LABI Course: Gospels

Capon paper

2008-09-25T17:32:00.001-07:00

Re: the assignment on the Capon book; I do realize this may have been too intense a reading. I do apologize. But remember, this is only a five point paper, and if you just give your impressions ("I don't get it," "I am not sure I agree" or "I think he may be saying this...."_)....that will score most of your points.

The syllabus also said to read inSorry! tro chapter and chapters 1 and 2, but only the page numbers for chapter 1 and 2 were given. So I will not hold you to any material in the intro.

Here are some of the helpful points for me; you could include some of these:

He suggests that almost everything Jesus said and did was a parable..or an acted parable. The theme of everything is basically the Kingdom. And often the point was to remind us that He--and therefore we--sh0uld be prayerful and careful about using power (at least the way the world defines it). Capon calls biblical/Kingdom power "left-handed"...indirect and not showy.

He suggests that in a way, even the temptations of Jesus by the devil, and the ascension of Jesus were both parables (AND historical events), making the same point: Jesus (and we) do not cater to the devil's version of power (temptations) or worldly political definitions of power (Jesus said before ascension that it was about "times and dates" of a political liberation of Israel from Rome).

For the parable to end your paper with, try the parable of the servants in Matt. 20. Note an "inclusio": Before and after the parable, he says "the first shall be last." So here Capon's thesis is helpful: parables often model and make the point that the way God defines power is quite different than the world's way,

Hope this helps. Again, just do your best; and if it didn't make sense, say that!

Grace!

Alternate assignment: Temple Tantrum

2008-09-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Here I am in front of the most contested real estate you can imagine: the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

I often say that it's too bad we are sometimes more concerned with real estate than our real ESTATE.

Special note: If you'd rather do the below, it can replace the written assignment #2 (if you write a one pge paper) or written assignment #3 (if you write 2-3 pages):

Discuss the background, Old Testament Scriptures quoted, and meanings of Jesus' "temple tantrum," incorporating insights from class notes, and any of the following linked articles.

Some of you got such a kick out of my story of eating hamburgers in a restaurant next to the Temple Mount. The story is told here, and here's a pic of the delightful
restaurant.. As you can see below, it's not the only non-kosher restaurant in Israel!

Anyway..on an (equally) serious note..

For the temple tantrum paper, explore:

Temple Tantrum: Surprising Lessons From the Text
"Breaking Down Walls" by Ray Van Der Laan
Capon and Bruggeman: Missionally Marginal/Post Temple Tantrum
"David's City and Temple Mount" by Ray Van Der Laan
Temple Tantrum: poem

Here is actual photo of the sign posted on the "soreq" part of the barricade/dividing wall, discovered in 1871, which said:

"NO FOREIGNER
IS TO GO BEYOND THE BALUSTRADE
AND THE PLAZA OF THE TEMPLE ZONE
WHOEVER IS CAUGHT DOING SO
WILL HAVE HIMSELF TO BLAME
FOR HIS DEATH
WHICH WILL FOLLOW

1)Be encouraged 2)Gates of Hell

2008-09-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey class; here's a pic of me on Kojak the camel in Israel; I recommend the ride and it only costs a dollar! Join us next trip!

Be encouraged as you prepare for the final (see link to the Final Exam questions on right or below). I know you are all busy in the "real world," but God will honor our prayers as we prepare to meet for our final session.

Many of you were intrigued by the "Gates of Hell" video about Jesus at Caeserea Phillip. I just added to the "helpful websites" list at right (or click here) the basic text of that video; as well as the basic text of the "Language of Culuture" (here), The Rabbi (here) and and "Misguided Faith:the Crusades" (here) . I posted the entire video and notes from "In the Shadow of Herod" video earlier here. This should supplement your notes and make your paper writing easier...all in favor?

I look forward to seeing you at 7pm on the 29th!

Final Exam...no surprises

2008-08-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hey! Yes, this is a pic of my son and I
at Capernaum, Israel, caught being unintentionally underdressed!

I don't want you all to be caught off guard...so, As promised, here is what the final exam will look like. It will consist of questions taken directly from the review questions in the assigned chapters of the Jensen textbook, plus the class notes I specifically mentioned would be on the exam. Your notes from the videos, other readings and other class discussions should be integrated into your written assignments and term paper.

Class notes:

Say as much as you can about Pharisees
Say as much as you can about Sadducees
Say as much as you can about Zealots
Say as much as you can about Essenes
Say as much as you can about Stoics
Say as much as you can about Epicureans
According to Tenney, what are four characteristics of the Roman Empire?
The method of Jesus could be described as fourfold:
a)to honor and subvert_____;
b) to _______ and convert _______ expectations;
c) to ________ power according to "________ " (which means ________);
d)to _________ worldview/sets according to "________________" (which means ____________)
Name, describe, and diagram three possible "sets," and give an example from the gospels of each.
The message of Jesus in a word is _____________.
The mission of Jesus might be summarized as _____________.

Chapter 4

(questions word for word from textbook review questions):
12. Identify four prominent things prophesied about Jesus in the Old Testament.
13. Compare Matthew and Luke's genealogies of Jesus
14. Name the three periods of Christ's public ministry
15. Name five reasons for the multiple gospels

Chapter 5
(questions word for word from textbook review questions):

16. In what sense is Matthew a link in the Bible?

17. Who were the original readers of Matthew?
18. How many major discourse sections in Matthew? How does each conclude?
19. How does this gospel conclude?

