Scholars: Jesus the Liberator

Question 1

Reza Aslan

Answer 1

• In Jesus’ time, many Jews hoped God would send a military Messiah to lead a rebellion against Roman rule
• Reza Aslan argues that Jesus was involved in a more confrontational resistance than is presented
• Aslan sees Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as orchestrated to fulfil Zechariah’s prophecy: ‘See your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey’
• Some people argue that Aslan’s ideas are misrepresentative, as Jesus did reject violent revolution
• For example, Jesus stops his disciples from defending him with violence

Question 2

Robert Webb

Answer 2

• Believed at the time of Jesus there was a movement of ‘social banditry’, sought to free the poor peasants from their life of poverty
• There is biblical evidence for Jesus’ engagement in challenging negative impacts of the oppression
• He spent time with those who were oppressed and acted confrontationally to authorities
• Most Churches reject this depiction as the spiritual purpose behind Jesus’ life is lost if he was purely a revolutionary figure

Question 3

Gerald O’Collins

Answer 3

• Jesus’ opposition led to conflict with the supreme court of justice in Jerusalem
• O’Collins writes: ‘…in general there was much in Jesus’ activity to provoke them [the religious authorities]’

Question 4

E.P. Sanders and Geza Vermes

Answer 4

• Believe Jesus was more Jewish than Christian tradition admits
• This includes concerns such as:
1. Jesus lived his life as a Jew with Jews
2. Jesus did not reject or replace the Jewish law
3. Jesus rejected becoming the ‘Messiah’
4. Jesus never described himself as the Son of God