The New Testament
A Historical and Theological Introduction
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Chapter
5. The Message of Jesus
Questions for Research and Discussion
- How do you think Jesus’ use of the phrase “kingdom of God” compares with how it is used most often today in the church and elsewhere? What sorts of similarities and differences are there?
- How does Matthew 13 contribute to our understanding of the kingdom of God?
- In what ways does Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom match up with common Jewish expectations during the first century? In what ways does it stretch these expectations?
- Discuss how the poetic passages in the first chapters of Luke contribute to our understanding of the kingdom of God? What are some key emphases found there?
- Discuss the role of Israel with regard to Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God.