Life of Christ 1 Links
Section 1, Luke's Introduction to His Gospel (Lk 1:1-4)
Theophilus: A Proposal, by I. H. Marshall, Evangelical Quarterly 69/3 (1997) 195-215
A general, scholarly introduction to Luke/Acts by Robert Grant
A site devoted to a general introduction of Luke/Acts -- quality links
Literary Sources for the Reconstruction of the synoptic Gospels
Section 2, John's Introduction (Jn 1:1-18)
John 1:1; 8:58; Col 1:9 and Christology in the N.T.
An exegesis of this passage as a four-stanza hymn in the early church
Philo's allegorical comments on "Word/logos," "light," and "darkness"
A serious essay on the Trinity in Catholic and LDS traditions
An odd but interesting short essay arguing that "God" in v. 1 is definite, not qualitative
Web resources for studying the gospel of John by Prof. Felix Just at Loyola University
Section 3, The Genealogy of Jesus (Mt 1:1-17; Lk 3:23b-38)
A excellent summary and apologetic for the genealogies of Jesus
A scholarly analysis and proposed solutions to the discrepancies between Mt & Lk's genealogies
Section 4, Zechariah in the Temple (Lk 1:5-25)
The Temple Theophanies of Jaddus, Hyrcanus, & Zechariah, Biblica 79 (1998)
An overview of Gabriel the Archangel by Hollywood Jesus (cool links to film)
"The Holy Spirit: A Folk Perspective" (African American background)
Section 5, Jesus' Birth Revealed to Mary (Lk 1:26-38)
Art Links: Annunciation
A skeptical investigation into the virgin birth (by ReligiousTolerance.org)
An historical argument in favor of the virgin birth
A site devoted to the veneration of Mary
The virgin birth according to the Qu'ran
Parthenogenesis ("virgin birth") in modern scientific cloning -- BBC News
A bibliography of sources on the Virgin Birth
Section 6, Mary's Visit with Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-45)
Art Links: Visitation
A Catholic argument for Mary as Mediatrix
Section 7, The Magnificat (Lk 1:46-56)
Pope John Paul II's meditation on the Magnificat
Section 8, John's Birth (Lk 1:57-66)
Art Links: John the Baptist
A basic biographical sketch of John the Baptist
An analysis of John's message and ministry
"El Benedictus (Lc 1,68-79) a través del arameo" Biblica 80 (1999) 305-59.
A socio-rhetorical analysis of Lk 1:68-79
Section 9, Jesus' Birth Revealed to Joseph (Mt 1:18-25)
Art Links: Joseph
A Mishnaic Commentary on Mt 1:19
Section 10, The Birth of Jesus (Lk 2:1-7)
Art Links: Nativity
A scholarly survey of the birth of Jesus, history and materials
Overview and chronology of the birth narratives, Catholic Counter Reformation (Dec. 1999)
Historical evidence for Quirinius and the census
A reasoned argument that Jesus was born in a home, not in a stable
Jesus in the Qur'an: Birth, Ascension, Return (Christian site)
Section 11, Worship of the Shepherds (Lk 2:8-20)
Art Links: Shepherds
Section 12-13, Jesus circumcised in the Temple (Lk 2:21-38)
Art Links:Presentation
Jewish practices of birth and childrearing during a child's first month
Jewish background of the Birth Narratives
A scholarly analysis of how Jesus' Jewishness has been presented in film
A fascinating analysis of Mantegna's painting of the circumcision
A fine article detailing the Jewishness of Jesus
Section 14, The Magi Visit Jesus (Mt 2:1-12)
Art Links: Magi
Astronomical explanation of the star of Bethlehem as Jupiter
Links to essays by the Griffith Observatory
A brief bio of Herod the Great, 37-4 B.C.
Coins of Herod the Great
Magi Coin
Topical sources on the Magi
Section 15, Flight to Egypt (Mt 2:13-18)
Art Links: Holy Family
Art Links: Flight to Egypt
Art Links: Massacre of the Infants
Section 16, Nazareth, Jesus' Boyhood Home (Mt 2:19-23)
Archaeology of Nazareth sheds light on Jesus' life growing up
Section 17-19, Growth of Jesus (Lk 2:40-52)
Art Links: Boy Jesus
Section 21, The Ministry of John the Baptist (Mt 3:1-6; Mk 1:2-6; Lk 3:3-6; cf. Jn 1:19-23)
Messianic Prophecies
Scholarly survey of John the Baptist
A survey of John the Baptist, particularly as presented in Josephus
An important article outlining the Jewish concept of repentance and forgiveness
Mark 1:2 and New Testament Textual Criticism, by D. Wallace, Dallas Theological Seminary
Art Links: John the Baptist
Section 23, Baptism of Spirit and Fire (Mt 3:11-12; Mk 1:7-8; Lk 3:15-18)
Luke's Presentation of the Holy Spirit in Luke/Acts, by Mark Moore
Baptism of the Holy Spirit -- Catholic Perspective
Baptism of the Holy Spirit -- Pentecostal (Vineyard & Scholarly) Perspective
Section 24, Jesus' Baptism (Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-23a)
Art Links: Jesus' Baptism
The official doctrinal stance of the World Council of Churches on Baptism
"Baptism and Conversion: A cross cultural perspective in the light of the encounter between Judaism and Hellenism," by William Loader
Mark begins and ends his gospel with a schism (from Kerux)
"The Heavenly Veil Torn: Mark's Cosmic 'Inclusio'"
Baptism: Water & Spirit, from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud
Information about the Jordan River
Section 25, Jesus' Temptation (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13)
Art Links: Temptation
"Luke 4:1-2: Reconfiguration"
"Transformed on the Mountain: Ritual Analysis and the Gospel of Matthew" Semeia 67 (1994)
A brief explanation of Lent -- how it arose from this narrative
Section 26, Questions about John's Identity (Jn 1:19-28)
A nice structural/theological analysis of John 1
A brief overview of John's portrayal of Jesus
A brief essay giving information on John
"The Life and Work of John the Baptist," by David Padfield
Section 28, Jesus' First Disciples (Jn 1:35-51)
Survey and theological analysis of the titles for Jesus
Section 29, Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-11)
Art Links: Wedding at Cana
How wine was produced from the second temple through the middle ages
A literary analysis of this miracle suggesting Jesus fits the motif of a trickster like Jacob
Pope John Paul II's brief exegesis of this text
Section 31, The First Cleansing of the Temple (Jn 2:13-22)
Art Links: Temple Cleansing
A photograph of the model of the Herodian Temple in the time of Jesus
Q & A: Were there two cleansings?
