THE LIFE OF CHRIST

(PART ONE)
COURSE OUTLINE
Term one
1. INTRODUCTION OF THE SUBJECT
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUR GOSPELS.
3. THIRTY YEARS OF PREPARATION…Birth and childhood of
Christ.
4. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST and THE MINISTRY OF
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
………Ministry of John the Baptist
………Baptism of Jesus Christ.
………John’s baptism and the Baptism of Christians.
……….Temptations of Jesus Christ. In the
wilderness.
……….The call of the twelve disciples.
……….Jesus Christ and his opponents
………Geography of Jesus’ ministry.
Term two
5. THE GEOGRAHY OF THE HOLY LAND
6. WHAT JESUS TAUGHT?
7. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS CHRIST.
8. THE LAST WEEK OF JESUS’ LIFE.
………..Introduction to it.
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
……….The last supper.
……….The arrest and the trials of Jesus.
………The crucifixion of Jesus.
………The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT

This is a very important subject. It helps us to learn a bout Jesus, His
ministry of teaching (as in the gospel) and the world in which He lived.
The four gospels and other Christian literatures, including some historical
records, give us detailed knowledge of the life of Christ.
Jesus was born in a Jewish family in Galilee through God’s power, He
became fully Man. We got a better understanding uniqueness of Jesus’
relationship with God and His teachings by knowing beliefs of people at
the time

A. THE WORLD IN WHICH JESUS LIVED:

I. Palestine was part of the Roman Empire
This was from 636 BC. It was part of the Roman province of Syria.
“PUPPET KINGS” From Herods from 37BC to 70 BC ruled it when the
Romans following the rebellion of the Jews destroyed Jerusalem.
Herods were cruel and cunning leaders.

The Jews people had to pay taxes to Rome (Lk 2:1-3) and were often
treated like slaves by the occupying army of Roman soldiers. (Mt 5:41)

The lives of the Jewish people centered on their religion.

The people believed that they, their land, their City of Jerusalem and
their people were chosen and built by God and had been given special
purpose to rule the land when God’s Kingdom comes.
The life of the people revolved around their hopes for the future and
the Law of God which was taught every Sabbath in their synagogues
The things led their religious life: -
1. The way of TORAH (the law of Moses)
2. The way of TALMUD (Traditions of their fathers…perhaps these
developed during the Babylonian captivity. These were to keep the
identity as a nation.
Two things led to the formulation of TALMUD;-
(i) During their captivity, they felt need to keep and preserve their
culture(Their was no freedom of Worship).
(ii) Most parts of TORAH were lost during this period (captivity)So
many were living according to Talmud .Many went astray from

2
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
God’s Law. Latter Ezra found the lost part of the Law and used it
to bring his people back to Gods law.
NB: Traditions should never go over God’s word.
There were four group who took the Jewish religion seriously.

ii. FOUR RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN THE TIME OF JESUS:

1. THE SADDUCEES. LK. 20;27f
-These were of noble birth and included many of the priests.
-They did not like changes (they were conservatives)
-They only accepted TORAH as the only revelation of God.
- They did not believe the existence of angels, or in resurrection of the
dead or in the
Existence of spirits
Originally they began as a secret group in the days of Solomon. The were
called sons of ZADOK (ZADOK was a priest in the days of Solomon) 2.
Chro. 3:10, Ezek 40:46, 44:15,

- They seem to have continued even during the time of Babylonian

captivity
- They tried to keep TORAH even during captivity period and made
others keep it.
- Possibly these sect ended in 70 AD when Jerusalem was destroyed
by roman General Titus, who might have targeted them for their
teachings which made Jews disobey the ruling authority
2. THE PHARISEES ( MK 8:11, LK 6:1-2 )
- their name means LOYAL OR SEPARATED ONES. They were
numbering about 6,000 members.
- This group was established in BC 135.
- They accepted TORAH, PROPHETS , Psalms, etc. plus the TALMUD.
- They also believed in resurrection of the dead, existence of angles
and spirits.
- Their desire was to keep every single detail of the law. Law and
they made extra oral laws to make extra sure that the law was not
broken ( Lk 6:1-2)
- Though respected by people the Pharisees were not loved by people
.
- They were proud and considered themselves more holy and
righteous than the ordinary people (John 9:34 ).
- Keeping the law had become more important to them than knowing
God (MK 7:1-8 ).
- They hated the Romans but did nothing to themselves and their
rule. They believed God would do it in his own time.
- Some of the like NICODEMUS, JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, etc, were
receptive to the teachings of Christ.
- This group seem to have continued even after the destruction of
Jerusalem in AD 70.
- They disagreed very much with the Sadducees.
3
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
3. THE ESSENES.
- ESSENES means Holy, they were prominent religious group during
the time of
- Jesus.
- They were groups of followers of a leader called THE TEACHER OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
- Because of fear of contamination, they separated themselves from
the Jewish community and influences and they lived away in the
wildness.
- They considered themselves true people of God and the only ones
who were ready for the day when the MESSIAH would come to
destroy his enemies.
- These were better than the Sadducees and the Pharisees.
- They accepted all the Jewish writings .
- John the baptized may have had connections with them.
- The DEAD SEA SCROLLS may have belonged to this group.
4. THE ZEALOTS.
- This was a revolutionary movement: They wanted to bring freedom
from the Roman rule by using violence against the occupying Army.
- They considered that paying taxes to CAESAR was the treason
against God . ( MK 12:17 ). One of Jesus disciple has been a zealot.
(MK 3:18 ).
- They waited for a political Messiah MK 3:8 acts 21:38.
- They wanted a political reformation unlike the Pharisees who wanted
a religious reform acts 5:34 ff, Gamariel is referring to zeal
(iii) THE HOPE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE
Jewish did not understand God’s plan concerning the Messiah . People
had different ideas. To some the Messiah was;
a) A prophet like Moses.
b) A king like David.
c) A priest like Melchizedec.
d) A son of Man (Angelic leader) As in Daniel’s vision. DAN 7:12.
Over the years the Jewish people waited for a deliverer, the Messiah… In
Greek he is christos, i.e. ANOINTED ONE.
Because of these ideas, when Jesus was born, they misunderstood him
and could not accept him. They are still waiting for their Messiah the
hope of the Messiah kept the unit of Nation. They had some hope
wherever they were.

(iv) THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD WHEN JESUS CAME.

It seems the world, unknowingly was prepared for the coming of Christ
the following three situations confirms this; -
1. THE POLITICAL SITUATION: -
Romans were very tolerant to the nations they conquered but at the
same time Rome was quick to act against any sign of disorder or
rebellion (Jn 11:48-50, Act 21:31ff, 7:06 f, 19:4). Nations which showed
Loyalty were rewarded with gift of Roman citizenship .
4
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Romans religion had aim of making citizens and its subjects royal to the
empire
There were two roman emperors during Jesus’ days: -
a) Caesar Augustus - BC 27-Ad 14 ……Lk 1
b) Caesar Tiberius – AD 14-Ad 37.
Romans had local leaders under them to govern to them. In the life of
Jesus we have two leaders (HERODS) –
a) Herod the great BC 37 to Bc 4. (Mt 2:1-18)
b) Herod Antiras BC 4 to AD 39. …(LK 13: 32
Before the death of Herod the great, Palestine was not divided, but after
his death, Romans divided the rule in Palestine so that one part was ruled
by HEROD ANTIPAS, whom Jesus called THE OLD FOX in Lk.13:32. this is
the who had the head of John the Baptist cut off because his sin was
exposed.
The other part of Palestine was ruled by HEROD PHILIP, whose wife was
taken by his brother. HEROD ANTIPAS.
Herods were generally very unpopular with the Jews: -
1. They were not pure Jews.
2. They introduced customs such as the athletic games in which the
Romans performed naked which offended the Jews very much.
3. they were luxurious people
They were not genuine worshippers of Jehovah God. Herod built a
temple at CAESARIA to the Emperor in which the God ZEUS was
worshipped.
SANHEDRINE
The Jews had their own governing body or high court. SANHEDRINE …….it
began during the time of Babylonian captivity. They wanted to preserve
their way of Life and beliefs. It was called originally THE GREAT
SYNAGOGUE, made up of 120 elders. Ezra was one of them.
After captivity authority, it was called SANHEDRINE, made up of 70 elders.
- They had authority to administer civil laws, judge criminal cases (AC.
4-5); arrest suspects (Mt.26:4), etc. but could not carry out death
sentence (Jn. 18:31).
In every Jewish town there were LOCAL COUNCILS OF ELDERS, which dealt
with less important matters (Mt. 10:17).
The High Priest was the president I\of the council of Sanhedrin.
So the order of power was: -
ROME (Caesar and Senate) – ROMAN PRESENTATIVE – SANHEDRINE –
LOCAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS.
The High priest at this time of was appointed by the Roman
authorities……and there was a lot of corruption in the religious life.
People needed something better.

2. ECONOMIC SITUATION: -
Political was bad, 30% to 40% of the income of the working Jews went to
taxers.

5
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
- Paying of taxes to Romans, temple tax; and taxes to help to pay for
Herods building programme, made life very hard. Rich people bribed
the tax collectors …..as a result the rich paid less than their fair
share and tax collectors became very rich (Lk. 19:1-10’ Mt. 9:9-11).
- Famine and plagues were also common in Palestine as was
oppression by rich landowners (Lk. 16:19-31).

3. THE RELIGIUOS SITUATION: -

Political and economic situations increased desire for God’s intervention.
Deliverance from Gentiles rule was the cry of the day. Many Jews were
tired with the Roman rule and so of the day. Many Jews were with the
Roman rule and so most of them became actively involved in acts of
rebellion. Jews hated Romans for they Polytheistic. Many nations under
the rule of the Romans were patience with them but not the Jews: -
- ADS JUDAS of Galilee led a rebellion ……AC. 5:37.
- His sons rebelled after (A.D 44) him.
- Others like BARABBAS (Lk. 23:18-25); THENDAS (Ac. 21:38)
organized revolts.
- AD 62 the increase in number of the SICARTI (daggers men) brought
about a national revolt in AD. 66.
- Ad 70 General TITUS destroyed the temple in Jerusalem after a 5
month siege. Jerusalem was the center of ethnic and religious life of
Jews. Romans aimed at it. Jews were scattered allover.
A.D 131 –135 the final revolt was led by BAR COUMBA. Jerusalem fell and
was rebuilt by emperor HADRIAN and called AELIA CAPITOLINA and Jews
were barred from living there.
So, from these three situations, we see that people were desperately
awaiting a nationalist, political messiah who would bring economic and
social well being…(Jn. 6:15 –16). The Romans feared such a man…Jn
19:12.

INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUR GOSPELS

The four Gospels which were written AD. 60 and AD. 100 are almost the
only source of information about the life of Christ.
1. OTHER CHRISTIAN WRITTINGS: -
a) The acts of the Apostles: -
(i) Ac . 2;22; 10:38………references to miracles that Jesus did.
(ii) Ac.2:22 –23……..meeting of death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
(iii) Ac.10:39 –43; 13:30-31……..references to his appearing to people
after his resurrection.
(iv) Ac.20:35……..A saying of Jesus not found in the Gospels.
So the Gospels do not actually give us all the account of what Jesus did
and said.
b) THE EPISTLES: -

6
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
i. I cor .7:10 = TEACHING OF JESUS: - Paul was not one of the twelve
apostles of Jesus…………then it seems there were some writings
circulating in the Early Church concerning Jesus teachings.
ii. 1 Thes. 4:15= ABOUT RESURRECTION……. It seems Jesus had
taught on this subject ……SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
iii. 1 Cor. 11:23 –26 = LAST SUPPER……. When this is compared with
the record in the Synoptic, it gives us a fuller picture.
(c) OTHER CHRISTIAN WRITINGS;- what do they say about Christ?
When the Bible was being put together, there were other writings,
which were rejected for one reason or the other. …..e.g. THE
GOSPEL OF THOMAS = it contained some things not found in the
Gospels.
………We have OT and NT aprocrapher books which were taken as
uninspired.
But there are a few things we can learn from those books about the
life of Christ.

2. NON – CHRISTIAN WRITINGS: - what do they say about Christ?

These were circulating AFTER Jesus life on earth.
(a) SOME JEWISH SOURCES: -
1) JOSEPHUS ……….. in his Jewish history called ANTIQUITICALL, he
writes of Jesus, “A WISE MAN IF IT IS RIGHT TO CALL HIM A MAN, A
DOER OF MARVELOUS DEEDS, A TEACHER OF TEN WHO RECEIVED
THE TRUTH WITH PLEASURE…….HE WAS THE CHRIST ……
CONDEMNED TO THE CROSS. THOSE WHO HAD LOVED HIM DID NOT
FORSAKE HIM. FOR HE APPEARED TO THEM ALIVE AGAIN ON THE
THIRD DAY.”
This is a remarkable testimony from a Jew.
2) MISHINA (Jewish Law Code)… References to his unusual birth. In the
MISHINA Jesus is sometimes called JESUS BEN (son of ) PANTERA,
which was a statement of Jewish belief of insult that he was born as
the illegitimate son of MARY and Roman Soldier, PANTHERUS, (cf.
Mk.6:3).
3) TALMUD (Jewish Commentary of Law Code) the death of Jesus is
presented as the result of Jewish judicial procedure and trial.
There are many more Jewish writings of First and second
centuries…..his unusual birth, miracles, teachings, disciples, etc
recorded.
(b) A SYRIAC MANUSCRIPT………which contain a letter from Mara bar
Scrapion written in the 70s refer to the Jews executing the king”
…….and God taking vengeance on them.
(c) THE ROMAN HISTORIANS refer to Jesus Christ: -
(i) PHINY THE YOUNGER ……61-114.
(ii) TACITUS (55 – 118)……greatest historian of imperial Rome.
(iii) SUETONIUS (69-140), a court official under MADRIAN expelling of
Jews (and Christians) from Rome is mentioned by this man.

7
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
(d) JUSTIN MARTIR…….in his DEFENCE OF CHRISTIANITY written in 150
and he also talks about Jesus Christ.
NB: - These historians would here had access to all the available secular
historical sources and from reliable witnesses so we can trust them.
HOW RELIABLE ARE THE FOUR GOSPELS?
1. There is hundreds of manuscript of the gospels.
2. The earliest manuscript is a fragment of John’s Gospel dated at
c..125…less than 50 years probably after John wrote his gospel.
3. A document called the UNKNOWN GOSPEL……dated before 150 draws
on all the four Gospels showing that by this time the four Gospels were
accepted as authoritative.
4. There are very slight differences between various manuscripts but non
of them affects any major Christian doctrine. Since differences are
called VARIANT READINGS and are often shown in the margin or
footnotes in the NT.
REASONS FOR BELIEVING THAT THE FOUR GOSPELS DO ACTUALLY
GIVE US RELIABLE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LIFE OF CHRIST:
1. The Gospels claim to be accurate and truthful… Lk.1:1 –4,
(Archeology and history have proved the accuracy of Luke as an
historians ….Luke mentions even minor Roman officials and
proconsuls who are known to have been in office …..(Ac.16:55;
17:6; 18:2; 13:12)
Also compare John’s accuracy in giving us information about Jesus
early ministry in Galilee and detailed information about his ministry
in Judca, Jerusalem….Jn.23; 5:1; 7:1; 9:1; 3:24).
2. There is no reason to doubt the reliability of the Gospels since they
were written by believers.
3. If there had been any errors in the Gospels, there could have been
great objection from the Church because they were written when
the eye –witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus were still alive…..
(Lk. 1:1-4; 1Cor. 15:3-7)
4. Where there is clear evidence that the first Christians collected the
sayings of Jesus together into groups as sayings, which would be
useful to illustrate their points in preaching and teachings. These
would have been available for the Gospel writers to use together
with collections of OT texts, which Jesus used to show that he was
the Messiah.

WHAT ARE THE FOUR GOSPELS?

A. THEY ARE NOT LIFE STORIES OF JESUS CHRIST, ONLY THE
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ARE RECORDED. THEY ARE NOT LIFE
MODERN DAY BIOGRAPHY AS (ACCOUNT OF ONE’S LIFE FROM
BEGINNING TO THE END).
They do not all contain details of Jesus’ birth and early life e.g.
i. MARK and JOHN are silent about his birth.
ii. MATHEW and LUKE mention it for a particular purpose ……to
show his genealogy ….(Mt.1:Lk.3).
8
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
2. They spend a lot of time describing his last week, especially death.
3. They do not talk about his physical appearance, etc.
4. They are more concerned to show WHO JESUS IS, rather than e.g.
the length of his ministry or what he did.
The greatest revelation of WHOM he was given at: -
a) His birth…..Lk.2:11; Mt.2:1ff.
b) The temple at the age of 12.
c) The last three years of his ministry (in his miracles (Lk. 7:19f; at
his death…..Mk.14:61 –62; in his resurrection….Lk,24:47-48).
All what he did is recorded to point out who he is and that is message of
the four Gospels……”TO SHOW WHO JESUS IS.”
Jesus unique relationship to God is demonstrated in: -
a) His praying …..(Mk. 14:36………ABBA)
b) His preaching…….Jn. 12:50
c) His mighty works…Jn. 5:19-20
d) His Knowledge of God (Mt.11:29)
5. They introduce the possibility of relationship with the Son of God
through commitment and discipleship.
………Neutrality is not possible for those who do not respond to Jesus in
faith are said reject or leave him….(Jn.6:66) Jesus makes a total claim on
men’s lives. He calls them to seek him like a treasure at the cost of
everything else…..Mt.13:44; 16:24 Lk.14:23 –30).

