Joel cocklin presentation

Winebrenner Theological Seminary
“The Christ: A Biblical Perspective”
Fall 2010 Summit
September 7, 2010

“I also will provide a detailed examination of
the problems with the Gospels such as
contradictions, absurdities and repugnant
behavior that calls into question the alleged
divine origin of the New Testament writings.”

“We have different portraits of Jesus because
from the very beginning people tried to
understand the mystery about him. And they
understood it within categories which were
familiar in their time and place, in their
particular corner of that time and place. And
so we have a set of variety of ways of
perceiving Jesus from the very beginning.
And that’s built into the earliest sources that
we have….”

“The temptation is, out of all the various
figures of Jesus that emerge in our sources,
to pick one and say, ‘That’s the real one.’
And usually we will pick one, of course, that
accords with our notion of what we would
like Jesus to have been like. You know,
someone at the margins of society, the hero
of the proletariat revolution or the anti-
establishment figure, and so on. That’s
probably inevitable that we will all do this,
but it’s not very good history writing.”

“The existence of four Gospels in the canon is
an everlasting testimony to the richness and
legitimate plurality of the biblical picture of
Jesus Christ. While they all share a common
historical and theological basis, they do not
have a forced uniformity. Rather, like a
rainbow with many colors, the four Gospels
highlight various aspects of the life, death
and resurrection of the One who was and is
confessed as Lord and Savior” (43).

Some Comparative Overview Charts
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
(Adaptations and Additions by Joel W. Cocklin,
M.Div., M.S., M.S.S.)

I. Historical Background Issues:
GOSPEL acc. to... MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN
WHO?
traditionally attributed
author?
"John Mark of Jerusalem"
(Acts 12:12,25; 15:37; Col
4:10; Phlm 1:24; 1Pet 5:13)
tax collector & apostle (Mark
3:18; Matt 9:9; 10:3; Luke
6:15; Acts 1:13)
Greek physician & companion
of Paul (Col 4:14; 2Tim 4:11;
Phlm 1:24 only)
John, son of Zebedee, brother
of James; one of 12 apostles
(Mark 1:19; 3:17; cf. John
21:2); “The Beloved Disciple”
(13:2-3;19:26-27
WHO?
implied author?
bilingual (Aramaic & Greek)
Christian of the 2nd
generation; "young man" of
14:51-52?
multi-lingual (Aramaic &
Greek) early Jewish Christian;
trained "scribe"of 13:52?
Gentile Christian convert; well
educated Greek "historian";
client of Theophilus (1:1-4)?
the "beloved disciple" and his
Jewish Christian followers
(19:35; 21:20-24)
TO WHOM?
implied audience?
mostly Gentiles, fairly new in
their faith, and facing
persecutions
better educated Jews who
believe in Jesus, but argue
over the Law
wealthier Gentile Christians in
an urban setting, becoming
complacent
very mixed: mostly Jews,
some Gentiles, Samaritans,
etc.
WHERE?
written from and/or
to?
probably Rome; possibly
Decapolis, Syria or
Alexandria?
possibly Galilee; probably in
or near Antioch in Syria
probably Greece; possibly
Syria/Antioch (Pauline
missions)
originally Galilee or Syria;
traditionally Ephesus (Asia
Minor)
WHEN?
approximate date?
first written "Gospel"; very late
60's or early 70's (Jewish War
66-70)
late 70's or 80's (w/ older
sources, incl. one written by
Matthew?)
mid to late 80's (incl. "many"
earlier written sources)
main edition 90's (early edition
50's? epilogue after 100?)
WHAT?
subtype of "Gospel"
genre?
narrated "good news" (1:1)
about Jesus, esp. his actions
& his death
book of "heritage" of Jesus
(1:1) & much of his "teaching"
(28:20)
an "orderly account" for
attaining "secure knowledge"
(1:1-4)
much "testimony" and "signs"
for believers (20:30-31; 21:24-
25)
WHY?
community
circumstances &
author's purpose?
to encourage a group
undergoing difficult trials and
persecutions
to teach a community with
internal divisions and external
enemies
to challenge believers to put
their faith into practice more
fully
to strengthen a group
ostracized by other Jews for
their faith

