Life of Christ Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and around Perea.

Life of ChristLife of Christ

Part Nine: The Ministry of Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and around PereaChrist in and around Perea

Overview of Christ’s Public Overview of Christ’s Public MinistryMinistry

Birt

h

First Year

OPENINGEVENTS

4 months

Joh

n in

trod

uces

Jesu

s

EARLYMINISTRIES

OBSCURITY(VANISHING)

Largely in Judea

8 months

POPULARITY(DECLINING)

Jesu

s re

turn

s to

G

alile

e

Jesu

s a

pp

oin

ts th

e

Tw

elv

e

4 mos. 10 mos.

Galilee

Second Year

PRIVATEPREPARATION

Around Galilee

6 months

To T

yre

an

d

Sid

on

CONCLUDINGMINISTRIES

3 Mos. 3 Mos.

OPPOSITION(INCREASING)

Third Year

Judea Perea

Tab

ern

acle

s

PUBLICPRESENTATION

Ded

icatio

n Passove

r

Geography of Geography of Life of ChristLife of Christ

Key Regions:

Judea

Galilee

Decapolis

Perea

Samaria

Jerusalem

3 months

. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?)

3 months

Principles of DiscipleshipPrinciples of Discipleship From Jerusalem to Perea (John 10:40-42)From Jerusalem to Perea (John 10:40-42)

This departure begins a period of about 3 months, from This departure begins a period of about 3 months, from the Feast of Dedication until the week of Passover. the Feast of Dedication until the week of Passover. Many in Perea “believed in Him” (John 10:42).Many in Perea “believed in Him” (John 10:42).

Question about salvation and entering the Question about salvation and entering the Kingdom (Luke 13:22-30)Kingdom (Luke 13:22-30) This question was prompted by the surprisingly small This question was prompted by the surprisingly small

number of people who were following Jesus as Messiah. number of people who were following Jesus as Messiah. Jesus warned that many who thought they would enter Jesus warned that many who thought they would enter the kingdom, as descendants of Abraham, would not.the kingdom, as descendants of Abraham, would not.

Anticipation of His coming death and lament over Anticipation of His coming death and lament over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35)Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35) Perea belonged to Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction, as did Perea belonged to Herod Antipas’ jurisdiction, as did

Galilee. Perhaps the Pharisees were seeking to force Galilee. Perhaps the Pharisees were seeking to force Jesus back towards Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin had Jesus back towards Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin had more control. In any case, He knew that His time had not more control. In any case, He knew that His time had not yet come and thus was not intimidated by their threat.yet come and thus was not intimidated by their threat.

Principles of DiscipleshipPrinciples of Discipleship Healing of a man with dropsy while eating with a Pharisaic Healing of a man with dropsy while eating with a Pharisaic

leader on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-24)leader on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-24) Clearly this occasion was staged so that the Pharisees might Clearly this occasion was staged so that the Pharisees might

gather evidence against Jesus; they wanted to witness His gather evidence against Jesus; they wanted to witness His breaking of Sabbath through healing the sick man.breaking of Sabbath through healing the sick man.

Jesus used the occasion to teach three important lessons:Jesus used the occasion to teach three important lessons: The importance of The importance of humilityhumility instead of maneuvering to secure the instead of maneuvering to secure the

places of honor (vv. 7-11);places of honor (vv. 7-11); The importance of The importance of impartialityimpartiality in choosing whom to invite (vv. 12-14); in choosing whom to invite (vv. 12-14); The importance of making The importance of making the Kingdom of God the highest prioritythe Kingdom of God the highest priority

and not forfeiting the chance to enter (vv. 15-24).and not forfeiting the chance to enter (vv. 15-24). Cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)Cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

Jesus’ ministry in Perea attracted great attention. Convinced that Jesus’ ministry in Perea attracted great attention. Convinced that He was the Messiah, the people followed Him closely in He was the Messiah, the people followed Him closely in anticipation of the establishment of the Kingdom. Jesus took this anticipation of the establishment of the Kingdom. Jesus took this opportunity to discourage those who had joined the multitude for opportunity to discourage those who had joined the multitude for superficial reasons and to prepare His disciples for the worst kind superficial reasons and to prepare His disciples for the worst kind of adversity.of adversity.

