After finishing my Master’s in Youth and Family Ministry, I began a intentional study of the Gospels with the desire to broaden my understanding (and knowledge) of Jesus and his teaching. I found in the Master’s program a general lack of focus on Jesus. Not necessarily John Brown University’s portion of the program as scope of my studies at JBU were generally focused on culture and relationships. In the Biblical studies portion at KI (Kanakuk Institute), it seemed that time spent on topical issues could have been better centered around the teachings and life of Jesus… So anyway, since there was some lack I’ve taken it upon myself to delve into the Gospels and see what God does (and there is an expectation that He will do something).
In reading through the Gospels (I just finished John last week) I found that Jesus was an enigma to many of the people around him, Pharisees, Disciples, Tax Collectors, Prostitutes, Samaritans, Pilate, all seemed not to fully understand him, his ways, and his teaching. I can’t help but be awed at the patience that Jesus had with his own disciples who on the eve of him being arrested didn’t fully understand the ‘Kingdom of God’ that Jesus talked of incessantly. The question that haunts me this evening is this: How many christians are still confused or have misunderstood his revolutionary message? From where I sit, it seems as though the vast majority are as misguided as Peter who cut off the servants ear in the garden of Gethsemane – full of displaced passion and unsound zeal.
In my quest for understanding, I am now reading other commentary on these books, but not the normal commentary… a new kind of commentary, put out by The Voice a collection of commentary on the gospels that deconstruct the gospels and attempt to put them back into literary prose.
 |
The Voice of Luke: not even sandals by Brian McLaren, et al. The Voice partners known authors with theologians, professors and others to create a team that tackles the gospel narrative into a story format. Brian McLaren was chosen to rediscover Luke and Acts as his unique style is very much like Luke’s exacting and descriptive approach found in his letters to Theophilus. |
I just started this book yesterday and have found it to be very intriguing and different in style, and also very engrossing. I will keep you up on the progress made as I bought Matthew and Acts as well, and hope to finish all the gospels within the year. My hope is to be able to effectively communicate the “story of the Christ” without sounding like a 15th century clergyman… Thine will be thou emissary to thee.
No Comments on "deconstruction of the gospels…"
Quite an undertaking — I’m tempted to follow suit because the gospels are each so unique even in their harmony. I took an Early Christianity class in college and remember hearing a little bit about the differences in tone and emphasis. Off the top of my head, the only thing I remember is Mark’s sense of urgency — a lot of “ands,” one after another in the beginning. I’ll check back for more insight. Can’t wait!
Isaiah 50:4 (New American Standard Bible)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of (A)disciples,
That I may know how to (B)sustain the weary one with a word
He awakens Me (C)morning by morning,
He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Cross references:
Isaiah 50:4 : Is 8:16; 54:13
Isaiah 50:4 : Is 57:19; Jer 31:25
Isaiah 50:4 : Ps 5:3; 88:13; 119:147; 143:8
This verse I have come to understand speaks of our Lord Yahushuah who lived a life which exemplifies the Spirit filled life. A disciple is a learner. I believe that this verse shows us that our Lord listened to the Father each morning in order to have the tongue of a learner in order to have something from the Father in order to sustain the weary one with a word.
To become a learner of our sweet Lord Yahushuah is the calling. To learn of Him and to become like Him by gaining the tongue of a disciple, ministering daily fresh and appropiate words for the weary ones because we have listened or learned of the Father morning by morning. Oh, that this would become a reality in my life! Only through loving surrender into His loving personhood can this occur. I agree with you son, that our Lord’s earthly life and words are captivating and must be diligently sought after. He is not to be put into a box, He is the Lion of Judah, the Mighty One!
Here are a few words which might be interesting to do word searches on: Learn, disciple, hear, listen, seek, ear, learned.
Onward and Upward!