Chapter 8: Jesus The Teacher
"Some of Jesus' teaching circulates in the world's bloodstream ... Parables, Beatitudes, The Lord's Prayer" (p127).
The Beatitudes (p127)
Beatitudes 26 times in Psalms, and in Wisdom Literature; lists of Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-26; Meier theory of two Matthew lists: vv 3 4 6 11 12 and vv 5 7 8 9 10; Matthew/Luke share first four; only Matthew second list; Matthew numbered list (p128). Luke numbered list; the four in common: a) poor; b) mourn/wee;' c) hungry (p129). The "Poor" or Anawim of God; unconditional promises (p130). Detailed analysis of first four (p131). Abelard: "... that you might grant us the laughter of your Easter grace" (p132). d) Witnessing; Bonhoeffer (p133). Matthew Beatitudes, a call to action: meek, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers and doers of God's will; Jesus calls himself meek (Matthew 11:29) (p134). Mercy, cleanness of heart; peacemakers: St. Elizabeth of Portugal (p135). Persecution for righteousness; the "Woes" in Luke following his first four Beatitudes (p136). Pasternak's Zhivago: Lara hears the Beatitudes (p137).
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6.9-13; Luke 11.2-4)) (p138)
Matthew 3 "you" petitions, 2 in Luke; Matthew 4 "we" petitions, 3 in Luke; a) May your name be made holy; b) May your kingdom come; c) Your will be done (p139). d) Daily bread; e) Forgive as we forgive; f) Do not bring us into temptation; g) Deliver us (p140). "The Lord's Prayer depended on and was shaped by Jesus' personal experience of God"; the Hallel (Mark 14:26); Elohim and YHWH (p141). "Father" in OT; Abba (Mark 14:36) (p142).
The Love Command (p143)
Do as you would be done by (Matthew 7:12); two commandments: 1. Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5); 2. Leviticus 19:18 (Mark 12:28-34) (p143). Jesus radically associates the two parts and broadens "neighbour" (Luke 10:29) (p144).