The Life and Teaching of Jesus (Gospels)
Gospel questions test knowledge of Jesus' life, titles and teaching, and the ability to explain a passage's meaning rather than merely retell it.
Life and identity
- Infancy narratives (Matt 1-2; Luke 1-2) present Jesus as David's heir and Emmanuel, born of the virgin Mary.
- Baptism, temptation and the calling of disciples launch the ministry; the transfiguration (Mark 9) previews his glory.
- Titles: Christ/Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man (Daniel 7 - authority and suffering), Lord. Each needs a one-line explanation, not just a list.
Teaching
- The kingdom of God is central: present in Jesus' person and deeds, future in consummation - 'already and not yet'.
- Parables carry a single main point: the sower on response to the word, the good Samaritan on neighbour-love, the prodigal son on costly forgiveness.
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7): Beatitudes, love of enemies, the Lord's Prayer, the golden rule, treasure and worry. Discipleship means taking up the cross.
Passion and resurrection
- Last Supper, Gethsemane, trial before Pilate, crucifixion, burial, empty tomb and resurrection appearances. The Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) sends disciples to all nations.
Worked example
'What did Jesus mean by the kingdom of God?' Begin with the announcement (Mark 1:15): God's reign drawing near in Jesus, demanding repentance, demonstrated in healings and exorcisms, embodied in the church, completed at his return.
Traps
- Preaching that the kingdom is only future or only inward.
- Mixing details from different Gospels without naming the source.
- Treating 'Son of Man' as a claim to mere humanity.