New Testament Overview
What does "Gospel' mean?
Good news
Who are the Essenes?
A Jewish, apocolyptic cult that John the Baptist belonged to.
What is the purpose of the Parable of the Sower?
To explain the way people heard and would respond to Jesus' teachings.
Why does Jesus curse the fig tree?
Figs were really common in Judea, but it's also just out of frustration.
Why is it significant that the Last Supper is a Passover meal?
Passover is already a highly symbolic, ritualistic meal.
True or false: like the Old Testament, the New Testament was written over almost 1000 years
False it was written over about 40 years.
Where did the writers of Mark live?
Southern Syria
Why was the public reading of scripture so important?
Many couldn't read at the time, but also, scripture is meant to be shared publically.
What do we learn about the Kingdom of God from the parable of the tenants?
That our time on this world is brief, and that someone will come after Jesus.
How does Jesus feel in the garden?
Alone
What are the two sections of the New Testament?
1) the Gospels
2) the Letters and Acts of the Apostles
Why does it matter that the first few disciples are fishermen?
What is the "dramatic shift" of the Jesus story?
When he turns over the tables in the Temple.
What was the Sanhedrin? What do they convict Jesus of?
It was the Jewish court. They "convict" Jesus of blasphemy.
How many books are in the New Testament?
27
Why is it significant that Jesus casts out demons and cures sick people (aside from the miraculous nature of these acts)?
Most others ran away from the sick, Jesus ran towards them. Most thought that people who were sick brought it upon themselves, Jesus did not.
What was the population of the city of Jerusalem when Jesus gets to the city?
It's three times as large because it's during Passover.
Why is the widow’s contribution so special?
Because she gave out of a lack, not out of an abundance.
What do we really know about Pilate? Is it likely that he was sympathetic to Jesus?
Pilate was extremely violent and it was unlikely he was sympathetic to Jesus.
True or false: The New Testament seeks to fulfill prophecies made in the Old Testament
True.
For some understanding as to why you may want to review this video:
Who are the scribes? Why does Jesus have problems with them?
They were very well educated but seemed unconcerned with the spirit of the law. The scribes were not always interested in actually helping people.
What was the political climate of the Roman Empire like?
It was very brutal for non- Roman citizens, especially. This video is a good review of that context.
What meal are the disciples eating during the Last Supper?
Passover
Who really killed Jesus?
The Romans.