Section 32b, Jesus & Nicodemus (Jn 3:1-21)
Life of Christ 2 Links
Maps of Galilee
Map of Galilee
Blank Map of Galilee
Table Fellowship
Jerome Neyrey on meals & table fellowship in the N.T.
Jesus and Sinners
The Power of Jesus
A chart of Jesus’ miracles
Jesus as Miracle Worker (apart from healer and exorcist)
A solid defense of the
historicity of Jesus' miracles
Section 55, The Centurion’s Faith (Lk 7:1-10; Mt 8:5-13)
Jesus and Patronage (Class #7)
"A Social Science Perspective on Healings", by Jerome Neyrey
A Jewish perspective on the benevolence of a Gentile toward Jews
A brief survey of Capernaum with nice photos and web links
A comprehensive survey of the Roman army and the role of centurions
Section 56, Raising the Widow's Son at Nain (Lk 7:11-17)
Are the dead still raised today?
The Resurrection of Pastor Daniel Ekechukwu
A study of resurrection mythologies
TheDivine
Wanderer- Travel and Divinization in Late Antiquity ...
Ancient Medicine 5- Miracle cures -- Parallels in
antiquity to Biblical miracles
Section 57 – John the Baptist (Mt 11:2-19; Lk 7:18-35)
John the Baptist
A socio-theological look at John -- Class #1
Josephus on John the Baptist
Parallels Between DSS Fragment (4Q521) and the Gospel Tradition
Post-Biblical traditions of John the Baptizer
Art Links: John the Baptist
Sec. 59, Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet (Luke 7:36-50)
Art Links: A woman anoints Jesus' feet
Section 60, Women in Jesus’ Ministry (Lk 8:1-3)
Women in Ancient Christianity
Women in the N.T.
The Gospel of Mary
Jesus Responds to John Paul II: On the Exclusion of Women from the Priesthood
Section 61, Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:22-37; Mk 3:20-30)
Bible Study Notes
A Sermon by John Piper
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae
New Testament Miracle or
Greco-Roman Magic?
Section 62, Pharisees Rebuked For Seeking A Sign (Mt 12:38-45; cf. Lk 11:24-36)
Answers to Islamic criticisms of Jesus -- the sign of Jonah
Section 63, Jesus' True Family (Mt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Lk 8:19-21)
Jesus and Kinship (Class #5)
Section 64 a-b, Sermon in Parables (Mt 13:1-23; Mk 4:1-25; Lk 8:4-18)
The explosive idea of the Kingdom of God in Jesus’ milieu (Theology Today, 1993 Article)
Sermonic exposition of the parables
A journal article on retelling parables effectively today
A scholarly analysis of parables in the 1st century
Jesus as teacher
A bibliography of sources on parables
Section 65, Calming the Storm
An ancient ship discovered in Galilee (with photos)
Links to photographs of the Sea of Galilee
Art Links: Jesus on the Sea of Galilee (Storm & Walking on Water)
Section 66, Gerasene Demoniac (Mt 8:28-34; Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39)
Map & glossary of N.T. cities in Palestine
Jesus & Evil Spirits (Class #8)
Hans Frei deals with the problem of Jesus destroying others' property in Theology Today 49/3 (1992)
Links to Articles on Demon Possession
Art Links: Demons, the Devil, and Exorcisms
Section 67, Healing Two Women (Mt 9:18-26; Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56)
Women in Matthew's Gospel, Theology Today 47/1 (1990)
A Mishnaic Commentary on Matthew 9.23-24
The Changing Role of Women in the Early Christian World Theology Today 49/2 (1992)
Blurring the Boundaries: A Response to Howard C. Kee Theology Today 49/2 (1992)
Section 68, Three Miracles (Mt 9:27-34)
Interpreting Miracle Stories
Social Science Perspectives on Healings by Jerome Neyrey
A bibliography of sources on miracles
Art Links: Jesus curing the blind (and other healings)
Section 69, Final Visit to Nazareth (Mt 13:54-58; Mk 6:1-6a; cf. Lk 4:14-30)
Jesus and Honor (Class #6)
Archaeology of Nazareth sheds light on Jesus' life growing up
Section 70b, Twelve Sent out in Pairs (Mt 10:1-42; Mk 6:7-11; Lk 9:1-5)
One Church’s guidelines for anointing with oil
Section 71, Antipas with Jesus and John (Mt 14:1-12; Mk 6:14-29; Lk 9:7-9)
Links to texts on Herod, Herodias, Salome
John the Baptist in the Catholic Encyclopedia
John the Baptist at PBS: Frontline -- From Jesus to Christ
Herodias and Salome at the Opera: A feminist appraisal of these women
Art Links: Salome and John’s Death
Section 72, Feeding the 5,000 (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Lk 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-13)
A Reader's Guide to Meals, Food, and Table Fellowship, by Jerome Neyrey
A Greek Harmony of the feeding of the 5,000 (pdf format)
Art Links: Feeding the 5,000
Art Links: John 4-6
Section 74, Walking on Water (Mt 14:24-33; Mk 6:47-52; Jn 6:16-21)
Son of God in Roman Imperial Titles and Matthew, in Biblica 83 (2002) 100-110
A bibliography of sources on "Son of God"
Significance of Jesus walking on water, at HollywoodJesus.com