II. Literary, Stylistic and Thematic Comparisons:
# GOSPEL acc. to... MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN
1 Number of chapters
(verses and
words)
16
( 678 / 11304 )
28
( 1071 / 18345 )
24
( 1151 / 19482 )
21
( 879 / 15635 )
2 Defining Theme The Suffering Servant The King of the Jews
The Kingdom of God
(“heaven”)
The Friend of All The Word of Life
(The incarnation of God’s
pre-existent Word)
3 Distinctive Feature Jesus’ identity as Messiah
can only be understood in
light of the cross.
Messiah King Jesus’ prayer life Intimate relationship between
the Father and Son
4 Style of Greek grammatically poor Greek Semitic influenced Greek good, elegant, literary Greek simple, but highly symbolic
Greek
5 Geographical Focus Galilean towns & villages;
some Gentile territory
Galilee, esp. mountains;
mostly Jewish areas
one long journey to the goal:
to Jerusalem
multiple visits back & forth to
Jerusalem, but centers in
Judea
6 Literary Features quick action ("and then";
"immediately");
episodes connected loosely,
but grouped
five major discourses; well-
organized sections of
collected pericopes
many story pairs (with
male/female characters);
focus on prayer; many extra
parables
"Amen, Amen, I say to you.";
irony; paradox; double-
meanings
7 Literary Introduction "Beginning of Good News"
(1:1)
"Book of Genealogy" (1:1) "Orderly Account" (1:1-4) Cosmic Hymn (1:1-18)
8 Gospel Beginning John the Baptist's preaching;
Jesus' ministry begins (1:2-
15)
Jesus' heritage: David
(royal), Abraham (Jewish),
Emmanuel (God with us)
(1:2–2:23)
parallel birth stories: John the
Baptist & Jesus (1:5–2:52)
J. B. points to "Lamb of God";
first disciples come (1:19-51)
9 First Words of Jesus [to unspecified crowds]: "The
time is fulfilled,
and the kingdom of God has
come near;
repent, and believe in the
good news" (1:15)
[to John the Baptist, before
his baptism]:
"Let it be so now; for it is
proper for us in this way
to fulfill all righteousness"
(3:15)
[12-year-old, to his parents in
Jerusalem]:
"Why were you searching for
me? Did you not
know that I must be in my
Father's house?" (2:49)
[to two disciples of John the
Baptist]:
"What are you looking for?"
(1:38)
and "Come and See" (1:39)
10 Birth of Jesus
(narrative emphasis)
Jesus' birth is not narrated;
but he's called "Son of Mary"
(6:3) and "the Nazarene"
(14:67)
focus on men: David, Joseph,
Herod, Magi;
power: King of Jews? murder
of infants!
focus on women: Elizabeth,
Mary, Anna; angels;
shepherds; Holy Spirit
theology of incarnation:
"Word became flesh and
dwelt among us" (1:14)
11 Inaugural Event Exorcism in the Synagogue
of Capernaum (1:21-28)
Sermon on the Mount;
Fulfillment of Torah/Law (ch.
5–7)
Jubilee reading from Isaiah
61;
Rejection at Nazareth (4:14-
30)
Wedding Feast at Cana:
first of seven of Jesus'
"signs" (2:1-11)
12 Jesus' Major
Opponents
1- Pharisees & Herodians;
2- chief priests, scribes &
elders
"scribes & Pharisees";
"hypocrites & blind guides"
unjust authorities (civil &
religious);rich & corrupt
people
"the Jews" (esp. leaders in
Jerusalem); irreconcilable
conflict between Jews &
Jesus; Pharisees; High Priest
Caiaphas
13 Messianic
Importance
Need for people to recognize
the correct Messiah – since
there are several self-
appointed christs (13:21-22)
Wants to introduce readers,
Jews and non-Jews, to the
Messiah King.
Like Matthew makes
connection between Jesus &
the history and hope of Israel
(2:25-32;24:26-27,44-47)
The correlation between the
divinity and humanity of
Jesus