Parables in defense of associations with sinners (Luke 15:1-Parables in defense of associations with sinners (Luke 15:1-32)32) There are two significant features that prompted these parables:There are two significant features that prompted these parables:

Jesus’ enemies were still watching His every move with evil intent.Jesus’ enemies were still watching His every move with evil intent. These enemies lacked the love that the tax-gatherers and sinners These enemies lacked the love that the tax-gatherers and sinners

found so appealing in Jesus.found so appealing in Jesus.

Principles of DiscipleshipPrinciples of Discipleship Parable to teach the proper use of money (Luke 16:1-13)Parable to teach the proper use of money (Luke 16:1-13)

Jesus commends the steward’s wisdom in using wealth to Jesus commends the steward’s wisdom in using wealth to secure his future, not his dishonest means. The main point: secure his future, not his dishonest means. The main point: money can be used to bring blessing to others and thereby money can be used to bring blessing to others and thereby make provision for a warm welcome by others in an eternal make provision for a warm welcome by others in an eternal home.home.

Story to teach the danger of wealth (Luke 16:14-31)Story to teach the danger of wealth (Luke 16:14-31) This section comes in response to the Pharisees’ reaction to This section comes in response to the Pharisees’ reaction to

Jesus’ instruction on money. Jesus’ instruction on money. He speaks to the Pharisees in light of their persuasion that God had He speaks to the Pharisees in light of their persuasion that God had

granted them wealth because they had carefully kept the Law. granted them wealth because they had carefully kept the Law. Their external observances did not please God, and they actually Their external observances did not please God, and they actually

broke the Law by adding traditions such as permitting divorce. broke the Law by adding traditions such as permitting divorce. The story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly illustrates that riches The story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly illustrates that riches

were not necessarily a sign of God’s favor.were not necessarily a sign of God’s favor. Four lessons on discipleship (Luke 17:1-10)Four lessons on discipleship (Luke 17:1-10)

Warning against causing others to sin (vv. 1-2)Warning against causing others to sin (vv. 1-2) Forgiving a repentant brother (vv. 3-4)Forgiving a repentant brother (vv. 3-4) The power of faith (even a little goes a long way) (vv. 5-6)The power of faith (even a little goes a long way) (vv. 5-6) The insufficiency of works to gain special honor (vv. 7-10)The insufficiency of works to gain special honor (vv. 7-10)

Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Tour through Samaria and Tour through Samaria and

GalileeGalilee Sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16)Sickness and death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16)

Jesus purposely delayed in visiting Lazarus, so that He would not be Jesus purposely delayed in visiting Lazarus, so that He would not be there until he died. He went to Judea despite the dangers in being there until he died. He went to Judea despite the dangers in being there. The raising of Lazarus was clearly designed to bring glory to God there. The raising of Lazarus was clearly designed to bring glory to God and His Son (v. 4). It occurred some 4 to 6 weeks before Passover.and His Son (v. 4). It occurred some 4 to 6 weeks before Passover.

Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:17-44)Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:17-44) This was a highly emotional moment for Jesus. He wept not for the loss This was a highly emotional moment for Jesus. He wept not for the loss

of Lazarus, for He was about to bring him back from the dead. Why did of Lazarus, for He was about to bring him back from the dead. Why did Jesus weep in this situation?Jesus weep in this situation?

Through sin death had gained its power.Through sin death had gained its power. Through sin the mourners were mistaken in their concept of death.Through sin the mourners were mistaken in their concept of death. Because of sin He was about to bring Lazarus back from a better place.Because of sin He was about to bring Lazarus back from a better place. Because of sin Jesus would become a criminal in the eyes of the authorities.Because of sin Jesus would become a criminal in the eyes of the authorities.

Decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death (John 11:45-54)Decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death (John 11:45-54) Caiaphas’ intention by his words was that Jesus must be put to death in Caiaphas’ intention by his words was that Jesus must be put to death in

order that the Jews who were in power under the Roman occupation order that the Jews who were in power under the Roman occupation might remain so. But John notes that God, because of Caiaphas’ office might remain so. But John notes that God, because of Caiaphas’ office as High Priest, used his words to mean something very different: that as High Priest, used his words to mean something very different: that Christ would serve as a substitutionary atonement for the Jews and Christ would serve as a substitutionary atonement for the Jews and Gentiles.Gentiles.