Chapter 6
(questions word for word from textbook review questions):
20. For whom was this account originally written? What is some evidence of this?
21. What is the purpose and theme of Mark's account?
22. What is the pivotal point of the book? What three-point outline can be built around this?
23. What is one key word of Mark?

Chapter 7
(questions word for word from textbook review questions):
24. In your own words, describe the man Luke.
25. Where in the account do parables and miracles, respectively, abound?
26. How does 1:4-4:13 fit into the organization of Luke's account?
27. Name five prominent subjects of Luke.

Chapter 8
(questions word for word from textbook review questions):
28. Who were the original readers of John?
29. Compare this gospel account with the synoptic gospels.
30. What is "The Great Pause" of John?
31. What is the main point of 20:30-31?

Extra credit*:

32. For each of the four methods of Jesus in #8, write a paragraph of explanation.
33. Write a paragraph about what Jesus meant by "Kingdom of God."

34. Bring the instructor gift on exam day.

*one of these is a joke; use wisdom and guess which one (:

Syllabus/Assignments

2008-08-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Latin American Bible Institute, Sanger Off-Campus Extension
THE GOSPELS-BIB 2003

(3 Units)

Fri Aug 22, 2008 6-10 pm,

Sat Aug 23 8am-5pm;

Coursework Due/ Final Exam:

Mon Sept 29, 7-10pm

Dave Wainscott, Instructor
559-436-1794, cell 974-2508
davewainscott@sbcglobal.net
Course website: http://gospelsalive.blogspot.com/

Course Description: This course is designed to instill an in-depth understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus, particularly through the lens of the four gospels. “Who is Jesus?” is the central question of life and the course. (Note: To read the story I told in class about the little guy in Paraguay who asked me in all sincerity, "Who is Jesus?"..or "Quien es Jesus?," click here.)
Focus will be on Jesus’ context/culture; Jesus’ identity; Jesus’ message; Jesus’ mission, and Jesus’ method. Special attention will be given to differences and similarities among the depictions in the gospels; and an inductive/structural Bible Study method will be modeled.

Course Intent: To impart a profound working knowledge of Jesus and the gospels, in such a way that the student is deepened in discipleship, and more prepared for ministry; especially in the area of teaching and preaching the four gospels in historical context and contemporary application.

Required Texts:

-The Bible, in a standard translation (King James not recommended)
-Jensen, Irving, Jensen’s Survey of the New Testament, Chicago:Moody, 1983
(Read Part 1: “The Event”)

Recommended Texts:

-Capon, Robert Farrar, Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002

-Green, McKnight, Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Downers Grove: IVP, 1992.

-Hiebert, D. Edmond. An Introduction to the New Testament, Volume 1: The Gospels and Acts”

-A gospel parallels book, or see one online on course website or http://www.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/meta-4g.htm

-Green, Joel “How To Read the Gospels and Acts” Downers Grove: IVP. 1997

-Kraybill, Donald. “The Upside Down Kingdom (Twenty Fifth Anniversary Edition)
Scottsdale: Herald Press, 2006.

Assignments/Grading Percentages:

-Written Assignments: 40%
-Final Exam (will draw from Jensen textbook and class notes): 40%
-Class Engagement and Participation: 10%
-Share orally and informally at final session (5 minutes) in small groups about things you have learned: 10%

Written Assignments:

1) Interview three people from a variety of religious backgrounds. Simply ask the question “Who is Jesus?”, or maybe “Who is Jesus to you?”
Summarize the answers, and note how you might follow up with any person with an inadequate understanding . One page is sufficient (2.5%)

2) Write a one page summary of Wright, N.T. , “Kingdom come: The public meaning of the Gospels” (on course website or http://cruciality.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/nt-wright-kingdom-come-the-public-meaning-of-the-gospels/ ) or another short article (requires instructor approval if it's not an article on course website). (2.5%)

3) Write a two page reading summary (Two pages TOTAL; not two pages for each of the three assigned chapter) for the Introduction Chapter and Chapters 1 and 2 (that is, read pp 13-32) of the Capon book (accessible free on course website or online at Google Books). How was he provocative, helpful? Where do you agree/disagree? In a final paragraph or two, choose any parable Jesus tells, and apply lessons from Capon. (5%)

4) Write a 6-8 page term paper on the life/ministry/death/resurrection of Christ, quoting insights from the Claiborne and Wainscott handouts given in class; the Ray Van Der Laan videos watched in class, and at least two other sources (ideally from the recommended reading list and resources on course website). Spend at least a page or two comparing and contrasting the portraits of Jesus in the four gospels. Conclude with practical applications and life-lessons. How will this course impact your ministry? Be sure to note your sources. (30%)

Note: An alternative assigment to number 3 or 4 above is proposed here.

1) Welcome! 2)Herodian movie

2008-08-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

WELCOME!

What a great class on the Gospels we will have together this weekend!

This site is to provide resources, and interact on the material.
Tons of resources for your research is at right under "helpful resources and websites."

And by now you'll want to see again the Ray Van Der Laan video on Bethlehem/ Herodian we saw on opening night...partly because it was a great video....and partly because it will be on the test! (:

At least the question, "What is especially significant about Matthew's observation that 'in the days of Herod the King, Jesus was born..'"

First: Here is a pic of me with my friend Alex Awad, pastor of a church in Jerusalem and on staff at a Bible College a lot like our own LABI...only it's in Bethlehem, and as you can see, it has bullet holes on its sign.

Read more about the challenges of running a Bible College in Jesus' birthplace by clicking here.

On to the video below; enjoy! If you prefer, the content is helpfully presented in article form here.

Part 1:

Part 2: