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Survey of the Gospels and Acts - Lesson 26

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Places Related to Parables and Miracles

Dr. Blomberg reveals locations in present day Israel related to Jesus’ parables and miracle locations. Key sites include the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, and potential locations for the Transfiguration. Gain insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of signs like the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, the exorcism at Khersa, and Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah.

Craig Blomberg
Craig Blomberg
Survey of the Gospels and Acts

Public Ministry

Part 9

Slide show of locations in present day Israel related to parables Jesus said and places He performed miracles.


Transcription
Lessons

 

 

This is the 26th lecture in the online series of lectures for understanding the Gospels and Acts, in complement with the textbook by Craig Blomberg’s Jesus and The Gospels: an Introduction and Survey. 

 

(This lecture represents another set of slides and photos of places in Israel related to the Parables and Miracles of Jesus)

 

When one envisions Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat, one cannot think about modern boats but smaller ones still used today by fishermen at dust and dawn to ply the waters of this fertile and fish rich sea. These days, tourists can cross over much more quickly and with less effort. Yet, even today, quick squalls can come up with large amounts of rain, accompanied by howling winds. Another photo (slide) shows yellow flowers of the mustard plant beneath much larger palm trees. One can understand, being spring, they have not grown to full size as of yet they do grow fast and thus they remind us of the parable that Jesus taught about the growth of the Kingdom. 

 

The resurrection of the daughter of Jarett was an event in Capernaum that took place in her father’s home. He was described as the synagogue ruler who typical lived in an adjacent large home next to the synagogue, much like a manse being provided for the pastor of a church. This portion of a large excavated home immediate across from the synagogue may have been Jarett’s home. Nain, where Jesus raised the only son of a widow, is one of those smaller towns that have never been excavated. You can see the lush fields of grain in that area today. 

 

The somewhat bizarre story of the exorcism of the demoniac and the herd of pigs which they then subsequently entered; the evil spirits then threw themselves off the cliff into the Sea of Galilee. This probably took place somewhere near the ancient town Khersa. (One photo here reflects the drought conditions of 1986 when the Lake was the lowest it had been in a hundred years) So in Jesus day, the water came right up to the edge of the cliff and thus the pigs would have drowned in the water immediately. One such photo, looking from the bottom of the cliffs, shows the ruins of a Byzantine church just back away at the top of the cliff. 

 

Jesus went to Nazareth where he found out that he could only do a few miracles there because of their lack of belief. Today Nazareth is dominated on the skyline by the Church of the Annunciation which commemorates the traditional site, though we really don’t know where the Angel Gabriel gave the announcement and prophecy to Mary that in spite being a virgin, she would conceive a child who would be the Saviour, Christ the Lord. Another photo with a view from another angle of the church and then a more gloomy obscure picture from the hill overlooking Nazareth where it would have been quite easy for an angry crowd having followed Jesus out of town after he preached in the Nazareth Synagogue, reaching a point where they tried to cast him over the hill side but Jesus seemingly miraculously escaped from them. One photo shows ancient style pottery and kitchen ware with bowls and where bread was made and then put in the oven with yeast reminding us of the parable of the leaven or yeast. 

 

The parable of the rich fool speaks of the man having a bumper crop of grain with no mention of sharing it with any of the many needy people around him. He simply decided to build a bigger storage bin; one such stairway out of the rock along the far edge of that enables the grain owners to go down into the storage bin or house. The next several slides (photos) move to the area outside the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi (north of the Sea of Galilee) which was a center of emperor worship as one might suspect from the name of a town after the Caesar of the time who was Tiberius and also Herod Philip. But before it had been called Caesarea Philippi, it was called Panius after the god of the forest ‘Pan’ in Greek mythology. 

 

The original head waters of the River Jordan, one would have flows out of a cave. But now for the sake of controlling the water, Israeli authority has rerouted some of it; at the same time, turning the area into a national park. But at one point, imperial statues were erected at the mouths of these caves as well. So in a place where there were so much background of false religion, it’s understandable why Jesus might ask what other people were saying about who he was and then to see if the disciples had a better understanding of who he was. Another photo (slide) shows those headwaters of the Jordan, further downstream from the cave entrances. Another angle showing some of the water falls created by the way the river has been dammed up in places. There are also ancient idols, statues to gods and goddesses of the Greco-Roman polytheistic pantheon were worshiped. And later in post Christian times, the site of Muslim tombs as well. 

 

A miracle that appears immediately after Jesus’ withdrawal from Galilee is the spectacular miracle of the transfiguration. Mount Tabor with no nearby hills from the Jezreel valley in the south of Galilee is the traditional site of the transfiguration, but with both the village and Roman fortress atop it in Jesus’ day, many scholars wonder whether it was a remote enough of a place to qualify for the miracle. Other scholars wonder if one should image instead Mount Hermon, the tallest mountain anywhere near Israel, just to the northeast of what probably were the borders of Galilee in the time of Christ. The question with this site in another time of the year with better weather is whether it would have been too remote and difficult and an unnecessary trek for the events that happened. Other suggestions, most noticeably, Walter Wyfelts compromise of Mount Marian, the tallest peak within Galilee, though not nearly as well known. It is closer to Mt Hermon than Tabor.    

  • 1. Political Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Jump into an overview covering the influences of the Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires on the Jewish nation.
  • 2. Political Backgrounds (Part 2)
    The Hellenistic influence led to division, a Pharisee-Sadducee split, and a growing Messianic hope, which are all critical to understanding Jewish-Gentile relations in the New Testament.
  • 3. Religious Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Discover how language evolution, Jewish sects, and Jesus' redefinitions of theology shape Second Temple Judaism's response to Roman rule and spiritual renewal.
  • 4. Religious Backgrounds (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explores the Jewish languages, sects, and responses to Roman occupation, alongside Jesus' reinterpretations of key Jewish beliefs, which focused on spiritual salvation, reshaping Messianic hopes, and broadening the scope of the elect.
  • 5. Social Background (Part 1)
    Learn the significance of early Christian manuscripts and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hear about the geographical context of Israel, Herod's architectural legacy, and the value of Jewish sources for understanding the New Testament.
  • 6. Social Background (Part 2)
    Explore the Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds that offer insight into Jesus' interactions with religious groups and the significance of non-canonical Jewish texts in understanding the Gospels and Acts.
  • 8. Historical Criticisms (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg looks at the methods of New Testament interpretation, including the King James Version-only debate, the synoptic problem, and critical tools like source, form, and redaction criticism for understanding Gospel differences.
  • 9. Historical Criticisms (Part 2)
    Learn more about “form criticism,” questions of Gospel reliability, early Christian oral tradition, the synoptic problem, and redaction criticism. These provide essential tools for interpreting and comparing biblical texts.
  • 10. Illustrations and Applications
    The healing of the paralytic illustrates source and form criticism, comparing synoptic Gospel details to support Markan priority, while distinct narrative touches display each Gospel’s unique style and theological focus.
  • 11. Literary Criticism
    Analyze how John uses literary techniques to contrast Nicodemus' hesitant faith with the Samaritan woman's transformative belief, illustrating the inclusivity of Jesus' message.
  • 12. Introduction to Mark
    Survey the book of Mark, the authorship, structure, and themes including: discipleship, suffering, and Jesus’ dual nature, emphasizing perseverance through trials and hope in resurrection.
  • 13. Introduction to Matthew
    Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, a shift from Jewish particularism to universalism. His structure blends narrative and teaching, focusing on discipleship, opposition, and Jesus' authority.
  • 14. Introduction to Luke
    Luke highlights compassion for outcasts, the poor, and Gentiles, emphasizing prayer, the Spirit, and universal salvation. Its structure mirrors Acts, tracing Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem and outward to the Gentile world.
  • 15. Introduction to John
    The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ divine and human natures through signs, discourses, and intimate themes, contrasting with the Synoptics while addressing Gnosticism, Jewish hostility, and offering insights into faith and discipleship for contemporary challenges.
  • 16. The Historical Jesus
    Learn about the historical Jesus, scholarly perspectives, Gospel timelines, and how themes in the Gospels affect understanding Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
  • 17. Infancy Narratives
    Explore the infancy narratives in Matthew, Luke, and John, focusing on contrasts, prophecy, Jesus' divine and humble identity, and the theological significance of his incarnation.
  • 18. Christ’s Adult Public Ministry
    Gain a geographical and historical perspective on Jesus' birth and early ministry through insights into Bethlehem, Shepherds' Fields, the Jordan River, and the Judean wilderness.
  • 19. Jesus Early Galilean Ministry (Part 1)
    The lecture explores Jesus’ transition from John the Baptist's ministry, focusing on baptism, their contrasting roles, and Jesus’ testing. It encourages you to balance repentance with celebration in your faith journey.
  • 20. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 2)
    John’s Gospel portrays Jesus’ early ministry as a transformative era marked by new joy, spiritual rebirth, and a universal Gospel, emphasizing contrasts between old rituals and Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s revelation.
  • 21. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 3)
    Jesus’ early ministry emphasizes the Kingdom of God, radical discipleship, transformative miracles, and ethical teachings that redefine Jewish laws, culminating in the Sermon on the Mount.
  • 22. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 4)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to explain the cultural and geographical context of Jesus’ ministry, focusing on sites like Cana, Samaria, and the Sea of Galilee.
  • 23. Sermon on the Mount
    Gain insight into the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus' teachings reconcile Old Testament law with New Testament principles while contrasting the beliefs of other Jewish groups of his time.
  • 24. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 5)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to uncover the geographical, cultural, and archaeological context of Galilee during Jesus' ministry.
  • 25. Parables and Miracles
    Explore Jesus’ ministry, Passion Week, and key biblical sites, gaining insight into their historical, cultural, and theological significance.
  • 26. Places Related to Parables and Miracles
    Examine the historical context of Jesus' parables and miracles at locations such as the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Caesarea Philippi.
  • 27. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 1)
    Study Jesus' withdrawal from Galilee, his redefining of Jewish traditions, ministry to Gentiles, and Peter's confession, highlighting his universal mission.
  • 28. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explains Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish festivals, “I am” statements, and miracles in John’s Gospel while examining his messianic mission, spiritual liberation, and teachings through critical exegesis.
  • 29. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 3)
    Dig into themes of forgiveness, repentance, justice, and discipleship in Matthew and Luke, emphasizing transformation, sacrificial giving, and the inaugurated Kingdom through Jesus’ teachings.
  • 30. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 4)
    Biblical sites like the Pool of Bethesda, the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives, are religiously significant, archaeological confirmations, and connections to Jesus' parables and teachings.
  • 31. Two Case Studies
    Reflect on Biblical teachings, ethical considerations, and practical responses to real-life challenges involving marriage, divorce, and stewardship.
  • 32. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 1)
    Study different debates on divorce, Jesus’ teaching on children, the rich young ruler’s challenge with wealth, and examples of stewardship.
  • 33. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 2)
    Jesus’ final week includes his teachings, temple cleansing, Last Supper, and prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing faith, sacrificial love, unity, and eschatological hope.
  • 34. Passion and Resurrection (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg teaches on the Passion and Resurrection narratives, exploring Jesus’ last sayings, the bodily resurrection’s significance, and its transformative impact on early Christian theology and worship.
  • 35. Passion and Resurrection (Part 2)
    Explore key biblical locations tied to Jesus' Passion and Resurrection, including the Upper Room, Gethsemane, burial sites, and worship areas.
  • 36. Who Was Jesus? Modern Myths vs. Biblical Basics
    Compare myths and biblical truths about Jesus, analyzing his humanity and divinity, compassion for outcasts, communal solidarity, and the Kingdom's radical message while addressing stewardship, social justice, and Christian unity.
  • 37. Acts (Part 1/5)
    The Book of Acts chronicles the early Christian church, offering lessons on salvation, the Holy Spirit's role, church leadership, and the Gospel's expansion while highlighting transitional practices and theological principles.
  • 38. Acts (Part 2/5)
    Acts 8-12 documents the Gospel's spread beyond Jerusalem, highlighting the conversions of Samaritans, Paul, and Cornelius, the Holy Spirit's unifying role, and God's sovereign guidance amidst persecution and growth.
  • 39. Acts (Part 3/5)
    Acts 13-16 outlines Paul’s first missionary journey, emphasizing the Gospel’s spread to Gentiles, the Jerusalem Council’s resolution on Gentile inclusion, and the balance between cultural sensitivity and doctrinal integrity.
  • 40. Acts – Pictures
    Learn about Paul’s missionary journeys, and the Gospel’s spread shaped by the role of archaeological landmarks, geography, culture, and ministry challenges.
  • 41. Acts (Part 5/5)
    Acts 16-28 chronicles Paul's missionary journeys, arrest, and journey to Rome, highlighting his preaching, cultural adaptation, trials, and the spread of Christianity despite persecution, demonstrating God's sovereignty.

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