Art Links: Jesus in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee
Section 76a, Discourse on the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)
The meaning of trogo and phago “eat" -- a Catholic defense of transubstantiation
A Protestant argument against a literal reading of John 6:51-58
Section 76a, Eternal Security – Topical Study
Arguments against eternal security
A vituperative attack of Eternal Security
Passage “proving” one can fall away
Classic articles defending Eternal Security
A critique of the Arminian view
Section 76b, Crowds Abandon Jesus, (Jn 6:60-71)
Standard defense of Jesus’ deity
Section 77, Ceremonial Cleanness (Mt 15:1-20; Mk 7:1-23)
Jesus on Purity (Class #9)
Clean/Unclean, Pure/Polluted, and Holy/Profane, by Jerome Neyrey
A Symbolic Approach to Mark 7, in Forum 4/3 (1988) by Jerome Neyrey
Jewish view of the Pharisees
Christian, historical view of the Pharisees
Early Jewish quotes on clean & unclean
Section 78, Syro-Phoenician Woman (Mt 15:21-28; Mk 7:24-30)
Argues that Gentile Christians are “adopted Jews”
Social-Scientific investigation of this historicity of this incident in BTB (Spring 2002)
Canaanite Phoenician Religion
The Women of the Gospel of Mark, in Spirituality Today 43/2 (1991)
Art Links: The Canaanite Woman
Section 79, Ministry in Decapolis (Mt 15:29-38; Mk 7:31-8:9a)
A brief description of the Decapolis
The Feeding of the 4,000 — Were They Gentiles?
Section 81b, Two-Step Healing of a Blind Man (Mk 8:22-26)
R. Grigg “Walking Trees” article [cf. II. C. below]
Blind Persons in the Bible and the Ancient World, by Felix Just (Loyola University)
Section 82, Peter’s Great Confession (Mt 16:13-20; Mk 8:27-30; Lk 9:18-21)
Protestant evaluation of the Early Church fathers
An ex-evangelical argues that Peter is the rock/pope
"Mt 16:18, The Petros/Petra Wordplay: Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic"
The doctrine of Papal Infallibility (at Catholic Resources on the web)
A comparison of Jesus, Zoraster, Buddha, Socrates & Muhammad by a world-class historian
Art Links: Saint Peter
Section 83-84, Jesus’ 1st clear prediction of death (Mt 16:21-28; Mk 8:31-9:1; Lk 9:22-27)
"Uncommon Sense" -- a devotional article on self-renunciation in Christian Century 2000
"Beyond Tragedy" by Reinhold Niebuhr
Son of Man in Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia
A bibliography of sources on "Son of Man"
Section 85, Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36)
A note on Elijah & Moses in Biblica
A ritual (cross-cultural) analysis of Jesus' mountain experiences and transformation
A brief but pointed theological analysis of the historicity and meaning of the transfiguration
A bibliography of sources on the Transfiguration
Art Links: The Transfiguration
Section 86, Discussion Coming off the Mountain (Mt 17:9-13; Mk 9:9-13; Lk 9:36b)
Messianic Secret
"The Sin of Unbelief," a sermon by Spurgeon, January 14, 1855
Section 87, Healing of a Demonized Boy (Mt 17:14-20; Mk 9:14-29; Lk 9:37-43a)
A practical guide to fasting by Bill Bright
Section 90, Discussions about Who is the Greatest (Mt 18:1-5; Mk 9:33-37; Lk 9:46-48)
An essay on the sociological and political implications of the kingdom Jesus preached
Art Links: Jesus and the children
Section 91, Causing Little Ones to Stumble (Mt 18:6-11; Mk 9:38-50; Lk 9:49-50)
The meaning of: "Salted with Fire"
Salt as a blessing and curse in ancient times
A covenant of salt
Section 92, Discipline and Forgiveness (Mt 18:15-35)
Quotes on forgiveness
An important article by a Jewish Rabbi on the meaning of repentance and forgiveness
An evangelical essay on the nature and importance of forgiveness
A scholarly survey of forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew
Section 94-95, Heading to Tabernacles (Lk 9:51-56; Jn 7:2-10)
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Samaritans, Biblica 81 (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles from a Messianic perspective
Section 96b, Failed Attempt to Arrest Jesus (Jn 7:32-52)
Essenes, Pharisees and Sadducees in Josephus
Three Jewish sects compared in ancient Jewish literature
The Trials (Forensic) and Tribulations (Honor Challenges) of Jesus in John 7
Section 97, Woman Caught in Adultery [John 7:53-8:11]
An analysis of this text in light of Rabbinic statements about women
Jesus and the Adulteress, in Biblica 80 (1999)
Art Links: The adulterous woman
Art relating to John 7-10
Section 98-99a, The Light of the World (Jn 8:12-20)
The I AM statements as an apologetic with Islam
Section 99b, Attempt to Stone Jesus over Abraham (Jn 8:31-59)
The I Am statements in John
The account of Jesus’ stoning according to Barnabas
Section 100a-b, Healing of the Man Born Blind (Jn 9:1-12)
