Be not called Rabbi, Rabbi (extra credit)

The Bible in general and the gospels in particularly have strong warnings to those who consider themselves to be great teachers and examples. Look again at the warnings to the Pharisees in Matthew 23 and/or the implied criticisms of religious leaders in Luke 20. Pick out one warning you would particularly like *your* teachers/leaders/professors to pay attention to, and explain why that warning is particularly important.

The Gospel of Luke--Discussion II

Please read Chapter 13-24 of the Gospel of Luke. Look at the list of passages "special" to Luke, i.e., passages that occur in Luke's gospel only (Section VI of the outline I passed out in class). Choose one or two of these passages and speculate on why Luke chose to include this material while Matthew did not. If others have commented on this passage before you, say whether you agree with their suggestions or not.

If you do not have the outline I passed out, see the online version here.

Luke--Discussion I

We will finish up our discussion of Matthew next time. I hope we will at least get a start on the Gospel of Luke. Please read through Chapters 1-12 or the Gospel of Luke.

Luke has been called "the most beautiful book ever written," and it is, for many people, their favorite gospel. Pick out a verse or passage that you think particularly well shows why people find this gospel attractive and explain your choice of this particular book.

The Gospel of Matthew--Discussion 2

Please read the remaining chapters of the Gospel of Matthew (Ch. 15-28). Pay special attention to Chapters 21-23, chapters that particularly well show Jesus' challenge to the religion of the scribes and Pharisees. Choose a verse or summarize a passage that seems particularly important to you and do one of the following:

1. Explain why you think this verse/passage is the best/most memorable in the assigned reading.

2. Explain how this verse/passage ties to the theme that Mattthew is a "gospel for those who think they don't need the gospel."

The Gospel of Matthew I

Please read Chapters 1-14 of the Gospel of Matthew. Concentrate especially on Chapters 5-7, the Sermon on the Mount. Please pick a key verse from the assigned chapters and do one of the following:

1. Explain why you think this verse the key to understanding what the selection is about.

2. Explain why you think this verse is the best/most memorable in the assigned reading.

3. Explain why you think this verse is the most difficult/hard to understand in the assigned chapters.