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Survey of the Gospels and Acts - Lesson 27

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Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 1)

As Jesus was departing from Galilee, he performed miracles and taught at specific locations along the way. Including the healing of the Syro-Phoenician woman’s daughter, the feeding of the four thousand, and Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi, affirming Jesus as the Christ. These moments highlight Jesus’ challenge to cultural norms and his universal mission as the Bread of Life for both Jews and Gentiles.

Craig Blomberg
Craig Blomberg
Survey of the Gospels and Acts

Public Ministry

Part 10

V. Jesus' Withdrawal from Galilee (part 1)

A. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee

1. Jesus preaches in synagogue at Nazareth

2. Jesus heals in lower Galilee

3. Jesus returns from Jerusalem and heals in Cana of Galilee

4. Jesus crosses Sea of Galilee to country of Gerasenes

5. Jesus journeys into district of Tyre and Sidon

6. Jesus preaches in Decapolis

7. Jesus performs wonders near Bethsaida

8. Jesus preaches in district of Caesarea Philippi

B. Withdrawal from Galilee

1. Theologically in purity dispute (Mark 7:1-23)

2. Geographically (Mark 7:24-8:30)

a. Syrophoenician woman – enemy Gentiles included (7:24-30)

b. Mogilalos man in Decapolis – cf. Isaiah 35 (7:31-37)

c. 4,000 fed in Gentile territory – Jesus as bread of life (8:1-10)

d. Brief return to Galilee but only rejection (8:11-12)

e. Back across lake – yeast of hostile leaders (8:13-21)

f. Blind man healed in Bethsaida – another "doublet" (8:22-26)

g. Christology on road to Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30)


Transcription
Lessons

 

 

This is the 27th 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. 

 

As we continue the survey of the Life of Christ, particularly as disclosed in Mark’s outline; the next phase is often called Jesus withdrawal from Galilee. It appears in Mark and Matthew, but it is the largest omission from Luke’s Gospel of Markan material and thus often is called by source critics Luke’s Great Omission. In addition to events that take place outside of Galilee to the north and to the east, we have Jesus briefly crossing back over the Lake only to depart from Galilee again. And we have a preface beginning at Mark 7:1 and parallel which can readily be thought of as Jesus’ theological withdrawal immediately prior to his actual geographical withdrawal. Mark 7:1-20 narrates yet another conflict story between Jesus and a group of Jewish leaders, which reflects the most serious break from conventional Judaism by Jesus thus far. What begins as a debate over ceremonial hand washing escalates to reflect the issue of kosher foods, and the short parable or metaphorical sayings by Christ that it is not what goes into a person but what comes out of them that defiles a person. In the second half of Mark 19 in a statement which modern translations often put in parentheses, we read in saying that Jesus declared all foods clean. This is almost certainly the comment of Mark as narrator with 20/20 hindsight, yet Jesus’ disciples did not immediately abandon the Kosher laws and indeed Peter required the three fold voice from heaven of unclean animals with God saying, rise and eat in Acts 10 in order to be persuaded that God was declaring all foods and indeed all people clean. But one should not be surprised that Jesus, himself, immediately departs from Jewish territory after this conflict and begins this segment of the Withdrawal from Galilee. 

 

The first map slides reminds us of the regions and communities that figure most prominently in this section and is a careful relief map drawn to scale. The second PowerPoint slide also contains a relief map with fewer locations on it, but instead with diagrams reflecting on possible sequences of Jesus itinerant ministry in Galilee and then beyond. One can see that his travel within the province is by no means adopting any definable pattern, but he makes a large ark of a portion of a circle as it were, around the northern and eastern perimeter of Israel. The next slide reflects on the theological significance of the Geographical portion of the withdrawal from Galilee; after noting the segment that we have just discussed in Mark 7:1-23.

 

The first narrated encounter involves Jesus and a Syro-Phoenician woman. Matthew calls her a Canaanite even though there had not been any Canaanites in the land for centuries. But the use of this archaic name reflects the ongoing enmity between Jesus and the inhabitants of the Promise Land. Whatever else is going on in this passage, it would seem that Jesus is baiting the woman as he does in order to draw out what he knew to be her tenacious way. Perhaps this was for the benefit of the disciples who are not prepared to give her any time, although he begins the conversation seeming like the typical chauvinistic Jewish male. He clearly ends it by granting a miraculous healing to the woman’s daughter and setting the stage for the disciples to similarly enact his revolutionary teaching about enemy love. 

 

Next, we come to the healing the deaf-mute, the one who could scarcely speak. Afterward, the four thousand are fed not far outside of Julius, much closer to Galilee but still in non-Israelite territory. Undoubtedly, the feeding of the four thousand corresponds so closely to the feeding of the five thousand, in order that the later might recall the former but with the different numbers of baskets, of left overs and the different words for baskets, fitting in with the different ethnic groups for whom the miracles were worked. To pick up Jesus’ term from the Capernaum Synagogue, he is demonstrating that he is the Bread of Life for both Jews and Gentiles. This is true that the account of the feeding of the five thousand occurs after Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee from Galilee. But there we read that many crowds followed him around the lake, so we could presume that he had a more Jewish audience with the five thousand. A brief return to Galilee leads only to his rejection there so that he is back across the lake again, talking and warning about the leaven or yeast of the Israelite leaders in route, condemning the leaders of a nation where one would have expected to receive the right response, then healing the blind man in Bethsaida, parallel to the healing of other blind men in Israel. 

 

And finally on the road to Caesarea Philippi, a location uniquely associated with Herod Philip, Tiberius Caesar and Emperor Worship, growing particularly in the East as a response to Tiberius, but also at an earlier time, a site of the worship of the god of the forest, pan. So the area was also called Panius, a very fitting place in light of all of these alternatives pagan religions for Jesus to ask what the Jewish or largely Jewish people were saying about him. Noting their inadequate answers; he then asked, ‘what do you say about me, who I am.’ Peter gives his divinely inspired magnificent answer, ‘you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ In Matthew’s Gospel, the promise to have the Keys of the Kingdom, which led the early church, opening the doors to Jews and gentiles alike, as we see them doing it in the opening chapters of Acts, being the foundation stone or rock on which the church was built, though nothing in this context even remotely hints at anything like ongoing apostolic succession or infallible papacy. Indeed, it will not be long before Peter turns from hero to goat in no time as speaking now more akin to the motives of the Satan than of God, he rebukes Jesus when Jesus begins to talk about his necessary coming suffering and death. 


 

  • 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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