Blind Persons in the Bible and the Ancient World, by Felix Just (Loyola University)
Photos of the Pool of Siloam
Art Links: Jesus curing the blind (and other healings)
Section 101, Allegory of the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-21)
"The 'Noble' Shepherd in John 10: Cultural and Rhetorical Background"
Polemic against the Mormon explanation of Jn 10:16
John Piper’s sermon on Jn 10:16 as a missionary text
Art Links: The Good Shepherd
Art Links: Sheep and Shepherds
Section 102, Sending out the Seventy (Lk 10:1-16)
Commentary on the Fall of Satan
Section 103, Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37)
This parable in its social context
A sermon on this text by Desmond M Tutu, London, March 12, 1995.
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Samaritans, Biblica 81 (2000) 202-232
The Religious Cancer of Racism, by James Cone
This is as dumb as it gets . . . really
Art Links: The Good Samaritan
Life of Christ 3 Links
Maps of Galilee
Map of Galilee
Blank Map of Galilee
104 Jesus’ Visit with Mary and Martha (Lk 10:38-42)
Women in Ministry according to the N.T.
Jesus and Women: Luke’s Gospel –Jane Kopas, Theology Today, July 1984
Art Links: Mary & Martha
105 The Model Prayer (Lk 11:1-13)
A Rhetorical analysis of the Lord's Prayer (scholarly)
A linguistic commentary and Aramaic analysis of the Lord's Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer in 1207 languages
Joachim Jeremias’ classic monograph on the Lord’s Prayer
106 Beelzebub and the Sign of Jonah (Lk 11:14-36)
The Sign of Jonah – A Response to Islamic Beliefs
107 Woes to the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law (Lk 11:37-54)
David Growler, “Hospitality and Characterization in Luke11:37-54” Semeia 64 (1993) 213-251.
Jerome Neyrey: A Reader’s Guide to Meal, Food, and Table Fellowship in the N.T.
Jewish view of the Pharisees
Christian/Messianic, historical view of the Pharisees
Early Jewish Quotes on the Pharisees and Sadducees
108b Warnings on Wealth and Worry (Lk 12:13-34)
“Materialism” according to the Qur’an
"Health/Wealth" preaching in modern Buddhism
The Tension between Poverty and Possessions in the Gospel of Luke
108c Warning: Be Prepared for Jesus’ Coming (Lk 12:35-48)
“Evangelicals & Annihilation,” Part 1, A.Gomes, Christian Research Journal, (Spr 1991)
“Evangelicals & Annihilation,” Part 2, A. Gomes, Christian Research Journal, (Sm 1991)
A Collection of essays defending Christian Universalism
Christianity Today’s report on the debate of Hell among Evangelical scholars
Parables and their Social Contexts -- A scholarly essay on sociology of Jesus' world
108d Warning: Trouble is Coming (Lk 12:49-53)
Scriptural advice for those opposed by unbelieving family members
A feminist challenge to traditional family values based on Lk 12:51-53
An essay on how Jesus broke the boundaries of his social world, including family relations
The Changing Role of Women in the Early Christian World, Theology Today 49/2 (1992)
Blurring the Boundaries: A Response to Howard Clark Kee, Theology Today 49/2 (1992)
109 Repent or Perish (Lk 13:1-9)
Eleven letters supposedly written by Pilate to Seneca the younger
Essay and photos of the coins designed and minted by Pontius Pilate
Repentance and Forgiveness from a Jewish perspective
110 Mustard Seed and Leaven (Lk 13:10-21)
The Obligation to Heal (Luke 13,10-17), Biblica 82 (2001) 402-409
Miracles in Other Words: Social Science Perspectives on Healings, Jerome H. Neyrey
111 Feast of Dedication (Jn 10:22-39)
"The 'Noble' Shepherd in John 10: Cultural and Rhetorical Background" Jerome H. Neyrey
A collection of articles arguing against eternal security
Vituperative attack of Eternal Security
Passage “proving” one can fall away
A Collection of classic articles defending Eternal Security
A critique of the Arminian view
Jesus’ self-understanding of his equality with the Father
Classic arguments for the deity of Jesus by Samuel Green 1828
Art Links: The Good Shepherd
113b Herod the Fox and Jesus the Hen, Weeping Over Jerusalem (Lk 13:31-35)
The Herod Family and their interaction of Jesus and the Apostles
Jesus’ view of Jerusalem, from Christianity Today, October 5, 1998 Vol. 42, No. 11, Page 44
Jesus' Death in Q, New Testament Studies 38 (1992) 222-34
An argument that the Dome of the Rock is not the actual site of the Temple
Artwork of Jerusalem
114 Dinner with a Pharisee and Healing of Dropsy (Lk 14:1-24)
Reader's Guide to Meals, Food and Table Fellowship in the New Testament by Jerome Neyrey
115 Counting the Cost of Discipleship (Lk 14:25-35)
"The family in the Bible," Biblical Theology Bulletin (Fall, 2002) by James A. Sanders
An attack on Christianity based on N.T. texts and what they say about family values
Bible Study on Mt 5:13-16 – good background on the various uses of salt.
