Although many throughout the Western world are quick to criticize Christianity, Jesus remains well-liked. In fact, one of the most obvious answers to the question, “Why Christianity?” is “Jesus.” To this day, reading the Gospels draws the reader to Jesus’ magnetic and compelling way of life. What’s more, the less satisfied we are with our Read more about 402 Why Christianity 15: Jesus the Revolutionary (Daniel Fitzsimmons)[…]
Historical Jesus 16: Resurrection Traumatized by their rabbi’s crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples endured maddening grief and cognitive dissonance as they tried to come to grips with what had happened. Into the midst of despair and helplessness, Jesus appeared. Although the first “Christians” were also the worst believers in his resurrection, eventually they came to see him, Read more about Podcast 40: Resurrection (Historical Jesus 16)[…]
Historical Jesus 15: Crucifixion One of the most significant events in all of human history, Jesus’ crucifixion was at once a supreme miscarriage of justice while, at the same time, the supreme illustration of God’s love to humanity. We’ll join Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane, agonizing in prayer before his God, to his arrest, Read more about Podcast 39: Crucifixion (Historical Jesus 15)[…]
Historical Jesus 14: Last Supper Why did Judas betray Jesus? What did Jesus teach his closest friends and followers at the last supper? Learn about the first “Lord’s Supper” or communion as well as what was on Jesus’ mind in his last hours before his arrest. He taught them how to carry on after he Read more about Podcast 38: Last Supper (Historical Jesus 14)[…]
Historical Jesus 13: Olivet Discourse Did Jesus predict the destruction of the Temple in a.d. 70? Did he predict the end of the world? Learn about Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and discover what he said about false Christs, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and the coming of the son of man. Course notes are available here.
Historical Jesus 12: Intensified Conflict Once Jesus came into Jerusalem, his enemies threw “stumper questions” at him in an effort to discredit him before the populace. Jesus ably diffused these theological bombs and lobbed his own in return. He told parables about the religious leaders that infuriated them while delighting the crowds. Coupled with his Read more about Podcast 36: Intensified Conflict (Historical Jesus 12)[…]
Historical Jesus 11: Entering Jerusalem When Jesus entered Jerusalem, it was not quietly, but triumphantly, riding a donkey while the crowds shout, “Hosanna!” This moment brings to and end his “messianic secret” and publicly declares to everyone that he was claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. His action in the temple further underlined this claim. Read more about Podcast 35: Entering Jerusalem (Historical Jesus 11)[…]
Historical Jesus 10: Conflict From his birth to his untimely death, conflict dominated Jesus’ life. During his ministry the Pharisees disagreed with Jesus about the Sabbath, purity, divorce, and his style of ministry. Jesus called them out on pride, greed, and hypocrisy. Looking at how Jesus handled conflict serves as an example to those of Read more about Podcast 34: Conflict (Historical Jesus 10)[…]
Historical Jesus 9: Jewish Groups In order to understand Jesus, it helps to know what kinds of Jewish groups were around in his time. In particular, four massively influential Jewish groups vied for influence among the people of Christ’s time: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots. Learn how Jesus compares and contrasts to these sects. Read more about Podcast 33: Jewish Groups (Historical Jesus 9)[…]
Historical Jesus 8: Paradoxical Submission Jesus enjoyed an intimate relationship with his Father. He often spent time with him in prayer, sometimes all night long. Throughout his ministry Jesus frequently spoke about how his words and deeds were not his own, but the Father’s who sent him. Paradoxically, by utterly submitting himself to God, he Read more about Podcast 32: Paradoxical Submission (Historical Jesus 8)[…]
Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus What does Jesus expect of his followers? What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? What is the cost of discipleship? Join me as I work through what Jesus said about his expectations and requirements of his disciples as well as the rewards he promises. This is Read more about Podcast 31: Disciples of Jesus (Historical Jesus 7)[…]
Historical Jesus 6: Rabbi Jesus Jesus was a Jewish rabbi who gathered disciples and taught them how to interpret the Torah–the sacred Scriptures of Moses. Learn how Jesus’ compared to other famous Jewish rabbis like Hillel and Shamai. In this episode, we’ll look at Jesus’ emphases and style in his teaching ministry. Anyone seeking to Read more about Podcast 30: Rabbi Jesus (Historical Jesus 6)[…]
Historical Jesus 5: Kingdom Saturated Ministry How should you understand Jesus’ miracles, healing ministry, and exorcisms? Surely, these are acts of compassion, but they are so much more. In this lecture, learn how Jesus’ deeds and words coalesce around his primary ministry focus–the kingdom of God. By examining three ancient Hebrew prophecies, you’ll see how Read more about Podcast 29: Kingdom Saturated Ministry (Historical Jesus 5)[…]
Historical Jesus 4: Baptism and Temptations Before he began his ministry, Jesus first had to receive John’s baptism and then overcome Satan’s temptations. After briefly explaining his baptism, we’ll go into detail exploring why Satan’s temptations were so tempting as well as what we can learn from Jesus’ example. How does Jesus defeat Satan where Read more about Podcast 28: Baptism and Temptations (Historical Jesus 4)[…]
Historical Jesus 3: Rulers in Christ’s World Life was very different in the world of Jesus, especially politics. In this lecture you will learn about the three main leaders that shaped Jesus’ time: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Pontius Pilate. Drawing on the Jewish historian, Josephus, you will discover the cut-throat way that Roman Read more about Podcast 27: Rulers in Christ’s World (Historical Jesus 3)[…]
Historical Jesus 2: Birth of the Messiah Drawing on the promises God gave Abraham and David, and the historical events prior to Jesus’ life, we can get an idea of what messianic expectations were like when Jesus of Nazareth was born. In this lecture, learn how the birth of the messiah both fulfilled prophecy as Read more about Podcast 26: Birth of the Messiah (Historical Jesus 2)[…]
The Historical Jesus: What the Bible Says about the Life of Christ In this 16 lecture class I seek to answer the question: “Who is Jesus?” Join me as we journey through Gospels to see what the bible says about Jesus’ life. It is my hope that this class will inspire you to love Jesus, Read more about Podcast 25: Sources for Jesus’ Life (Historical Jesus 1)[…]
by Sean Finnegan Why do we believe that Jesus is the Jewish messiah? What is our evidence? Taking a look at contemporary miracle workers like Honi the Circle Drawer and Hanina ben Dosa, Jesus of Nazareth stands out as an exceptional healer and exorcist. Taking our cue from ancient Jewish interpretations of Isaiah 53, we Read more about Podcast 5: Miracles & Messiahs: How Jesus Best Fits Prophecy (Sean Finnegan)[…]