Welcome to Day 2634 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2634 – New Testament Orientation – The Jesus of History

Putnam Church Message – 05/18/2025 Sermon Series: New Testament Orientation Message 4: The Jesus of History Last week, we returned to the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments and explored The Culture and Cosmology of the Intertestamental Period. Our core verses for last week were Galatians 3:26-29. Verse 28 summarizes the message. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Today, we will explore how Jesus appears in history outside the Bible. Our core verses for today are: Matthew 25:31-36 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ (Opening Prayer) Heavenly Father, we gather once more, our hearts open to the enduring story of Jesus of Nazareth. We seek not just to remember him, but to truly understand him within the tapestry of his time. Expand our minds and hearts, Lord, as we delve deeper into the historical realities that shaped his earthly journey. May your Spirit illuminate the path of the Jesus of history, revealing the profound significance of his life for our faith today. It is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. The Jesus of History (From the Perspective of Ancient Israelites and Early Christians): For generations, the whispers of the prophets had echoed in the synagogues and homes, foretelling the coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One who would restore the fortunes of Israel. They clung tightly to these promises during times of both fleeting autonomy and prolonged subjugation under foreign powers. The anticipation was a constant hum beneath the surface of the Israelites daily lives, a yearning for the promised deliverer. Yet, when Jesus of Nazareth finally appeared, his presence and his message often defied the very expectations they had nurtured for centuries. (Connecting to Current Context): Consider the anticipation surrounding a significant historical event or the arrival of a long-awaited leader. We often build up a mental image, a set of expectations based on news, past experiences, and our own desires. Think of the fervor surrounding a new era, a revolutionary movement, or the promise of a technological breakthrough. We imagine a specific outcome, a particular way in which the change will manifest. When the reality unfolds, it can sometimes be surprising, even challenging, to reconcile our preconceived notions with the actual person and events. Contrary to the Jews’ anticipation, the Messiah they awaited was not a warrior king, but a humble servant. (The Tangibility of History for Our Faith): The question of historicity is not a mere academic exercise>for us who follow Jesus. It strikes at the very heart of our beliefs. Was Jesus a real man who walked the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea? Did he truly teach,/heal,/suffer,/and ultimately conquer death? If these events did not occur in the realm of tangible history, then our faith rests on a fragile foundation, a story without roots in reality. It becomes a philosophical construct, a set of nice ideas, but lacking the power to transform lives and offer the assurance of eternal hope. (Echoes Beyond Our Scriptures): It is a powerful affirmation of our faith that even those outside our community, the historians of the mighty Roman Empire, took note of this man and the movement he ignited. With the dispassionate eye of a historian, Tacitus recorded the existence of “Christ” and his execution under Pontius Pilate. This single mention, embedded within a larger account of Roman affairs, anchors Jesus firmly in the timeline of the first century. Imagine the weight of this brief statement, penned by a representative of the very power that crucified him – a testament to his real existence and the impact he had, even on his oppressors. It’s like finding a small but significant piece of evidence in an unexpected place, a detail that confirms a larger truth. Sue/ton/ius further corroborates the early impact of Jesus’s followers, noting the unrest in Rome connected to “Chrestus” (Christ). This Roman perspective, viewing the burgeoning Christian movement as a source of civil discord, ironically underscores the historical reality of Jesus and the rapid spread of his message. Pliny the Younger’s correspondence detailing the practices of early Christians and their worship of “Christ as a God” provides yet another external glimpse into the burgeoning faith centered on this historical figure. These are not tales whispered in secret; they are documented observations from within the dominant culture of the time. They reveal the early church as a vibrant, if somewhat perplexing, presence within the Roman world. Even within the complex tapestry of their Jewish traditions, the references to “Jesus” in the Talmud. (The Talmud is a vast collection of Jewish law and tradition, a commentary on the Mishnah (a written codification of oral law) and other Tannaitic writings, plus discussions of those writings.)