to the gentiles explaining that earthly rulers laud it over their subjects, but the disciples will not act this way. They need to realize once again that in the kingdom of God the first will be last and the last first. There is a difference between how the world measures greatness and how God measures greatness.
39
What theological reflections does Matthew 20:20-28?
1:These verses meditate on Jesus' deity and humanity.
2:"I came" statements of Jesus
3:The meaning of ransom and other terms for atonement: ransom, reconcile, Justify, propitiate
4:Jesus' humanity and ours: he is the example
40
4 terms for atonement
1: ransom: from slavery. Someone must pay a price
2: reconcile: relationships were at odds but now are not.
3: Justify: we are condemned but the charges have been dismissed.
4: propitiate: unworthy standing in the temple that Jesus has atoned for.
41
Several of Jesus' I have come statements: (5)
I have come to:
1: call sinners to repentance
2: seek and save what was lost
3: so that whoever remains in me will not remain in darkness
4: to serve/give his life as a ransom
5: to save sinners
42
What does Jesus promise the twelve disciples as the rich young ruler leaves and Peter asks, "What then will there be for us?"
That they would sit on 12 thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
43
What have been the ramifications of overlooking Jesus' implicit claims to deity in the synoptic gospels?
Evangelicals have given comfort to theological adversaries and impoverished their understanding of Jesus.
44
How did Jesus make implicit claims to deity in the gospels?
He manifested awareness of his deity throughout his ministry in actions and teachings that rightly issue from God alone.
45
Two NT references that show Jesus' humanity:
Luke 2:52 He grew in stature
Heb. 5:8 he learned obedience
46
4 common critical thesis of Jesus' person
1: Jesus lacked self awareness of deity; he never claimed deity in sense of pre-existence.
2: The church has called Jesus divine.
3: But we must call him divine in a way the historical Jesus would approve
4: He is not "very God" he had a prototypical consciousness of God.
47
BIG IDEASof implicit Christology in synoptic gospels
48
What are some ways Jesus implicitly claimed deity? (11 in the notes)
1: he judges mankind
2: forgave sins
3: bestowed eternal life
4: his presence is God's presence
5: eternal destinies depend on response to Jesus
6: Jesus identifies actions toward him with actions toward God.
7: he taught the truth on his own authority
8: performed miracles on his own authority
9: he receives obeisance
10: assumes his life is a pattern for others
11: applies OT texts describing God to himself.
49
What is the theme of Holy Week?
it blends triumph and tragedy, abnegation and acceptance of royalty.
50
What is the error in the question: "How could the crowd that praised Jesus call for his blood?"
Different crowds. This was probably the crowd that was traveling with Jesus and Galilean.
51
What is the meaning of hosanna as the crowds praise Jesus entering Jerusalem?
It means "save now" and its nationalistic.
52
What is the significance of using a donkey for the triumphal entry?
It is not fitting for the typical king in the sense that the animal is lowly, but also it is fitting for a king because usually no one else had ridden the animal. it was a miracle the donkey did not buck as it had never been ridden.
53
What was the typical purpose of a such an entry to a city as the triumphal entry?
Common when a general would inspect a city. They come not in war but in peace.
54
What is Jesus' reaction as he inspects the temple?
indignant repudiation, driving out animals and money changers that were not using the temple space correctly. They were using it as a nationalist stronghold and not allowing gentiles their space to worship.
55
what is the role of the temple cleansing in Jesus' death?
The nations were hungry and Jesus' death would break down the walls of hostility.
****It was a direct challenge to the religious leaders making it necessary for them to kill him
56
Why was Jesus upset at the fig tree?
The fig tree represented Israel and its hypocrisy and lack of fruit. His cursing the tree represented judgment on Israel.
57
3 significant mountains and their meaning.
The mountain where the transfiguration took place, Mt. Garazim, and the temple mountain. Rev. 11:7 talks about God's witnesses slain in 3 cities of sensuality, self indulgence, and false religion.
58
Describe Jesus' teaching during Holy Week
He uses various tools to show Israel its true condition, warn them and call them to repentance. His teaching also helps the church, which replaces the temple, to be fruitful.
59
How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees when they ask him what authority he has to cleanse the temple?
He poses a counter question: where did the baptism of John come from? Then I will tell you. He puts them in a trap.
60
How did the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with the question about taxes?
Their coin had inscriptions for Caesar as god, priest, king. It was a form of worship to Caesar. Caesar can get his money but God gets the worship and praise.