# GOSPEL acc.
to...
MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN
14 Jesus' [Seven]
Last
Words on the
Cross
"My God, my God, why have
you forsaken me?" (15:34)
[same as in Mark]
(Mt 27:46)
"Father, forgive them..."
(23:34);
"You will be with me in
Paradise" (23:43);
"Father, into your hands I
commend my Spirit" (23:46)
"Woman, behold, your son";
"Behold, your mother" (19:26-27);
"I am thirsty" (19:28);
"It is finished" (19:30)
15 Focus of
Passion
horrible suffering; tragic death
(ch. 14–15)
authorities' plots &
treachery (ch. 26-27)
Jesus' innocence; forgiveness
(ch. 22–23)
Jesus' exaltation/glorification (ch.
18–19)
16 Last Major
Event
Empty Tomb, outside of
Jerusalem (16:1-8)
Great Commission, on
Mountain in Galilee
(28:16-20)
Ascension, from Bethany just
East of Jerusalem (24:50-53)
1: disciples & Thomas (20:19-29)
2: [Peter & Beloved Disciple (21:1-
23)]
17 Final Literary
Ending
women leave tomb in fear &
silence (16:8) [16:9-20 added
only later]
Jesus tells the
disciples, "I am with
you always" (28:20)
disciples return to Jerusalem
temple with joy praising God
(24:53)
1: many more signs (20:30-31)
2: [many other books, 21:24-25]
18 Christology I:
Main Titles for
Jesus
Christ/Messiah & Son of God;
Suffering Son of Man (most
frequent);Eschatological Judge
(authority – 2:10,28)
Son of Man (30+
times); Son of David;
Son of Abraham; King
of the Jews; Messiah
King;
New Lawgiver & Great
Teacher (like Moses);
Emmanuel ("God with
us")
Son of Man (5:24; 19:10; Ch
24); great Prophet (in word &
deed, 4:16-30);
Lord (of Israel, and of all
nations);Son of David (18:38);
King (19:38); Son of the Father
(1:35;9:35); Teacher
(7:40;22:11); Son of Adam
(3:38); Savior (of all, but esp. of
the poor, 2:11)
Eternal Logos; Divine Word made
Flesh;
Only-begotten Son; sent from
Father;
Passover Lamb; "I Am"; "Equal to
God"; Lamb of God who takes away
the sins of the world (1:29,36);
Messiah (1:41); One Moses wrote
about (1:45)
19 Christology II:
Jesus' Major
Actions
miracles; overcoming evil
powers;
arguing with religious authorities
teaching his disciples
(only non-disciples
describe Jesus as
teacher, disciples as
“Lord”);
decrying religious
hypocrisy
healing sick & impaired people;
forgiving sinners & debtors
speaking God's words; doing God's
works – “signs”; revealing his
intimate relationship with God
20 Discipleship I:
Teachings
about Disc.
persevere in faith despite
suffering; follow Jesus "on the
way" to the cross; be ready for
his return
be righteous; forgive
always; live ethically
(Golden Rule); fulfill
God's commands,
esp. in charitable
deeds
leave everything to follow
Jesus; share with poor; accept
everyone, esp. outcasts,
women, enemies
see, believe, know, remain in Jesus
& God, despite hostility; love one
another; be in unity; serve humbly
21 Discipleship II:
Role Models for
Disc.
anon. women (5:25; 7:24;
12:41; 14:3);
Jairus (5:22);
Bartimaeus (10:46)
Peter (16:13-20);
children (18:1-5);
faithful servants
(24:45–25:46)
Mary of Nazareth (1:26–2:51);
Good Samaritan (10:25-37);
Zacchaeus (19:1-10)
John [the Baptizer] (ch. 1);
man born blind (ch. 9); Martha
(11:27);
the B.D. (13:23ff); Mary Magdalene
(20:1-18)
22 Eschatological
Expectations
imminent and suddenly, but no
one knows when;
so "Keep awake!" (13:1-37)
false prophets will
arise; many will fall
away;
Gospel must first be
preached to all (24:10-
14)
after Jerusalem is destroyed &
Gentiles' time is fulfilled; not so
soon; pray! (21:20-24, 28, 36)
realized eschatology; all who hear
& believe have eternal life already
now, are not judged (5:21-25)

# Gospel acc. too… MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN
23 Basis for Final
Judgment
whether you persevere
in faith
despite persecutions
(13:13)
what you do for "the least" people;
Sheep & Goats parable (25:31-46)
how you use wealth /
possessions;
parables of Rich & Poor
(16:1-31)
whether or not you believe in
Jesus
(3:16-18; 5:19-24; 12:44-50)
24 Other Major Themes Messianic secret;
main disciples don't
understand,
but minor characters
do believe
fulfillment of Scripture;
divisions within the community;
final separation of good vs. bad
fulfillment of God's plan;
eschatological reversal;
tax collectors & sinners
favored
"eternal life" = "life in his name";
Paraclete = Holy Spirit; Christian
unity;
mutual indwelling of
God/Jesus/us; light, life & truth
25 Evang. Symbols (cf.
Rev 4:7)
Lion Human [or Angel] Ox Eagle
26 Liturgical Feast Day April 25 September 21 October 18 December 27
27 Use in Sunday
Lectionary
Year B Year A Year C mixed, esp. Lent & Easter
28 Typical Portrait Jesus on the Cross Sermon on the Mount
(constitution for the Kingdom);
Beatitudes (conditions for entrance
into the Kingdom)
Jesus Heals the Sick Christ the Revealer

