
Prof. Wright reads the biblical text from Luke Chapter Three as the foundation for his upcoming lecture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 will be quizzes and discussion questions to help the student 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.