: Robbie F. Castleman
: New Testament Essentials Father, Son, Spirit and Kingdom
: IVP Bible Studies
: 9780830896486
: The Essentials Set
: 1
: CHF 19.20
:
: Religion/Theologie
: English
: 151
: Wasserzeichen
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
'I was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ as a college student. The Jesus of the New Testament overwhelmed me, and by God?s grace Jesus still does,' writes professor Robbie Castleman, author of New Testament Essentials. Her love of Jesus and Scripture is evident in this study, which seeks to answer the question Jesus? disciples posed: 'What kind of man is this?' (Matthew 8:27). New Testament Essentials introduces us to the New Testament in three parts: The revelation of God in Jesus Christ, the indwelling of God in the church by the Holy Spirit and the present and coming kingdom of God. In each of the twelve studies the author helps us to hear Scripture in its own historical and cultural context before guiding us to apply it to our own context.Jesus? life, teachings and works were thoroughly grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures. And so each session includes a special feature called 'Connecting to the Old Testament.' Through this you will begin to discover the links between the two testaments and gain a fuller sense of our unfolding salvation history.Following a format similar to the other volumes of the Essentials series, each of the 12 sessions includes the following elements: - A memory verse - A Bible study - A reading - A life application section - 'Connecting to the Old Testament' feature Designed to work well on your own, with a partner or in a small group, New Testament Essentials offers a comprehensive overview that will enrich your knowledge and deepen your faith.

Robbie F. Castleman (D.Min., University of Dubuque) is professor of biblical studies and theology at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She previously served for several years as a staff member with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, specializing in ministry to graduate students at campuses in and around Tallahassee, Florida. She is the author of the Fisherman Bible Guides Miracles, Elijah, David and King David (Shaw/Waterbrook) and the IVP Connect LifeGuide Bible Study Peter, and she is a contributor to the book For All the Saints (Knox/Westminster).

1 /Jesus, the Messiah


Looking Ahead

MEMORY VERSE: Mark 8:34-35

BIBLE STUDY: Mark 8:27–9:8

READING: Learning to Recognize the New Testament Jesus

Messianic expectations in Second Temple Judaism (the time from the postexilic rebuilding that began with Haggai in 520B.C. to the destruction of Jerusalem inA.D. 70) centered on a new leader to deliver Israel from its occupying enemy, the Roman Empire. They were not expecting a Galilean rabbi who stood on a hilltop and said, “Love your enemies.” Consider this as you read through this study’s text.

Bible Study Guide

After reading Mark 8:27–9:8, spend some time reflecting on it with the following questions in mind before looking at the reading.

  1. How did Jesus initiate this conversation with his disciples concerning his identity and central mission?
  2. Peter focuses on Jesus’ identity as the “Christ,” the Greek term for the Jewish Messiah, the “anointed one.” What do you think Peter’s expectations were of the Christ as the anointed Messiah of Israel?
  3. Summarize what Jesus indicates as his own messianic expectations (v. 31).

    How might this description account for Peter’s rebuke (v. 32)?

  4. Notice that this rebuke in Mark’s Gospel is not explained in any detail. Compare Mark 8:32 with Matthew 16:22, which includes a bit more of Peter’s objection. How would you summarize Peter’s central concern?
  5. How does Jesus’ reaction to Peter indicate the significant differences between the messianic expectations of Peter and Jesus’ own?

    How does the teaching of Jesus that follows (Mark 8:34–9:1) address the contrast between Jesus’ mission and expectations of Israel for their Messiah?

  6. How do Jesus’ description of his mission and the expectation of those who follow Jesus as God’s anointed one contrast with that of Satan and his expectations and desires?

    How is this dynamic still a problem and a temptation for those who consider themselves Jesus’ disciples today?

  7. In all three Synoptic Gospels the transfiguration of Jesus follows this challenging teaching of Jesus near Caesarea Philippi. How might the transfiguration experience have been particularly helpful and meaningful for Peter after Jesus’ stern reaction to the disciple’s rebuke and the challenging teaching that followed?
  8. What is Peter’s initial response to the transfiguration?

    How does the declaration of God the Father (Mark 9:7) continue answering the question Jesus asked in Mark 8:27?

    How might the experience of seeing the transfiguration of Jesus help the disciples adjust their expectations of his mission in the light of his teaching and his identity?

  9. In the light of this Scripture study, how might disciples and congregations today still struggle with the person and message of the New Testament Jesus?
Reading: Learning to Recognize the New Testament Jesus

The narrative account of Jesus and his disciples as they journey near the area of Caesarea Philippi is the centerpiece of the Synoptic Gospels. The story’s placement within the Synoptic Gospels is right in the middle of each account, and this reflects the pivotal importance of how the first followers of Jesus struggled to come to terms with Jesus’ identity and mission. The wordsynoptic means “with one eye” and indicates how Matthew, Mark and Luke follow the same narrative sequence of events in the life of Jesus, with approximately the first half of each of these Gospels devoted to Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee. The second half of the Synoptic Gospels is devoted to the last week of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry in and around Jerusalem in Judea. If you were to sit down and read each of the Synoptic Go