Was Jesus only a teacher of wisdom?

• a parable are simple simple stories with deep meanng
• an example of a parable is Parable of the Good Samaritan
• The golden rule is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
• the beatitudes is a series of blessings which highlight values such as humility, mercy and peacemakers
• 3 characteristics of Jesus' moral teaching is practical application, inner transformation and universal themes.
• Crossman, Birg and Ehrman are common regarding their approach to the person of Christ by valuing the historical context of the time Jesus was teaching
• Crossman- political context
• a response to Jesus was just a teacher of wisdom is that Jesus' own teachings shows his divinity.
• he often highlights Jesus' teachings and actions within the socio-political context of first-century Palestine- John Dominic Crossman
• Ehrman- historical methods
• Borg- historical context
• Can Jesus be considered as only a teacher of wisdom?
• Historical context is competent
• Jesus' teachings are still influential
• His teachings carry great meaning
• His teachings cannot be fully understood without acknowledging divine aspects
• Jesus' divinity

  Biblical descriptions are meant to be metaphorically understood rather than literally
• Jesus' connection with God

  Deeper spiritual connection rather than a literal physical incarnation of God
• The Bible clearly attests to Jesus' divine nature and identity as God incarnate
• The Gospel of John: '"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."'
• Emphasis on Jesus' Humanity

  • Social prophet
  • Challenged political and religious authorities
• Philippians 2:6-7: '"Jesus, being in very nature God... made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."'
• Teachings of Jesus

  • Sermon on the Mount
  • Parable of the Prodigal Son
• Teaching about Anger

  1. Do not commit murder

  2. Make peace with your brother
• Teaching about Adultery

  1. Do not commit adultery

  2. Avoid lustful thoughts
• Teaching about Divorce

  1. Give written notice of divorce

  2. Guilty of making her commit adultery if unfaithful
• Teaching about Vows

  1. Do not break your promise

  2. Just say Yes or No
• Teaching about Revenge

  1. Do not take revenge

  2. Turn the other cheek
• Love for Enemies

  1. Love your enemies

  2. Pray for those who persecute you
• Parable of the Lost Son

  • Story of the younger son
  • Father's forgiveness
• Marcus Borg emphasized understanding Jesus within his historical and cultural context
• Metaphorical interpretations

  Jesus' divinity should be understood symbolically
• Jesus as a spiritual person

  Profound awareness of the divine presence
• Emphasis on Wisdom Teachings

  Jesus' ethical teachings provide guidance on living a meaningful life
• Borg distinguished between the "pre-Easter Jesus" and the "post-Easter Jesus"
• Borg was skeptical of the historical accuracy of miracle stories
• Borg interpreted the resurrection as a metaphor for transformation
• Emphasis on Jesus' Humanity

  • Social prophet
  • Challenged authorities
• Mark 10:45: '"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."'
• Philippians 2:6-7

  Affirms both Jesus' divinity and humanity