Jesus: The New Way

By N T Wright

Session 3 – March 22, 2006

1. Last week Review….
1. Remember the theme of repentance and restoration. It was important to the Jewish understanding of them. It was reflected in Jesus’ teachings on such things as the Prodigal Son.
2. Jesus wasn’t out to lead a military revolution; nor did he simply give people a “good moral guide” for their lives. Rather, he was calling people to a different kind of life. One in which they truly did becomes lights unto the world.
   
   
2. Watch the Video
1. Listen for the discussion of symbolism and its importance.
   
   
3. What does ‘Messiah’ mean?
1. “The anointed One”
2. The messiah was essentially a royal figure – a king.
   
   
4. What did the Jews expect from their messiah?
1. Military victory over the gentiles – conqueror of the pagans
2. Restoration of complete Temple worship – right worship of God.
   
   
5. Why was symbolism important and how was it used in Jesus’ parables?
1. It delivered a coded message easily understood by that culture, and yet was not directly inflammatory towards the rulers.
2. It provided double meanings – Jesus’ parables had meanings within meanings. “Those who had ears to hear could hear”.
   
   
6. What symbolism (and trickery) do we hear in “Caesar’s Coin”
1. Jews caught with money in the pocket were discredited.
2. Jews heard Jesus condemn Rome without actually having to say so directly: “Give Rome what Rome is do” was clearly understood as God punishing them. Then the Jews can indeed give God what He is do – right worship.
   
   
7. What was the meaning behind the Cleansing of the Temple?
1. Jesus was dramatically symbolizing the destruction of the Temple and Temple worship. He was giving Jews a choice – live as he showed them they should (as lights of the world) or rebel and live in a secular life, in which case the faced destruction.
2. Ultimately Christ’s prophecy did, in fact, come true – the Temple was destroyed.