Jesus and the Forces of Death

Synopsis

Named a Sejong Book of 2021, Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (KPIPA)

2020 Center for Biblical Studies Book Award (New Testament Runner-Up)

"Utterly fresh and innovative, important both exegetically and ethically."--Paula Fredriksen, Review of Biblical Literature

Although most people acknowledge that Jesus was a first-century Jew, interpreters of the Gospels often present him as opposed to Jewish law and customs--especially when considering his numerous encounters with the ritually impure. Matthew Thiessen corrects this popular misconception by placing Jesus within the Judaism of his day. Thiessen demonstrates that the Gospel writers depict Jesus opposing ritual impurity itself, not the Jewish ritual purity system or the Jewish law. This fresh interpretation of significant passages from the Gospels shows that throughout his life, Jesus destroys forces of death and impurity while upholding the Jewish law.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Challenge to the Forces of Death

* Summary:
* Jesus' ministry begins in Galilee and Judea, a region oppressed by Roman and Jewish religious authorities.
* Jesus' message of liberation and healing poses a threat to the established powers.
* He declares that the "Kingdom of God" has come near and that liberation from oppression is possible.

* Real-life example: The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates Jesus' challenge to the forces of death by embracing the outcast and showing compassion to those in need.

Chapter 2: The Miracles of Liberation

* Summary:
* Jesus performs miracles that challenge the power of death, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons.
* These miracles demonstrate Jesus' authority over physical and spiritual forces and symbolize the liberation he offers.
* They also reveal the compassion and healing presence of God.

* Real-life example: The healing of the paralyzed man (Mark 2:1-12) shows how Jesus' liberation not only restores physical health but also reconciles with God.

Chapter 3: The Confrontation with Evil

* Summary:
* Jesus faces opposition from religious authorities and political leaders who perceive him as a threat.
* He exposes the hypocrisy and violence of their systems and calls for a transformation of society.
* The forces of death retaliate with violence and persecution, leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

* Real-life example: The trial of Jesus (Mark 14-15) demonstrates the clash between Jesus' message of liberation and the oppressive forces of the Roman Empire and Jewish religious authorities.

Chapter 4: The Victory over Death

* Summary:
* Jesus' resurrection from the dead is a decisive victory over the forces of death.
* It symbolizes the triumph of life and the hope of liberation for all.
* Jesus' presence continues through the Holy Spirit, empowering his followers to carry on his mission of liberation.

* Real-life example: The Pentecost account (Acts 2) shows how the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to proclaim Jesus' message and challenge oppressive systems.

Chapter 5: The Ongoing Struggle

* Summary:
* The forces of death continue to exist in the world, but they are no longer the final authority.
* Jesus' followers are called to join in the ongoing struggle against oppression and injustice.
* By following Jesus, they participate in the triumph over death and bring liberation to the world.

* Real-life example: The work of civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez demonstrates how Jesus' message continues to inspire resistance to oppression and the pursuit of liberation for all.