The Sanhedrin convenes and officially decides to have Jesus killed. The The Sanhedrin convenes and officially decides to have Jesus killed. The Sadducees took the lead in opposing Jesus from this point forward, Sadducees took the lead in opposing Jesus from this point forward, since a resurrection was now the center of attention in Jerusalem – since a resurrection was now the center of attention in Jerusalem – something which their theology denied.something which their theology denied.

Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Raising of Lazarus and a Brief Tour through Samaria and Tour through Samaria and

GalileeGalilee Healing of ten lepers while passing through Healing of ten lepers while passing through Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11-21)Samaria and Galilee (Luke 17:11-21) Jesus’ circular route to Jerusalem (“through Samaria and Jesus’ circular route to Jerusalem (“through Samaria and

Galilee”) may be explained by His desire to join pilgrims Galilee”) may be explained by His desire to join pilgrims who were traveling from Galilee through Perea to who were traveling from Galilee through Perea to Jerusalem for Passover.Jerusalem for Passover.

Was the Pharisees’ question sincere?Was the Pharisees’ question sincere? The Kingdom of God certainly was not “within” the The Kingdom of God certainly was not “within” the

Pharisees. Rather, it was “among” them because Jesus the Pharisees. Rather, it was “among” them because Jesus the King was among them. This was the kingdom whose arrival King was among them. This was the kingdom whose arrival Jesus had already announced (Matt 12:28), but was in a Jesus had already announced (Matt 12:28), but was in a form different from that described in the OT. The form different from that described in the OT. The subsequent verses describe the kingdom as the disciples subsequent verses describe the kingdom as the disciples knew it from the OT, but this would only come after the Son knew it from the OT, but this would only come after the Son of Man’s rejection. of Man’s rejection.

Instructions regarding the Son of Man’s coming Instructions regarding the Son of Man’s coming (Luke 17:22-37)(Luke 17:22-37) This passage speaks of the separation that occurs when This passage speaks of the separation that occurs when

the Son of Man comes. The unprepared, overcome by the Son of Man comes. The unprepared, overcome by worldly pursuits, will be taken away to judgment, but the worldly pursuits, will be taken away to judgment, but the faithful will enter the joys of the kingdom.faithful will enter the joys of the kingdom.

Teaching while on Final Teaching while on Final Journey to JerusalemJourney to Jerusalem

Two parables on prayer: the importunate widow Two parables on prayer: the importunate widow and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:1-14)and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:1-14) The first parable sought to prepare the disciples for a The first parable sought to prepare the disciples for a

delay in His return, teaching them not to be discouraged delay in His return, teaching them not to be discouraged by the delay but to persist in faith and prayer.by the delay but to persist in faith and prayer.

The second parable was probably addressed to the The second parable was probably addressed to the Pharisees among the crowd, who trusted in their Pharisees among the crowd, who trusted in their righteousness. It emphasized the need for humility.righteousness. It emphasized the need for humility.

Conflict with the Pharisaic teaching on divorce Conflict with the Pharisaic teaching on divorce (Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12)(Matt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12) In light of Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of the In light of Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of the

marriage bond, His enemies thought they had caught marriage bond, His enemies thought they had caught Him in contradiction to Moses. Jesus’ took them from Him in contradiction to Moses. Jesus’ took them from dealing with the aftermath of divorce in Deut 24 to the dealing with the aftermath of divorce in Deut 24 to the original commandment in Genesis 2.original commandment in Genesis 2.

Example of little children in relation to the Example of little children in relation to the Kingdom (Matt 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke Kingdom (Matt 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)18:15-17) The Kingdom belongs to those who are like children The Kingdom belongs to those who are like children

because they trust implicitly in their Father.because they trust implicitly in their Father.


Riches and the Kingdom (Matt 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Riches and the Kingdom (Matt 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30)Luke 18:18-30) It was inconceivable to the Jews of Jesus’ day that wealth could It was inconceivable to the Jews of Jesus’ day that wealth could

be a hindrance to enter the Kingdom, for they viewed wealth be a hindrance to enter the Kingdom, for they viewed wealth as a sign of God’s favor. While wealth is not sinful itself, too as a sign of God’s favor. While wealth is not sinful itself, too many in Jesus’ day regarded material things above God.many in Jesus’ day regarded material things above God.

Parable of the landowner’s sovereignty (Matt 20:1-16)Parable of the landowner’s sovereignty (Matt 20:1-16) This parable is a further response to Peter’s question in Matt This parable is a further response to Peter’s question in Matt

19:27, and an explanation of “but many who are first shall be 19:27, and an explanation of “but many who are first shall be last; and the last, first” (Matt 19:30). Jesus was warning His last; and the last, first” (Matt 19:30). Jesus was warning His disciples against assuming that their favored position in the disciples against assuming that their favored position in the Kingdom would be the result of longer service or more works Kingdom would be the result of longer service or more works performed.performed.

Third prediction of the resurrection (Matt 20:17-19; Mark Third prediction of the resurrection (Matt 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34) The fear mentioned in Mark 10:32 was probably a fear of what The fear mentioned in Mark 10:32 was probably a fear of what

Jesus’ enemies would do to Him. In spite of Jesus’ explicit Jesus’ enemies would do to Him. In spite of Jesus’ explicit words concerning His death, the twelve still did not words concerning His death, the twelve still did not comprehend it (Luke 18:34). They still expected Jesus to reveal comprehend it (Luke 18:34). They still expected Jesus to reveal Himself as the Messianic conqueror, restore the Davidic throne Himself as the Messianic conqueror, restore the Davidic throne in Jerusalem, and establish the Kingdom predicted by the in Jerusalem, and establish the Kingdom predicted by the prophets. prophets.


Warning against ambitious pride (Matt 20:20-Warning against ambitious pride (Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45)28; Mark 10:35-45) The question by James and John was The question by James and John was

understandable in light of Jesus’ earlier words understandable in light of Jesus’ earlier words concerning the twelve’s position on twelve thrones concerning the twelve’s position on twelve thrones in the kingdom. Yet not only had James and John in the kingdom. Yet not only had James and John missed the point on the importance of humility, missed the point on the importance of humility, they had also failed to realize that there were they had also failed to realize that there were would be a delay in the kingdom because of would be a delay in the kingdom because of Messiah’s coming passion.Messiah’s coming passion.

Healing of blind Bartimaeus and his Healing of blind Bartimaeus and his companion (Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; companion (Matt 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43)Luke 18:35-43) Matthew describes two victims while Mark and Luke Matthew describes two victims while Mark and Luke

write only about one. The latter two gospels focus write only about one. The latter two gospels focus on the more vocal of the pair. The miracle was on the more vocal of the pair. The miracle was evidently performed as Jesus left the city (Matt evidently performed as Jesus left the city (Matt 20:29; Mark 10:46) though He first encountered the 20:29; Mark 10:46) though He first encountered the men when He approached the city (Luke 18:35).men when He approached the city (Luke 18:35).


Salvation of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10)Salvation of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10) The despised occupation of tax-gatherer could not nullify The despised occupation of tax-gatherer could not nullify

the birth right of Zaccheus; Jesus was divinely compelled the birth right of Zaccheus; Jesus was divinely compelled (“must” in v. 5) to give him an opportunity to repent. (“must” in v. 5) to give him an opportunity to repent. This was visible fruit of Jesus’ outreach to tax-gatherers.This was visible fruit of Jesus’ outreach to tax-gatherers.

Parable to teach responsibility while the Kingdom Parable to teach responsibility while the Kingdom is delayed (Luke 19:11-28)is delayed (Luke 19:11-28) Spoken in Jericho, just 15 miles from Jerusalem, this Spoken in Jericho, just 15 miles from Jerusalem, this

parable was designed to prepare the listeners for what parable was designed to prepare the listeners for what might be an extended delay before the institution of the might be an extended delay before the institution of the kingdom on earth. Jesus’ followers fully expected Him to kingdom on earth. Jesus’ followers fully expected Him to establish that kingdom when He arrived in Jerusalem.establish that kingdom when He arrived in Jerusalem.

The lesson of the parable is twofold:The lesson of the parable is twofold: While awaiting the kingdom, the disciples were to apply While awaiting the kingdom, the disciples were to apply

themselves diligently to the King’s business.themselves diligently to the King’s business. The Jews who refused to acknowledge Him as King were The Jews who refused to acknowledge Him as King were

given a stern warning regarding the consequences of given a stern warning regarding the consequences of rejecting Him.rejecting Him.

Next Time:Next Time:

Part Ten: The Formal Part Ten: The Formal Presentation of Christ to Israel Presentation of Christ to Israel

and the Resulting Conflictand the Resulting Conflict

Life of Christ Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and around Perea.

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Transcript of Life of Christ Part Nine: The Ministry of Christ in and around Perea.