B. THE FOUR GOSPELS ARE EVANGELISTICS & TEACHINGS

DOCUMENTS: -
They contain the origin of the good news of Jesus Christ
Mk.1:1………..the origin is JESUS CHRIST.
1. They proclaim the good news of salvation …..Jn, 20:31; Lk.2:14;
17:16…..HOW.
2. They testify to the identity of Jesus Christ …Jn.1:1-18; Mk. 1:1; Mt.
1:23; Lk. 1:32).
3. They teach that Christianity is the fulfillment of OT prophecies and is
for all men both Jews and Gentiles…..(Mt. 2:15; 18:23……of 7:28;
11:1 ;13:53)
4. They teach how Christians should live and forbear persecutions …
Mk. 8:31 –38).
5. Gospels means “GOOD NEWS” , it comes 75 times in the NT. The
Gospels are the good news of God’s victory and coming, in the
person of Jesus Christ.

C. The FOUR GOSPELS are FOUR RECORDS of the ONE GOSPEL….Rum. 1-4)
FOUR GOSPEL
1. GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATHEW: -
THEME: Kingships of Jesus Christ….He is the King of Jews.
WRITER: St. MATHEW, the apostle of Jesus.
PLACE OF WRITING: - Antioch in Syria.
DATE OF WRITING: - Between 70 and 80 AD.
9
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
RECEPIENTS: -Jews.
2. GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK;
THEME: - Servant of Jesus Christ…..MK.10:46
AUTHOR: - John MARK with the help of Peter, the apostles
PLACE OF WRITING: - Rome
(It is traditionary believed that Peter was crucified upside down in
Rome).

DATE OF WRITING: - Between AD 55 and A.D. 70 (in ARABIC

LANGUAGE)
RECIPIENTS: - Jews and Gentiles ..i.e. Christians living in Rome …he
explains Jewish customs (Mk. 7:2-4; 15:42, translates Aramaic
words…..(3:17; 5:14; 7:11, 34,15:22) and seems to have special
interest in persecutions and Martyrdom (8:34-38; 13:9-13)
…….subjects of special concern to Roman believers.
OCCASION & PURPOSE: - Since Mark’s Gospel in tradition associated
with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the
Roman church in the period of AD, 54-67; the famous fire of Rome in
AD 64…probably set by HERO himself but blamed on believers …
resulted in widespread persecution. Even Martyrdom was not unknown
among Roman believers. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers
for this suffering and discipleship are referred to throughout this Gospel
(1:12-13; 3:22, 30; 8:34 –38; 10:30 –34; 45;15:18;14-13).
EMPHASIS IN MARK: -
1. THE CROSS: - Both the human cause (12:12; 14:1-2; 15:10) and the
divine necessity (8:31; 9:31;10:33) of the cross are emphasized.
2. DISCIPLESHIP = Special attention should be paid to the passage on
discipleship that arise from Jesus predictions of his passions….8:34-
9; 9:31; 10:31; 10:42-45).
3. THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS: - Although Mark records far fewer
actual teachings of Jesus than the other Gospel writers. There is a
remarkable emphasized on Jesus as teacher. The words, TEACHER;
TEACH; or TEACHING and RABBI are applied to Jesus in Mark 39
times.
4. THE MESSIANIC SECRET: -On several occasions Jesus warns his
disciples or the persons for whom he has worked a miracle to keep
silent about who is or what he has done…1:34, 44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36-
37; 8:26, 30; 9:9. Clearly in Mark Jesus discouraging publicity (1:25;
34; 1:44; 44:10-12).
How to interpret this idea of Secrecy: -
The problem for Jesus was that the Jewish people had the wrong idea the
Messiah. As Jesus confronts their wrong idea we have: -
1. NOT APPROVAL OF IT because the population idea of the Messiah
was political and human, instead of spiritual and divine.
2. NOT THE DENIAL OF IT because Jesus WAS the Messiah……His
many miracles (at least 17 are recorded in Mark) witness to that.

10
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
3. But RE –FORMATION OF IT because Jesus had to show them a
serving, saving, and suffering messiah who was fully man but fully
God.
SON OF GOD: -
Although mark, emphasizes the humanity of Jesus (3:5 16,31,37; 7:34;
8:12, 33; 10:14; 11:12), he does not neglect his duty (1:1, 11; 3:11; 5:7;
9:7; 12:11; 1-11; 13:32; 15:39).

3. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE: –

AUTHOR: - Luke, the doctor the same man wrote the book of
Acts….Ac. 1:1; 16:10-17; Col. 4:14.
Luke was probably a gentile by birth, well educated in Greek culture,
a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times from
his second Missionary journey to his first imprisonment with the
apostle after others had deserted …..2Tim. 4:11.
ANTIOCH: (of Syria) and PHILIPI are among the place/s suggested
as his hometown.
THEME: - Jesus, son of Man.
PLACE OF WRITING: Rome
DATE OF WRITING: - Between A.D 60 and 80.
RECIPIENTS: - Gentiles.

The Gospel is specifically directed to THEOPHILUS (1:3) whose

names means, “ONE WHO LOVES GOD.” Theophilus is otherwise
unknown…. many hold that he was a Roman official or at least one
with a high position and wealth).
PURPOSE OF WRITING: -
1. It was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer
the attacks of unbelievers.
2. It was presented to displace disconnected and ill founded reports
about Jesus.
3. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile Christians is
based on the teachings of Jesus. He wanted to commend the
preaching of the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus is SAVIOUR for all
types of people and not just for a select group.
4. Luke wanted to write a well organized account of the life of Jesus
which was based on good eye –witness evidence.
5. He wanted to record the beginnings and development of second
volume. Luke shows how God has been at work in history. In the way
in which the followers of Jesus rapidly spread from Galilee to Rome.
6. He wanted to show the Roman authorities that Christianity was not a
threat to good political order.
3. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN
THEME: Jesus Christ the son of God
AUTHOR: - John, the apostle, the brother of James and the disciple
whom Jesus loved (13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20, 24).

11
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
The author knew Jewish life well…Jn. 1:20 –21; 7:40-42; 4:9; 7:22;
11:18; 2:1; 21:2) and also their customs, geography of their area etc
PLACE OF WRITING: - Ephesus.
DATE OF WRITING: - AD 90 & 98.
RECIPIENT: - i.e.. Jews and Gentiles.
PURPOSE OF WRITING: -…This is seen in 20:30 –31…..’THAT YOU
MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST…”
- It was also written to supplement the synoptic and correct some
seeming errors.

D. THE FOUR GOSPELS SHOW THE ORIGIN OF THE APOSTOLIC

MESSAGE ON WHICH THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH RESTS: -
The book of Acts of apostles gives us the first 30 –35 years of the early
church. The foundation of the message preached in acts is found in the
four Gospels. This is the outline of the apostolic preaching: -
1. God has fulfilled his purpose as promised in the OT by sending the
Messiah (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 9:6; 35:4-6; Ac. 13:42; Luke. 4:18).
2. The MESSIAH came from the family of David as was promised (Lk.
1:32; Isa. 11:1; Mt. 22:43 –45).
3. Fulfillment of prophecy concerning Jesus death (Isa. 53; Ps…22….
crucifixion of Jesus Christ is very vital to the apostolic message.
4. The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day (Isa. 53:10; Lk. 24:)
5. Ascension and Glorification of Christ. He has been exalted to God’s
right hand (Isa. 53:11-12; Jn. 12:28; Ac. 2:33). The evangelists of the
Early Church used some titles for Jesus such as Lord, SAVIOUR GOD;
etc.= the same titles used for Roman Emperors thus inviting
problems.

In Rome such titles were used for CAESARS: -

i. THEOS……….God ..of ….”MY LORD AND MY GOD.” Jn. 20:28.
ii. KRUOS…….LORD.
iii. SOTER……..SAVIOUR.
To the Jews titles like: -
(i) BEN DAVID
(ii) MESSIAH
Had problems. This is why disciples faced persecutions in their preaching.
6. The COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT…..Isa.32:15; Jn. 7:37-39; AC.
2:33 –34…John and Luke emphasize it ACTS show its fulfillment.
7. The SECOND COMING of Jesus Christ and ETERNAL JUDGEMENT
(Mal.3:1-5 of My. 25; Ac. 3:20, 21.
8. FORGIVENESS OF SINS and NEW LIFE are offered following
repentance from dead works, Ezk. 36:24-32; Mk. 1:15; Ac. 2:38)
those who repent and believe are incorporated into the new
community, the CHURCH ..Mk. 1:15.

12
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
NOTES: -
Preachers of the Early Church based their preaching on Historical facts,
prophecy and eye –witness account, not on experience and emotions
many preachers do today.
The Early Church never practiced anything, which was not in the OT.
APPLICATION:
We should not base our decisions, revelations, dreams, emotions, etc. on
anything less than the word of God.

3. THE THIRTY YEARS OF SILENCE

A. THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (Lk. 1:1-25; 1:57-80)
(i). STOPPING OF PROPHECIES: -From the last prophecy in MALACHI,
there followed a period of about 450 Yrs when no word of prophecy
was heard.
Prophecies had given was enough to keep people in a state of waiting
for the Messiah and God’s kingdom. OT closes with a word of prophecy
through the mouth of MALACHI about the Day the coming of ELIJAH
to prepare the nation for the Great Day of the word.
After the silent years are over, heaven opens to give way by an
announcement by the Angel about one who would minister in Israel in
the “SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH.” This was JOHN THE BAPTIST
whose parents were ZECHARIAH (an old priest) and ELIZABETH (who
was barren). John would be like a, VOICE, preparing people for the
Lord, going before (a head) of the Great king, announcing his coming.
(ii). AWAKENING OF THE PROPHECY: -
The first two chapters of Luke mentions Holy Spirit SEVEN (7)
times……pointing out the outpouring of the Spirit before the Lord Jesus
Christ was born…..a sign that the OT prophecies were awaking. And
we see the Angel speaking words inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.
Then JOHN THE BAPTIST was born. The name John means JEHOVAH
IS MERCIFUL. Much of his work was done in the wilderness…his
childhood, his youthfulness and adulthood ….it was his school of
preparation. There he meditated on the scriptures concerning
prophecies; he must have been thinking about the backsliding of the
Nation of Judah, he sought God’s face, and he waited patiently for his
divine call to his public ministry.
B. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST AND HIS CHILDHOOD: - (Math. 1:18-25; Lk.
2:1-7).
CAESAR AUGUSTUS was in power when Jesus was born. He was famous
more than other Caesars. This is because of his wisdom in : -
(i) LEGISTLATION.
(ii) ORGANIZATION and
(iii) ADMINISTRATION in roman Empire.
QUIRINIUS was the govern of SYRIA.
(i) ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHRIST’S BIRTH; -
God commanded that His Son be born of a woman so that he would live a
life of mankind….Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4. MARY, a virgin of NAZARETH, was
13
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
chosen to be the mother of the SON of GOD. So the HOLY SPIRIT was to
cover her with the glory of God so that this SON would not just be a son of
man but also the SON OF GOD.
This announcement came six months after the announcement was give
on concerning the birth of John the Baptist.
It was a great Honour to Mary…….every Israelites woman desired to give
a birth to a MESSIAH. And since Mary was engaged to Joseph, it was
necessary for the angel to explain Joseph what had happened to Mary.
The name of the child was to be Jesus ……GOD OUR SAVIOUR. He would
be EMMANUEL to all people. This is a historical truth that God entered into
the world through his SON so that he would reveal himself to people and
bring to them eternal salvation……..Jn.1:14; 2.Cor. 5:19).

(ii) THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE PLACE OF BIRTH: -

In those days a decree was issued by the Roman Government that every
married man, should go to his clan for a census.
Joseph and Mary were of the same city of Nazareth in the Province of
Galilee. But their ancestral origin was the city of DAVID……i.e.
BETHLEHEM.
So, Joseph took Mary, his espoused wife (they were committed to one
another but the actual marriage. Betrothal was the part one of the
marriage), to BETHLEHEM…..(Math. 1:20).
In normal cases, a lady was stoned if found pregnant while unmarried like
Mary.
BETHLEHEM was the town where David was born …1sam .17:12; 20:6. it
was about three –day trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
…the census was for the sake of politics (even women of from 12 years
were required to pay this tax).
…..since Mary was pregnant, they arrived to BETHLEHEM late…
Bethlehem was a town which had a population of about 120,000 people
during Jesus time. People traced their family line up to King David and
that is why there were many people there when Joseph and Mary arrived.
INN…. In Jewish time this was not necessarily an legate building.
Sometimes sleeping porches were referred to as an INN.
……..an INN could also be either a room. More often, a courtyard in the
middle of a house.
Mary’s time came to give birth and Jesus was Born and laid in a manger
(feeding through e.g. the animals. This is the only indication that Christ
was born in a STABLES/Manger (building in which horses are lodged and
fed).
Jesus was born at night. All went as prophesied……Isa. 11:1; Lk. 1:31-33;
Cf. Isa.9:6-7. Christ was born from the lineage of David.

(iii) His Family Background: -

Two genealogies = lists of the names of descendants of a person (of
Jesus) are given: -
a) Mathew. 1:1-17, and b. Lk. 3:23-38.
14
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Both lists make Jesus a descendant of David, Israel’s most famous King to
whom God had promised that one of his descendants would sit on Israel’s
throne forever…2Sam. 7:16; Cf… Rm. 1:3; Mk. 10:17).
MATHEWS ACCOUNT: - This is modeled on the lists of descendants in
the book of GENESIS (Gen. 5:1ff) to show Jews that Jesus is or was the
promised Messiah. Mathew traces Jesus descent back through Joseph to
show Jesus legal claim to the Davidic King. His list names all the legal
heirs to the throne.
LUKE’S ACCOUNT: - Luke also traces his list back through Joseph but he
gives the actual line of people to which Joseph belonged. He does this to
show Jesus’ humanity.
NB: - Both go back to David for the same reason = to show that Jesus is
the fulfillment of the promises made to David. (Cf.. Ac. 2:25-36).

(iv) THE ACCEPTED SEQUENCE OF EVENTS RECORDED IN THE

GOSPEL:-
1. Joseph took Mary his espoused /betrothed wife to Bethlehem.
(Espousal or betrothal was as legally binding as marriage by Jewish
Law).
2. Joseph had been told in a dream that he should marry Mary though
she was pregnant (Matt. 1:20).
3. While in Bethlehem Jesus was born.
4. While still in Bethlehem, on the eight day Jesus was circumcised.
5. After that the family went up to Jerusalem in order for Mary and
Joseph to be purified and to offer the right sacrifice according to the
Law……ev. 12:1-8. (one month).
Joseph and Mary must have been very poor =they offered pigeon /
doves (of.. Lev. 12:15).
……At Jerusalem, SIMEON and ANNA had prophetical word for the
child Jesus ….Lk. 2:25-38).
…….Jesus as the first born son was also presented to God in order to
be redeemed by payment of the five (5) Shekel sum according to
Num.18:15-15).
……Possibly Mary made special dedication of the child to the Lord as
Hannah had done …..1Sam. 11:,12-28.
6. After this visit to Jerusalem, they returned to Bethlehem reasons we
are not told. There the child (not the Baby as in Lk.2:16) was visited
by the wise men from the East (Matt.2:1-11). …..Now, Joseph and his
family were not in the table but in a house.
The wise men must have come from a far distance.
(v) THE DATE BIRTH OF JESUS: -
As early as sixth century mistakes were made concerning the dating
of the events of Christ’s life.
…Jesus was born during the reign of HEROD THE GREAT …..Mt.2:1-
18)
…….Herod died in BC, 4 and so Jesus must have been born before
then. (Luke. 3:1) tells us that it was during the 15th year of TIBERIUS
15
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
CAESAR when Jesus was about 30yrs (Lk.3:23) that he was baptized
by John.
John’s ministry probably began in 25 –26AD. This would put Jesus
birth in about BC, 6-5.
Lk. 2:1 does not give any extra help in dating Jesus; birth because
the only known census of QUIRINIUS was in BC. 6. This enrollment
was possibly a preparation for the census which actually took place
in BC 6.
ABOUT DECEMBER 25: -
…The tradition that Jesus was born on Dec .25 th is not scriptural. It is
unlikely that this was the day of his birth since sheep were usually only
kept out in the fields between APRIL and NOVEMBER. The 25th DEC, was
taken as the day for celebrating the birth of Christ in order to replace the
pagan festival of winter solstice by a Christian festival.
(vi) RECEIVING OF THE CHILD JESUS CHRIST (Mathew 2 ; Lk.2)
Several groups of people received the child Jesus with joy: -
1. THE SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP IN THE FIELD = Lk. 2:8-20 they got
the message from the Angels. That night they went to BETHLEHEM and
saw the Christ, the hope of Israel.
2. SIMEON And ANNA (Lk. 2:23-38) God fearing Jews who year after
year waited for the CHRIST.
3. THE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST (Mat. 2:1-12).
 They came from the EAST, led by a star up to place where the
SAVIOUR was born. They were seeker of the truth.
 They were astrologers from the east who believed that the
movement of the planets had an effect on the lives of men and
events in the world. We are not told how many they were. They
worshipped Christ before the wise men of Israel.
 Mathew used this facts to illustrate the fact that many gentiles will
receive him .God spoke to these men through their own
wisdom .possibly they had read about the Christ in Nu.24:17;13-14,
Vii) REJECTION OF THE CHILD JESUS CHRIST: -
Though Jesus was accepted, others rejected him from when he was
a child : -
a) Jewish Religious leaders .Matt.2:4-6 =Though they had the
knowledge to know Jesus place of birth, they were not aware that
he was born.
b) Herod the Great .matt .2:13-18 = he feared to be overthrown. to
stop that; he authorized that all male children two years and
below ,to be killed. this was common habit to Herod . Jesus was
fled to the nation of Egypt .matt .2:13-15 out of Israel in his early
stage was brought up in Egypt.
Viii) GENUINITY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH
1. Both Mathew and Luke say that Jesus was born before Joseph and
Mary had sexual intercourse. Lk.1:34, Mt.1:18. In Mt.1:25 after birth
of Jesus, Joseph and Mary lived a normal married life. Mk.6:3.