"Interpretations of Jesus' Death in Q" Semeia 55 (1991) 131-46. (Liberal)
How to be a disciple, by Dallas Willard, The Christian Century (April 1998) 430-439
116 Parables of Lost and Found (Lk 15:1-32)
Art links: The Prodigal Son
117 Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Lk 16:1-13)
A scholarly sociological analysis of this parable
A scholarly Catholic paper on social, systemic sin based on this Dives & Lazarus
The Tension between Poverty and Possessions in the Gospel of Luke
Art links: Parables (look under "Shrewd Manager")
118 Raising Lazarus from the Dead (Jn 11:1-44)
The Promise of Life in the Gospel of John, Theology Today 49/4 (1993)
The households in Jn 4:46-54 and 11:1-44 portray John's "church," Pacifica 13 (2000)
Movie scenes that depict the theme of resurrection
“Sociology of Secrecy in the Fourth Gospel,” by Jerome Neyrey
Art links: The Raising of Lazarus
Art Links: John 11-12
119 Sanhedrin’s Decision to Assassinate Jesus (Jn 11:45-54)
A description of the Sanhedrin from the Catholic Encyclopedia
120a Healing the Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19)
"The Historical Jesus and the Historical Samaritans," John Meier, Biblica 81 (2000)
A social-scientific perspective on healing and miracles in Jesus’ day, by Jerome Neyrey
A synthesis of Jesus’ ministry of inclusion in Luke’s gospel by a Catholic Priest
A picture of Hansen's Disease
Art links: Healing (look under "Healing Lepers")
120b The Coming of the Kingdom and the Son of Man (Lk 17:20-37)
A restoration forum on the second coming from Melbourne in 1961
A summary of the four millennial positions from a non-sympathetic and unbiased viewpoint
A PowerPoint presentation of five millennial positions, by Mark Moore
121 Two Parables on Prayer (Lk 18:1-14)
FAQ on prayer in schools by the American Atheists Association
Homepage for America’s National Prayer Committee (News & Links)
122 Divorce, Remarriage, Celibacy (Mt 19:1-12; Mk 10:1-12; cf. Lk 16:18)
A Catholic denial that Jesus’ gave an “exception” clause for divorce
An argument in favor of Jesus’ “exception” clause for divorce
God’s perspective on singleness
124 The Rich Young Ruler (Mt 19:16-30; Mk 10:17-31; Lk 18:18-30)
An argument by a Calvinist against Lordship Theology based on this text
Sermonic exposition of the rich young ruler form a Russian Orthodox perspective
125b James and John ask for Chief Seats (Mt 20:20-28; Mk 10:35-45; cf. Lk 22:24-27)
Discipleship and Suffering in Mark's Gospel
The Call to Downward Mobility (Mk. 10:35-45) Christian Century (Oct. 8, 1997) 869
Princeton Asian professor applies this principle of servanthood and power to global economics
Art Links: Images of James
Art Links: Images of John
127a Salvation of Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10)
The Tension between Poverty and Possessions in the Gospel of Luke, Spirituality Today 37 (Spring 1985) 4-12.
Description of Jericho
Art Links: Images of Zacchaeus
128a & 141 Arrival and Anointing at Bethany (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 11:55-12:11)
Description of Bethany
128b Triumphal Entry (Mt 21:1-11, 14-17; Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:29-44; Jn 12:12-19)
Mathematical calculations of Daniel’s 69th weeks fulfilled in the Triumphal Entry
Take a virtual tour of Jerusalem
A detailed description of Mt. Olives and its Biblical importance
Art Links: The Triumphal Entry
129b Second Cleansing of the Temple (Mt 21:12-13; Mk 11:15-18; Lk 19:45-48)
Q & A: Were there two cleansings?
