DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the historical and theological significance of key aspects of Jesus' life and ministry, including his baptism, temptation, proclamation of the kingdom, miracles, parables, call to discipleship, death, and resurrection, for the life and faith of the church.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Jesus' mission, message, and identity are foundational to understanding the Gospels, the ministry of the church, the identity and character of God, and God's mission in the world. Successful completion of the course should equip the student to preach and teach from the Gospels with greater sensitivity and skill, to understand Jesus more fully, and to interpret the quest for Jesus to the church today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated:

1. understanding of the significance of key events in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth;

2. reflection on the relationship between exegesis of Gospel texts and theological reflection on those texts and their place in NT Theology;

3. critical reflection on recent interpretations of Jesus and his mission.

Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Greek-English, 7th ed. United Bible Societies, 1984.

Beilby, James K. and Paul R. Eddy. The Historical Jesus: Five Views. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Borg, Marcus J., and N. T. Wright. The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions. HarperSanFrancisco, 1999.

Green, Joel B., Scot McKnight, and I. Howard Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. InterVarsity Press, 1991.

McClymond, Michael J. Familiar Stranger: An Introduction to Jesus of Nazareth. Eerdmans, 2004.

Keener, Craig. The Historical Jesus of the Gospels. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.

Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.

1. Written assignments on the Gospels (55% of the grade)

2. A critical review of The Historical Jesus: Five Views (20% of the grade)

3. Final essay examination (25% of the grade)