16
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
2. Jesus, in mk,6:3 is called Mary’s son which seems to refer to the fact
that his conception and birth were known to have been out of the
ordinary (.of.Jn.8:41-49).
3. In Gal.4:4 and Rm .1:3 the normal word for the begetting of a child
by his human father is not used (of.Gal .4:23). In John’s gospel he is
seen as the ‘’ONLY BEGOTTEN SON’’ (1:14,18;3:16,18).
4. In 1cor15:22, 45-48 Jesus is called the SECOND ADAM which
implies that like Adam he came into the world in a special way and
not by normal human ‘conception’.
5. His miracles (Jn. 5:19-20) and his resurrection (Rum. 1:4) point to
the divine sonship of Jesus.
(ix) The significance of the Virgin. …Birth….(Why it is an
important doctrine); -
1. It shows that he was fully human……he had to be fed, looked after
and comforted like any other baby.
….He came into the world through the womb of a woman.
2. The supernatural operation of the Holy spirit in the Birth of the Jesus
(Lk. 1:324) marks him out as someone having a special purpose in
the plan of God. He was a special person Lk. 1:30-35.
3. The Birth of Jesus happened in an extraordinary way because the
scriptures teach that Jesus was not just a man. He was the son of
God. ……God with us (Mt.1:23). His Birth was the INCARNATION =
taking on by God of a human body and personality. He had always
existed (Jn.8:12; 8:58; 1:1) but now human nature was added to his
divine nature (cf. Phil.2:5 –11). The virgin enabled the God man to
be born.
4. The birth of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit and without the
agency of a human father is a clear sign that salvation is the work of
God and not of man.
5. The virgin birth links Jesus to Adam. Just as Adam was the beginning
of the human race led by everyone into the bondage and corruption
of sin, so Jesus is seen to be the second Adam bringing a new
beginning to human beings and a new freedom to humanity.
6. Jesus’ birth by the Spirit is a picture of the new birth which every
true believer experiences. Christians, too, are born of the Spirit
(Jn.3:6). Christians become new creatures just as Jesus Christ is a
unique person.
NB: Virgin birth is very key in the Christian teaching from the early
Church.
7. The virgin birth was in fulfillment of prophecies (Lk.1:42 –43; 1:46-
55; 1:68-79; 2:29-32, 34-35). Luke wants to show that this birth has
brought salvation to men as prophesied in the OT.
- Mathew wants to show that Jesus in the birth fulfill the OT
SCRIPTURE = he is the Messiah the Jews have been waiting for of
Jer.31:31 –34 & 16:1-22; 2:5; 17, 23, 4:1416 cf 1:18-25 & Isa.7:14;
Mt.2:5-6 cf5:29 Mathew reveals Jesus as the true, righteous Jesus.

17
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Viii) THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST: -
HIS LIVING IN NAZARETH…………Lk.2:39 –40; Mt.2:19-23 after
the death of Herod the great, Joseph planned to stay or live in Judea,
the true home of Messiah. But because there was evil king there
God warned Joseph to go and live in GALILEE. This was according to
the prophecy in Isa. 53:1-2…which showed that the Messiah would
grow (without recognition of people) in a very humble way.
However, being the great prophet and worker of miracles, he would
bring light in the land of Galilee…Isa.9:1.
THE TOWN OF NAZARETH AND GALILEE: -
- It was a small city not even mentioned in the OT.
- Until the time of Maccabbees, many Jews did not want to live in
Galilee.
- People were not learned like those of Jerusalem.
- Galileans were very much opposed to Roman rule. They were very
violent wanting freedom.
- Jesus grew up in Nazareth like a normal child…..Luke.2:40 –52.
- He did not show any of the selfish and childlike supernatural power
as recorded by the Gospel of Thomas. He developed perfectly in the
strength (physically) and in wisdom (spiritually and in experience).
- ….Like any other Jewish child, Jesus must have received education
which was centred on the OT scriptures (based on Torah).
Synagogues were used for this education.
- We know very little regarding his childhood. Luke tells us something
about him at the age of 12 in Jerusalem or a Passover feast.
- At this early age of twelve, Jesus understood his identity as the son
of God, and his special mission for which he had come.
- Jesus lived a normal everyday life where he had an encounter with
people, circumstances, etc. of different kinds. This helped him in his
ministry.
- At the age of 12 –13 yrs Jewish boys reached adulthood and would
begin to take part in synagogues services and would travel to the
temple at Jerusalem for the Passover and sometimes the other main
festivals.
- Jesus was obedient to MARY and JOSEPH. Obedient was the main
feature of his childhood, whilst patience marked his youth and
teenage years as he waited for God’s time for his ministry to
begin…….Heb5:7 –9.

THE 18 YEARS OF SILENCE: -

These years were silent in Nazareth, in the carpenter Joseph and Mary.
Here, Jesus did the work of carpentry (Lk.6:3) and after the death of
Joseph, he cared for Mother, and in this way he showed family
responsibility as something to be taken seriously.
At Nazareth Jesus increased in knowledge and stated loving God and
Man…..waiting upon God’s calling to public ministry.

18
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
4. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND THE LORD JESUS
CHRIST
A. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST: -
(Mt. 3:1-12; mk.1:1-8; Luke. 3:1-20).
John was a man consecrated to God like a Nazarites and filled with the
Spirit from his birth like the OT prophets…..Lk.1:15. his parents were
described as upright in the sight of God…..Lk.1:6. john left home at an
early age and lived in the desert in preparation for his future call to
preach. In this way and in his clothing and diet, he resembled the
PROPHET ELIJAH as the angel had said….Lk. 1:17; Mk.1:6.
Before Christ began his public ministry, God led John to go be fore Christ.
His great work was to prepare people or to cause revival in Palestine as a
way of preparing people for the coming Messiah. His work was to
introduce to the Nation, a visitor from Galilee as the Messiah ….Jesus of
Nazareth.
John preached in JORDAN VALLEY, AENON IN SAMARIA (Lk.3:33;
Jn.3:23) and in PEREA (Lk. 39-41). Though probably he might have had
some contact with the Eseens communities, clearly John did not belong to
them. He called himself a solitary voive (Lk,3:4) and did not speak on
behalf of any sect. Also, unlike the Eseenes he addressed large crowds
representing the whole range of Jewish society. He was not a separatist.
John was called to prepare the way of his kingship among the people. So
all who wanted to have part in this new way had to prepare by repenting
and being baptised.
Baptism was for both Jews and Gentiles. People from different cornes of
Israel followed John…..except the religious leaders (Mt.21:23, 31,32).
In the plans of God, John’s ministry was not intended to last for a long
time (Jn.3:25 –30) and John himself knew that. His work was to bring
together the BRIDE (Israel) and the BRIDEGROOM (Jesus).
John began his ministry in the fifteenth year of the reign of TIBERIAS.

John’s preaching was powerful and stirred up the whole nation

for several reasons…..Lk.3:7-18.
1. He spoke like OT Prophet. His message was one with an aspect of
REPENTANCE. Like Elijah, he addresed the people of Israel at a
time of Crisis when there was much corruption as compromise in
religious leadership…(Mt.3:2).
2. He warned of the coming judgment (Lk.3:7-9) …everyone must
make his own decision whether or not to receive forgiveness of sin
(Lk.3:3)
3. He called on the people to show their repentance not just by
fulfilling religious duties but by doing moral works (Lk.3:8). He
preached the narrow road to life.

19
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
4. He astonished the religious leaders by calling on all Jews to be
baptised as an indication of their repentance. Up to this time it was
only the Gentiles converts to Judaism who underwent water baptism.
5. He made it clear that God attached no importance to the ethic
background. Salvation depend on being forgiven.
6. His message was delivered with great urgency. The time of decision
had come. He proclaimed the eminent arrival of the KINGDOM OF
GOD AND THE MESSIAH. People must prepare themselves for him
by repentance.
7. The coming of the messiah meant judgment before it meant glory.
The messiah would baptize in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would refine
and purify the lives of the believers but would execute judgement on
those who rejected him…..Lk.3:16 –19.
8. John did not draw attention to himself but to the coming Messiah
(Jn.3:22 –30). He was truly humble. He insisted that he was not the
Messiah…(Jn.119-21).
Mk. 1:1-4 says that John’s ministry is part of the good news. He
preached repentance…Jesus proclaimed forgiveness and new birth.

Jesus said that there was no GREATER than John is instatune,

importance of ministry and dedication to his calling. But as regards
priviege he was LEAST since the kingdom of God came when his
ministry finished….Matt.11:11; John’s preaching was very important
part of God’s plan of salvation. He made people EXPECTANT for the
coming of Christ. For this reason Mark dates the beginning of Jesus
ministry with the imprisoning of John. Mark.1:14) this was not the
actual beginning but it was the biological truth that John was the
forerunner as in Mal.4:5; Mat.11:14……cf.Jn.3.

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST: - (Mt.3:13 –17; Mk. 1:9-11;

Lk.3:21 –22).
Jesus would probably have heard about the great crowds that flocked
to hear John, his cousin preach. And perhaps it seems through these
remarkable happenings that God spoke to him and gave him the firm
conviction that it was now time for his ministry to begin.
After about six months, when the revival of John was at its climax,
Jesus felt the calling to go and start his ministry and so he went to John
to be baptised. Since John’s baptism was for repentance, why did Jesus
go for baptism and he had no sin to repent of?
(i) It was to show he supported and accepted John’s ministry and
message. By this action, he showed he believed John was sent
by God.
(ii) He was making himself one with those who were responding to
John’s preaching and repenting and being baptised he was
saying that he believed to the new community which was
coming into being.

20
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
MATHEW 3:14 –17: - Shown us several other important facts
about Christ baptism: -
1. By being baptised, Jesus was showing the Jews that the greatest
need of the people was not a new government, better conditions, or
freedom from the Romans …..but to be made right with God and to
live new holy lives.
2. He was showing that he stood side by side with and numbered
himself with ALL man and not just the religious ones. All sorts of
people were coming to John to be baptized and Jesus was
announcing from the start of his ministry that he belonged to the
human race and not a particular sect.
3. By submitting himself to be baptized, Jesus was showing that it was
not sufficient to have been born into a Jewish Orthodox family for a
person to be a part of God’s kingdom. A new start was necessary for
Jews too and just Gentiles.
4. It seems clear that Jesus was identifying himself with sinners by
being baptized like them. He was not saying he was a sinner (John
know that), but he was sharing the situation of sinners.
His baptism therefore was a pointer to his life and death, which would
be FOR OTHERS. On the cross he identified himself fully with sinners
and actually became sin for them…….2Cor.5:17 –21. in Lk. 12:10.
he calls is death and baptism.

At Jordan, Jesus was publicly ordained. He is baptism is a mark of the

beginning of his Ministry, as the Messiah. He was anointed….AC.10:38.
The words, “THIS IS MY BELOVED SON WITH WHOM I AM WELL
PLEASED” shows the Father’s stamp of acceptance of Jesus’ messiah
ship and sonship. He is the promised king, from David’s house. One
who will suffer innocently on behalf of God’s people? So Jesus is seen
as KIN; SERVANT and SON the three vital aspects Jesus’ Messiah
ship.
BAPTISM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST AND CHRISTIAN BAPTISM: -
From Ac.19 we can see there was different between the baptism of
John and the Christian baptism. John’s baptism was unto
REPENTANCE…in order to wait for the Messiah. …. Jesus baptized (or
his disciples did so Jn. 4:2) whilst John was still baptizing.
This shows that Jesus did not consider his baptism to be the same as
John’s.
Some facts about Christian Baptism: -
1. Christian baptism is into the NAME of the FATHER, SON and HOLY
SPIRIT…..Matt. 28: 9-20; Ac.8:16).
Baptism into a name speaks of coming under the Lordship,
ownership and protection of the Lord whose name is called. To be
baptized into the name of JESUS is to be baptized into his absolute
possession and disposal, completely united with him.

21
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
2. Christians baptism in the water is an inner cleansing from sin….a
brith ….Ac.22:16; 1Pet.3:21). It is the culminating of the washing of
regeneration…Tit. 3:5.
3. It is also a BURIAL (Rom. 6:1-4). It is a public confession that a
person has ended their old life of disobedience.
- It deals with the past not the future.
- Baptism concludes repentance that the dominion of sin is broken.
(Rom. 6:14).
4. Baptism is also a picture of the new life which a believer has in
Christ. It is resurrection life in the Spirit.
- (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12). In this way water baptism is linked with Spirit
baptism which should take place as near the same as possible. The
baptized believer is empowered to live a new life by the Spirit.
5. Baptism is also a testimony to Faith in Christ and the occasion at
which the Church publicly accepts the new believer as a fellow
disciple.
Baptism is into the NAME of the TRINITY. This shows that FATHER,
SON and SPIRIT are all equally God. References to baptism into the
name of JESUS (Ac. 8:16; 22:16) strongly suggest that it is through
Jesus that a person comes into Union with the Father. Faith and
repentance must be present…baptism cannot work without them, so
young children who do not understand should not be baptized.
It is decided by ourselves but done by another person to us. “it is the
power of God throu’ the Holy Spirit in responds to repentance and Faith
that makes Christian Baptism effective.” Ac.2:37 –38.
Christian Baptism is to do with purity more than with power (spirit
baptism brings power). Water baptism is performed by a Christian but
Spirit baptism is the work of Christ.
It is equivalent to the OT rite of anointing with oil which consecrated
the priests for God’s service….Ex. 29:4-7; Lev.8:6-12.

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS CHRIST: (Mat.4:1 –11; Lk.4:1 –13).

After Jesus Christ was anointed by the Spirit at his baptism in water, Jesus
is led by Spirit (Lk.4:2) to the desert. At the end of 40 days of withdrawal
from human company Jesus is tempted by the devil. But his temptations
for his ministry preparing him for his coming spiritual conflicts concluding
(ending) with his death.
We learn two truths here: -
(i) THE SPIRIT LEADS TO THE PLACE OF THE BATTLE.
(ii) THE EVIL SPIRIT TEMPTS.
Therefore we understand that this tempting was in God’s will.
WHY: -
(i) It was important for Jesus to start his ministry with real power and
perfect victory over the devil whose works he had come to destroy

22
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
(1Jn.3:8). His ministry was to chase the devil away from the world as
the father had chased him away fro heaven.
(ii) Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit in order to enter into his
Spiritual ministry of destroying Satan’s power (Matt.12:29. satan
could not convide Jesus in any way.
Jesus undergoes temptation (testing) just as Israel did in the desert
(Deut.8:1-3)….Israel, though also called God’s son (Ex.4:22) failed
the test Jesus by overcoming Satan, is seen to be the true Son of
God and true Israel who does his Father’s work. Jesus used Deut.6 –8
to fight the devil.
In the temptations devil wanted him to doubt his divine Sonship. The
temptations are also similar to the temptations of Adam and Eve by
the serpent. Adam and the one who truly we see three parts of his
temptations; -
1. THE FIRST TEST: - Satan challenges Jesus to turn stones in to
bread. The purpose is to get him to doubt his Father’s wisdom and
care for him. Jesus answers this temptation to give in to the “LUSTS
OF THE FLESH,” (Gen.3:6 o Good for food) In 1Jn.2:15 with a
question from Deut.8:3.
Israel had given in to this temptation in the desert as shown in
Nu.11:14…..Jesus will not win Men’s hearts by feeding their bodies.
2. THE SECOND TEST: - Satan challenges Jesus to force his Father’s
hand and to make him protect him as he jumped off the temple.
Jesus refuses to put God to test but determining to trust in his care
and heading using Deut.6:16. Israel had tested God – Ex. 17:1-7.
Jesus will not demand signs from God nor will he prove his
ministry /messiah ship to men by doing miracles on demand…
Lk.11:29.
This has to do with THE PRIDE OF LIFE (Depending upon oneself
resources). Cf…..Gen.3:4 –6.
-cf Moses hit the Rock twice….rebellion.
3. THE THIRD TEST: - Satan tempts Jesus to be disloyal to his Father
and to receive strength and powers from another source. He wants
Jesus to seek to achieve his purpose without seeking to please his
Father in every stage. Jesus replies to Satan in the word of Deut.
6:13. Israel had worshipped the Golden calf in Ex.32:1-6.
Jesus showed that his ministry relies on his Father and his for his
Glory. It is Jesus chief joy to please his Father. This was to do with
THE LUST OF THE EYES (The greedy longings of the mind). Eye
saw the ………….in this way she fell…. Gen.3:6. in all three areas of
Jesus temptations, He defeated them all and returned to Galilee “IN
THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT.” Now Jesus was ready for the
ministry. We must not see this time of temptation as the only period
of temptation in the life of Jesus (LK.4:13; cf. Heb.4”15). Without
these testing Jesus would not have been able to complete his work
(cf. the testing of metal by fire in order to produce the best quality).

23
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
WHY HAD JESUS TO BE TEMPTED?
(i) Because he was a human being.
(ii) To reveal his victory.
(iii) To identify himself with humanity.
(iv) To show us how to overcome.
(v) To experience what man experiences.
Jesus Christ as God honoured / limited himself to human level in all
temptations for man. He could have used hi divine aspects to resist the
devil but he didn’t.
THE CALL OF THE DISCIPLES: -
(i) Jesus and his First Disciples: - Andrew and JOHN (Jn.1:29-51)
first these two were the disciples of John the Baptist. Then
Andrew brought his brother SIMON PETER and JAMES to meet
Jesus. Then Christ called “PHILIP” and Philip called NATHANIEL to
Christ.
(ii) Jewish Religious Teachers (Rabbai) had disciples: (Ac. 9:25): -
RABBI went from place with their disciples following behind and
listening to their teachings and asking questions. Rabbis would
teach in synagogues and in the Temple courts.
A disciple chose which Rabbi to follow. After staying with and
learning from one Rabbi, a disciple was free to go to another
Rabbis were usually scholars who studied hard and were able to
quote the teachings of another great Rabbi before him.
JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES: ………But
- Jesus called his diciples…they did not choose to follow him first (Jn.
15:16. cf. Lk. 9:57 –62). Jesus taught with authority (Mk.1:22) and in
the first person (Jesus took time with his disciples (Jn.13:16; 10:40;
Mk.6:30 –32). He made them partners in his mission and shared his
power with them (Mk.3:14; cf. Lk. 9:10 in which he saw the
mission beginning).
- He called men to a personal commitment to himself (Mk.1:18 –19).
He demanded that people put him before: -
(i) Money and security (Mt. 6:24);
(ii) Family (Mt.1037 cf. Mt.20:20);
(iii) Life itself (Mk.8:34 –38).
He called men into God’s kingdom of which he was the King. They were
to be his loyal subjects and servants (Jn. 13.16) who were to live by his
laws (Mt. 5-7). He called the 12 to be with patriarchs and been the
founder members of the people of Israel…..Mt. 19:28; 21:43). The life
of the disciples of Jesus is different to life in the world. The follower of
JESUS would live in God’s blessings because he……was spiritually
humble, serious, gave way to others, had strong desire for what was
right and pure; was merciful and sought to make peace between those
who were enemies, and had a joyful willingness to accept insults and
injury as the price fro being loyal to God….Mt. 5:5-12).
The disciples should have a life, which is governed by
principles of living in God’s Kingdom: -
24
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
FORGIVENESS (Mt. 5:38 –42); LOVE AND SERVICE (Jn. 13:16;
13:34 –35); FAITH (Mt.6:24 –34); SELF – DENIAL (Lk. 1:28 –33); JOY
(Mt. 8:11; 22:1 –14).
Commitment to God above all others was vital (Mt.11:46- 48). To belong
to the fellowship of Jesus disciples was to belong to the most wonderful
and joyful family on earth, who would enjoy each other forever. (Mk.2:18 –
19; Mt. 28-30)

JESUS CALLS HIS DISCIPLES: - (Mt. 4:19, 10:3; Lk.6:12; Mk. 3:13-
19)
The call to follow came after the disciples had known Jesus for sometime,
Jesus called the disciples to form a NEW SOCIETY. He reversed human
standards…. showing that a man’s worth was not base on: -
(i) MONEY (Lk. 16:19; 12:13 –21)…..but on the fact that God had
given him life (Mt.16:26), and his Love for God and fear of God.
(ii) POSITION IN SOCIETY HIGH OFFICE: - etc (Mt. 2215 –17, 13:32)…
but on service to others and hunger for God and for his wisdom (Mt.
6:33; Lk.6:20 –26).
(iii) RELIGIOUS DEVOTION (Mt.15:1-20; Lk.18: 9-14) …but on
humility ( Mt. 8:8).
Jesus clearly taught that God’s kingdom is for all who believe from
whatever race and sex and age (Mt. 15:22-28; Lk. 3:37 –9; 14:15; Lk. 8:1
–3); Mt. 18:1- 4; Lk.18:33)…all who show faith and obedience have a place
and true worth in the NEW SOCIETY.
Jesus met people of all sorts…even the despised ones (Lk.7:34 and
sinners Mk.7:24; and Samaritans Jn.4:9.
Jesus main concern was with people …Jesus did not oppose wealth or
authority, or position but the wrong use of these things Jesus hated
hypocrisy, had no favourites, etc. (Mt.8:10; Mk.1:44; Lk. 7:13; Jn. 5:6-8).

THE TRAINING OF THE DISCIPLESHIP AND THE CHURCH GROWTH:

-
In calling of the 12 disciples to be with him (Lk.3:14) Jesus was preparing
for the GROWTH OF THE CHURCH…..when he would be physically
present on earth…Jn.17:6 –12. the work of the disciples was to carry on
Jesus mission to the whole world.
Jesus by giving a lot of time to the training of the Disciples showed the
important of leadership training for Church growth: -

TEACHING OF THE DISCIPLES SHOWS THE FOLLOWING: -

1. The need to train Men and Women who have been called and need
teaching. God uses people in his work.
2. Jesus began with a few…..but after teaching them they taught other
(2Tim. 2:2; Ac.2:42). It is important for the Pastor to have a small
groups for training purposes.
25
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
3. The important of the understood his mission and vission, in this way
they were strengthened ….and it was easy for them to continue with
his works (Lk.9:41; 10:20; Mt. 16:23).
4. Disciples learnt from each other = (Jn. 11:16; Mt. 16: 7-8; 20:4 –7;
Lk. 9:46 –47).
5. They taught and also they were given chance to teach….they put into
practice what they were taught (Mk. 6:30; Lk. 10:20).
6. Jesus encouraged them to study scriptures (Jn.3:39 –40) Mt. 12:33,
15, 19). Jesus taught them (Mt. 5-7; 13; 18; 24 –25).
Jesus called his disciples to be examples to be followed (Jn.13:13,
15:18 –27; 2Tim. 3:10 –11; 1Pet. 2:21).
He showed them that there is an end of learning until we get to
Heaven.
So a great part of Jesus ministry was to teach his disciples.
For the growth of the Church, the Pastor must take time with cell
group, teaching and encouraging them. This helps people to know each
other, ask questions, discuss together etc.

JESUS AND HIS OPPONENTS:

Jesus gave praise where praise was done. There are 3 main groups,
which opposed Jesus
1. Scribes – Mk. 6:7
- Trained theologians
- Called doctors of the law or lawyers, teachers of the law.
- They followed the traditions of Pharisees but lived a normal
married life.
2. Pharisees – Mk. 2:6
- Followers of the law in a very strict way.
- Their concern was to make sure that every part of Gods
commandment was perfectly kept. So they make all the traditions
(rules) about 613 to make sure the law was kept.
Sadducees Lk 20:27
- Jesus entered into direct opposition mainly for the following
reasons: -
a. His prophesies about the temple destruction.
b. His act of cleansing the temple chasing them out.
NB: Mk. 2:6-7 - The scribes criticized Jesus teaching while the Pharisees
anticipated his behaviour.
Mk. 2.23-2: Mk. 3:5-6 – Jesus disagrees with them.
- Perhaps Herodians were a group of Pharisees who supported
Herod.
What was the opposition?
The situation is one religious group trying to kill another follower of God.
What were the differences all about: -
1. Jesus and his disciples were from Galilee a place not very respected
by Jews of Judea/Jerusalem, but the Pharisees, Sadducees and
scribes were mainly from Judea.
26
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
- These groups felt that the Galileans were not competent to
understand scriptures – Jn. 7: 41:52, 12:19.
- They also had envy on Jesus – Mat 27: 18
2. Jesus did not receive training from Pharisees but acted like Rabbi
- Was called Rabbi – Lk. 20: 28; 10:25, Jn. 1:38: 20:6
- Had disciples had taught them and taught in the
synagogues
- Taught and discussed authoritatively – about the some
things that the scribes taught (keeping Sabbath divorce,
the greatest commandment)
- He quoted the OT scriptures very often like the scribes
(Lk.20).
3. Jesus was not bound by traditional behavior or interpretation of
scripture.
- He showed greater reverence for the scripture than his opponents
(Lk. 20:17: Mt. 23:23-24, Mt. 5:21 – 43).
- Never quoted what other Rabbis had said. He claimed to speak on
his own authority given his by the father. Mr. 5:21: Jn. 14:24. “But
I say to you….”
- He rebuked his opponents for teaching the tradition teaching of
men rather than the command of God (Mk.7).
- Kept company with ritually under people like tax collectors,
prostitutes and gentiles. Talked with women and children.
- Jesus did not keep the oral traditions about washing before meals –
Mk. 7: 1-23. he said that the ruling of scribes were being used as
an excuse for not obeying the more serous demands of Gods word
(Mt. 23:23). He did not observe their laws of separation, but target
the reality of forgiveness.
- Jesus disapproved with services concerning the Sabbath. The
scribes had listed 39 classes of rules relating to the Sabbath. Jesus
questioned them all. He did not do away with keeping the Sabbath
day holy (Ex. 20:8) but he had very different understanding of what
it meant to keep the Sabbath.

Jesus disagreed with his opponents on two chief aspects:

1. Aspect of behaviour
2. Aspect of teaching
1. ASPECT OF BEHAVIOUR:
The Pharisees behaviour was bad:-
a) They oppressed the widows Mk. 12:40. Jesus accuses them of
dishonesty, greed and covetousness Mt. 23:25.
b) Pharisees loved Money – Lk. 16:13 – 14. Jesus had a very different
attitude – content with what he had.
c) Pharisees and scribes loved honour and respect people held for
them. They were proud and Jesus rebuked this attitude – Jn. 5:41-
44. They loved the praises of men. Here Jesus is saying that if you
put the opinion of men before God, then you don’t love God.
27
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
d) Jesus practiced what he taught and so he made them feel guilt and
ashamed.
e) Jesus interacted with all sorts of people Lk. 7:34-39.
2. ASPECT OF TEACHING
Three areas under this aspect:
A. Sabbath Keeping.
B. Clean and unclean Foods
C. Handling the scriptures.

A. SABBATH KEEPING.
– In this part the greatest opposition is how to keep the Sabbath day
– Note whether it is holy or Not!
– Pharisees valued keeping of the law highly.
– They produced about 39 classes of forbidden work on Sabbath.
– No washing of clothes, no cutting of finger nails, no putting off fire
if the house is burning etc.
– They wanted to be very different from other nations. With all those
rules Jesus said they were missing the whole purpose of the law.
They made it a day of burden rather than a day of blessing.
Jesus gives us principles about Sabbath, which he said the
Pharisees were missing (See Mk. 2:23-26).
1. The Sabbath was made for (the blessing of man and not man for the
Sabbath). What the disciples had done was a blessing to the bodies.
The many rules were removing the blessing from the Sabbath.
2. The Sabbath is for doing good and saving life – Mk3:1-6) – God used
the Sabbath to do good to you. You can continue doing good on the
Sabbath for other. It is doing good to other what God has done to
you.
3. His behaviour shows him to be the lord – Mth. 2:6
His healing has revealed the presence, power, and grace of God.
The right understanding of Sabbath is giving people the right idea of
God of doing good to others, etc.
We are not free to do anything on the Sabbath but anything that
reveals the presence, power, and grace of God is not wrong.
The above four principles are applicable even in Christian circles
today.
B. CLEAN AND UNCLEAN FOODS
This was another area of controversy, which had its background in
the O.T especially in Lev. 11.13,15,18,19,20 and 21.
Unclean person could not worship God. He had to wash himself and
then was pronounced clean again.
The Purpose of ceremonial laws.
1. God being holy you cannot come to him anyhow, separation.
2. The law affected everyone because man is sinful.
3. God’s people are separated from all other.
4. The need of honest in God’s people.
28
 Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
5. Grace of God in making way into God presence.
NB: Jesus and his opponents differed on how they understood
and applied these ceremonial laws.
Different interpretation of Jesus and his opponents:
The questions are what led to misunderstanding?
1. The Pharisees stressed these laws so much.
- They taught that honesty and justification is through one
separating himself from any unclean people, animals and things.
- They taught that God had nothing to do with the unclean people
e.g. lepers, sick, etc. and that the gentiles who did not observe
ceremonial laws could not be saved.
- They added many laws showing that the keeping of those food
laws showed one to be a true member of Gods people (Jn. 7:49:4-
9).
2. Jesus disagreed with all those teaching (Mk. 7:1-23)
i) Jesus taught that a new age had come with himself. All food laws
found their fulfillment in him. No need to keep them.
ii) Jesus cleansed everything. Mk 7:19. The disciples know or
understood that in this way Jesus was removing the wall of
enemity between Jews and Gentiles. Ac. 10.9-18, 27 – 29.
iii) Jesus taught that all people (including lepers) could be forgiven
and cleansed. He showed this by touching lepers, dead bodies,
and associating with sinners (Mk. 5:34, 41) Even OT target grace
and holiness of God. The Pharisees did not want to teach about
God’s grace thus Jesus kept emphasizing the grace of God.
iv) Jesus taught the truth, which was in the OT laws = man is a
sinner because of his nature. The problem is on the inside. So
holiness must begin inside the heart. It is not something to
remove with natural water-sin was coming from the heart. So
forgiveness must come through being sanctified in the heart by
faith.
v) Holiness is the result of Holy Spirit word inside the believer. So
laws about food have no need of keeping reminding a person to
live in holiness. Holy spirit inside a man - the teacher =
separation is of mind, spirit, desires and not to keep away from
people.
vi) Jesus taught that the ceremonial laws were only temporary. They
were only meant to show people needs for the saviour.
vii) Mk 7:19-23 Jesus also taught that salvation was for all men. The
separation of races which the Pharisees insisted on was no more.
All who desire a clean heart are welcome into God’s kingdom. The
ceremonial laws were to show that God was laying a kingdom
which at first consisted of one nation but later it was to be
opened to all people. So it started in a small way.
viii) There were no more laws about ceremonial cleanness and
uncleanness because salvation is offered to all. Ac.10:9-16.

29
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Ac.15:1-11, all men are the same. Ac.15:9. We’ve freedom in the
lord. Our freedom is to obey God in all we do.
The Bible gives 3 principles to keep us in unity in the ground which is
made of many
groups: - In the interest of unity we must:
1. Respect the conscience of either brother/sister. Ac. 15:19
2. Respect your own conscience – Rm 14:23
3. Respect the behaviour patterns of a society. See how a society
treats a certain thing before condemning it.
The Pharisees emphasized separateness as the chief thing- Jesus love and
forgiveness and intermingling live with all classes of people. The
idea of Jesus going out to look for sinners was a completely different
thing to us.
NB: sometimes praying is an excuse to not helping.
C. HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD
This was another controversial area. Jesus put nothing above
obeying the Lord. His word. The Pharisees often tried to escape the
demands of God’s word. They changed its meaning sometimes
widening and sometimes narrowing it.
Six things in which Jesus showed total respect to the word of God
whereas the Pharisees tried to change Mt. 5:21
1. Mt. 5 21-26 – The Pharisees narrowed the law about murder, only
threat was bad. Jesus says No-feelings of hatred and contempt is
also included for if they are uncontrolled they can lead to murder.
2. Mt. 5:27-30 The Pharisees narrowed the law about adultery =
Pharisees only the act. Jesus – evil feelings of lust. There is need to
have self control Vs 29-30. Holy Spirit should be allowed to work in
any area of our hearts. If the heart is controlled then the outside so
easy to control.
3. Mt. 5:31-32 – The Pharisees widened the law about divorce. –
Pharisees – divorce for ay reasons. Jesus only adultery can lead to
divorce.
4. Mt. 5:33-37 Pharisees. Widened the law about Oaths- Pharisees- any
oath excluding God was not bidding. Jesus not good to swear.
NB. Sometimes it is easy to use spiritual phrases to excuse
us from not keeping our words.
5. Mt. 5:38-42 Pharisees widened the law about Revenge – They used
this as licence to doing evil to their enemies. They took revenge
unjustly. Jesus said don’t pay back those who wrong you.
6. Mt. 5: 43-48 – Pharisees narrowed the law about loving neighbor
They narrowed it only to include their Kinsmen; it was their duty to
have their enemies. Jesus said your neighbour’s included any one
who needed your help.
Summary: Jesus respected the law of Gods than the Pharisees. He
treated it with great honour. Jesus was radical; He got to the root of
what the Bible taught. He understood and taught its true intention
e.g. keeping the Sabbath day holy.
30
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
The Pharisees were legalistic: - they put law – keeping above
everything else including knowing, loving God and serving people.
They’re self-righteous people.
When people have no love for God, they condemn other whom they
think are not Holy. The Pharisees had no place for sinners. Often
law keeping works against love for one another. The Pharisees did
not do much evil to people. But also they didn’t do good to people.
Jesus went about doing well to all people. These rules kept them
from people.
Jesus lists 4 criticisms of the Pharisees in Mt. 23
1. Vs 1-4 – Putting burdens to people.
2. Vs –8 – They mantled everybody to see their practices for self praise.
3. Vs. 16-24 They’re unwilling to receive the truth so lies entered them.
4. Mt. 7:3:23:23 – Their religion was a cloak of their guilt. Weight their
matters of the law are mercy, Justice, and faithfulness.

THIS IS THE END OF TERM ONE.

GATHERED & COMPILED TOGETHER BY: -
MERU PENTECOSTAL BIBLE INSTITUTE,

LIFE OF CHRIST
PART TWO
OUTLINE:
31
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise

5. The geography of the holy land

6. The teaching of Jesus
 Jesus the teacher
 The parables of Jesus
 What Jesus taught

7. The miracles of Jesus

Definitions, types and purposes of miracles.

8. The titles of Christ in the Gospel

9. The last week of Jesus life

 Introduction to it.
 The last supper
 The arrest and trials
 The crucifixion
 The resurrection and Ascension.