Descriptions of the temple and pictures of a model of the temple
Art Links: The Temple cleansing
130a Some Greeks Want to See Jesus (Jn 12:20-36)
Sociological analysis of secrecy in John’s Gospel (Jerome Neyrey)
Scholarly links for the Greeks seeking Jesus (Textweek)
Art Links: Philip
130b Blind Eyes and dead Hearts (Jn 12:37-50)
An excerpt from Paul Tillich’s The New Being on John 12:44-50
132a Jesus’ Authority Questioned by the Sanhedrin (Mt 21:23-27; Mk 11:27-33; Lk 20:1-8)
A Jewish/Catholic dialogue on whether Jesus had Rabbinic credentials
132b Three Parables on Accepting/Rejecting Jesus (Mt 21:28-22:14; Mk 12:1-12; Lk 20:9-19
The Textual Problem in Matthew 21:29-31
Intimations of the Year of Jubilee in the Parables of the Wicked Tenants and Workers in the Vineyard
The Use of Isaiah 5,1-7 in the Parable of the Tenants, Biblica 79 (1998) 1-26
Luke and the Wicked Tenants (scholarly and source-critical)
133 Question #1: Paying Taxes (Mt 22:15-22; Mt 12:13-17; Lk 20:20-26)
An exhortation and suggests how to preach politics based on Jesus’ example
Jerome Neyrey analyzes how questions functioned socially as challenges to honor
A brief social explanation and application of this text by Marcus Borg
A two-part article on civil disobedience and taxation from Ordained Servant 4/3 (1995)
134 Questions #2: Marriage in the Resurrection (Mt 22:23-33; Mk 12:18-27; Lk 20:27-40)
Reader's Guide to Kinship, Biblical Theology Bulletin 24 (1994) 183-94
An argument FOR marriage in heaven from the Swedenborg church (You’ve gotta see this!)
135 Question #3: The Greatest Command (Mt 22:34-40; Mk 12:28-34)
Is Self-Love Biblical?
136 Question #4: How can the Christ be David’s Son? (Mt 22:41-46; Mk 12:35-37; Lk 20:41-44)
A Jewish
Rabbi's reply to a Christian explanation of this text
An atheist website offers a commentary on this text
137a Woes to Pharisees (Mt 23:1-36; Mk 12:38-40; Lk 20:45-47; cf. Lk 11:37-54)
Jerome Neyrey’s sociological analysis of clean and unclean
A catalogue and brief exposition of all the opposition Jesus experienced from the Pharisees
A Catholic defense for calling priests father in light of Mt 23:9
Phylacteries, Mezuzah, and Torah Scroll
138 Widow’s Mite (Mk 12:41-44; Lk 21:1-4)
Excellent and surprising exegesis – This passage is about NOT abusing offerings as leaders
Do you want to see a picture of the widow's mite? Click here.
Contemporary meditation on devouring widow's houses (powerful illustrations)
Art Links: Widow's Mite
OR for a modern painting of this scene
click here.
Life of Christ 4 Links
LOC4 Notebook
Take a virtual tour of Jerusalem
Photographs of important sites in Jerusalem
Ancient maps of Jerusalem
Sec. 139a, The Olivet Discourse (Mt 24:41; Mk 13:1-32; Lk 21:5-33)
Josephus' description of the war and destruction of Jerusalem A.D. 70
A study advocating all of Mt 24 refers to 70 A.D.(Amillennial)
A collection of Preterist articles assertion that Jesus' return was in 70 A.D.
A response to a Preterist interpretation of Mt 24
Sec. 139b, Beginning of Birth Pangs (Mt 24:4-14; Mk 13:5-13; Lk 21:8-19)
A classic misinterpretation of the "signs of the time" (earthquakes, families, wars, etc.) as harbingers of Jesus' immanent return
Sec. 139c, Abomination of Desolation (Mt 24:15-22; Mk 13:13-20; Lk 21:20-24)
Abomination of Desolation -- Catholic Encyclopedia short definition
Abomination of Desolation -- Jewish Encyclopedia short definition
Sec. 139f-g, Parables of Jesus' Return (Mt 24:42-25:46; Mk 13:33-37; Lk 21:34-36)
An analysis of the parables of the Olivet Discourse with reference to salvation
Art Links: Wise and Foolish Virgins
Sec. 140, Sanhedrin Plot to Kill Jesus (Mt 26:1-5; Mk 14:1-2; Lk 22:1-2)
Survey and analysis of the reality and meaning of the Death of Jesus
Messianic Prophecies
Sec. 141, Mary Anoints Jesus' Feet (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 12:2-8)
Women in Jesus' ministry and early Christianity (by a Feminist Harvard N.T. Scholar)
A devotional look at Mary's anointing as a model of Christian worship
"Holy Waste" a chapter from Paul Tillich's book The New Being
Description and significance of Bethany, with photos (Select Bethany from the location menu)
Sec. 142, Judas Iscariot's Plot to Arrest Jesus (Mt 26:14-16; Mk 14:10-11; Lk 22:3-6)
Judas Iscariot presents a problem for the theory of eternal security
Art Links: Denial and Betrayal
Sec. 143, Preparation for the Passover Meal (Mt 26:17-19; Mk 14:12-16; Lk 22:7-13)
A fair scholarly discussion on the dating of the Passover meal and Jesus' Last Supper
A Jewish description of the Passover, its meaning, and its current manner of celebration
A description of the Passover Jesus celebrated and its theological meaning
A practical guide to a Christian Seder celebration, including recipes
An excellent and thorough 4 part analysis of this last meal
Sec. 144, Argument over Greatness (Mt 26:20; Mk 14:17; Lk 22:14-16, 24-30)
An analysis of Jesus' message on greatness in the kingdom from Luke's gospel
Sec. 145, Jesus washes the Apostles' feet (Jn 13:1-20)
Images depicting this scene
Should we wash each others' feet today?
