FALL BIBLE STUDY WITH PASTOR JACK

"gOSPEL & THE GOSPELS"

A comparison Study of the Four gospels

Immediately following Coffee Hour, join Pastor Jack on select Sundays to explore the four gospels. 

WHEN: Sundays, September 7, 14, 21, - Sundays, October 12 & 26 and Sundays, November 2, 9 & 16

Course Outline

• Session 1, September 7: What is Gospel, and what are the Gospels?

Type of literature, development of the gospels, the Synoptics and John, source theory, audience and orientation. Narrative plus proclamation. Two guiding questions.

Passages for comparison: Jesus’ baptism. Mk. 1:9-11; Mt. 3:13-17; Lk. 3:21-22; Jn. 1:29-34

• Session 2, September 14: Beginnings.

The opening verses and chapters tell us much about the author’s purpose. Purpose, birth, childhood, John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, temptations.

Comparison of beginnings of all four gospels. Mark 1:1-15; Mt. 1:1-4:17; Lk. 1:1-4:13; Jn. 1:1-34

• Session 3, September 21: Outline and Organization of  the Synoptic Gospels

How are they alike, and how are they different? How does their organization relate to the purpose of each author? The disciples called and listed: Mk. 1:16-20, 3:13-19; Mt. 4:18-22, 10:1-4; Lk. 5:1-11, Lk. 6:12-16

• Session 4, October 12: Outline and Organization of the Gospel of John

How does John’s approach and chronology differ from that of the Synoptics?

Comparison of timelines. The disciples called and listed. Jn. 1:25-42 What is different about the way John reports this matter?

• Session 5, October 26: Healings, Miracles, and Signs

Why are the healings controversial in the Synoptics? How does John’s approach differ from that of the Synoptic authors? What is the one “miracle” that appears in all four gospels?

Comparison of Mt. 14:13-21, Mk. 6:30-44, Lk. 9:10-17, Jn. 6:1-13.

• Session 6, November 2: Parables, Sayings, and the “I Am’s”

A review of the use of parable in the Synoptics, comparison of the most important parables which are common across the Synoptics, and which are unique in the Gospel canon; what is unique about Jesus’ teaching in John, and how is it different from the other three?

Mk. 4:1-34, Mt. 13; Luke 8:4-18, 13:18-21

• Session 7, November 9: The Passion Narratives

The journey to Jerusalem, the Triumphal Entry, events of Holy Week, the trial and crucifixion. John’s extended version of the Last Supper. Mt. 27:45-54; Mk. 15-33-39; Lk. 23:44-49

• Session 8, November 16: The Resurrection

How are the four versions alike, and how are they different?  

Mark 16; Mt. 28; Luke 24; John 20-21.