REV. KANYONYO OLOISE,

0721 300657.
M.P.B.I

B . THE GEOGRAPHY OF JESUS MINISTRY

Jesus lived almost the whole of his life in Palestine (an area of
16,500 sq Km) Apart from the time Joseph took Jesus and Mary to
Egypt to escape from king Herod (Mt. 2:13-14), Jesus remained in
Judea and Galilee most.
In Jesus time Samaria and Judea was one Roman province with its
own governor but under the oversight of the governor of the
province of Syria, until A.D44 when it was joined to the province of
Judea.
The size of Palestine:
32
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
From North to South it is only 250 Kms (the distance from Nairobi to
Nyeri and Back). It is 100 Kms from East to West. Some places are
narrower than this. It stretches basically from Dan (N) to Beersheba
(s) and the Mediterranean Sea (W) to the Jordan valley (E) Jdg. 20.1.
It’s Boarders – Its location geographically:
 In the North it’s bordered by Asia.
 In the West it’s bordered by Europe.
 In the South it’s bordered by Africa.
It links those three great continents. It’s actually the centre of the
earth not only politically or spiritually but also geographically.

FOUR DIVISIONS OF PALESTINE:

The land may be divided into four main sections (Ct. Deut. 17)1.
1. The coastal plain – On the western area.
2. The hill country or central highlands – in the centre (Lk. 10-30
3. The Jordan valley (Arabah – dry place)
4. The Transjordan mountainous area – to the east.
The river Jordan runs through the whole length of the land from the see
of Galilee (sea of Tiberians or Lake Gennesaret) into the Dead Sea (salt
Sea) in the south.
Jordan’s means “Descender” since the river rises at a height of F 500
meters at Mt. Hermon but falls to 390 meters below sea level at the
Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
1. THE COASTAL PLAIN – Next to Mediterranean. Very fertile area.
Scene of fighting between Philistines and Israelites in the Old
Testament. Not highly populated. Fish from Mediterranean, Barley
(south) and forest (North) were grown there.
2. CENTRAL HIGHLANDS/HILL COUNTRY – companies Galilee,
Esdaelon, Ephraim, & Judea.
- Most populated area.
- Many small cattle and grape farming.
- Generally rocky and barren.
- Has enough rain than other parts of Palestine.

In Galilee
- Fishing was main industry.
- Also a business area on the main trade routes east and west.
- Temperate climate
- Greeks and Romans lived there shore of the sea of Galilee
agricultural area.
Judea – Eastern and western parts mainly desert.
3. THE JORDAN VALLEY
- Part of the Great Rift Valley, which extends for 6,500 Kms from
Asia to Africa.
- More topical and jungle area. Fruit grown there.
- Few people lived there. In Jesus time how named in the area.
- Date palms grow there sheep was also kept there.

33
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
4. THE TRANSJORDAN MOUNTANOUS AREA (EASTERN TABLE)
Area East of
Jordan.
- Divided by 4 rivers – Yaamaq – Jabbok – Arnon and Zered.
- These divided the land into the regions of Bashan, Gilead, Ammon
and Edom.
- In Jesus time these areas were called Iturea, Galantines Decopolis
(Gk. Meaning 10 cities) and Perez. Jesus traveled all over Galilee –
Reached Tyre and Sidon in the North West, to the Decapolis and to
Caesarea Philippi in the Judea and to the area round the River
Jordan.
- He would have come a cross many gentiles in Galilee and
experienced both rural, agricultural life and the more sophisticated
life of the Jerusalemites.
- Most of his travel would have been on east, enabling him to get to
know the countryside very well.
- Apart from when he was taken out of Palestine to Egypt when he
was a baby, the only other two occasions Jesus was outside
Palestine are:-
i) Mt. 15:21-25 – When he met a cannanite woman.
ii) Lk. 9: 28-36 – at the time of his transfiguration (caesarian
Philip)

THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRAPHY

1. It makes us trust more on Jesus for he lived here on earth.
2. It shows the bible is about real people and places.
3. It helps to believe Jesus lived a life like ours and understands me.
4. It makes us understand much of his teachings, parables, etc
5. It shows us that we are to live by faith.

Palestine was land of many resources (Def. 8:7-10) but a hard land to live
in. This made Jesus realize their need of dependent upon God for
survival.
It was a land of variety – desert, scrub, forests, flat plains for growing corn
(Wheat and barley) but totally dependent on God for rain and to keep
plagues and animal pest.
October – April – (get, rainy).
May – September (Dry Season)
- During rainy season there were many streams of water
- The land of Palestine consisted of three administrative sections.
1. Judea, Samaria - Province of Judea – It was governed from Syria in
the time of Jesus
2. Galilee - Part of Roman Province of Syria.

THE HISTORY OF JESUS MINISTRY

The Roman Emperors in the earthly life of Jesus are:-
34
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
1. Caesar Augustine
2. Caesar Tiberius – Jesus died during the reign of these emperors.
After the two, then came Caesar Caligula after whom came Nero who set
the city on fire and then blamed that an Christians.
We can not be sure of the exact order of events in the ministry of Jesus,
gospel are not simple biographies. Each writer had aim of writing so they
selected what to write. The four Gospel writers have clearly selected the
materials from the life of Jesus, which best illustrates their points. And so
it is Luke who includes extra material about the time of the birth of Jesus.
By doing this he shows Christianity is the continuation and fulfillment of
the O.T. He says that converts to Christianity do NOT need to become
Jews if they receive Christ. A basic outline of the life of Christ is therefore,
possible, although we can not be sure of the detailed timing of events and
saying. It is easiest however, to study the life of Christ in the order that
his twelve disciples experienced the happenings in so far as this is
possible.

BASIC ORDER OF THE EVENTS IN JESUS MINISTRY

1. PREPARATION – Birth; Baptism and Temptation. Mt. 3:13
2. EARLY MINISTRY – 1st meeting with future apostles Jn. 1:35-51.
1st Miracle – Canaan in Galilee Jn. 2:1-11
3. EARLY MINISTRY IN JUDEA
The 1st cleansing of the Temple – Jn. 2:12-25, ct. Mk. 11:1 ff.
(i). What does this action show?
a. Jesus identification with God’s cause.
b. Jesus zeal for God’s honour and glory (V17)
c. That this ministry brought divine judgment on the backslidden
religion of Israel.
d. That the fulfillment of Gods promise to create new, spiritual
people who would know Gods presence in their midst had
arrived (V 20-22)
NB: The cleaning and removal of sacrificial animals symbolizes the end of
Jewish worship.
(ii) The interview with Nicodemus – Jn. 3:1-10 – Jesus emphases of his
words to
Nicodemus is on the work of the spirit in bringing men into the
kingdom of God and eternal life.
iii) Calling of the twelve – Lk 6:12-6 , Mt.10:2-4, Mk 3:13-19.
4. SAMARITAN INTERLUDE Jn. 3:22-4:22
Samaritans were regarded as unclean by Jews – Jut Jesus passed
through the main part of Samaria.
- He reveals himself as the messiah to the woman. Samaritan had
no political hopes for the messiah like the Jews.
- At this early stage, Jesus showing and teaching his disciples that
his salvation will include all people not just the Jews . V.34-38.
- Evangelizing other Samaritans.
- Jesus disciples baptize.
35
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
5. RETURN TO GALILEE Jn. 4.46-54
End of 1st year – called the year of OBSCURITY.
2ND Miracle to a man who was a gentile, done in answer to man faith
in Jesus authority Jesus moves from Nazareth (may be due to
persecution) to Capernaum – 20 Km apart. This become his new
base Mt. 4:13
Full time preaching begins at the same time preparing his disciples.
6. FIRST GALILEAN PREACHING TOUR
- Marks the start of Jesus 2nd year called the year of popularity.
- Great crowds meet Jesus walking with him wherever he went. Mt.
4:23-25, Mk 1:39. they came from every part of the country Mt.
8:1, Mk. 1:40
- What drew people to him? – Healing, miracles, casting out of evil
spirits, the word God which was with great authority Lk. 4: 43: 51.
7. SECOND GALILEAN TOUR LK. 8:1-3
- Rejection at Nazareth and in the synagogues Mk. 6:1-6, Lk 4: 16:30
- Many open air meeting.
- Opposition / popularity
- Teaches more in parables ( Mk. 4:Mt. 13: 54-8)
8. THE SECOND JUDEAN TOUR – MK. 10:1-11, 1:Mk. 6:7-13
Lk. 9.1-6- The 12 sent out on evangelistic mission and given a clear
commissions:
a. To preach the kingdom of God as Jesus has been doing.
b. To demonstrate the kingdom through miracles
c. They’re warned that not everyone will accept their messages.
d. Jesus sends them out in order to show the deep need that men have
to hear about God’s kingdom. They are like sheep’s without a
shepherd.
e. Report Back.
Excitement and tension surrounding Jesus increases ct. Jn. 7:25-40 –
Everyone is talking about him.
9. THE FEEDING OF THE 5000 (Mt. 14:13-22: Mk 6:33 – 44;
Lk.9:11-17; Jn. 6:1-15)
- The only miracle recorded in all the gospel accounts
- It marks a very important stage in the Ministry of Jesus it is in fact
the turning point of his ministry.
- After this miracle many of its followers turned back and no longer
followed him. Jn 6:66 why was this?
Jesus refused to be made a revolutionary king.
- Great crowd follow Jesus at this point why? John the Baptist had
probably must been beheaded – Jn 6:13:.
Mt. 14:1-12 So people wanted somebody to teach and comfort
them.
What Does This Miracle Teach or show us?
1. Jesus’ great compassion for the people. Love is practiced. In
this way he teaches the disciples to do the same in this Ministry

36
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
2. The miracle is a sign (Jn. 6:14) or an acted parable. Jesus was
teaching that the kingdom of God had now arrived how?
According to the OT prophecies there is going to be feasting
(eating and drinking). Plenty of everything in god’s kingdom. Isa
55:1
3. It is a messiah Sign: Jesus in proclaiming himself to be messiah
(Host of the Kingdom).
4. The kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, which comes to those who
believe in Jesus. He is the giver and sustainer for soul and body.
The bread symbolizes the bread of life (Jn. 6:47-50). Jesus is
offering life-giving bread.
5. The kingdom is established in Men’s Lives through the death of
Jesus. He gives himself to feed the world spiritually. Those who
feed in him enter the kingdom (Jn. 6:50-57)
6. The feeding prepares the way for the Christian feast of Holy
Communion as the fulfillment of the words of the prophecy.
7. The disciples make further commitment to Jesus (Jn.6:68).

Walking on the Water (Mt:14:23-36; Jn.610-21)

This follows immediately after the feeding of the 5000. Many people had
left Jesus. Why is this incident important?
1. It was performed to encourage the believing in God. (Jn. 6:)
2. Jesus shows he is the king of Earth (nature) and also the world of
men. He has complete control.
3. He is the son of man who has divine power to fulfill God’s will. His
disciples are to share in doing that will and in that divine ability.
4. His divine power over nature is shown in:
a. Walking on water.
b. Saving Peter
c. Causing the storm to cease
5. It brought to the new revelation of Christ and new commitment to
Christian.
To the Jews Sea was the most frightening element, most unruly and
terrifying. But Jesus exercise total power over it.

10. (a) TYRE, SIDON AND DECAPOLIS: - MT. 15:21-31: Mk. 7:24-8-
10.
(Jesus Third Year)
Jesus withdrew from Galilee to into gentile territory no doubt to
escape from the crowd. Why?
a. Galileans had not responded to his teaching about the inability of
the traditions of Judaism to bring about cleansing of hearts.
b. Jesus left the people to think about what he had told them. Jesus
had done the same thing before in Mk. 5:1: Mt. 8 28-34
c. He gave them opportunity to consider who he was

37
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
In gentile territory he found, as much faith as he had done among
the Jews Jesus refusal to heal the daughter of this woman was a way
to draw the woman faith eventually she got the miracle. Real faith
grows. Gentiles actually seemed to have more faith than Jews.

(b) FEEDING OF THE FOUR THOUSAND. MT. 15:29-39’ MK.8:6,8

This is a gentile feeding in the region of Decapolis. It is gentiles
feast just as he had shown Jews feast in the feeding of 5000. By this
miracle Jesus shows.
1. That he was to be bread and life to the whole world.
2. That the kingdom blessings are for all who have faith.
3. That the kingdom is open to all races.

11. PETER’S CONFESSION OF CHRIST (Mk. 8:27-33; Mt. 16:13-19;

Lk. 9: 18-27)
- This is at the region of Caesarea Philippi.
- This follows the demand of the Pharisees for a sign.
- Jesus criticizes them for failing to see = understand, the signs that
he has already given in his teaching and miracles.
- He warns his Ds to be on their guard against the whole teaching of
the Pharisees and herodians. Their teaching was based on
unbelief.
- Most people at this point were whispering about who Jesus was.
- Most people at this point were whispering about who Jesus was.
- Under the divine revelation of God peter gives the confession of
who Jesus is. Of course Jesus had seen that the Ds’ faith was
growing and so he wanted to encourage them to abide by that
conviction.
- Confession is personal, public, clear and unambiguous.
Confession is personal, public, clear and unambiguous,
The confession that Jesus is the Son of God. Made by his disciples the
rock upon which Jesus was to build his church.
NB: The Church may look weak but Jesus said that there gates of Hades
shall not prevail against it because the Holy Spirit helps the confession
and empowers the followers of Christ. Keys of the kingdom are the
preaching of the Gospel about Jesus. Though the empowering of the H.S
Ds are going to have a teaching ministry (Mk. 16-19).
Jesus begins to prepare the disciples for his coming journey to Jerusalem,
which will end in his death and resurrection. In doing this he is showing
them the time nature of the Messiah. Jesus gives three predictions of his
refection, crucifixion and resurrection (Mk. 8:31, 10;32)
NB: Jesus interprets the work of the messiah in terms of the suffering
servant of Isaiah 42 – 53. He uses the title – Son of man of Dan 7:13-14.
 Jesus shows that “he must die” – showing it is the divine will for him to
die. Peter didn’t understand this so he tries to stop Jesus from this in
reality the devil tries to hinder the divine purpose of Jesus being on
earth – but Jesus rebuked him immediately.
38
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
 Jesus taught his Disciples that they were to follow in his footsteps
laying down their lives for the kingdom. Suffering is the first step
before the glory. Jesus will die as the servant but resurrect as king of
kings.
 At this point what Jesus teaches the Disciples is different from what he
teaches the crowd.
 Sufferings are part of discipleships in this world.

THE TRANSFIGURATION – Mk. 9;18:Mt. 17; Lk.9:28f 2Pet.1:16-21

This took place in a quiet, isolated place on Mt. Hermon?
Definition = Transfiguration means transformation from the Greek word
metamorphoew – from which we get our English work metamorphosis – to
change the form. Changing of the outward form.
This was an outward or a physical change.
NB: Believers are encouraged to have a transformation of their minds
(Rm 12:2) and change of character (II Cor. 3:18). This incident brings a
further confirmation of the faith of Peter, James and John and of the
fulfillment of Jesus ministry in his death on the cross. Death is the goal
God agrees and confirms.
What do we learn from Jesus Transfiguration?
1. Jesus is revealed as being in the form of God- sharing the divine
nature (Phil 2:5-6) and that he is the perfect man who is without sin
and therefore bearing his sinless glory…bringing man to glory.
2. It is also revealed that Jesus is the subject of the test among of the
OT scriptures – fulfillment of the prophets and the law = Moses and
Elijah = the two were speaking about Jesus – thus no need of three
shelters for this would make them equal with Christ. Christ is the
glory but Moses and Elijah had only a reflected glory. Moses and
Elijah confirm that Jesus must die in Jerusalem.
3. The voice of the father from heaven says; “listen to him” This
identifies Jesus with the coming prophet of Deut. 18:15 and
encourages the disciples to believe what Jesus is saying to them
about death and resurrection and his return in glory.
4. The glory of the kingdom is only experienced in par now; i.e. We see
in glimpse, not everything – sometimes we see miracles other times
no miracles, sometimes we see dead raised but most of the time we
burry them.
5. Finally it is the third occasion on which Jesus dedicates himself to
the will of God and the path of obedience to his father and his plan
of salvation in all for our lorry because of his love.
Jesus had dedicated himself previously at:
1. His Baptism. …When he pledged to fulfill righteousness and
identified himself with sinners.
2. The temptation in the wilderness…when he resisted Satan’s offer of
the easy road to popular power and world leadership.
- The father encourages him – my beloved son.

39
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
-Many commentators suggest that Jesus could have returned to
heaven at his point if he had chosen to.
NB: Caesarea Philippi was quiet place to the North Galilee, which
mountain? Some say Mt. Tabor
great number of people say Mt. Hermon.
- The Disciples are reminded that the devil still needs to be
defeated. They cannot rest yet.
12. FINAL MINISTRY IN GALILEE (MT. 17:24-18:33: Mk. 9 33-50
In his teachings he now stresses the difference between the values
and life-style of the kingdom of God and the values of the world.
- He shows that true greatness is seen in true humility Jesus himself
is the best example of this.
- He also teaches on forgiveness. 9Mt. 18:21 f)
13.JESUS JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM – Jn. 7-10, Lk 9:51-13:35
- Jesus knew that death awaited him in Jerusalem but he decided to
go there.
- He corrects running attitude of his Disciples – James and John (Lk
9:51-56) and then shows the qualities needed in Disciples. (Lk.
9:57-62)
- Jesus teaches that commitment of Christ is more important than
casting out demons.
- Mary shows an important quality of discipleship – listening to Jesus.
(Lk. 10:38-42).
- In his teaching on prayer Lk. 11:1-11 Jesus emphasized the need
for:-
a. A sense of God’s fatherhood.
b. A desire for God’s glory
c. A simple trust in God’s total provision
d. A humble attitude of forgiveness to others an is not self
confident.
e. A persistent confidence in God’s will that will not easily give up.
- During this time Jesus had meetings with Pharisees in which he
spoke in parables more and more often in order that the Pharisees
would not silence his message. His fixed purpose is shown again in
Lk. 13:31-35 and Jn. 7:32f when the Pharisees try to arrest him in
Jerusalem.
- In Jn.8:58 they try to stone him and in Jn. 10:31. They thought he
was blaspheming.
- Jesus goes to Transjordan (Jn. 10:40-42; 11:54).
- Jesus continues to talk to Pharisees (Lk. 14-15)
- Contention with the Pharisees. Scribes and Sadducees reach their
climax here, they arrest Jesus. He is falsely accused and finally
crucified.
- On the third day in the tomb Jesus resurrects he appears to his
disciples and few more other.
- After the 40 days after his resurrection, he ascended to the father.

