Lesson 1:
Jesus' Life & Teachings in the Synoptics
Module 10. The Period of the Synoptics Gospels } Timeline: Year AD 27 - 30 } The Gospels
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
What “The Gospel” Actually Is:
The incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ — the fulfillment of the Law, the Prophets, and the Davidic promise. This is the center of redemptive history.
🔑 Key Characteristics:
1. God Becomes Flesh
2. The Kingdom of God Announced
3. Signs, Miracles, and Deliverance
4. The Cross and Resurrection
5. The New Covenant is inaugurated
The “Synoptic Gospels” refers to Matthew, Mark, and Luke—three portraits that can be “seen together as one.” They share much the same storyline, teachings, and miracles, often in similar order and wording, offering a unified view of Jesus’ ministry, message of the Kingdom, death, and resurrection.
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Mark (earliest) moves fast and highlights Jesus’ authority and the Suffering Servant.
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Matthew writes for a Jewish audience, showing Jesus as Messiah, new Moses, and fulfillment of Scripture.
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Luke (historian-physician) addresses a broader Gentile audience, stressing God’s universal mercy, the Spirit, and care for the marginalized.
Together they anchor the church’s earliest proclamation: Jesus is the promised Christ and Savior of the world.
2. 🕰 Timeline
Biblical History
3970 AM — Jesus’ public ministry begins (c. AD 27) ——|—— 4003 AM — Passion/Resurrection (c. AD 30–33)
Gospels’ Composition (overview)
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Mark: c. AD 65–70 (traditionally linked to Peter’s testimony; likely under persecution).
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Matthew: c. AD 70–85 (Jewish-Christian audience; five teaching discourses).
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Luke: c. AD 70–90 (orderly account for Gentiles; Volume 1 of Luke–Acts).
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Trace the life and ministry of Jesus across the Synoptics—birth, baptism, teaching, miracles, passion, and resurrection.
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Grasp Jesus’ core teaching on the Kingdom of God, especially the Sermon on the Mount and parables.
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See how the Synoptics present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the Savior for Israel and the nations.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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One gospel, three witnesses: Differences in emphasis complement rather than contradict; together they enrich Christ’s portrait.
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Kingdom now and not yet: Jesus announces God’s reign present in His words/works and future in fullness (parables, miracles).
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Ethics from grace: The Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5–7; Lk 6) describes kingdom life empowered by God, not a ladder to earn salvation.
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Messiah as Servant-King: Authority with compassion (Mk), fulfillment of Scripture (Mt), Spirit-led mercy to the marginalized (Lk).
✅ Correct teaching: The Synoptics call us to repent and believe, to follow Jesus in cruciform discipleship, and to live the values of the Kingdom in the power of the Spirit.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Words)
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בַּשָּׂר / εὐαγγέλιον (Basar / Evangelion) — “Good News/Gospel”: God’s saving announcement in Jesus.
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מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) / Χριστός (Christos) — “Anointed/Messiah”: Jesus’ royal, saving identity.
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מַלְכוּת הַשָּׁמַיִם (Malkut HaShamayim) — “Kingdom of Heaven/God”: God’s reign breaking in through Jesus.
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מָשָׁל (Mashal) — “Parable”: everyday stories revealing Kingdom truth to responsive hearts.
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תַּלְמִיד (Talmid) — “Disciple”: a learner-follower shaped by the Master’s teaching and way.
6. 📖 Bible References
Key Passages
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Birth of Jesus: Mt 1:18–25; Lk 2:1–7
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Baptism & Temptation: Mt 3:13–17; Mk 1:9–13; Lk 3:21–22
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Sermon on the Mount / Plain: Mt 5–7; Lk 6:17–49
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Parables of the Kingdom: Mt 13; Mk 4; Lk 8
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Last Supper & Passion: Mt 26; Mk 14; Lk 22
Key Verses
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Matthew 4:23 — Jesus proclaims the gospel of the Kingdom, teaching and healing.
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Luke 4:18–19 — “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…”—Jesus’ mission manifesto of liberation and grace.
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Matthew 16:16 — Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
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Ministry Map: Galilee → Samaria → Judea (Capernaum, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem).
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Synoptic Overview Chart: Themes—Mark (authority/servant), Matthew (fulfillment/kingdom ethics), Luke (mercy/Spirit/universal scope).
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Parables Panel: Sower, Mustard Seed, Lost Sheep—how each reveals the Kingdom.
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
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In what ways do Matthew, Mark, and Luke agree and differ in presenting Jesus’ identity and mission?
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Summarize the Kingdom of God message and how Jesus demonstrates it in teaching and miracles.
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What is the theological significance of Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the Synoptics?
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Choose one parable from Matthew 13 / Mark 4 / Luke 8. What Kingdom truth does it teach?
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Why is Peter’s confession (Mt 16:16) pivotal for understanding Jesus in the Synoptics?