Foot washing is an ordinance we should observe today with communion (Church of God)
Art Links: Washing the Disciple's Feet
Sec 146, Identification of the Betrayer (Mt 26:21-25; Mk 14:18-21; Lk 22:21-23; Jn 13:21-30)
A scholarly, feminist, and bizarre suggestion that "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 13:13) was Mary Magdalene, the author of the fourth gospel
Art Links: Judas Iscariot
Sec 148, The Lord's Supper (Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; Lk 22:17-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26)
A survey of opinions and practices of the Lord's Supper
A Presbyterian Church's guide to the Lord's supper (very familiar!)
Lutheran (Missouri Synod) official teaching on the Lord's supper (including consubstantiation)
Catholic apologetics site argues for transubstantiation
A survey of the scholarly debate as to whether Luke supports substitutionary atonement
A nice little description of the upper room (Cenacle) in religious history
Art Links: Last Supper
Sec 149, Upper Room Discourse: Jesus Goes the H.S. Comes (Jn 14)
Augustine's Tractates on John (see tractates 67-73)
"Johannine Sayings in the Gospel of Thomas" by Alexander Mirkovic PhD
"The Holy Spirit" by Michael Welker, Theology Today 46/1 (1989)
A brief outline of the Holy Spirit's relation to Christ's ministry
A brief survey of the Holy Spirit in John
A comparison of Jesus, Zoraster, Buddha, Socrates & Muhammad by a world-class historian
Sec 150a, Upper Room Discourse: Vine and Branches (Jn 15:1-17)
John MacArthur gives a classic "Eternal Security" explanation of this text
Sec 150b, Upper Room Discourse: Opposition from the World (Jn 15:18-16:4)
Outline of the Holy Spirit's roles in this text (sermon by John MacArthur)
Voice of the Martyrs -- Information on persecution worldwide
Persecution.org -- Information on persecution worldwide
Sec 150c, Upper Room Discourse: The Spirit's Coming Ministry (Jn 16:5-15)
The Holy Spirit in John's Gospel
Sec 151, The Lord's Prayer (Jn 17)
A study guide for ecumenical unity by the World Council of Churches
"The Disunity of the Church and the Credibility of the Gospel" Theology Today 50/1 (1993)
A helpful analysis of the High Priestly prayer of Jesus
"The Spirit, Christ, and Worship" a theological analysis of Christology and Pneumatology
Sec 152, Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46)
A theological analysis of Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane (from Kerux online journal)
An essay on the importance of Christians imitating Jesus' life of suffering
Sec 153, Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane (Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:1-12)
Artwork depicting Jesus' betrayal and denial
Argues that the "streaker" is Mark was actually Lazarus, in Biblica 79 (1998) 525-531
Honor and shame in the Johannine passion narratives, by Jerome Neyrey
Scholarly, liberal description of the arrest and execution of Jesus
Art Links: Denial and Betrayal
Sec 154-155, Jewish Trials (Mt 26:57-68; Mk 14:53-65; Lk 22:54-65; Jn 18:12b-24)
A legal and historical description of Jesus trial from University of Missouri Law School
A lengthy article defending the trial accounts as authentic and historical
A lawyer looks at the trial accounts, especially their breeches of justice
The Sadducean high priests were responsible for Jesus' death along with the Romans (Messianic perspective
A bibliography of sources on the trials of Jesus
Sec 156, Peter's Denials (Mt 26:69-75; Mk 14:66-72; Lk 22:54-62; Jn 18:15-18, 25-27)
Art Links: Denial and Betrayal
Sec 158, Suicide of Judas Iscariot (Mt 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19)
One person's explanation of the differences in these accounts
Judas Iscariot: Presented as innocent in scholarship and film
Sec 159, Trial before Pilate (Mt 27:2, 11-14; Mk 15:1-5; Lk 23:1-5; Jn 18:28-38)
Primary sources testifying to insurrections under Pilate's reign
"Answering Pilate: Truth and the Postliberal Church" by William Willimon
Quest for the historical Pontius Pilate
Coins of Pontius Pilate
Sec 160, Trial before Herod (Lk 23:6-12)
An encyclopedia article on Herod Antipas
A brief survey of the Herods of the Bible and how the interacted the Christian movement
Sec 161 & 162, Trial before Pilate... again (Mt 27:15-30; Mk 15:6-20; Lk 23:13-25; Jn 18:39-19:16)
A commentary on Mark 15:10: An anatomy of Envy in Mark's Gospel (Hagedorn & Neyrey)
The presentation of Jesus as king in John (only after chapter 18)
Evidence that Jesus understood the Greek language
Artwork depicting Jesus' trials, flagellation, and Via Dolorosa
Sec 163, En Route to Golgotha (Mt 27:31-34; Mk 15:20-23; Lk 23:26-33; Jn 19:16-17)
An excellent guide (with photos) of Jesus' final steps toward Golgotha
A summary of the 14 stations of the cross
Art Links: Trial on route to Golgotha
Sec 164, Jesus' Crucifixion (Mt 27:35-44; Mk 15:24-32; Lk 23:33-43; Jn 19:18-27)
An excellent article on describing crucifixion in the ancient world
The classic medical description of Jesus' crucifixion from Journal of the American Medical Association (March 21, 1986, Vol 256)
Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus
A scholarly essay on the crucifixion of Jesus
A bibliography of sources on the crucifixion
Art Links: Crucifixion
Sec 165, Jesus' Death (Mt 27:45-50; Mk 15:33-37; Lk 23:44-46; Jn 19:38-30)
An exegetical and hermeneutical analysis of Jesus' use of Psalm 22 (Theology Today 42/3)
Islamic sources on the death of Jesus in India, not on a cross
Artwork depicting Jesus being taken from the cross (lamentation, deposition, & pieta)
Sec 166, Responses to Jesus' Death (Mt 27:51-56; Mk 15:38-41; Lk 23:47-49)
The Centurion's "so called" confession (Mk 15:39) in Biblica 81 (2000) 406-413.