40
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
6. THE TEACHING OF JESUS
This part has got three sections:
A. Jesus the Teacher
B. The parables of Jesus = Why Jesus taught in parables?
C. What Jesus taught – The message of Jesus?
A. JESUS THE TEACHER
- One of the most used title of Jesus was Rabbi – all including the
Pharisees recognized this (Nicodemus Jn.3:1
- Jesus had come to teach and preach Mt. 1:35-39.
- What he did before going to the cross was the foundation of
everything and is not unimportant.
Descriptions of Jesus teaching method.
1. His teaching was adaptable = taught all different class of people in
different places and made them listen for hours – Jn. 3:14: Mt.9:35
2. His teaching was understandable – He spoke from the known to the
unknown. Used earth to explain heaven e.g. a mustard seed for the
kingdom of heaven; second birth for salvation; wind/water for the Holy
Spirit etc. He was the whole world as the world of God. He could use
anything in the world to reach about God.
3. His teaching was relevant: things that occupied people minds – money,
heaven and hell, eating and clothing etc Jesus knew men’s minds – Jn
2:24.
4. His Teaching was interesting, memorable - used phrases, which refuses
to be forgotten, he who wants to be the greatest among you must be
little, etc.
5. His teaching was scriptural and authoritative = Mk. 1:27:Lk. 20:37
Key to the authority is being subject to that authority yourself. Jesus
believed and practiced what he taught. He based its teaching on the
scriptures (OT)
6. His teaching was full of variety:
- Used many oratorical devices and kind of logical argument s =
Questions (Mt. 16:)
(Lk.2: 2:46) dialogue form (Jn 3;3, 4) etc.
- Logical Arguments: if God cares for the birds, how much will he
care for you? Can devil cast out demon?’
He used phrases, sayings and metaphors.
Metaphor – describing something in unilateral way in order to bring a
deeper understanding, application of adjectives.
It is to name a thing with which it is not literary associated with (e.g.
‘Food for thoughts) or in a in a way which is not literary true (born again)
- He used similes - =
- He used humor (e.g. “take out the log in your eye and then you’ll
be able to take out the speck in your brother’s eye”)
- Jesus did not manipulate people in order for them to follow him so
he didn’t give them bread every time.
B. THE PARABLES OF JESUS

41
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Why did Jesus teach in Parables?
Jesus was not the first to use parables – see David & Prophet Nathan.
33% Jesus teaching is in parables.
(i) What is a Parable?
OT (Heb) = Mashal – riddle, clever saying strange wisdom story.
NT (Greek) Parabalos –(balos = throw, place): (Para-alongside).
= Parabalos=putting one thing alongside another to make a
comparison.
= Comparing something with something else in order to explain it.
= Illustrating a thing by another.
= Earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
(ii) The main features of parables:
1. They are interesting, good stories.
2. They are simple stories with 2 or 3 main characters
3. Have a strong element of contrast (e.g. publican = Pharisees in
prayer
4. Have a strong element of familiarity (e.g. wheat and tares.
5. Has a surprise ending (a sting in toil).
(iii) The main theme of parables.

KINGDOM OF GOD
What are some aspects attached to the kingdom of God?
1. The arrival of the Kingdom of God
Subject of Jesus preaching = Kingdom has come Mt. 13:19
2. Jesus is the one who brings God’s Kingdom
(The son) the kingdom is compared to wedding feast unless
everybody is invited. Mt 22:1-14.
3. The Kingdom calls men to decision
OT says the Kingdom is coming – prepare yourself for it but NT says
has come, are you read for it now? MT 5:25
4. The future manifestation of the Kingdom:
Bringing final Judgment or full salvation (e.g. parable of wheat and x
joining side by side until to their full age when they’ll be separated.
The kingdom is therefore present but its full manifestation in future.
At the end of everything each person will have the consequences of
his decision – Mt 13.24-30,25: 31-5.
5. Entry into the kingdom of God is by the Grace of God through the
faith of man.
Compare workers in the samba who were hired –some in the
mornings others in evening = but wages are equal this compares
Jesus and the gentiles = Jesus have been in the Kingdom for a long
time but the wages is the same on for the gentiles who have come
in lately (Mt 20: 1-0) Parable of the Vineyard = it is open to all
people.
6. It is a Great leveler = it is hard for the religious, powerful and rich
than for the rest = it can deny your status and your ways, you must

42
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
be prepared for anything in the kingdom you are asked by the
master.(cf Lk. 12:13 ff)
7. How to live in the Kingdom. Believers anticipate the final coming of
the Kingdom by their lives today. They show the kingdom in their
lives already – a testimony of the kingdom which will come – e.g.
love, peace, joy, forgiveness, helping one another regardless for
the culture. (L k 10:25 Mt 18: 21).
Many parables show the demands of the Kingdom and the blessing
of the Kingdom. The principle of helping one another in the
Kingdom is important.
8. The growth of the kingdom Mt. 13:31
It starts small buts ends the largest of the rest. It may look un
influential but at the end its full powers will be seen
The kingdom has double – time references – Present & Future.
(iv) Why Jesus used Parables
1. To create interest among all sorts of people - especially the simple
unlearned and those with little time for spiritual things. Everyone
likes a good story.
2. To help people remember his teaching:
“The last shall be the first and the first shall be the last” – this can
last to lasting memory after discovering the truth thereof.
3. To communicate new unpopular truth e.g. Good Samaritan. Jesus
told them “do the same” People accepted something, which their
minds might not have accepted.
Parables challenges people to action and participation they
challenge people to action
4. To show the need for continual seeking after the truth
They show that the truly spiritual hungry man is always leaning- his
mind and heart are open to new truth and application.
But the proud man thinks he knows it all.
5. To show that commitment to Jesus was vital
It was the way of entering into and living in the Kingdom
In the parables Jesus speaks of Himself in many different ways, a
landowner, a treasurer a master of servants a bridegroom a king.
6. It was ideal way of teaching in hostile conditions when many
opposed him.
They earned a double meaning people could not cause revolution by
who he taught because they would not understand fully.
7. They show salvation is a Gift from God. A revelation i.e. unless God
opens one’
Eyes, he cannot see it. God alone reveals the truth.
8. They show that God’s Judgment is already at work - in those who
won’t believe will be hardening their hearts.
- Revealing truth to some (who seek it) but hiding it from others
(who don’t seek it) Mk: 11-12= God reveals the truth concept on
the basis of whether one ifs seeking it or he is not seeing it.

43
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
- Parables show what is in Men’s heart by the way they respond to
them.
- The purpose of parables is to bring salvation but the consequences
of not seeking the truth whole-heartedly is condemnation.
- Jesus came to save the lost but those who refuse him are
condemned already.
- We are to present “Why Jesus came (the positive side) but people
make their minds if they want him or not.
- If one rejects the truth, then obviously he will accept deception or
lies.
- God Judges the unbelief by increasing if:
9. They underline the truth of divine election and human freedom and
choice and human responsibility.
(v) The interpretation of Parable:
Rules to interpret Parables
1. Find the main point.
2. Take account of the first century background (e.g. relationships
between Jesus and Samaritans or Romans).
3. Take account of the Background of the teaching of Jesus (e.g. on
the kingdom or Grace).
4. Take account of interpretative hints given b the gospel writers.
(e.g. L K 15:1-2)
5. Take account of other NT writings on similar subjects (e.g. Paul on
watching and prayer in 1st Thess 5.
GROUPING THE GREAT PARABLES OF JESUS:
1. Parables about the growth of the kingdom = sower, weeds,
Mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasures cost pearl (Mt 13) seed
sprouting secretly (Mk 4:6.
2. Parables about wealth
The foolish rich man ( L K 12) Unfaithful Steward ( L K 16)
3. Parables about Prayers
The Pharisees and this publican ( L K 11) A friend at midnight ( L K
16) the unjust. Judge ( L K 18)
4. Parables, which reveal the Grace of God.
The lost sheep ( L K 15) The lost shilling ( L K 15) THE Prodigal Son (L
K 15)
5. Parables about brotherhood
A servant who does not forgive ( Mt. 18) the Good Samaritan ( L K
10) The rich man and Lazarus ( L K 16)
6. Parables about Servant hood (serving)
Workers in the vineyard ( Mt 20) Two men who owed money to a
certain moneylender ( L K 7 :36 ff) unfinished house and
going to war against another king (LK 14:25 ff).
7. Parables of Judgment
A fig tree with no fruit ( Lk 13) Two sons ( Mt 21) Bad Tenants ( Mt
21: 33ff): Great Banquet ( Lk 14: 15). The wedding Banquet ( Mat

44
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
22: 1) Ten Virgins ( Mt. 25) Servants who do not keep watch. ( Mt
24).
C. WHAT JESUS TAUGHT = His Message
1. HE TAUGHT ABOUT GOD. (Theism)
- That he is personal creator. (Mk 13: 19, Mt 10:30) Lord of heaven
and earth ( Mt 11:25: 10:29) Good( Mk 10:16 trustworthy ( Mt
6:27:7:-11) Loved (Mk 12:30) served (Mt 1:24) and feared ( Mt
10:28)
- He is the father of those who trust in him and enter His Kingdom ( Mt
6:9) He is to be imitated by His children (Mt 5:48)
- Salvation is the work of Grace ( Lk 8:9-14) free to us but.
- Jesus revealed the Father in His words and action Jn 14:1-9.
2. HE TAUGHT ABOUT SCRIPTURES (Bibliology)
- 40x He quoted the Old Testament.
- Another 60-160x He makes references to various OT passages
- Scripture is Chief and final authority in all matters. Mk 7:6-13,12:24:Jn
10:35).
- Oral tradition was secondary and temporary.
- Scriptures teach about Him- Jn 5: 39-0: Lk 24: 23-7,4-7.
- Jesus put His own words a level with scriptures “I say unto you”.
- He gave correct/true interpretation of scripture.
3. JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT MAN (Anthropology)
- Created by God to depend on and glorify Him ( Mt 6:27: 10:6) Man
has great value and lives beyond death of the body(Mk 8:36; Lk
16:19 Mt 10:28).
- Man being a sinner by nature (Mk 7:14-23) and is under Judgment
( Jn 3:36: Lk 12:5) needs to repent (Lk 13: 1-5)of evil thoughts,
deeds, and uncleanness.
- Many have different abilities given to them by God (Mt25:14) but
each one finds life only in relationships with God through Christ. (Lk
9:24) Man is made to worship God as Creator saviour, Father Lord
via the mind, spirit and clear conscience whole life. Life is to know
God Jn 17:3 not just physical fitness it is in its full senses having
fellowship with God.
- Man is more than an animal – he is also a spiritual being.
- Jesus Christ is the model of how man ought to live – Jn 8:29:14:31
Christ has perfect humanity.
4. JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT THE CHURCH (Ecclesiology)
- Twice Jesus mentioned the name Church (GK ekklesia) Mt 16:18;
1:15 i.e. universal Church and Local Church respectively.
- In both instances He said that the Church was empowered to act
with His authority.
- The Church is God’s new people (Mt 21:43) little flock of Jesus (Lk
12;32) but which would be larger than Israel, having members from
all nations(Mt 8:11).
- The Church is Jesus family (Mk 3:3) His wedding Guests (Mk 2:19). It
is given the Holy Spirit. (Jn 20:20-23).
45
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
5. JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT THE TIME OF FULFILLMENT (Prophecies)
- In the coming of Christ God’s promises are being fulfilled (Mk 1:15) .
- Prophecy is being fulfilled compare (Ps.110:Mk 12: 35-37).
- He was David’s Lord: (Isa 53 =Mk 10:45)
- He was the suffering servant: Isa 61:1 + Lk 4:18 the Lord’s
Anointed: Dan 7:13; Mk 14: 62 The Enthroned son of man.
- Now is the day of salvation – the time we’ve been waiting for time to
decide.
6. JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT THE FUTURE (Eschatology)
- He talked about the near future (His death, resurrection and for
future Mk 10:31; 9:3 10:32f: Jn2:19 Mk 14:62 Mt 28:18.
- Destruction of the temple – Mk 13:2: Lk 21:20.
- The spreading of the Kingdom of God Mt 13:31:32.
- He spoke of a day of final Judgment at the end of the age (Mt 25:31f:
Mt 19:28) and of His coming as Judge in visible glory (Lk 21: 27)
7. HE TAUGHT ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD
(i) MEANING OF THE KINGDOM
Cf Lk 18: 18-27 The following terms refer to the same thing:
- What must I do ……….eternal life” v.1 How hard…….enter
the Kingdom of God v 24 “ who then can be saved 26. The
term Kingdom bring to our mind the idea of Kingship/reign (c f
Jn18:36) so the Kingdom of God speaks of:
1. The facts that God is King and reigns (sovereignty)
2. The power of God over the earth.
The idea of the Kingdom of God was not fully developed in the OT as
if is in the NT
O.T Ps 47:7-8 only believers of the OT knew God was King.
Unbelievers did not submit to God’s Kingship (this has to do with
political).Ps 93:1 The lord is king over nature – It is almost Israelite
who held this fact – but also they did not experience it fully because
of their sin.

(ii) JEWISH BELIEF ABOUT THE KINGDOM:

In Jesus time Jews understood the Kingdom of God meant the
destruction of all God’s enemies (their own) and the exaltation and the
victory of Israel. The world would end, the messiah would come, and
final judgment would occur Dan 7:13-26
- Jews associated this with the Day of the Lord Joel: 2 .
- They believed in the Kingdom but thought that it would come at the
end time, end of history. This is quite different from what Jesus
taught about the Kingdom.

(iii) JESUS VIEW OF THE KINDOM OF GOD:

The King has just arrived.

46
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
- It has reached a new stage of development and is manifested in a
clearer and fuller way
- Still Romans were ruling in Palestine.
- Jesus preached the kingdom and demonstrated it in his life of
obedience and in his ministry of power.
- The kingdom had come because the heir of the Kingdom had come.
- The Jews believed the Kingdom would come when all Jews
completely obeyed the law. Jesus said if a person took his yoke on
himself followed him, he is in the kingdom. Mt. 11:25-30.
- At this stage of development of the kingdom there is opposition
because many have not accepted it. It seems those who have
accepted are going up hill whereas others who have not are going
down hill. That is why each should take Jesus yoke or else he will be
under another persons yoke.
- The miracles of Jesus show the power of the kingdom – Lk 11:18-20
= Miracles are not only for the purpose of drawing people’s attention
but also for showing that God’s kingdom was more powerful than all
other powers – devil, sin, etc.
- The kingdom of God is mention 80 times in the gospels.
- According to the teaching of Jesus the kingdom of God has come, is
coming and will come.
iv. ENTRY INTO THE KINGDOM
- It is through Jesus Christ.
- Wholeheartedly commitment to him in the demand of the Kingdom.
- He must be Lord and King in your whole life.
- Willingness to start a new life (Jn. 3) and giving one life to Jesus. (Lk.
9:6-3
- Entrance into the kingdom is free but moral subscription is giving all
for Christ. It costs us our energy, time, effort, etc.
v. THE PRESENT CRISIS OF THE KINGDOM (TIME OF DECISION) =
Repentance.
Time to repent is now. Repenting means total change from evil to
good. Putting faith in Christ.This brings us salvation now – God’s
enternal life enters in to our lives now. (Lk. 12:32:18:15-17). This is
the good news: of the kingdom is not for the half-hearted. It is for
those who are in real earnest.
Therefore genuine repentance is essential because the kingdom
demands the highest standards. This king expect us to forgive other
(Matt. 18:21-35): to be single minded (Mk. 9:5-47); obey him
(Lk:6:46-49).
- The decision men make today will affect them eternal.
- When Jesus comes, he’ll only reveal what decisions people have
made.
Time for decision is now because all one can think is what he is thinking
now not tomorrow. Jesus must come first in ones life – (Lk. 16:13: 9:5f:
14,14:18:24-30) = Money and family ties are the two greatest obstacles
that stand’s in the way of those who will enter the kingdom. The king
47
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
demands that we turn from these lies and learn to be children of a new
father (Lk. 11:2). It is this challenge to make the turn-around, which
causes the crisis (Mt. 18:3)
- Anyone who looks back after this critical turn-around is not fit for the
kingdom of God (Lk. 9:61-62)
- But if the critical decision is made, then the disciple experiences
new and greater family blessings in the kingdom (Lk. 18:2-30)
vi. THE FUTURE CRISIS OF THE KINGDOM:
- Jesus will return to judge and reign.
- The rule of God will be fully manifested then. How?
a) In salvation
b) In judgment.
There will be great separation between those in the Kingdom and those
aside it (Mt.25:1-46, Lk. 12:35-38, 41-48; Mt. 13:20-43).
This will happen after every enemy of God has been subjected and
acknowledged Jesus as Lord (Pil 2:10-11) and king of Kings (Rev. 1:16).
Then he’ll finally deliver up the kingdom to the father (I Cor. 15:23-28).
Then God will create a new heaven and new earth where the righteous
will dwell ( II Pet. 3:13)
vii) THE KINGDOM AND SON OF MAN.
Jesus preaching of God’s kingship fulfilled the Old Testament
prophecies about the coming one who was to bring the kingdom of
God (Lk. 4:18-21) waited upon by many. (Lk.2:5ff, 2:36f:15:43).
Pilate’s title, which he had put above the cross, spoke true than he
knew (Lk. 23:38)
The son of man, according to Dan: 7 is ruler, a prince, a king, who
rules with saints.
7. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS
- So already we’ve seen four miracles
- Feeding of the 5000 people
- walking on the water
- Feeding of the 4000 people
- Healing the daughter of the Canaanite woman.
Here we are going to put more emphasis on miracles in the biblical
point of view.
i) Definitions of the term miracle
- It is a supernatural event caused by a supernatural power, which
reveals God.
E.g. the creation and the functioning of creation can be seen, as
miracle science does not make natural laws; they only understand
how they works: -
1. God’s continuing activity in nature is miraculous – Jn 9:10 – rain,
growth of a child, etc – although we understand them we cannot
make them happen Ps. 91:1- 4.
2. God Powerful interventions in nature = Israelis deliverance; dividing
of Red Sea , sun standing still, God’s works in the midst of nature to
make it work in a different way.In both causes God is revealing his
48
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
divine nature (all-powerful) and character (holy, Loving and
wise) – Rm. 1 18-22: Jn 2:1-11

