Analysis of The Challenge of Jesus Written by NT Wright - Book Report/Review Example

THE CHALLENGE OF JESUS ‘The Challenge of Jesus’ by N.T. Wright Introduction Nicholas Thomas Wright is a theological historian who has written several books in a bid to enlighten readers on certain scriptural aspects that have been misunderstood for ages. In his book titles, ‘The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering who Jesus was and is’, Wright makes an evident effort of describing the historical context of the new testament. In his opinion, it is only possible to understand the teachings of Jesus in depth if one understands the perception of the 1st century Israelites. Therefore, he reasons that it is critical to understand how those 1st century Israelites viewed Jesus and how they understood the message that He delivered. Moreover, he presents convincing reason that should move people to have more faith in some accounts described in the new testament. The book is divided into eight chapters with each chapter dedicated to a certain topic, which many Christians in the modern day have not understood appropriately. This paper will discuss the main ideas highlighted in the book and offer a reflection of what is gained by viewing Jesus according to Wright’s perspective as well as what is lost. In chapter one of the book, the author highlights the challenges faced by Christians in understanding Jesus1. The problem not only emerges in the understanding, but also in studying Jesus. From this chapter, it becomes evident that many theology students and Christians as well do not see the need to study different aspects concerning Jesus. Wright highlights that every Christian should have the quest to study Jesus and understand the different aspects that define Him as the son of God as well as His message. Christians who lack this quest may fail to understand the historical times surrounding Jesus life on earth, and also fail to perceive his message in the right perspective. Wright describes a common problem experienced by many Christians today. In their pursuit to follow Jesus as an example, they fail terribly because they lack adequate understanding of the aspects that defined his coming to earth and His message. According to him, there is need to study and understand Jesus id one is to become a qualified disciple following in his footsteps. Moreover, taking time to study Jesus is a manifestation of loyalty to the scriptures. Writ believes that some Christians have adhered to certain beliefs which do not conform to the scriptural teachings. A close analysis of what the scripture says about Jesus and the historical context presented offers the right avenue for an individual to understand who Jesus was and hence follow His steps closely. Chapter two of the book describes the challenges related to understanding Jesus’ message concerning the kingdom. During His ministry, Jesus declared that God’s ‘kingdom was a tent’. The understanding of this declaration has varied among different people. There are those who think that Jesus was speaking in reference to a future kingdom as Wright describes. At this point, he offers his views concerning the fulfillment of the promises made concerning the God’s kingdom in Jesus life. He opines that, Jesus was speaking about an earthly kingdom, which he unveiled during his ministries. The author believes that Jesus had a vocation towards the people of Israel as well as the globe at large. Wright mentions that Jesus acted as the true Israel and served to facilitate an exodus from the nation's exile. He does not believe that Jesus was talking in reference to a future kingdom, which would happen in a different world. According to him, the 1st century Israelites had certain Messianic expectations which conformed to different aspects of Jesus life2. Therefore, Wright believes that Jesus had a specific vocation which translated to numerous blessings not only for Israel but for the entire world. The third chapter focuses on ‘the challenge of the symbols’. In this chapter, Wright makes an effort of developing a connection between the revocation of Jesus, which he mentioned in the previous chapter and certain symbols evident in Judaism such as temple, Sabbath, food, nation, and land. In this chapter, the author tries to view Jesus from the minds and hearts of 1st century Israelites who had practiced Judaism3. He highlights that to them, Jesus proved to be the true Sabbath as well as the source of living water and bread for life. He highlights that Jesus through his obedience successfully gained access to both the earth and the true temple. The fourth chapter of the book focuses on enlightening readers on ‘the crucified messiah’. Wright begins the chapter by highlighting two critical questions on whether Jesus was aware that H e was the messiah and how He perceived such a position. The question regards Jesus and whether He had the intention of accepting death as part of his active vocation. In order to answer these questions, Wright brought in the perspective of the Jews at that time and their expectations concerning the Messiah4. He highlights that they were not looking forward for a divine Messiah, but one who would serve as a king and restore the Israelites hope while returning them to Yahweh. Moreover, they expected a Messiah who would play a key role in the restoration of the temple. Wright highlights that the fact that Jesus died and rose after three days was a confirmation of his Messianic mission. He then builds a connection of Jesus parables and teachings with the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The fifth chapter of the book seeks to establish the relationship between Jesus and God. Wright believes that Jesus was God and offers evidence using scripture in the gospel books. In chapter six, he handles a critical topic concerning Jesus resurrection. According to his understanding Wright highlights Jesus resurrection meant that a new era had begun. The new era presented numerous changes to the Israelites and the purpose of the new era extends to the modern Christians. In the view of Wright, the journey to Emmaus is the focus of chapter seven, but is applied in the postmodern world5. He believes that, the story was foretelling how the postmodern world would register a transition from the commonly practiced agriculture through an industrial revolution to becoming an industrialized world. He also highlights an additional meaning that people would lose personal values as well as the truth in the postmodern world. Moreover, he believes that the journey to Emmaus is reflected in people’s change of attitude and views concerning the self. In his final chapter, Wright discusses the importance of spreading the good news explaining why he titled the chapter ‘The Light of the World’. He places emphasis on the preaching work, which must be carried out by Christians. Reflection on what is Gained and Lost by Adopting Wrights View Evidently, viewing Jesus as a whole in the perception developed by Wright makes a reader understand Jesus from a different perspective. Considering the historical context of the 1st century Israelites and the expectations concerning the Messiah, it opens up an opportunity for readers to rethink their understanding of Jesus. Having the history of the 1st century Israelites in mind, makes Jesus’ message on different aspects more clear. This is because a reader can understand the perspective of those Israelites in accordance with the prophetic words that had been spoken previously and their expectations of the Messiah6. Taking time to understand Jesus as a whole presents a reader with a vivid example of His actions. When an individual understand Jesus’ purpose on earth, as well as the intentions of His actions, it becomes easier to perceive His personality. Therefore, it becomes easier to follow His teachings. Moreover, it helps a reader understand the scriptural truths about Jesus, which have often been misunderstood by many Christians. Viewing Jesus as a whole can serve to replace the floppy thinking about Him that has been promoted by unscriptural dogmatism. On the other hand, adopting such a view of Jesus as a whole instead of viewing what individual Gospel books say will compel readers to change their entire perspective. Some of the sections discussed in Writes book have been understood differently in the previous years. Beginning to view Jesus as a whole evidently means that people will have to let go their previous beliefs as well as the understanding of the scriptures presented in the gospel books. This shift in thinking may bring about a measure of confusion or a dilution of the biblical truth. Some of the discoveries that Wright presents need further evidence if they are to be adopted as part of the basic truth concerning Jesus7. Conclusion Thomas Wright is a renowned historian, especially in issues related to understanding the historical context of the New Testament. His presented in this book can serve to educate readers concerning different aspects of Jesus life. He strives to present evidence in support of all the interpretation he makes. The most important perspective that he presents is giving consideration to the perspective of 1st century Israelites concerning Jesus. He encourages his readers to take time and understand Jesus if they are to succeed in being His disciples. Bibliography Wright, Nicholas T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is. Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 1999. Read More