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Lesson 2:
The Gospel of John & the Deity of Christ
Module 10. The Period of the Gospel } Timeline: Year AD 27 - 30 } The Gospel of John
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
The Gospel of John stands apart from the Synoptics with its theological depth and focus on the deity of Christ. Written near the end of the first century (c. AD 90–100), it addresses a Church facing both persecution and doctrinal distortions. John affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but the eternal Son of God, pre-existent with the Father, the Logos made flesh (Jn 1:14).
The structure of the Gospel centers on seven miraculous signs and seven “I Am” statements, both intended to reveal Jesus’ divine nature. John emphasizes that eternal life is found only in believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jn 20:31).
2.🕰 Timeline
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4003 AM (c. AD 30–33): Ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
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4020 AM (c. AD 90–100): Composition of the Gospel of John, traditionally attributed to the apostle John in Ephesus.
3.🎯 Learning Objectives
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Understand how John’s Gospel emphasizes the deity of Christ more explicitly than the Synoptics.
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Examine the “I Am” declarations and their direct link to God’s name revealed in Exodus 3:14.
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Reflect on the theological importance of John’s prologue (Jn 1:1–18) and how it shapes Christian understanding of Christ’s divine identity.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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Christ is fully God, not a lesser divine being. John declares: “The Word was God” (Jn 1:1).
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The “I Am” sayings (e.g., “I am the bread of life”; “I am the good shepherd”) are not mere metaphors but self-identifications with Yahweh.
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Signs are revelatory, not just wonders. Each miracle points to Jesus’ divine authority and identity (Jn 2:11).
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The unity of the Son and the Father is ontological, not symbolic: “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:30).
✅ Correct teaching: John’s Gospel safeguards the truth that Jesus is the eternal Word, one with the Father, the visible revelation of the invisible God, and the only giver of eternal life.
4. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Λόγος (Logos) – “Word”: Eternal divine reason and revelation, active in creation.
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ἐγώ εἰμι (Ego eimi) – “I Am”: Echo of Exodus 3:14; direct claim to deity.
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Φῶς τοῦ κόσμου (Phos tou kosmou) – “Light of the World”: Christ as illumination in spiritual darkness.
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Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ (Huios tou Theou) – “Son of God”: Unique, essential relationship with the Father.
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Πίστις (Pistis) – “Faith/Belief”: John’s repeated call to trust in Jesus for eternal life.
5. 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages
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The Word made flesh — John 1:1–14
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The new birth — John 3:1–21
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The “I Am” sayings — John 6:35; 8:12; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1
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Unity with the Father — John 10:30
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Raising Lazarus — John 11:1–44
Key Verses
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John 1:1–3 — “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” (Christ as eternal God and Creator)
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John 10:30 — “I and the Father are one.” (Unity of essence with the Father)
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John 14:9 — “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” (Christ as the full revelation of God)
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
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Diagram: “The Logos — from Creation to Incarnation.”
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Chart of the 7 “I Am” statements with verse references.
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Map of Jerusalem/Judea with John’s key ministry events (focus on Jerusalem).
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
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How does John differ from the Synoptics in presenting Jesus’ identity?
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What does the title Logos in John 1 mean, and how does it affirm Christ’s deity?
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Why are the “I Am” statements so important theologically?
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What role do John’s “signs” (miracles) play in proving Jesus’ divinity?
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How does John 14:9 summarize the relationship between Jesus and the Father?
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Lesson 3:
Jesus and His Ministry in Galilee
Module 10. The Period of the Gospels } Timeline: Year AD 27 - 30 } The Gospel of Mark
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
Galilee, a fertile and diverse region in northern Israel, became the epicenter of Jesus’ ministry during the early years of His public mission (c. AD 27–30). Known for its cultural mixture of Jews and Gentiles and its strategic trade routes, Galilee was under the rule of Herod Antipas in Jesus’ time.
Here Jesus called His first disciples, proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, healed the sick, cast out demons, and delivered His most famous sermon — the Sermon on the Mount, preached on a hillside near Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee.
This period, often called the “Year of Popularity,” marked a decisive stage in His ministry: widespread acceptance from the crowds, growing opposition from religious leaders, and the strengthening of His disciples’ faith.
2. 🕰 Timeline
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4000 AM (c. AD 27): Beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (after John the Baptist’s imprisonment).
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4003 AM (c. AD 30): Transition from Galilee to Judea leading to His final journey to Jerusalem.
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Explore the role of Galilee in the life and mission of Jesus.
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Understand the teachings and miracles that shaped His ministry in this region.
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Reflect on how Galilee’s ministry prepared the disciples and the crowds for the revelation of Christ’s identity as Messiah.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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The Kingdom of God was not merely political: Jesus proclaimed a spiritual kingdom that transforms hearts and societies (Mark 1:14–15).
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Discipleship requires radical obedience: His call to fishermen (Matt. 4:18–22) shows that following Jesus is a total life commitment.
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Miracles authenticate divine authority: Healings and exorcisms were not only acts of compassion but signs of the Kingdom’s arrival (Mark 1:39).
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The Sermon on the Mount redefines righteousness: Rather than external religion, it calls for inner transformation and the ethics of God’s reign (Matt. 5–7).
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The Transfiguration reveals His divine glory: A foretaste of His resurrection power and His status as the beloved Son of God (Matt. 17:1–9).
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Galil (גליל) – “Galilee”: circle/region, the northern land of Israel where Jesus ministered.
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Besorah (בשורה) – “Good News/Gospel”: the central message of Jesus’ proclamation.
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Malkut HaShamayim (מלכות השמים) – “Kingdom of Heaven”: central theme of Jesus’ teaching, emphasizing God’s reign.
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Talmidim (תלמידים) – “Disciples”: learners and followers, called to live under the Master’s teaching and authority.
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Nissim (נִסִּים) – “Miracles”: divine acts of power revealing God’s compassion and authority through Jesus.
6. 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages
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Call of the first disciples: Matt. 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11
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Sermon on the Mount: Matt. 5–7
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Healings and exorcisms: Mark 1:21–34; Luke 4:31–41
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Feeding of the five thousand: Matt. 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17
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The Transfiguration: Matt. 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36
Key Verses
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Matt. 4:23 — “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
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Matt. 5:1–2 — “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”
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Mark 1:39 — “So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals:
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Map of Galilee (Nazareth, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes).
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Illustration of the Sermon on the Mount with crowds gathered.
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Scene of the calling of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee.
Quiz (5 Questions):
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Why was Galilee strategically important for Jesus’ ministry?
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What was the core message Jesus preached in Galilee?
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Which disciples did Jesus first call in Galilee, and what does this teach about discipleship?
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What is the theological significance of the Sermon on the Mount?
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How did the miracles of Galilee confirm Jesus’ authority as the Messiah?
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Lesson 4:
Jesus Last Week and the Resurrection
Module 10. The Period of the Gospels } Timeline: Year AD 27 - 30 } The Gospel of John
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
The final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, often called the Passion Week, marks the climax of redemptive history. From His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to His death on the cross and ultimate resurrection, this period reveals Jesus as the true Passover Lamb who fulfills the Law and the Prophets.
During these days, Jesus confronted corrupt religion, instituted the Lord’s Supper, endured betrayal, unjust trials, and crucifixion — all while pointing to the fulfillment of God’s plan. His resurrection on the third day confirmed His identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world, securing victory over sin and death.
2. 🕰 Timeline
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4003 AM (c. AD 33):
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Sunday: Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–40).
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Thursday: Last Supper, Gethsemane prayer, and arrest (Luke 22).
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Friday: Trial, crucifixion, and burial (Luke 23).
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Sunday: Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24).
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3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
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Explore the key events of Jesus’ last week and their theological meaning.
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Understand the significance of His death as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
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Reflect on the resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith and hope.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
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Jesus as the Passover Lamb: His crucifixion during Passover fulfills the typology of sacrificial redemption (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7).
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The Lord’s Supper as the New Covenant: The bread and cup symbolize His body and blood given for humanity (Luke 22:19–20).
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Gethsemane and Obedience: Jesus submitted His human will to the Father’s plan, teaching surrender and prayer under trial (Matt. 26:39).
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The Cross as Victory, not Defeat: What appeared as weakness was God’s ultimate triumph over sin and Satan (Col. 2:15).
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The Resurrection as Central Proof: “He is not here, He is risen” (Luke 24:6–7) confirms His deity and the believer’s future hope.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew/Greek Words)
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Pesaj (פסח) – “Passover”: Festival recalling deliverance from Egypt; fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrificial death.
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Qerabah (קרבה) – “Sacrifice/Offering”: Christ as the perfect offering for sin.
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Anástasis (ἀνάστασις) – “Resurrection”: Rising from death, the central truth of the Gospel.
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Talmidim (תלמידים) – “Disciples”: Witnesses of His passion and resurrection, later proclaimers of the Gospel.
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Kippurá (כפרה) – “Atonement/Expiation”: The reconciliation of humanity to God through Jesus’ blood.
6. 📖 Bible References (with Key Verses)
Main Passages:
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Triumphal Entry: Matt. 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19
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The Last Supper: Matt. 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–23; John 13:1–30
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Gethsemane: Matt. 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46
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Trials & Crucifixion: Matt. 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18–19
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Resurrection: Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
Key Verses:
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Luke 19:38 — “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
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Luke 22:19–20 — “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me… This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
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Luke 24:6–7 — “He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you… ‘The Son of Man must be delivered… be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Visuals:
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Map of Jerusalem during Passion Week (Temple, Gethsemane, Golgotha).
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Illustration of the Last Supper.
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Image of the empty tomb and risen Christ.
Quiz (5 Questions):
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What prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?
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What new covenant did Jesus establish at the Last Supper?
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What was the significance of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane?
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How does the crucifixion serve as both judgment and victory?
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Why is the resurrection the cornerstone of Christian faith?
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