There are even miracles of timing e.g. Abraham servant getting Rabbecca
for Abraham’s son, a lorry falling just before you: etc

ii) Three (Greek) words for miracles in the New Testament

1. TERAS (AC: 4:30)
Miracle/wonder = this describes extraordinary/different and unusual
happens that brings a sense of fear and wonder (Ex. 15 11,
Josh. 3, , Ac –30. Rm 15:19; Lk.8:15)
- They’ve effect on people. This kind makes people think and
question themselves.
- It happens publically but it doesn’t necessarily leads people to
repentance or believe.
- It makes them listen and willing to listen.
- It is to get people to ask, what is this Ac. 2:1-13.
2. DUNAMIS (MT. 11:20 – Might acts or powers.
This word shows clearly that miracles are acts of power and are
beyond the ability of man to perform (p.s. 106:2:145:4, Mt. 11:20:
Gal. 3:
3. SEMEION (JN.2:11) - Signs (used esp. in John)
- The emphasize of this word is that miracles mean something,
- They reveal God is with the person who does then;
- They teach spiritual truth.
- Miracles were revealing who Jesus was – the messiah.
- These kinds of miracles use earthly things to explain spiritual
truth.
The miracles in the life of Jesus.
We cannot deny the fact that miracles were a vital part of Jesus
ministry.
He performed very many of them.
a. In his birth - virgin birth
b. In his life- Holy Spirit descending on him in form of a dove
resurrection and ascension. These miracles spoke of his deity
and a sinless life.
c. In his ministry

TYPES OF MIRACLES IN JESUS MINISTRY

(a) HEALING MIRACLES
- Men do not know how many people Jesus healed. (Mt. 4ff)
- There are over 20 accounts of healing of individuals or small groups.
He healed different types of diseases – those with mental and
physical problems. (Mk.2:3, Mt. 9:17; Mk 32, Mt.8)

49
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
- He healed in different ways: at a distance (Jn :46f) b y a word
(Lk.:13) by physical contacts (Lk 8:3) or by both of these of day
made from spittle (Mk.8;23)
- Healing took place in different ways usually immediately (Jn5:52) but
sometimes not (Mk 8:2-25)
- He did not use very long prayers. Faith was needed Lk. 17, Mt 18:
29, Lk 18:42)
(b) MIRACLES OF DELIVERANCE FROM DEMON POSSESSION:
- Jesus performed many of these and they are distinguished from
healings a sin Mk.1:32; Lk 13ff
- This shows that not all sicknesses are caused by evil spirits.
- Those miracles demonstrated the power of the kingdom of God.
(c) NATURE MIRACLES
- Catch of fishes (Mt. 8:26)
- The feeding of the 500 (Mt.14:15)
- Walking on the water (Mt. 14:2 f)
- The raising of the dead (Jn 11,Lk 7:11,Mt,9:18).
These three categories of miracles reveal Jesus as:
a) The savior – Healing miracles
b) The Lord – Deliverance miracles
c) Creator – Nature Miracles.

Why did Jesus Perform Miracles?

1. He had compassion (Lk. 7:13; Mt 9:35/6:14:14)
- Compassion means “feel with, to share one’s condition
- To be touched by one’s state of life esp. when it is bad.
2. To bring glory to God (Jn 1:0, Mt. 1;38; 4:-13)
People glorified God when they saw miracles of Jesus, they glorified
God through following and understanding “who Jesus is”
Jesus did miracles only when it would lead to glory.
NB: Miracles are not to be used for one’s selfish gain. Always give
glory to God.
3. To make people listen to the word (Jn 10:24) of Ac; 2:14,3
Miracles amazed people and made them wonder who Jesus was
leading to listening to him Mk 2:12:1-27.
- Even today we need these miracles in the Church
4. To show people that God was with him – Lk. 7:16
– It is a confirmation that God was with him Jn.3 (Ct. Moses & Elijah.
– Jesus miracles were therefore, a revelation of the living, mighty
God who was present to save his people as in the OT when he
saved Israel from Egypt and judged pharaoh in the Red sea. (Ex
77:9; 1Kg 18: Ex4, Isa.35, Mt 11:; Mk 1:15 = His casting out of
demons particular showed that he had come to bind devils power.
5. His miracles declared that God is mightier that Satan.
However miracles don’t happen always because the kingdom has
not yet come in fullness.

50
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
6. To show that he was the Messiah – Isa. 61::1, Lk, 4:18-19, Isa. 35:5-6;
Mt. 11:1-4-
Miracles were signs to show him to be the promised messiah of the
OT.
7. To show spiritual realities and the truth about his work- Lk 15:18-20
– Jesus work in the natural world was a demonstration of his
authority in the spiritual realm e.g. healer of sins, authority to
forgive.
– Physical healing was a parable of spiritual healing (Lk 5:1820)
8. To help people believe – Jn 20:31
- They were done in answer to faith mostly.
- The miracles were not to compel people to be here in him. (Mt.
14:22, Mk 3:20-30
9. To strengthen the faith of believers (Jn. 10:38;20-31)
Those looking for truth were greatly strengthened.
10. To show who he was (Mk. 1:40: Lk.8:20:31)
Jesus never used the name of God in performing miracles although
at times he prayed before doing a miracle. He performed them in
his own power and authority.
NB: Incarnation and Resurrection are two of the greatest miracles in the
life of Jesus NT pays most attention to. The evidence for these is strong.

THE TITLES OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS

Definition of the term “TITLE”
It is a description of something a person is or does
It describes somebody’s function or status
The titles of Jesus show us who he is. and the work that He did for
mankind.
Names can become titles sometimes e.g. Julius Caesar, Caesar became
the title.
The titles of Jesus have really become part of his name, which in full is
“The Lord Jesus Christ”.
As with ‘Lord’ and ‘Christ’ most of Jesus titles originate from the
Old Testament.

1. JESUS
This is personal and human name rather than a title. Hebrew name for
Jesus is Joshua / Yeshua/ Hoshea, which means YHWH (Jehovah) is
salvation (Mt. 1.21). This personal name reveals to us the reason of ‘Jesus’
coming into the world = in order to bring salvation

2. THE NAZARENE (Mt. 2:23)

Jesus came from Nazareth and was called Jesus of Nazareth to distinguish
him from other men called Jesus (Cf. Mt 27:16). However, by the end of
the first Century the name Jesus was no longer used for people because it
had become associated with the saviour.
51
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise

3. SAVIOR (Jn. 4:42)

Used first by a Samaritan woman.
Used a few times in the (Epistles 2 Tim. 1:10: Tit. 1:4 2 peter 1:11). His
work as saviour is referred severally (Lk. 19:10, Mk 10:45 and Lk. 1:77)

4. THE TEACHER (Jn. 3:1, Mk. 4:38: 9:17, 38;10:17, Mt. 22:16, Lk.
18:18, Mk. 5:35)
Used of Jesus 47 times. Almost everyone called him by this title.
Sometimes he was called “The teacher” Mk. 5:35
In Gk teacher is Didaskalos meaning Instructor

5. RABBI
In Greek it corresponds with Heb. Rabbi – it meant “my great one” or ‘my
revered’ used with an acknowledged teacher of OT law. It is used of Jesus
12 times in the Gospels Mk. 9:5
6. MASTER
Greek. Apostates = used 14 times in the gospels. It means overseer,
superintendent.
It is recognition of Jesus authority as a leader and instructor in the things
of OT (Mk. 9:5, 11:21)

7. THE PROPHET (Mt. 21:11, 46, Mk. 6:15, 8:28, Lk. 7:16, 39,
24:19, Jn. 4:19, 6:14, 7:40)
It occurs in all four gospels
Prophet - one who brings God word to people in a particular
circumstance.
– He interprets God’s word at that particular time, what God wants
you to hear today.
So people regarded Jesus more than a teacher.
– Jesus used this title of Himself – Mk. 6:4
Jesus was actually referred to as The prophet (Mt. 21:11)
– Jews had some expectation of a final prophet to come based on
Duet. 18:15, who could bring to man the whole counsel of God and
was really a Messiah, is figure. (Peter identified Jesus with this
prophet in Ac. 3:22 – 6).
– Jesus also saw Himself as fulfilling the ministry of the prophet who
spoke in Isa. 61:1, Lk. 4:18
8. WISDOM (SOFIA) (Mt. 12:42, Lk. 11:49 – 51, 13:34)
Jesus identified Himself with the wisdom of God who in the Old Testament
as God’s assistant in creation (Prov. 8:22 – 36). The guide of God’s people.
In the Old Testament wisdom is personalized but in the New Testament he
is a person.

9. THE WORD (Jn. 1:1 – 14)

The Greek word is Logos or Rhema.

52
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
This title relates Jesus to God’s revealing wisdom, his creative word and to
His law (Dt. 30:11 – 14). All these activities of God are personalized in the
Old Testament (Act. Ps. 33:6, Isa 55:1- - 11). This title expresses the fact
of Christ’s pre-existence before time as God’s word, which was ever with
Him in glory (Jn. 17:5). In John’s gospel also Jesus confirmed His own
words (Jn. 8:58). God carries out His will by His word and Wisdom.

10. MESSIAH / CHRIST

Jews had great hopes for one who would come to fulfill all the promises of
God to them (Ps 99).They described this coming one (Mt. 11:1-3) as God’s
son (Psa 2:7) son of David (Isa 11:1), King (Isa 9:1-6, 11:1-7, and Ps. 110:
1 – 6) He would be especially anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isa. 11: 2-4).
The messianic hope grew very strong in inter-testament times and during
the period of Roman rule. The Jesus called this coming King “Messiah”
Definition: Messiah (Eng. Messiah) is the Greek form of the Hebrew word
Mashiacks- meaning ‘Anointed one’. The corresponding Greek word for
anointed one is ‘Christos’ so Christ is the English form of the Greek word
for the Hebrew word anointed!
The Hebrews used the name MESSIAH even for priest and Kings in Dan 9:
25 – 26 they were looking forward for only one who would fulfill the
ministries of priest and King (Isa. 11: 1- 4, 61:1)

Why didn’t Jesus use this title so often? (MESSIAH)

- In private Jesus acknowledged He was the Christ but not in public.
- Usually Jesus called himself Christ when with God and referring to
their future relationship and his final coming as Christ in public.
- He didn’t use this title in Public because.
- It had strong political implication.
- Jews would accuse Him of blasphemy, and kill him (Mk. 14: 51 – 62).
He used it here and this led actually to his death – He knew this
would happen.
- He wanted people to make a free, full and willing commitment out of
love not fear or selfishness.

11. SON OF MAN

Used 41 times in synoptics and 12 times John. Christ chose to be
known by this name. By this title Jesus could best teach about His
Messianic ministry. This was not a Messianic title before. Jesus used
it to describe himself and so it was free from the political
meaning that the Son of David, King and Christ had. At first people
did not understand it.
The Hebrew form was “Ben Adam’. It could mean;
1. MAN IN GENERAL = the human race. (cf Ps8:4, Gen 1:26)
A particular man, especially when the man is speaking about himself
= a humble self – designation Ezk. 2:1 Jesus used it in this way in Lk.
7:34, Mk. 8:27
2. MAN AS A REPRESENTATIVE MAN (ps. 8) Adam = Headman.
53
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Jesus used I of Himself in this way in Mk. 2:10, 28 As
representative Man He is the spokesman for man and his guide and
moral leader. He can interpret what is right
for the Sabbath etc.
Perfect man – The man Jn. 19:3
What is in Isa 53 and Dan. 7:13 – 14. Jesus identified Himself with
these references.
He was the servant of Isa. 42 – 53, Mk. 10:45 the sin offering who
had to suffer on behalf of others to fulfill God’s saving purposes.
3. HE IDENTIFIES HIMSELF WITH THE BEING ON DAN. 7: Heavenly
being who would be given divine authority to rule over all men as God’s
Ruler. He would exercise unique authority in the Father’s presence
and be enthroned at the side of the Ancient of days (Mk. 9:1, 13:26,
14:62, John :13, Mk. 8:38) and enable others to share his rule.

In Jesus’ use of son of man we see two contrasts

1. He is the son of man who is the suffering servant – He suffers
humiliation, pain and death Mk. 8:31, 9:31. he will be resurrected and
exalted to a place of honour and absolute power and authority and will
come back to earth in glory Mk. 9:9, 8:38, Mt. 24:44. Lk. 21:27.
BUT
2. He is a human being as in Daniel 7:13 (cf Psa. 110:1)
- He eats and drinks (Lk. 7:34, Mt. 8:20) and dies as Man’s
representative
- He is a divine being at the side of God (cf Ps. 27, 80:17, Dan 7:14)
- He has authority (Mk. 2:10, Lk. 22:69) He is son of God (jn. 5:16 –
29)
Sufferings preceded glory. As are to follow this same way suffering is
before glory.

12. SON OF GOD (Mk. 1:1, 1:11, 9:7, 15:39)

- This title occurs many times
- At Jesus birth (conception) Lk. 1:35).
- At his baptism
- At Peter’s confession
- At the transfiguration
- At His death and Resurrection.
This title shows how Jesus understood His relationship to God. It clearly
does not refer to biological sonship by the normal process of
reproduction.
Jesus says He was the Son with the Father Before He was born.
This show:
1. God’s care and protection of Jesus
2. Jesus ‘ trust and obedience to the father
3. Love of the father
4. It denotes closeness or relationship (Jn. 5:17 – 19, 10:30) This is shown
by the use of Abba (Daddy) (Mk. 14:36)
54
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise

9. THE LAST WEEK OF JESUS’ LIFE ON EARTH

The Passion Week (The Passover)
This feast was to be attended by every able bodied Jewish man.
During this occasion – Jerusalem normal population moved from
30,000 to 180,000.
For the reason of accommodation and performance of necessary
rites of purification,
Most people arrived about one week before the Passover.
By this time Jesus was a very well known figure and many
expected Him to proclaim Himself the Messiah. He had just raised
Lazarus from the Dead cf Jn. 11:55 – 7.
It seems also they had been a rebellion against Roman rule.
Barabas was imprison for this Mk. 15:7, cf Jn. 11:48 – 55.

THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM Mk. 11:1 – 10, Mt. 21, Lk. 19:28
ff.
Jesus arrived in Jerusalem from the Jericho road to the East of the
city. Large crowd followed Him – disciples, pilgrims from Galilee, Jordan,
etc. Possibly Bartmeas is healed before Jesus enters Jerusalem. Before
entering Jerusalem, Jesus borrows a colt of a donkey – This fulfilling Zech.
9:9 – 10 Revealing who he was to his people – The people’s time King,
successor of David who was the Messiah. Donkey and palms was a
symbol of Humbleness and peace Crowds shouted enthusiastically cf. 2
Sam. 6, Mk. 11: 9 – 10 many expected Him to lead them to fight the
Roman.

THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE: (MT. 21:12, MK. 11:12 FF, LK.
19:28 FF)
Second Cleansing
Note – the temple was 25 acres
Business was thrilling in the temple especially in the Gentiles court =
Sacrificial animals were sold from there, charging of money (special
Tyrian Coinage was the legal tender in the temple area)
The sellers and money changers took advantage over the pilgrims in this
business – raising the price of things than usual. They also made it hard
for Gentiles to hear the word of God.
Jesus alone chased out everyone and overturned money tables Mk. 11:15
– 16. Of course Jesus knew of this behaviour because this was not His first
time in Jerusalem for Passover.

What do we learn from Jesus Cleansing the Temple?

Why did Jesus do this?
1. To show God’s anger at the people (Jewish leaders): -

55
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Worshiping mammon (money) rather than God by taking
advantages over the pilgrim. Business had become more important
than the worship (Mt. 16:24). They were misusing the temple of
God.
2. To show God’s Wrath at the exclusion of Gentiles from
Worship: -
God’s desire was that all people from all nations may get a chance
to worship him. Isa 55:7. But Jews never regarded Gentiles; they
made it hard for them to worship God.
3. To show God’s rejection of the Temple worship as led by the
Jewish authorities
In preparation for worship via Jesus, the new temple
4. A sign that He is the Messiah who will cleanse and reform the
worship of God’s people – Mal. 3:1 – 6, Zech. 14:21 Jewish
religious leaders were supposed, by this act, to recognize the
Messiah but didn’t – they were blinded by sin.

