Simply Jesus: Small Group Edition

Name: Simply Jesus: Small Group Edition
Rating: 4.8 (362 reviews)

A Walk Through the Life and Times of Jesus

Created byN.T. Wright, David P. Seemuth, Jennifer Loop

Last updated 3/2020

English

What you'll learn

Understand the story of Jesus of Nazareth, not as a 'religious figure', but as a person who lived, taught, worked, and carried out his mission within a 1st Century A.D. historical context.
Explain the role of Jesus within his context and understand the difficulties and resistance to who he was and to what he said.
Understand some of the key biblical texts which speak of the life, teachings, and work of Jesus within the literary and cultural setting of his day
Discern the various political and philosophical movements that provided the backdrop for the actions of Jesus and which provide further meaning to Jesus' life story.
Embrace an understanding of the Jesus of history and not simply the traditions which emerged centuries after his death.
Examine the narrative of the story of Jesus to see his works within a Jewish context as a fulfillment of the work of the God of Israel and the vindication of that work through the resurrection from the dead.

Course content

7 sections • 50 lectures • 5h 3m total length

For Leaders - Discussion Questions and Biblical Text to Print0:04
All the sets of Discussion Questions and corresponding Biblical Texts are all attached here in PDF form for printing.
Course Overview of Simply Jesus: Small Group Edition2:56
Simply Jesus: Introduction with Prof. N.T. Wright9:52
Discussion Questions: Introduction to Simply Jesus0:54
The Biblical Text: Luke 33:22
Prof. Wright reads the biblical text from Luke Chapter Three as the foundation for his upcoming lecture.
Luke 3 with Prof. N.T. Wright16:25
Discussion Questions: Luke 30:40

The Biblical Text: Luke 4:14-302:19
Prof. Wright reads the biblical text from Luke 4:14-30 describing a dramatic encounter which Jesus has in his home town of Nazareth. This forms the basis for Prof. Wright's upcoming lecture.
Luke 4:14-30 with Prof. N.T. Wright14:17
Prof. Wright presents the description where Jesus enters his hometown, Nazareth, to deliver a message to which his hearers object. Initial amazement leads to rejection of Jesus and his message.
Discussion Questions: Luke 4:14-300:48
The Biblical Text: Matthew 5:1-202:31
Prof. Wright reads from Matthew 5:1-20. This section of the New Testament is often called 'The Beatitudes' within the greater 'Sermon on the Mount' which Jesus speaks to his audience.
Matthew 5:1-20 with Prof. N.T. Wright15:58
Discussion Questions: Matthew 5:1-200:32

The Biblical Text: Mark 4:1-202:43
In this reading from the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus telling what is known as 'The Parable of the Sower'. This well-known parable is often misunderstood when taken out of its historical and literary context.
Mark 4:1-20 with Prof. N.T. Wright15:33
Discussion Questions: Mark 4:1-200:34
The Biblical Text: Luke 154:24
Luke 15 contains a collection of parables further explaining the nature of the Kingdom of God. This section also includes the 'Parable of the Lost Son', often represented in paintings as well as in sermons. This parable is one of the most emotive stories in the Gospels, yet its fuller meaning is often lost.
Luke 15 with Prof. N.T. Wright18:16
Discussion Questions: Luke 150:45
The Biblical Text: Mark 7:1-232:51
Mark 7:1-23 with Prof. N.T. Wright15:04
Discussion Questions: Mark 7:1-230:46
The Biblical Text: Mark 8:22-9:12:38
Mark 8:22-9:1 with Prof. N.T. Wright16:54
Discussion Questions: Mark 8:22-9:10:34

Requirements

Students should obtain the textbook, Simply Jesus, by N.T. Wright (HarperOne, 2011) ISBN: 0062084399. The book is available in print, digital and audio formats.

Description

In this course Simply Jesus, students will be immersed in the 1st Century A.D. context of the life, work, teachings, and actions of Jesus of Nazareth. The goal of the course is to look at the story of Jesus from the perspective of a historian. Too many times Jesus of Nazareth becomes interpreted as simply another 'religious figure' among many religious figures. But this so often eliminates the understanding of a man who lived in time and space at a critical time of history.

This course is meant for all audiences. No previous theological study is required or expected. In this way it is meant to give a basic understanding of Jesus as a figure in history primarily.

Prof. Wright will lecture on key biblical texts to walk the student through the different elements that constitute the story of Jesus. In addition there you will have discussion questions to help you think more intently about the material presented.

This course tries to focus on essential biblical texts and non-biblical historical material to embrace the larger story of a Jesus of history. This course is to be taken in tandem with the reading of Prof. Wright's book, Simply Jesus. In Simply Jesus, bestselling author and leading Bible scholar N.T. Wright summarizes 200 years of modern Biblical scholarship and models how Christians can best retell the story of Jesus today. In a style similar to C.S. Lewis’s popular works, Wright breaks down the barriers that prevent Christians from fully engaging with the story of Jesus.

We trust that the material and the dialogue with other students will be encouraging and enlightening for all.

Who this course is for:

This is an entry level course for anyone wishing to understand the story of the life of Jesus from the point of view of a historian examining the 1st Century A.D. context.
This course is not for those who wish to debate the existence of the historical Jesus or for those who wish to enter into religious debates.

Simply Jesus: Small Group Edition

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Course content

Introduction to the Course and to Udemy7 lectures • 34min

The Introduction of the King and the Kingdom Way6 lectures • 36min

Parables and Teachings of Jesus Leads to Questions and Mystery Among His Hearers12 lectures • 1hr 21min

Jesus Gives Clear Declaration of His Mission and Actions Leading to Jerusalem9 lectures • 53min

Jesus Marches to His Betrayal, Trial, Suffering, and to His Death6 lectures • 41min

Jesus Shows Himself to Be Alive After His Death6 lectures • 39min

Back to the Beginning with Jesus4 lectures • 19min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: