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A Study Workbook for Teachers and Students Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 Copyright 2013 Mikeal R. Hughes, D. Min., Th.D., Ph.D. All Rights Reserved All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from the New King James Version Copyrighted 1982 Thomas Nelson Inc. Used by permission. A Study Workbook For Teachers And Students

Harmony of the Gospels Part 1

By MIKEAL R. HUGHES

Table of Context

Introduction 1 Lesson 1 - John the Baptist & the Birth of Jesus 3 Lesson 2 - The Wise Men & The Early Life of Jesus 5 Lesson 3 - The Ministry of John the Baptist & Temptation of Jesus 9 Lesson 4 - The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry 11 Lesson 5 - Jesus Ministry in Galilee 13 Lesson 6 - The Sermon on the Mount (1) 15 Lesson 7 - The Sermon on the Mount (2) 17 Lesson 8 - Jesus’ Galilean Ministry 19 Lesson 9 - The Parables 21 Lesson 10 - The Galilean Ministry 23 Lesson 11 - The Galilean Ministry (cont.) 25 Lesson 12 - The Great Confession 27

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 7 Preparation For Christ’s Birth

In order to understand society at the time of Jesus we have to return to the Intertestamental period, what is often referred to as the 400 years of silence. These years were anytyhing but silent. When the Old Testament closes Persia is in power and Malachi is the last of the written prophets. When the New Testament opens we have Rome in control and shortly after John the Baptist comes on the scene, the one who Malachi had prophesied concerning. So how did all of this come about? During this time period we have four different groiups come into control. The Greeks from 332 - 167 BC. Persia was never able to conquer Greece, Xerxes was defeated at Salamis in 480 BC. The approximate date we find for the early events in the Book of Esther. Philip of Macedon unifies Greek city states and is succeeded by his son, Alexander. Alexander the Great comes in to world power in a very fast fashion. In 334 BC at Granicus and in 333 BC at Issus he defeated the Persians. In 332 BC he took Tyre and Gaza, then conquered Egypt. In 331 BC at Arbela he defeated the Persian army. Alexander dies in 323 BC leaving no heir. His empire is divided among his four generals. Among his generals Seleucus and Ptolemy were predominant. Palestine was controlled by two opposing powers from 323 to 168 BC. Ptolemies (Egypt) 323 - 198 BC they were favorable to the Jews. Control passed from Egypt to Syria at the Battle of Banias later called Caesarea Philippi 198 BC. Seleucids (Syria) 198- 168 BC pressured the Jews to “Hellenize” that is adopt Greek culture. Persecution of the Jews increased, coming to a climax with Antiochus IV from 175-165 BC. The next group to come into developent in the Intertestamental period were the Maccabeans. In 168 BC the temple is profaned by Antiochus (“Epiphanes”). Mattathias, a Jewish patriot, leads a revolt against the Syrians (Seleucids) in 167 BC. The temple is cleansed by the Maccabees (the Mattahias’ family) and other patriots in December 165 BC. The high priest becomes a political ruler of Palestine. Simon Maccabeus arranged a treaty of freedom from Rome in 139 BC. Simon and his family were recognized as the high priestly order, the Hasmonean dynasty. The resis- tance movements known as the Zealots continues through the revolt vs. Rome in 66-73 AD until the Bar Cochba rebellion is crushed in 135 AD. This leads to Hasmonean control (135 to 63 BC) Political power was held by the priesthood the royal line of David was ignored. Religious - Political parties emerge during this time period. Hasidim retain the Jewish religion and national liberties resisted Hellenism. They develop

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 1 into what became known in the New Testament as the Pharisee party. A cecond party of prominence during the New Testament is the Hel- lenizers they surrender some Jewish distinctives for Greek culture they develop into what is known as the Sadducees. This period has been known as instable time. Finally Rome comes gains control. Pompey a Roman general conquers Syria and Palestine in 63 BC to protect Rome’s eastern borders vs. the Syrians, Parthians, Idumaeans (Edomites) and to counter the instability caused by the Hasmoneans jealousies and the Pharisee / Sadducee disputes. Julius Caesar defeats Pompey and comes to Palestine. Caesar rewards the Jews who supported him against Pompey and makes Antipater, the father of Herod the Great, procurator of Judea he grants religious freedom to all Jews in the empire and releases the Jews from military service. Julius Caesar is assinated in 44 BC. Cassius and Brutus are defeated by Mark Antony in 42 BC. Antony makes Herod (the Great) “King of the Jews” in 40 BC ending control by the Hasmonean dynasty, although the high priest and priesthood remain a political power. Parthians / Persians take control of Syria and Palestine. Herod flees to Petrand later to Rome. After the Partians are defeated. Herod is installed as King in Jerusalem in 37 BC. As an ally of Antony when he goes up against Octavius (Caesar Augustus), he changes sides after Antony is defeated at Actium in 31 BC and helps Octavius. As a result of this Herod is given Jericho, Gaddara, Samaria, the Gaza area, Joppa, Stato’s Tower, Caesarea, as well as Judea.

Political Developments after Herod the Great

The Tetrachies - rule of four: After Herod’s death there is a power struggle between his heirs. The Jews begin to pressure Rome for Autonomy through a revolt. Palestine is now administered by Herod’s sons: Arche- laus - Tetrarch of Judea, Samaria and Idumea; Herod Antipas become Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; Herod Philip becomes Tetrarch of regions northeast of the Sea of Galilee; Archelaus a ruthless ruler hated by the Jews is deposed and exiled to Gaul, modern day France in 6 AD. in the years 60-41 AD Judea, Samaria and Idumea become an imperial Roman province. They are ruled by procurators responsible directly to Caesar. Their adminstrative headquarters are located at Caesarea. Herod’s palace in Jerusalem. Pontius Pilate, 26-36 AD, is insensitive to the Jews and is later exiled to Gaul. Herod Antipas retains control of Galilee and Perea until 39 AD. Outside of Palestine during this time Roman emperors are Augustus from 30 BC to 14 AD and Tiberius from 14 to 37 AD. The Roman Military’s control center for the Middle East is located in Syria.

2 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 3 4 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 5 6 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 7 8 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 9 10 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 11 12 Mikeal R. Hughes The Gospels - Introduction

The four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - tell us about the life of Jesus of Nazareth. And yet, they are not true biographies. They say little abouty Jesus’ family background and youth, and noth- ing about his physical appearance. They concentrate almost totally on the three years of Jesus’ public ministry, but even here they do not give enought information to reonstruct a complete history of those years. Rather, attention is focused on the Person of Jesus and his teachings, and all four Gospels climax with Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the events associated with them. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the “Synoptic Gospels.” The term “Synoptic” means they view the life of Jesus from a “common perspective.” After introducting Jesus in different ways, depending on their purpose, they record the ministry of John the Baptist, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, his ministries in Galilee and in Judea, his final week in Jerusalem, his death and His resurrection. In the synoptic record, Jesus characteristically refers to himself as “the Son of Man,” and he proclaims the “kingdom of God.” Despite the similarities in the Synoptic accounts, these Gospels vary in what material they include and in the arrangement of specific events. Furthermore, each Gospel was written to emphasize certain aspects of Jesus’ Person and work. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the true Messiah and the object of Old Testament prophecy and ex- pectation. Mark’s fast-miving account was written to provoke faith in Romans. Luke’s Gospel is addressed to a cultured Gentile and stresses Jesus’ concern for all kinds of people. The Gospel of John differs from the Synpotics in a number of ways. It tells more about Jesus’ early ministry in Judea. John also records long thematic discourses by Jesus instead of the shrter sayings typical of the Synoptic accounts. In John, Jesus refers to himself as God’s Son and speaks of salvation as eternal life. More than the Synoptics, John includes theological reflection on the meaning of Jesus’ life and death.

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 13 Of The King 26-27 OFFICIAL REJECTION 26-27 OFFICIAL

14 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 15 16 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 17 18 Mikeal R. Hughes John the Baptist & the Birth of Jesus Lesson 1

Prologue to the Birth of Christ (John 1:1-18) We are beginning the study of the greatest life that ever graced this earth. The only perfect and sinless life that ever lived in the world. John begins his gospel at an unique point in time. He begins at the beginning. The opening phrase In“ the beginning” links John’s words directly back to the beginning of time, Genesis 1:1 - “In the beginning God created.” Thus In“ the beginning” was shorthand for Genesis. That beginning the beginning of creation the beginning of the world as we know.

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 19 20 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 21 22 Mikeal R. Hughes The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 23 24 Mikeal R. Hughes A. Learning About the Gospels (Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18) 1. What were the approximate dates when each gospel was written?

2. From what perspective is each gospel? (To whom were they written?)

3. Briefly explain the purpose of the gospels.

B. John The Baptist (Luke 1:5-56) 4. How did Zechariah respond when told he and his wife would have a son?

5. Is there significance to Elizabeth’s statement in 1.25?

6. Compare Mary’s reaction to what an angel told her to that of Zechariah.

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 25 7. How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth?

8. What is significant about the discussion concerning John’s name?

9. Where did John reside until he entered his ministry?

C. THE BIRTH OF JESUS (Matthew 1.18-25; Luke 2.1-20) 10. Why would Joseph have considered putting Mary away?

11. What was the mission of Jesus Christ?

12. What was the sign the shepherds would see? How did they react?

13. What time of year did shepherds live out in the fields?

14. Would it be likely that Jesus would have been born during the winter months?

26 Mikeal R. Hughes

ARABIA

Scale of Miles of Scale

SYRIA

TEA

Philippi

Caesarea

NAB

Bethsaida

DECAPOLIS

dan

Sea of Sea

Galilee

PEREA

River

Jor

Sea

Salt

naum

GALILEE

PHOENICIA

Caper

SAMARIA

usalem

JUDEA

Nazareth

Jer

Bethlehem

Great Sea Great

th of Christ of th

(Mediterranean)

Bir

1999 MANNA 1999 c

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 27

T I S I T

Scale of Miles of Scale

uk River uk

Hippos

G A U L A N I I N A L U A G

Arab River Arab

arm

Gergesa

Bethsaida

D E C A P O L I S I L O P A C E D

Sea of Sea Galilee Jor

dan River dan

naum

ius

abigha

Caper

Sennabr

Tiber

abor

River

Ancient shoreline Ancient

Magdala

abor

Hattin

Horns of Horns

Mt.

Moreh

Hill of Hill

River

Har

G A L I L E E E L I L A G

Nain

vels

Cana

y y

Nazareth

Sepphor

Iphtahel River Iphtahel

P H O E N I C I A I C I N E O H P

River A I R A M A S

1999 MANNA 1999

Kishon

Christ's Earl Christ's c

28 Mikeal R. Hughes The Wise Men & The Early Life of Jesus Lesson 2

A. THE WISE MEN (Matthew 2.1-‐12) 1. Do we know how much time had elapsed from the birth of Jesus to the arrival of the wise men?

2. What would be significant about this fact?

3. Why was Herod greatly troubled by news of Jesus’ birth?

4. What gifts did the wise men bring Jesus?

B. JESUS CIRCUMCISED AND PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE (Luke 2.21-‐40)

5. Who were Simeon and Anna? Do you see anything significant in what they say about Jesus?

C. ESCAPE TO EGYPT, HEROD KILLS CHILDREN; RETURN FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH (Matthew 2.13-‐23; Luke 2.39-‐40)

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 29 6. What was Herod’s decree and why age two and under?

7. Do we know how long Joseph and his family remained in Egypt?

8. Do you think Joseph intended to return to Bethlehem after leaving Egypt? Where does he go instead? See Matthew 2.22- 23; Luke 2.39.

D. JESUS AT AGE 12 (Luke 2.41-‐52) 9. How often and why did Jesus’ parents go to Jerusalem?

10. When did Mary & Joseph miss Jesus? Where did they find Him?

11. What was Jesus doing while He was missing from His parents?

12. Describe the reaction of Jesus to His parents obvious concern for His safety. What was their reaction?

13. 12. What do we know about Jesus’ life from this point until His earthly ministry begins?

30 Mikeal R. Hughes The Ministry of John the Baptist & Temptation of Jesus Lesson 3

A. JOHN BEGINS HIS MINISTRY (Matthew 3.1-‐6; Mark 1.2-‐6; Luke 3.1-‐6) 1. Describe John’s physical appearance & diet.

2. In what region did John preach?

3. What was the purpose of John’s baptism?

B. JESUS BAPTIZED (Matthew 3.13-‐17; Mark 1.9-‐11; Luke 3.19-‐28) 4. Why was Jesus baptized?

5. What was the purpose of the heavens parting; the Spirit descending like a dove, and the voice of God identifying Christ?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 31 C. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST (Matthew 4.1-‐11; Mark 1.12-‐13; Luke 4.1-‐13) 6. Do we know the location where Jesus was tempted?

7. What are the three things Satan tempted Jesus with?

8. How does Jesus handle each temptation? Any lessons for the modern reader

32 Mikeal R. Hughes The Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry Lesson 4

A. JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE; VISITS CAPERNAUM (John 2.1-‐12) 1. What are your thoughts on Mary’s remarks to Jesus? Why do you think she directs her statement toward Jesus?

2. Explain Jesus’ reply to Mary in 2.4.

3. Why was the miracle Jesus worked here so significant? (2.11)

B. JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE (2.13-‐25) 4. What did Jesus see when He entered the temple? How did He react?

5. Is this recording of Jesus’ cleansing the temple the same event that is recorded in Matthew 21.12-16; Mark 11.15-18, and Luke 19.45-46?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 33 C. JESUS AND NICODEMUS (3.1-‐21) 6. Who was Nicodemus? What we can learn about him?

7. Why do you think Nicodemus came to Jesus by night?

8. What did Jesus mean by “being born again?”

D. JOHN THE BAPTIST EXALTS JESUS (3.22-‐36) 9. What was John’s mission?

10. What did John the Baptist mean by “He must increase, but I must decrease”?

E. THE WOMAN AT THE WELL (4.1-‐45) 11. Why did Jesus go by the way of Samaria to get to Galilee?

12. Why did the Samaritan woman call Jesus a prophet?

13. How did the Samaritans receive Jesus?

34 Mikeal R. Hughes Jesus Ministry in Galilee Lesson 5

A. JESUS ARRIVES IN GALILEE (Matthew 4.12-‐17; Mark 1.14-‐15; Luke 4.14-‐16; John 4.43-‐45) 1. Luke 4.14 records that Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit. What does this mean?

2. Matthew 4.15-16 records Isaiah’s prophecy. Where in Isaiah is this prophecy found and what does it mean?

B. JESUS REJECTED AT NAZARETH (Luke 4.16-‐30) 3. Why would the people in Nazareth look upon Jesus with disbelief?

4. Why did Jesus’ words in Luke 4.24-27 excite the wrath of the people?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 35 C. THE FIRST DISCIPLES CALLED (Matthew 4.18-‐22; Mark 1.16-‐20; Luke 5.1-‐11; John 1.35-‐41) 5. Who were the partners of James and John?

6. What miracle did Jesus perform in front of some of His disciples?

7. As described in John 1.36, what was the mission of Jesus?

D. MAN WITH EVIL SPIRIT HEALED (Mark 1.21-‐28; Luke 4.31-‐37) 8. Describe the reaction of the people when Jesus healed the man with the evil spirit.

9. Why did Jesus warn the evil spirit to be quiet?

E. PETER’S MOTHER IN LAW HEALED (Matthew 8.114-‐17; Mark 1.29-‐34; Luke 4.38-‐41) 10. What was the illness of Peter’s mother-in-law?

11. What notable false doctrine does Peter’s having a mother-in- law disprove?

12. Describe the different perspectives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the healing of Peter’s mother in law.

36 Mikeal R. Hughes The Sermon on the Mount (1) Lesson 6

THE BEATITUDES (Matthew 5.3-12; Luke 6.20-26) 1. What is a beatitude?

2. How would the blessings mentioned in the beatitudes be different from a worldly standard?

3. Which of the qualities mentioned in the beatitudes do you lack the most? Which ones come the easiest for you?

B. SALT & LIGHT (Matthew 5.13-20) 4. Discuss the power of salt and light. Why would Jesus use these to illustrate spiritual principles?

5. What are some things you can do to improve your influence?

6. What did Jesus intend to do with the Law? What does this mean?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 37 C. ETHICAL TEACHINGS (Matthew 5.21-48) 7. What type of righteousness gains entrance into heaven?

8. How does one commit adultery in the heart?

9. What is said about the use of oaths?

10. What is the only allowable reason for divorce?

11. How is our love different from that of the world?

12. Why does God expect us to love our enemies?

38 Mikeal R. Hughes The Sermon on the Mount (2) Lesson 7

RIGHEOUS WORSHIP (Matthew 6.1-18) 1. Discuss proper worship verses that of hypocrites.

2. What is the reward of hypocrites (6.5)?

3. What does 6.8 tell us about God?

4. Why do you think so many find it hard to live by 6.14-15?

B. MATERIALISM (Matthew 6.19-34) 5. What keeps many from being effective in laying up treasures in heaven?

6. In light of these verses (19-21), what are some dangers of materialism?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 39 7. How does materialism keep us from serving God with a deeper devotion?

8. Over what do we most usually find our self worrying?

9. Have you found the principle in 6.33 to be true? How?

C. JUDGING OTHERS (Matthew 7.1-6; Luke 6.37-42) 10. What did Jesus say about judging?

11. How do people abuse this passage?

D. THE GOLDEN RULE (Matthew 7.7-12; Luke 6.31) 12. What are some ways you can put Matthew 7.12 into practice more effectively?