/Though the mention of Jesus is often critical and colored by theological disagreement, acknowledging the existence of a man who challenged the prevailing religious norms and garnered a significant, albeit controversial, following is crucial. These internal debates, preserved within their own historical and religious texts, further solidify the reality of Jesus’s presence in our shared past. They show that even those who opposed his message could not deny his existence. (The Indelible Mark of Josephus): The writings of Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian navigating the complex relationship between our people and the Roman Empire, offer a particularly compelling historical witness. His description of Jesus as a “wise man” and a “doer of startling deeds” speaks to the profound impression Jesus left on his contemporaries, even those who did not embrace his messianic claims. While the debated passages concerning his messianic identity and resurrection highlight the theological tensions surrounding his figure, the underlying acknowledgment of his life and impact remains a significant piece of the historical puzzle. It’s as if a respected scholar of the time, grappling with the meaning of this man’s life, felt compelled to record his observations for posterity, even if he didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of what he was witnessing. (Point 1: Extra-Biblical Testimony to Jesus’ Existence) (Bulletin Insert) The historical record, beyond the New Testament, provides compelling evidence for the existence of Jesus. Roman historians like Tacitus, Suetonius, and Pliny the Younger, along with the Jewish historian Josephus, all mention Jesus within their writings. These accounts, though varying in perspective and detail, collectively affirm that Jesus was a real person who lived in first-century Palestine and had a significant impact on his contemporaries. (Object Lesson 1): Imagine you are in a courtroom, and you are trying to prove that a specific historical figure existed. You bring in not only documents written by the person’s friends and followers, but also official records from the government of that time, and writings from historians who lived in that era. Each piece of evidence, from different sources, strengthens the case and confirms the person’s reality. This is similar to the way that the extra-biblical sources contribute to our understanding of Jesus as a historical figure. (The Puzzle of Limited Mentions): The question of why Jesus isn’t more extensively documented in the broader historical records of the first century is a valid one. We must consider the socio-political landscape of the time. Judea, and particularly Galilee, were considered peripheral regions by the vast Roman Empire. It would be like a remote part of West Virginia or North Dakota, far away from the concerns of Washington, DC. The concerns and activities of a local religious teacher in such an area would likely have been deemed insignificant by the imperial historians who focused on matters of state, military campaigns, and the lives of the ruling elite. It’s akin to expecting detailed Roman accounts of every peasant>uprising or local preacher in the far reaches of their empire – a level of granular historical documentation that simply wasn’t the norm. The Roman historians were concerned with the grand sweep of empire, the movements of armies, and the pronouncements of emperors, not the daily lives of those in a small corner of their vast domain. Little did they know that this ‘mustard seed’ planted by Jesus would take over all nations of the world. Furthermore, Jesus’s ministry was primarily directed towards the common people, the fishermen, the farmers, and the outcasts of society. These were not the individuals who typically left behind written records or whose lives were deemed worthy of historical documentation>by the ruling powers. Jesus focused on healing the sick, teaching in synagogues and the countryside, and gathering a relatively small band of disciples. His impact, though transformative for countless individuals, might have remained largely invisible to the eyes of the imperial administration until the movement Jesus inspired began to gain significant traction after his ascension. His Kingdom was not of this world,/and his influence spread like wildfire through the hearts of ordinary people, a force that would eventually shake the foundations of the Roman Empire itself. (Navigating the “Quests”): The historical quest to understand the “Jesus of history” has been a long and often complex journey. The early quests, driven by Enlightenment rationalism, frequently sought to demythologize the Gospel accounts, attempting to extract a purely human Jesus stripped of any supernatural claims. However, these endeavors often reflected the philosophical presuppositions of the scholars themselves. They approached the texts with a pre-determined skepticism, seeking to fit Jesus into a rationalistic framework that frequently distorted the very essence of his message. The subsequent “new quest” or “second quest” saw a greater appreciation for the Jewish context of Jesus’ life and teachings, yet still often approached the miraculous elements skeptically. The “Jesus Seminar,” a group of Bible scholars who met in 1985, sought to reconstruct the life of the historical Jesus. It was not without controversy that they voted on the authenticity of Jesus’>sayings>and deeds, and they represented a particularly radical expression of this skepticism. While seeking to be objective, this approach often ended up reducing Jesus to a figure more palatable to modern sensibilities, rather than grappling with the full scope of his claims and actions. The emergence of the “third quest” in more recent decades has brought a renewed focus on the historical reliability of the Gospels, taking seriously their accounts within their first-century Jewish and Roman context. Scholars within this stream, many of whom are themselves committed Christians, engage critically with the texts while also recognizing their rootedness in historical events and eyewitness traditions. This ongoing scholarly conversation reflects a more profound commitment to understanding Jesus within the full spectrum of historical and theological perspectives, acknowledging both the human and divine dimensions of his life. (Point 2: The Importance of Context in Understanding Jesus) Understanding the