Ministry of Jesus
Monday, September 11, 2023
5:23 PM
The Ministry of Jesus generally refers to the work of Jesus from his Baptism to his crucifixion.  1. In the earliest Christological Hymn, Philippians 2:6-11. the Ministry of Jesus belongs to 2:7.  Jesus emptied himself, took the form of a slave/servant, and humbled himself (2:8a).  The Christ hymn sets up the major chapters of the 
Christological Narrative. (a) Christ's pre-existence and homoouisios (2:6); (b) his incarnation and ministry (2:7); (c) his Passion; (d) his glorification; e) his Lordship (2:10-11). 2.  The Synoptics. The synoptics narrate Jesus's ministry in such a way that his glorification and humility are in tension with one another.  2a.  In Mark, Jesus's ministry is expressed in the lowliest most servile form as only Demons are permitted to acknowledge Jesus's divinity until at the cross the Centurion confesses Jesus as Son of God (Mark 15:39). 2b. In Matthew and Luke, Jesus's ministry displays greater revelation of his glorification.  3.  In John, Jesus's humanity is a vessel for his glorification.  4.  In the Gospels, the Ministry of Jesus consists of (a) Creating a Community of followers; (b) Teaching and Preaching; (c) Confronting structures of religious exclusion and political oppression; (c) Meals that manifest radical inclusion; (d) healings and miracles.  