The Centurion's confession seen in light of the imperial cult in Biblica 79 (1998) 221-241.
A literary analysis of the "schism" chiasm in Mark's gospels
A skeptic's analysis of the resurrection of the saints at Jesus' death
Art Links: Deposition
Sec 167b, Jesus Buried (Mt 27:59-60; Mk 15:46; Lk 23:53-54; Jn 19:39-42)
An historical description of the burial clothes -- simple white linens
Three apocryphal traditions of Jesus' burial at variance with the biblical accounts
A site dedicated to presenting the evidence that would authenticate the shroud
A fair, balanced, brief survey of the shroud of Turin
A collection of scientific papers on the Shroud of Turin
Art Links: Burial
Sec 168, Women and Soldiers Watch the Tomb (Mt 27:61-66; Mk 15:47; Lk 23:55-56)
Jesus and Women: Luke's Gospel (Theology Today 43/2 [July 1986])
W. L. Craig argues that the story of the guards at the tomb is historical evidence for the resurrection
Women in the NT
The positive role of women in the N.T. contrasted with ancient values of women by H.C. Kee
A rejoiner to H.C. Kee -- women were not as liberated as he suggests
The Gospel of Mary (a gnostic document)
Sec 169-171, Women find the tomb empty (Mt 28:1-8; Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10; Jn 20:1)
Thorough, scholarly article defending the historicity of the empty tomb by W. L. Craig
A scholarly, philosophic, and apologetic defense of the resurrection
Josh McDowell's synopsis of the evidence for the resurrection
A classic liberal interpretation of the resurrection as "spiritual" by Bishop Spong
A reasoned anti-resurrection argument from a Muslim website
A bibliography of sources on the Resurrection
Art Links: Resurrection
Sec 172, Peter & John investigate the tomb (Lk 24:9-12; Jn 20:2-10)
William Lane Craig discusses the interdependence of Lk & Jn in this pericope
Ancient resurrection stories compared with the Gospel accounts, Journal of Higher Criticism 4/2 (1997)
An analysis of the structure and theology John 20 for the American Bible Society
Sec 173, Appearance to Mary Magdalene (Mk 16:9-11; Jn 20:11-18)
A description of Mary Magdalene through Scripture and tradition
Oscar Cullman's pamphlet on the the bodily resurrection vs. immortality of the soul
Dead Messiah's who don't raise from the dead
Art Links: Mary Magdalene
Art Links: "Noli Me Tangere"
Sec 174, Appearance to the other women (Mt 28:9-10)
A general fact sheet (including a chronology) of the resurrection
Contradictions in the resurrection accounts, alleged by a Muslim
A proposed harmony of the resurrection appearances
A scholarly harmonization of the resurrection accounts with a rebuttal to skeptics
An advanced and scholarly discussion on harmonization of the resurrection accounts
Sec 175, The Soldier's Report (Mt 28:11-15)
A lesson responding to the accusation that the disciples stole the body
Sec 176, Two on their way to Emmaus ([Mk 16:12-13]; Lk 24:13-32)
Art Links: Emmaus
Sec 179, Appearance to Thomas (Jn 20:26-31; 1 Cor 15:5b)
Resources on the gospel of Thomas
A critique of the gospel of Thomas by Craig Evans in Christianity Today
Art Links: Thomas
Sec 180, Appearance to the Seven while fishing (Jn 21:1-25)
An odd yet fascinating numerological interpretation of the 153 fish
Sec 181, The Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20; [Mk 16:15-18])
A focus on Christian Education as essential to the Great Commission
Sec 184, The Ascension ([Mk 16:19-20]; Lk 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12)
A conservative theological synthesis of the meaning of the ascension
"The Ascension of Jesus: Myth or Fact" (East Christian Reformed Church)
Ascent to heaven in Antiquity
Art Links: Ascension
