Description

This course seeks to understand Jesus' mission and message primarily within his first-century Palestinian setting as the one in whom Yahweh's covenant with Israel finds its culmination. The course will begin with a brief overview of modern "Life of Jesus" research and an introduction to the nature of the sources for Jesus' life and teachings, noting in particular issues related to the canonical Gospels. Attention will then be focused on the major elements of Jesus' life, particularly the nature and meaning of his mighty words, mighty deeds, death and resurrection in the light of Old Testament hopes and prevailing Jewish "messianic" expectations. As appropriate there will be some reflection on how it is that Israel's story then becomes the story of the whole world.