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Gospels, Part 5: Jesus, Prophet of the Kingdom

January 14, 2012April 28, 2014Kirk WinslowLeave a comment

One of the greatest challenges to understanding the message of Jesus is knowing how to categorize him as a speaker. When those first audiences gathered, who did they think they were going to hear? A teacher? A philosopher? A political leader? Or something else?

In this fifth installment in the Next Steps into the Gospels course we examine Jesus’ rhetorical genre and identify him as an “apocalyptic prophet” – one who comes to proclaim God’s word to his people, one with a message that God is bringing the present age to it’s conclusion and ushering in the new era of salvation.

Gospels, Part 4: Satan, Demons, Devils and Exorcisms – Jesus’ Confrontation with Evil

December 15, 2011April 28, 2014Kirk WinslowLeave a comment

Few elements of the biblical story cause contemporary readers more difficulty than talk of demons and devils. To our (post-?)modern sensibilities, they seem, at best, misdiagnoses of psychiatric conditions, and, at worst, conjure images of the church at its most misguided (witch trial, anyone?). And yet, Jesus’ confrontation with demonic powers is a fundamental dimension of the Gospels. Indeed, it is his assertion that the “real” enemy is spiritual (not physical – e.g., Rome) that drives much of his messianic ministry (forgiving enemies instead of launching revolutions). And his ability to overpower that enemy – to “bind the strongman” – displays his divine authority.

In this episode we examine the story of Jesus’ exorcism of a man “possessed” by demons, and discover the many layers of meaning revealed in Jesus’ healing.

If you wish to read more on the subject of “Satan” specifically, see my recent post here.

Gospels, Part 3: Miracles – Salvation Enacted

December 6, 2011April 28, 2014Kirk WinslowLeave a comment

Much of Jesus’ ministry – and the Gospel descriptions thereof – revolve around his “miracles” (the Gk. word is best translated “works of power”). But what was their purpose? Did they simply serve to impress his audience, to demonstrate his might or authority? Or are they part and parcel of the declaration that “the kingdom of God has come near”?

In this episode we examine Jesus’ healing of a paralyzed man as a window into the larger ministry of salvation – of setting God’s creation right (both physically and judicially). In particular we explore Jewish expectations – rooted in the Hebrew scriptures – of what salvation would entail, and how Jesus’ fulfills and expands this vision.