Teachings in the Temple

Jews leaders out of fear of Jesus’ growing popularity sought ways to arrest
Jesus Jn. 11:48
Pharisees, scribes and the Sadducees engage Jesus in Public debate in the
temple courts – (Mk. 11:27 – 12: 40).
Their intention is not to discover the truth – But to arrest Jesus. They
feared the crowd. This was a problem for Jesus never spend the night
in Jerusalem Mk. 11:19, Lk. 21:37 however the authorities to locate Jesus
among the great crowds of pilgrim? At this point Judas Iscariot, one of the
twelve, volunteered to betray Jesus. Lk. 22:4
Judas was of course interested in money (Jn. 12:6) 30 shekels was
equivalent to man’s pay for 1/3 of a year. Although Judas wanted money,
he may have decided to betray his Lord out of discouragement for Jesus
refusal to become a political leader. Judas may have been looking for a
nationalistic and political Messiah.
Judas knew the places where Jesus spent the night. As a sign of who
Jesus is Judas will give him a kiss.

THE LAST SUPPER

Jesus arranges to eat the Passover at a room in a house belonging to
someone that He knew. (Mk. 14:12 – 16) He used this occasion to give
important teaching to the disciples.
Some of the lessons He gives include:
1. Humility and service to others – cf Jn. 13 = washing their feet
2. They should expect trouble from the world which rejected Him (Jn.
14-16)
3. The Holy spirit will come on then Jn. 14:16 f, 26f
Jesus prayed for and committed them to the father that they may be kept
In the process of this meal Judas left them to go and betray Jesus. Jn.
13:18 – 20. Jesus Of course knew everything.
56
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise

The climax of this meal is when Jesus gave them bread and wine –
saying bread signified His body and wine His blood. And he told
them to go on doing this. Jesus wanted to teach them that there is more
on the cross than just being killed by Romans = meaning of the cross/

Passover was a remembrance of their physical deliverance from

Egypt.
Their beginning as a nation, they’re beginning in to a new covenant with
God.
Jesus using that background (Ex. 12) teaches them that His death will
bring deliverance from Satan’s power. They will be a new Israel. This also
brings them into a new covenant with God.
Christ puts himself in the place of the lambs and puts wine in the place of
His blood.
We can conclude:
1. Redemption from Egypt becomes redemption from Satan
2. Establishment of Israel as Nation becomes New Israel of believers in
Jesus.
3. Old covenant with relationship with God becomes new covenant of
forgiveness of sins.
4. New hope of fulfillment of supper at His return.

When did the last supper take place?

Mathew, Mark and Luke state that Jesus ate the Passover with His
disciples Mk: 26.
John however, says that Jesus actually died when the Passover lambs
were being slain – before the people ate the Passover (Jn. 13:1, 18:28).
This would be the afternoon BEFORE the Passover was eaten. So it seems
probably that when the synoptic gospel says that Jesus ate the Passover
with His disciples, He ate the meal with them THE NIGHT BEFORE
everyone else did. This would explain why there is no reference to Jesus
eating a Lamb – they had not been slain. Because there was no lamb,
Jesus could naturally take a piece of bread and a cup of wine and say
“this is ………………… 1 Cor 11: 24, 25). He himself was the Lamb of God.
He was the new Israel.

ARREST ON PASSOVER EVE (Mk. 14:27 – 42).

After the last supper Jesus goes with His disciples to the Mt. of Olives –
where Judas would find Him easily. Disciples give Jesus self-confidence –
promising not to leave Him.
Jesus had confidence – God. He prays because He needed power.
In the Garden of Gethsemane (which means Olive press) Jesus took Peter,
James and John with Him as He went to pray. Jesus was “in distress and
anguish” (Mk. 14:33 – 36)
However, He submitted Himself to the will and purposes of God – Mk.
14:36. “Not my will but thine be done”. Judas arrived with the Temple
57
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Police under the Captain of the Temple Guard and representatives of the
chief priests and Pharisees after Jesus had finished praying, He was ready
and had no victory. He is full of peace and of the power of God and
surrendered Himself willingly into the hands of the soldiers. Disciples fled
away (Mk. 14:50)

TRIALS:
The Gospels record six different examinations of Jesus by the authorities
1. Hearing Before Annas (Jn. 18:12-23) and others
Done at night to avoid the crowd
Annas had been high priest but had been disposed by Romans in Ad. 15 –
a very corrupt man
Still a very popular man. Father – in – law of Caiaphas. After not getting
any evidence, which would condemn Jesus, he sent Him to Caiaphas.
2. Hearing before Caiaphas - Mk. 14:53, Lk. 22:54 (6 am)
Caeaphas was the High priest
They had to get religious and political reasons to use to accuse Him
before Pilate
This was a meeting in preparation for the full meeting with the Sanhedrin,
which could only meet in daylight.
Note: Death sentence could not be passed on by Sanhedrin but only the
Romans.
Note two Problems
1. They must crucify Jesus before Passover (Sabbath) – 6pm
2. They must get a political accusation for Pilate to be convinced
that Jesus is worthy of death since there is no evidence, Jesus is
taken to the Sanhedrin.
3. Hearing before full Sanhedrin (Mt. 15:1, Lk. 22: 66-71)
Very early Friday morning, In dealing with Jesus, the Sanhedrin
broke some of its Laws:
The case for the defense should have been put first No trial could
take place on a feast day, Conviction and sentence could not take
place on the same time as trial. The accused could not condemn
himself through his own testimony alone; there must also be
witnesses – this is what they did to Jesus (Mk. 14:63). In accusing
Jesus they actually accused themselves. The high priest tore his
clothes as a sign that he had heard the worst kind of blasphemy
when Jesus accepted that he is Messiah.

4. First Hearing before Pilate (Lk. 23: 1- 6, Jn. 18:28-38)

Pilate was the Roman Governor from AD. 26 – 36 in Judea
This takes place on Friday early morning
Pilate was a bad and ruthless man who was capable of doing any evil (Lk.
13:1f)
Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus before Pilate of being a “a
Perverter of the nation, an army of Caesar and a man who
claimed to be a King (Lk. 23:2)
58
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
After Pilate Interrogated Jesus (Jn. 18:33 – 36), he concludes “ I find no
crime in him” Jn. 18:38. Pilate didn’t feel threatened by Jesus’ said to be
claims

5. Hearing Before Herod (Lk. 23: 6 – 12)

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the great – tetrarch of Galilee and Perea? -
He reigned until Ad. 37 when the Emperor dismissed him and sent him
into exile
Fond of being entertained by Jesus.
Jesus was silent before Herod – So Herod mocked Him, puts a fine robe on
him and sends him back to Pilate. As a result they became friends
because they adhered the contempt of Jewish Religion.

6. Second Hearing (Trial) Before Pilate (Lk. 23:13 – 25, Jn. 19:
1 – 16)
Pilate’s again tries to free Jesus – wanted to release Him as a Jewish
prisoner according to custom at the Passover.
But Jews religious leader are determined to have Jesus killed – so they ask
for Barnabas instead Lk. 23:19. Barnabas was a revolutionary leader and
a murderer.
Another way Pilate tried to release Jesus was by giving Him Roman
Scourging – 39 strokes with a thick whip. This mostly left its victim dead.
After Jesus was scourged a Crown of 6 Inch thorn was pushed onto his
head and a Purple robe wrapped round him in order to mock him ad them
Pilate presented him to the people saying, “look here is the man” (Jn.
19:6) – by this Pilate means, Jesus cannot cause any harm – let Him be
released.
Pilate can’t find any wrong with Jesus – but chief priests, persist that he
must die – Finally they threaten Pilate’s position – Jn. 19:12.
Pilate gave out Jesus to be crucified. He mashed his hands ceremonially
before them as a sign that he had not given out Jesus willingly. But see
the words of the Jesus Mt. 27:25 cf.
What happened to them in 70 AD and 132 AD?

THE CRUCIFIXION
Jesus death is the greatest crime man has ever committed
– The result of hate,
– Weakness and
– Injustice
– The innocent died in the place of the guilty.
NB: God’s grace and sovereignty is shown in using man’s worst
hour to bring man’s greatest blessing.
In crucifying, the victim’s hands were either nailed (or tied with ropes) to
the horizontal bar of the cross and this was raised up and attached to the
upright bar. The feet were attached by the nails or rope to the upright
bar with the knees in a bent position. The cross was usually only a few
inches off the ground.
59
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Death usually came very slowly through exposure to heat and then to
cold, hunger, exhaustion, or suffocation or loss of blood. The dead bodies
of crucified criminals were often left for birds and beasts to eat.
Jesus was crucified at 9.00 am (third hour) Mk. 15:25. At midday (the 6th
hour) darkness came over the whole land. At the ninth hour Jesus died
(Mk. 15: 33 – 34). This was a much quicker death than usual. (Jn. 19:33)

The words of Jesus from the cross

1. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
Lk. 23:34
A prayer for the Jewish people and Roman soldiers (cf Jn. 19:15)
2. I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise Lk.
23:43
His word of assurance and pardon to the repentant thief.
3. Woman, here is your son! Here is your Mother! (Jn. 19:26 – 27)
He commends Mary to John’s care
4. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Mt. 27:46,
Mk.15:34)
Expressing the words of Ps. 22:1 at the agony of separation from God as
the full weight of
human sin pressed upon Him.
5. I am thirsty (Jn. 19:28)
- His physical suffering of intense thirst.
6. It is finished (Jn. 19:30)
His triumphant are showing that the work of redemption is
accomplished (and Jesus has now
entered into every single human experience from birth until death).
7. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Lk. 23:46)
Quotation from Ps. 31:15. It was the prayer prayed by Jewish
believers before they went
to sleep. On Jesus lips at this time it is a sign of tremendous faith. His
death is something that he can approach with as much confidence as a
man commits himself to sleep.
WHY DID JESUS DIE?
1. It was the fault of Judas Iscariot.
2. It was the will of the Jewish leaders (Jan. 11:50:196) at that time.
3. It was the will of the crowd in Jerusalem Mk. 11:9 – 15
4. It was the will of the Pontius Pilate. (Jn. 19:12 – 16)

But the two most important reasons are:

1. It was the will of Jesus Himself. (Jn. 10:17 – 18, Mk. 10:45,
14:22 – 24, Lk. 19:10).
2. It was the will of God (Mk. 14:32 – 39, Jn. 14:31, Ac. 2:22 –
23, 3:17 – 18)

WHAT DID THE DEATH OF JESUS ACHIEVE?

60
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
If the death of Jesus was the will of God it is important to understand what
was accomplished by it. Its physical pain is not the most important point.
1. It brought the defeat of Satan Jn. 12:31
- At the cross the decisive battle of the war with Satan was won
- Resurrection proves Satan’s defeat. Second coming will fully accomplish
man’s salvation.
2. It was an example of how the righteous should suffer and Trust
in God (Jn. 13:15, 1Pet. 2:21)
3. It was the death of the representative of mankind
- The identification of Jesus with man
- He is the 2nd Adam, the Head and beginning of a new humanity through
His resurrection (Rm. 5:12 – 21)
4. It was a sacrifice (Jn. 1:29 cf. Ex. 12, 1 Pet. 1:19 – 20)
- He was the time sacrifice of which the Old Testament ones mere
pictures.
- He is the time Passover to bring reconciliation and fellowship between
God and man through atonement.
5. It was a Ransom (Mk. 10:45) Ransom = price paid to release the
slave from his old master. Jesus paid the price to free men from sin – now
we belong to Him (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19 – 20) free to serve God and obey Him.
6. It was substitution (Gal. 3:10).
Jesus died the death deserved by sinners who had broken God’s law.
He died in our place, just as He died in the place of Barnabas.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

The 4 gospels make it clear that Jesus was really dead Jn. 19:34 –
Shogging, hunger, crucifixion, Roman soldiers knew a dead body. He was
buried by Joseph of Arimathea.
The Disciples and Women were not expecting that Jesus would rise from
the Dead (Mk. 9:30 – 32, Mt. 17:23, Lk. 24:11, Ac. 2.31, 10:32 – 42) It was
unlikely to teach about His resurrection unless He was actually
resurrected.

THE OBJECTION OF RESURRECTION

a) Jesus was not resurrected but His body was stolen from the
tomb( cf Mt. 28:13)
But there was a guard outside the tomb! Could the Ds lie He has
resurrected when they knew they had stolen His body? They were honest
men they accepted even persecution. Ac. 3:16, 5:32
b) The women and Peter and John went to the wrong tomb.
But they knew the right tomb (Mt. 27. 27:61) Again if they went to the
wrong tomb, the body was still in the right tomb – why didn’t either the
Jewish authorities or Roman guards produce? - this could have stopped
the disciples preaching immediately.
c) The women and the disciples only imagined that they saw
Jesus alive from the dead, But their claim could not be an imaginary
thing – for they were not expecting it.
61
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
Again there are about 11 appearances of Jesus to different people on
different occasions.
You cannot talk with an imaginary figure but Disciples talked with Jesus.

THE EVIDENCE FOR THE RESURRECTION

Nobody was present when Jesus rose up from the death but the result of
His rising up is clearly presented in the gospels and Acts. Six things
confirm the resurrection.
1. The Empty Tomb
The tomb where Jesus was placed in was sealed with a stone but on
Sunday morning He was not there Mt. 28:5 – 7, Jn. 20:1 – 2 , 3 – 9.
2. The Grave clothes
Peter and John saw these clothes
This indicated that the body of Jesus had put off the clothes and His
resurrected body didn’t need clothes The idea here is that the body had
not been stolen – otherwise the thieves could not take the dead body
leaving clothes behind (Jn. 20: 6 – 7).
The new body emerged from the old like a butterfly from its chrysalis,
leaving the grave cloths which were no longer needed, behind.

NB: the clothes had not been moved in their place – they were lying that
on the stone shelf = no stealing or resuscitation.
3. The Reliability of the Gospel Accounts
They have the ring of truth. If there had been no evidence they could
have differed. They are not making it appear that way.
Note: witness of women in the Jewish society was not acceptable – but
Gospel’s record Mary as the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection.
Most of the 514 witnesses who testified that they had seen Jesus after His
resurrection were still alive after the gospels were written. Readers could
talk to them and check their accounts.
4. The Existence preaching and practice of the early church.
What changed the fearful disciples into brave and fearless preachers =
they saw the resurrected Lord. The existence of the church point o the
resurrection.
The Christian practice of worshiping on Sunday can only really be
explained by the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead on Easter
Sunday. What else would have persuaded godly Jews to change their
special holy day form the Sabbath to the Lord’s Day? (Al.20:7,”the first
day of the week”).
Christian baptism and Holy Communion depend on Christ’s resurrection.
5. The number of meetings with the risen lord:
About 11 different meeting. 514 people met Jesus after resurrection.
(Ac.2:32, 1 cor. 15:3-8)
Jesus was not just a revived corpse –the Disciples were fully convinced
that he had conquered death. Mathew, John and Luke describe
appearances in Galilee. The purpose of the appearances of Jesus was to

62
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
make the disciples witnesses. The received the commission to evangelize
the ward. Mt. 28: 18-20; Jn. 20:20.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION (Icor.15 ,12ff)

 It declares Jesus to be the Son of God and Christ. Rm.1:4; Ac. 2:29-
36.
 It confirms Jesus own words and shows him to be trustworthy –
Mk .8:31-32;Jn.11:25.
 It show acceptance of Christ’s work for us.Rm.4:25;5:1
 It brings new life’s of peace, joy and love. Rm,5:2-3; Jn.20,9ff
 It demonstrates God’s power in action, Rm.6:4.
 It reveals the power which is available to Christian-Eph.1:16-18;
Rm.8:11
 It gives Christian hopes for the future –Rm. 6:8;I cor.4:10.
 It shows that Christ had defeated death (1corr.15:20).

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST INTO HEAVEN.

After resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days on earth.
After that he ascended in their presence to heaven and was highly
exalted –(Ac.2:33; Mat.28:19-20; Col 2:10)
Jesus in his ascension is ruling over the world. He is lord and king-
(Phil.2:9-11).
 He is omnipotent; omniscient and omnipresent –(Mt.28-20) No
longer restricted or limited in any way.
 He is the sender of the Holy Spirit who empowers Christians
and gives them spiritual gifts.
 He is the Head of the Body of Christ, the church (Eph. 1:19-22)
He unites Christians to his church. He directs and equips His
church in the work of witness and service (Eph. 4) it is the
spirit who assures us of Christian’s exaltation.
 He is the one whom Christians pray to (Ac. 7:59, Jn. 14:13
2Cor. 12:7f) and is also worshipped by the church (Jn. 20:28,
Lk. 24:52, Phil 2:11). Although, we mainly worship the Father
through Jesus the son.
 He is the High priest who prays for us (Heb. 4:14, 1Jn. 2:1 – 2,
Rev. 5:6)

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

The resurrection and ascension point towards the second coming when
Christ will bring his work of salvation to completion – (1Cor. 15:25, Eph.
1:10). Saints will be glorified – 1Thess. 4:13-17, 2Cor 5:10, Rm. 817). Total
transformation of everything (Mt. 25:31-46, Ac. 17 31, Rom 2:1-6) end of
evil, violence and injustice. Old order of life will end and new order will be
introduced – the new heaven and the new earth 2Pet. 3: 10 – 13, Rm. 8:18
– 25) He will demonstrate the complete sovereignty of God over His whole
universe. Believers are encouraged to keep watching at all times (Mt.
63
Life of Christ Rev. Kanyonyo Oloise
13:32f) for although no one knows the exact time of His coming a part
from the father, His second coming is certain (Ac. 1:11) and will be public
(Mt. 24:30). To be watchful means not getting absolved in the affairs of
this life. (Mt. 24:37-39)

Jesus is coming back.

REV. KANYONYO OLOISE,

0721 300657.
M.P.B.I

64