Jesus

The Foundations of Jesus’ Ministry

This chapter explores the key decisions and early events that shaped Jesus’ public ministry. From his baptism by John, culminating in his forty days in the wilderness, where he made crucial decisions about his mission, to the calling of his apostles, Jesus established the spiritual principles and mission that would define his work.

Four Eventful Days and the First Preaching Tour

Jesus begins his public work with the apostles, preaching in synagogues and healing the sick while crowds continue to gather. Notably, his healing powers and the growing size of the multitudes mark a shift in his ministry’s prominence. This tour gives his apostles an opportunity to put into practice their training as Jesus heals, preaches, and navigates the delicate balance between John’s followers and his own.

The Second and Third Preaching Tours

Jesus expands his reach during the second and third preaching tours, training evangelists, and teaching spiritual truths through parables. The ministry focuses less on miracles and more on preaching as Jesus begins his journey to Nazareth and further afield. This chapter also covers Jesus' formation of a Women’s Evangelistic Corps and his reasons for introducing parables into his teaching methods.

Healing Prominence and a Planned Miracle

This chapter covers Jesus' rise in prominence as a healer, with crowds following his every move. It also includes one of his major miracles that he did with forethought and intention, the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle led the people to declare him king, only to be rebuked when he emphasized the spiritual nature of his kingdom.

The Epochal Sermon and Beginning His Final Phase

In his epochal sermon, Jesus’ teachings move toward deeper spiritual truths and focus on the concept of spiritual liberty, causing division among his followers. It concludes with Peter's confession of Jesus as the Son of God, marking the beginning of the fourth and final stage of his life on earth.

The Decapolis Tour and Jerusalem Feasts

Jesus and his apostles tour the Decapolis, preaching to both Jews and gentiles while continuing to avoid political entanglements. At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus makes bold declarations of his divinity, creating more division among the Jewish leaders. The focus of this chapter is on the growing opposition to Jesus from the religious authorities as he starts to preach more directly.

Confronting the Religious Authorities

Jesus confronts the Jewish religious leaders at the Feast of Dedication and during the healing of the blind beggar, Josiah. His actions and teachings provoke the leaders to intensify their efforts to undermine him, yet his miracles continue to draw followers. His public teachings, especially his pronouncements in Solomon's Porch, further challenge the traditional religious system.

Parables, Teachings, and the Resurrection of Lazarus

Jesus continues his teachings through parables, deepening the spiritual understanding of his followers while further emphasizing forgiveness and faith. The resurrection of Lazarus is a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating his authority over life and death and foreshadowing his own resurrection. This miracle accelerates the opposition from the Jewish authorities as they see Jesus’ influence growing.

Last Teachings and Preparations at Pella

As Jesus prepares for the culmination of his earthly mission, he focuses on teaching at Pella, using the parable of the prodigal son and the shrewd steward to emphasize forgiveness, salvation, and spiritual readiness. This chapter highlights Jesus’ final teachings on the kingdom of heaven and the importance of spiritual preparedness as he nears his final entry into Jerusalem. His teachings are a reflection of the deeper spiritual truths that will define his last days on earth.

The Triumphal Arrival and Cleansing the Temple

Jesus' final journey through Southern Perea highlighted teachings on humility, marriage, and salvation, culminating in the healing of a blind man in Jericho – his last public miracle. Entering Jerusalem, he was met with praise, but tension with religious leaders escalated. His temple cleansing and final teachings signified defiance against sacred commercialization and set the stage for the events leading to his crucifixion, fulfilling his mission of spiritual redemption.

The Final Days of Public Ministry

Jesus faces challenges from religious authorities who attempt to trap him with political and theological questions, but he responds with wisdom, exposing their hypocrisy and revealing deeper spiritual truths. In his final public discourse on sonship and citizenship, Jesus condemns the leaders' arrogance, warns of Jerusalem's destruction as a consequence of rejecting truth, and withdraws for solitude while Judas plots betrayal.