III. John’s Uniqueness
1. Jesus does not cast out evil spirits.
2. Number of healings is meager – 3 and 1 resuscitation.
3. Jesus does not teach in parables.
4. Jesus is a monologist.
5. Prologue is unique – places Jesus in the very bosom of God (1:1), in
eternity.
6. Application of title “Logos” to Jesus.
7. Dual emphasis on both the divinity and humanity of Jesus – fatigue (4:6),
anguish (12:27), weeps (11:33),
changes his mind (7:1-10).
8. Full of symbolic material and less action than the synoptic Gospels.
9. Jesus’ ministry takes place over a three year timeframe.
10. Resurrection expressed in ambiguous, mysterious terms: “being glorified”,
“being lifted up”.

IV. Structural and Geographical Comparisons:
GOSPEL acc. to... MARK MATT LUKE JOHN
Introduction:
Literary Preface
Genealogy
Infancy Narrative
1:1
1:1 ("good news")
xxx
xxx
1:1—2:23
xxx
1:1-17
1:18—2:23
1:1—2:52
1:1-4 ("orderly account")
[3:23-38]
1:5—2:52
1:1-18 (prologue)
1:1-18 ("Word of God")
xxx
[1:14]
Preparatory Episodes:
John Baptist's Preaching
Baptism of Jesus
Temptation of Jesus
1:2-13
1:2-8
1:9-11
1:12-13
3:1—4:11
3:1-12
3:13-17
4:1-11
3:1—4:13
3:1-20
3:21-22
4:1-13
1:1-51
1:19-36
[1:31-33]
xxx
Jesus' Early Ministry,
mostly to Jews in Galilee:
Initial Preaching
Call of First Disciples
Outside of Galilee
1:14—8:21
1:14-15
1:16-20
5:1-20; 7:24—8:13
4:12—16:12
4:12-17
4:18-22
8:28-34; 15:21-28
4:14—9:17
4:14-30
5:1-11
8:26-39; xxx
[Ch. 2, 4, 6]
xxx
1:35-51
xxx
On the Way to Jerusalem
Initial Stages
1st Passion Prediction
2nd Passion Prediction
To Jerusalem Itself
3rd Passion Prediction
8:22—10:52
8:22—9:50
8:31-33
9:30-32
10:1-52
10:32-34
16:13—20:34
16:13-18:35
16:21-23
17:22-23
19:1—20:34
20:17-19
9:18—19:27
9:18-50
9:22
9:43b-45
9:51—19:27
18:31-34
[xxx]
[7:1-9]
xxx
xxx
[2:13; 5:1; 7:10]
xxx
Ministry in Jerusalem
Teachings & Disputes
Eschatological Discourse
11:1—13:37
11:1—12:44
13:1-37
21:1—25:46
21:1—23:39
24:1-36
19:28—21:38
19:1—21:4
21:5-36
[Ch. 3, 5, 7-12]
most of this
xxx
Passion Week
Last Supper
Crucifixion
14:1—15:47
14:17-31
15:22-41
26:1—27:66
26:20-35
27:33-56
22:1—23:56
22:14 -38
23:33-49
13:1—19:42
13:1—17:26
19:17-37
Resurrection Narrative
Empty Tomb Story
Appearance Stories
16:1-8
16:1-8
xxx [16:9-20 added later]
28:1-20
28:1-8
28:9-10, 16-20
24:1-53
24:1-12
24:13-53
20:1-31 [21:1-25 added later]
20:1-13
20:14-31; 21:1-25

 Christ Lord
 Messiah Savior
 Son of God Emmanuel
 Son of Man Only Begotten Son
 Son of David Passover Lamb
 Son of Abraham Eschatological Judge
 New Lawgiver
 Teacher
 Prophet

 Performing miracles
 Teaching His disciples
 Healing the sick and impaired
 Revealing His intimate relationship with God

 Resurrection pivotal event of salvation history
 Ascension
 Resurrection in ambiguous, mysterious terms

Joel cocklin presentation

More Related Content

What's hot

Viewers also liked

Similar to Joel cocklin presentation

Recently uploaded

Joel cocklin presentation