E. THE WISE MAN (7.13-29; Luke 6.43-49) 13. How is the way to heaven described?

14. How do we bear good fruit/bad fruit?

15. What was the key to the foolish person’s failure? The righteous person’s success? (7.24-27)

16. How did the crowds react to the teaching of Jesus?

40 Mikeal R. Hughes Jesus’ Galilean Ministry Lesson 8

A. VARIOUS HEALINGS (Matthew 8.5-13; Luke 7.1-17) 1. As Jesus went to the Centurion’s house, what was he told by the Centurion’s friends?

2. How did Jesus respond?

3. What was the result of Jesus raising the widow’s son?

B. FOLLOWERS OF JOHN QUESTION JESUS (Matthew 11.2-30; 7.18-35) 4. What did Jesus say about John the Baptist after sending His disciples away?

5. What did Jesus say He would do for those who come to Him?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 41 C. JESUS’ FEET ANOINTED 6. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisee’s perception of the woman who anointed his feet?

7. What did he say to the woman?

D. JESUS ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY (Matthew 12.22-50; Mark 3.19-30; Luke 11.14-36) 8. Who did the Pharisees say Jesus cast out demons by?

How did He respond?

9. What signs did Jesus say they would be given?

E. JESUS’ MOTHER & BRETHREN (Luke 8.19-21) 10. Who did Jesus say were His mother & brethren?

42 Mikeal R. Hughes The Parables Lesson 9

1. Why did Jesus speak in Parables?

2. Discussing the meaning of the parable of the sower.

3. Does man know how seed springs up and grows?

4. What is the meaning of the parable of the mustard seed?

5. How is the parable of leaven different?

6. Discuss the meaning of the parable of the tares.

7. What is the meaning of the parable of the great treasure?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 43 8. How is the parable of the pearl of great price different?

9. What can we learn from the parable of the net?

10. What is the scribe who was made a disciple of the kingdom compared to

44 Mikeal R. Hughes The Galilean Ministry Lesson 10

1. Discuss the answers of Jesus to those who said they would follow Him, “but…”.

2. How did Jesus’ disciples react when He stilled the waters?

3. How many demon possessed men approached Jesus in the country of the Gergesenes?

4. What happened when the demons entered the swine?

5. Why did Jesus say, “who touched my garments?”

6. What did He say to those weeping when He arrived at Jairus’ house?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 45 7. What did Jesus tell the two blind men when He restored their sight?

8. What power were the twelve given by Jesus?

9. What instructions did He give the twelve when He sent them out two by two?

10. What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves?

11. What did Jesus say about the relationship of the disciple and His master?

12. What did Jesus mean when He said He came to send “not peace, but a sword”?

46 Mikeal R. Hughes The Galilean Ministry (cont.) Lesson 11

1. Why was Herod perplexed when he heard about Jesus?

2. Why was John beheaded?

3. Why did Jesus ask Philip, “Where shall we buy bread?”

4. How much was left when Jesus fed the 5000 men?

5. What was the reaction of the disciples when they first saw Jesus walking on the water?

6. Why did Peter begin to sink?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 47 7. Why did Jesus say the people sought Him?

8. What did He sway the work of God was?

9. Discuss John 6.35-71.

10. What did Jesus say about the washing of hands?

11. Who said, “Honor your father and mother?”

12. What did Jesus mean when he told the Syrophoenician woman, “It is not good to…throw (bread) to the dogs.”?

13. Discuss the differences between the two feedings in our text

48 Mikeal R. Hughes The Great Confession Lesson 12

1. What did Jesus mean when He warned them of the leaven of the Pharisees?

2. What was different about the heading of the blind man in this text? Discuss.

3. What answers were men giving to Jesus inquiring about whom He was?

4. What was Peter’s answer?

5. What was Jesus’ response?

6. When Peter rebuked Jesus, what was His response?

The Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 49 7. What must one do if he desires to come after Jesus?

8. Who are we told will find his life?

9. What were the disciples told about the coming of the kingdom Workbooks by Mikeal R. Hughes

Leviticus Joshua through Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings Daniel Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther Job The Minor Prophets Part 1: Hosea - Micah The Minor Prophets Part 2: Nahum - Malachi Harmony of the Gospels Part 1 Harmony of the Gospels Part 2 Book of Acts Revelation