historical, cultural, and religious context in which Jesus lived is crucial for interpreting his teachings and actions. Jesus was not operating in a vacuum. He spoke to specific people, in a specific place, at a specific time. His words and deeds were shaped by the social, political, and religious realities of first-century Judea under Roman rule. (Object Lesson 2): Imagine trying to understand a play by Shakespeare without knowing anything about Elizabethan England. You might grasp some of the basic plot, but you would miss many of the nuances, the cultural references, and the deeper meanings embedded in the language. Similarly, understanding the world of Jesus, the Roman occupation, the Jewish religious factions, and the social customs is essential for a richer and more accurate understanding of the Gospels, which we will delve into next week. (The Foundational Importance of the Historical Jesus): As followers of Jesus, the historical reality of his life, death, and resurrection is not an optional belief; it is the very bedrock upon which our faith is built. Without a real Jesus who walked this earth, whose teachings resonated with divine authority, whose sacrifice atoned for our sins, and whose resurrection conquered death, our hope would be an illusion. His historical existence anchors our faith in the tangible realm, providing a point of contact between the divine and the human. It is the solid ground upon which we build our lives, the assurance that our hope is not in vain. (The Living Example of Matthew 25): Let us return to the powerful imagery of Jesus’s words in Matthew 25:31-46. When he speaks of the Son of Man coming in glory to judge the nations, he lays claim to a role traditionally ascribed to the one true God himself in our scriptures. This is a staggering assertion, one that would have resonated deeply with the expectations of the Messiah as a figure of ultimate authority and judgment. He places himself at the center of God’s plan for humanity, a claim that would have been both audacious and profoundly meaningful to his followers. His subsequent identification with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned transcends mere empathy. It is a profound statement about the very nature of God’s concern for humanity and a radical call to action for his followers. In a world marked by social stratification and indifference to the suffering of the marginalized, Jesus’s words would have been both startling and deeply challenging. He redefines greatness, not in terms of power and prestige, but in terms of compassion and service to the least among us. Consider the practical implications of his teaching within the context of first-century Judea. Hospitality to strangers was a deeply ingrained cultural value, but Jesus elevates it to an act of service to himself. Caring for the sick, often a communal responsibility, takes on a new dimension when seen as ministering to the King. Visiting those in prison, a dangerous and often stigmatizing act, becomes an encounter with the divine. He challenges the very fabric of society, calling for a radical reorientation of values and priorities. (Point 3: Jesus’s Message of Compassion and Justice) At the heart of Jesus’s ministry was a profound message of compassion and justice, particularly for the marginalized and the vulnerable. He identified himself with the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the imprisoned, challenging his followers to extend love and service to those in need. This message was not simply a call to charity, but a radical redefinition of what it meant to be a follower of God. (Object Lesson 3): Imagine a king who, instead of living in a palace and being served by his subjects, chooses to spend his time among the poorest and most neglected people in his kingdom. He eats with them, heals their sicknesses, and listens to their stories. This is a powerful image of the kind of king Jesus presented himself as, and it challenged the traditional understanding of power and authority. (The Enduring Power of Encounter): Although unconventional, the Good News of the New Testament speaks to the transformative power of encountering the essence of Jesus’s love and message, even through limited understanding. God’s grace is not confined to the intellectually elite or those with a comprehensive grasp of theology and history. The heart that responds in faith by those faithful to Christ, however imperfect its understanding, can experience the life-changing reality of encountering the living Christ. This reminds us that while historical understanding enriches our faith, the core of our relationship with Jesus lies in a personal encounter with his love and his call to follow him. It is a testament to the power of the Spirit to work in ways that transcend our intellectual limitations. Jesus taught this upside-down kingdom in The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. (Applications and Takeaways): (Bulletin) – Serve as the King Serves

1. (Embracing the Full Humanity of Jesus as a Path to Our Own Glorification): The Gospels meticulously portray Jesus as both fully God and fully human. He experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and limitations. He knew hunger, thirst, weariness, joy, and sorrow. He wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus and felt the sting of betrayal. He interacted with people from all walks of life, showing compassion and understanding. This deliberate portrayal underscores the value and potential inherent in our own humanity. By studying his life, we see a model for how to live in relationship with God and with one another. Just as a master artist demonstrates the full potential of their medium, Jesus, in his humanity,...