In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss new creation terminology in the mission, language, and worldview of Jesus, specifically as it is shown in the synoptic gospels.

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
www.sessions.blue

Show Notes:

Jesus and Heaven in the Synoptic Gospels

• If you read through the Synoptic Gospels, you will find that Jesus does not spend very much time talking about heaven. 
• Jesus’ discussion of the afterlife/eternity centers around the language of reward/punishment, the “coming of the Son of Man,” and the coming of the kingdom. 
• The reason is because Jesus has what is called an apocalyptic worldview. This is a view that in the world there is a battle going on between forces of evil and good, or forces of Satan and God. Jesus, as the leader of the kingdom of God, has come into the world to battle the forces of evil. Jesus and the kingdom of God ultimately win the battle at the cross through the resurrection. The world now waits for the complete victory and the fullness of the kingdom of God when Jesus returns and the kingdom is fully realized. 

1. Jesus’ Mission
   1. Miracles 
   2. Jesus’ Job Description (Luke 4:18–19)
   3. Sheep and Goat Judgment (Matt 25:31–46)
2. Jesus’ New Creation Language
   1. Beatitudes (Matt 5:5)
   2. Model Prayer (Matt 6:10) 
3. Jesus’ Use of OT Imagery
   1. Birth Metaphor/Destruction of the Temple (Mark 13:1–8; Matt 24:8)
   2. Coming of the Son of Man (Mark 13:24–27; Luke 21:25–28)
   3. Coming of the Kingdom (Luke 17:20–37)
4. Possible Contradictions 
   1. Heaven and Earth Passing Away (Matt 24:32–35; Mark 13:28–31; Luke 21:29–33)
   2. Destruction of the Body and Soul (Matt 10:28)