61
What was the flow of the controversial parables?
Initially disarming, but transparent at the end.
62
What is the parable of the wicked tenants (3 things)
1: It is an allegory of Israel's history
2: Israel has rejected its cornerstone and will be rejected.
3: Thus her kingdom and privileges will be taken away and given to the church.
63
What is the nature of the woes to Israel in Matt 23? (4 things)
1: They are warnings expressing anger and lamentation
2: Instruments of judgment and grace
3: a last warning
4: directly warns Jews.
64
What is the content of the woes in Matt 23? (5 things)
1: They lay heavy burdens
2: They love the show and rewards of religion
3:They are blind guides
4: They neglect the weighty matters
5: They are wicked.
65
Aspects of false religions
1: fail to live what they teach
2: do more harm than good
3: seek applause
4: display their religiosity
5: neglect matters of the law
6: misuse scriptures.
66
What is the predicted judgment expressed in Jesus' woes in Matt?
Jerusalem faces disaster
Judgment comes on all unbelievers in hidden solidarity.
67
How should we preach/teach the events from the last week?
1: Hasten to the climax
2: remember there is piety that removes one from God. (aka remind people that some are sure God will be on their side and the consequences of this could be disastrous.
68
Describe the Olivette discourse
1: Long, prophetic, drawing on Isaiah, Jer. Daniel constantly
2: details don't align perfectly with what happened on the ground in 70 ad but perfectly to what the prophets said.
3: discussed what would happen "before next generation"
69
What is the big idea of the Olivette discourse?
Stay awake- you don't know when the day of the Lord is coming.
70
Key features of the fall of Jerusalem:
1: false christs
2: wars/ rumors of wars
3: famine
4: persecution of Christians.
71
How was the Olivette discourse incredibly gracious and helpful when the fall of Jerusalem occurred?
It prepped Christians to be ready and aware so that many of them were able to escape.
72
How does the Talmud look reflect on the historicity of Jesus' death?
He was a deluder, misleader who was crucified
73
Why is the story of Peter's denials told?
This is our way into the story. "Little faith" This is how we identify with the story and it is instructive
74
How does Jesus answer when Pilate asks if he is the Messiah?
Yes but not how you think I am. Not the king Rome needs to worry about.
75
What is the difference between filial and servile fear?
filial: borne of respect and affection
servile fear: coach who yells at you all the time.
76
"sandwich" image of the Great Commission
Burger: make disciples
bun: I am with you always/all authority
toppings: go, baptize, teaching them all I have commanded you
77
Images for the four gospels
Matt. man (little faiths)
Mark lion (running to the cross)
Luke ox (bearing the burden of others/Jew and gentile, man and woman)
John eagle (birds eye view)
78
Should we be confrontational like Jesus?
Maybeeeeeeee but we need A LOT of discernment.
79
What are the 3 views of Jesus according to C.S. Lewis and the 1 Doriani added that is most popular among younger crowds today.
Lord, Lunatic, Liar
Legend
80
Why does it just not make sense for the writers of the Gospels to fabricate the stories?
The Gospel stories spread like crazy, and why would you want something that will get you killed to spread like crazy?
81
Different ways discipleship is described in Matt/Mark/Luke
Matt: little faiths
Mark: dull disciples
Luke: joy filled!
82
What is divine necessity and how many times does it appear in Luke?
The concept that certain things had to happen from a vertical perspective. At least 20xs
83
What does Pennington mean when he says "Behind the text"
Redaction criticism.
Backgrounds, culture, geography, human authorship.
84
How do critics of the Bible use redaction criticism?
They highlight the differences between the Gospel emphasizing their human authorship in a negative light. They reject the idea that God is the additional author and has divine sovereignty over the text.
85
What does Pennington mean when he says, "in the text"
Literary criticism. It is a close reading of the meaning of the words.
86
Pro and Con of literary criticism
Pro: we study language, themes, patterns of the text and uncover multiple layers of meaning. Focus on how the author makes his point.
Con: on its own we can neglect again the divine aspects of the texts and their spiritual implications
87
What does Pennington mean when he says "In front of the text?"
The readers and effects on them (whether intended by the author or by the Spirit. May include history of interpretation in eras)
88
How does Pennington describe the responsible reader of the text?
1: Do justice to the text- the "stable" meaning to all skilled readers
2: Look beyond the text: Love of God, neighbor in concrete
89
Dodd's definition of parables:
“A metaphor drawn from life arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, leaving the mind in enough doubt about its significance to tease it into active thought.”
