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Survey of the Gospels and Acts - Lesson 18

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Christ’s Adult Public Ministry

Dr. Blomberg offers insights into the geographical and historical context of Jesus' infancy and early ministry. He shares locations such as Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, traditional mangers, Shepherds' Fields, and the Jordan River as a baptismal and purification site. The Judean wilderness is linked to Jesus' temptation, with its rugged terrain and seasonal transformations.

Craig Blomberg
Craig Blomberg
Survey of the Gospels and Acts

Public Ministry

Part 1

Slide show of locations in present day Israel that are related to Jesus' infancy and the beginning of His public ministry.


Transcription
Lessons

 

 

This is the eighteenth 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. 

 

(The following lecture describes a set of slides (photos) taken during a visit to Bethlehem and Israel – Obviously, some of the information will be outdated.)

 

It’s time to step back for a moment from our supplementary lectures and look at some slides related to the infancy narratives discussed in the last lecture as well as from the opening events of Christ’s adult public ministry. One of the most popular tourist sites in the land of ancient Israel is Manger Square in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Nativity as depicted in this first slide. It is one of the oldest or perhaps oldest church still standing in the Holy Land. The picture of the inside of this church discloses ancient murals or frescos which depicted, among other things, the magi appearing as Arabs and when the Muslims in the 7th century came through Israel and destroyed many of the scared Jewish and Christian sites, this one was left untouched because the invaders believed they saw fellow Arabs in these pictures. You can also see a hole in the floor where parts of the new tiles have been removed to see the mosaic of the original tile floor restored. 

 

The traditional site of Jesus’ birth is marked by this ornate grotto in the lower level of the church, though nothing in Scripture or extra-canonical tradition actually enables us to know the exact location of Jesus’ birth place. The next slide reflects a traditionally sized and shaped manger or cattle trough, less we glamorize the picture of the place where Mary laid baby Jesus that first night. The terrain just south and east of Bethlehem is to this day called Shepard’s fields. The next slide shows a modern day flock of sheep still grazing in this grass land area. Next, is a picture of the Jordan River where John the Baptist ministered, and today it separates the country of Jordan from the infamous ‘West Bank’ ruled over by Israel but operated by the Palestinian government. When one goes to the Jordan River in Galilee where the river forms the boundary between Israel and gentile territory to the east, the foliage is lusher, the river is much more shadow and gentle flowing.  The next slide shows a popular place near Galilee where Christians Baptize others, even today. The property at this particular place is Jewish owned and much more accessible for tourist and may even be rented for Christian Services. 

 

In Jesus’ day, emersion in water was perhaps best known from ritual pools such this one shown in the slide, excavated just south of the Temple Prescient in Jerusalem. The ritual pool in Hebrew was known as mixza and priests and others ministering in the Temple would submerge themselves for the sake of ritual purity of their official duties. Next, shows a more elaborate emptied pool. John the Baptist, of course, baptized Jesus along with many others and immediately the spirit leads him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Judean wilderness includes a vast terrain and again, neither Scripture nor tradition gives us any way to determine precisely the wilderness/desert in which Jesus resided or perhaps itinerated during those forty days of his fast. If the reference, ‘going to a high mountain’ to see all the kingdoms of the world,’ be taken in the first instance, literally, that is if Jesus really did go to the top of a high mountain; but obviously nowhere near Judea could he have seen all the kingdoms of the world. Then one could understand why the range of the most roughed filled terrain in between Jerusalem and Jericho became the traditional site of Jesus’ temptation and indeed what you see pictured has come to known as Temptation Mount. 

 

The next slide gives a look of a spring day with a deep green grassiness, a place normally barren and dry by the late summer. The winter months brings on the rain in the mountain areas. The next slide shows a picture of temptation restaurant in the old city, a tourist destination and place of different kinds of citrus fruit. 


 

  • 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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