90
describe Kingdom parables
are addressed to the disciples and teach about the Kingdom of God. They are allegorical, usually explained to the disciples, and happen during Jesus’ middle ministry.
91
Describe discipleship or people parables
are addressed to crowds. They are translucent and typically open-ended. They also occur around Jesus’ middle ministry.
92
Describe controversy parables
1: addressed to Jesus' opponents near the end of Jesus' ministry
2: characterized by a punch line
3: used by Jesus to judge his opponents
93
Why do the gospels reach their climax through conflict? (3)
1: Spiritual warfare
2: Jesus upsets powerful people
3: Jesus genuinely distressed spiritual leaders of Jews, violating their rules for rabbis
94
Features that add to conflict with religious leaders (5)
1: Jesus' associations
2: his treatment of the law
3: his attitude towards tradition
4: his attitude towards the sabbath
5: his prediction of the destruction of the temple (temple has nationalistic vibes)
95
How does Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection show him to be prophet?
Jesus predicted and interpreted his death and resurrection many times (at least 3) before these events occurred. He also predicted the disciples’ betrayal, from Judas, to Peter, to all of them falling away.
96
How does Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection show him to be a priest?
Jesus offered an acceptable sacrifice
97
How does Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection show him to be a king?
Prominent in trial and crucifixion; verified by resurrection
As king, he defeats enemies, protects his people from danger
He provides for welfare
He provides just laws
98
Greek word that shows Luke's emphasis on divine necessity?
δει is used over and over again.
99
Six distinctive traits of Matthew
1: Jesus fulfills Scripture
2: More teaching (Sermon on the Mount) (organized by teaching)
3: More positive view of discipleship (little faiths)
4: Jesus is Immanuel (presence of God)
5: For Jews (but most painful for Jews)
6: More explicit Christology (Jesus is Son of David)
100
Six distinctive traits of Mark
1: Fast paced (“immediately”)
2: Less teaching
3: Unflattering depiction of disciples
4: Roman audience
4: Jesus is Messiah and Son of God
5: basic story
6: Lots of details (eyewitness Peter behind it)
101
6 distinctive traits of Luke
1: Writes to Theophilus so that he might have certainty of what he has heard
2: More historically reliable details
3: Detailed accounts of Jesus’ childhood
4: social justice
5: joy filled
6: bear burdens of others
102
7 distinctive characteristics of John
1: Holy Spirit emphasis (even more than Luke)
2: tells what JC did and what he meant by it
3: Jesus’ appearance to Thomas and Peter and other disciples after resurrection
4: Explicit Christology
5: I Am sayings of Jesus
6: Signs that Jesus is Messiah
7: 3 Passovers
8: like Bluey
103
Blombergs thoughts on the parables as allegories
1: Most Christians throughout history parables: allegories
2: Modern scholarship: not allegories each parable: one main point
3: Gospels do have allegorical elements, but these are the exception
4: Do not allegorize every detail
5: They are both allegorical and authentic
104
what is narrative criticism? (Pennington)
is a specific type of literary criticism that examines how plot, characters, and settings are used by the author to craft his story and make his effect.”
105
What is composition criticism? (Pennington)
is a related technique that appreciates and employs many of the techniques of literary criticism, yet also with an eye to how other historically related literature might affect and relate to the text at hand.”
106
What is intertextuality? (Pennington)
focuses on “how a literary piece picks up and reuses themes, motifs, and phrases in other parts of the same book in an ‘intertextual’ way.”
107
What is biblical intertextuality? (Pennington)
a focus “on the placement of a text within the broader canon of Holy Scripture and Christian orthodoxy,”
108
Postmodern theory according to Pennington
denies that narrative writing may be interpreted in any non narrative fashion without doing violence to the original meaning of the narrator. Therefore it is inappropriate to boil down the parables into any number of “main points”
109
Poststructuralism (Pennington)
which can be viewed as a subset of postmodernism, specifically denies that the meaning of a text is fixed either in the author’s original intention or in the actual meaning of the words of a text, but is limited only by the creativity of a text’s readers or hearers and the interpretive conventions of the communities to which they belong
110
Deconstructionalist (Pennington)
no objective truth; every text undermines itself
111
Liberationists or advocacy movements:
draw on the social sciences to postulate that Jesus wanted to change the society in which he lived and that his followers should want to do so today as well
112
What do we mean when we say parables are best understood as "proportional analogies"
A is to B as a is to b with regard to X
113
