BBS 104: Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

Course Description

Welcome to BBS 104! This course offers a focused and harmonized study of the first three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. While BBS 103 provided a broad overview of the New Testament, this course zooms in on the person and work of Jesus Christ as presented through these three unique but related perspectives. We will compare their distinct accounts of Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Special attention will be given to understanding Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, His authoritative teaching on the Kingdom of God, and how He masterfully fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. Prepare to see the life of Christ in triplicate, gaining a richer, more three-dimensional understanding of the Savior.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive look at the life of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Compare the Gospels: Articulate the distinct themes, intended audiences, and unique characteristics of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• Trace Jesus’ Life: Outline the major stages of Jesus’ life and ministry, from His birth and baptism to His resurrection and ascension.
• Analyze Key Teachings: Explain the central message of Jesus’ key teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount and His parables about the Kingdom of God.
• Understand the Passion: Detail the key events of Jesus’ final week, including the Last Supper, His trials, crucifixion, and the significance of these events.
• Identify Prophetic Fulfillment: Recognize and explain specific ways in which Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
• Synthesize the Portrait of Christ: Combine the perspectives of the three Gospels to form a more complete and nuanced understanding of Jesus’ person and work.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Advent of the King (Matthew 1-4, Mark 1, Luke 1-4)

• Lesson 1: Three Portraits, One King: Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels
• Lesson 2: The Royal Lineage & Miraculous Birth (Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2)
• Lesson 3: The Forerunner & The Anointing (John the Baptist & Jesus’ Baptism)
• Lesson 4: The Testing of the King (The Temptation in the Wilderness)
• Lesson 5: The Kingdom at Hand (The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry)

Chapter 2: The Proclamation of the King (Matthew 5-13, Mark 2-4, Luke 5-8)

• Lesson 1: The Law of the Kingdom (The Sermon on the Mount)
• Lesson 2: The Authority of the King (Calling Disciples & Confronting Scribes)
• Lesson 3: The Power of the King (A Survey of Jesus’ Miracles)
• Lesson 4: The Parables of the Kingdom (Stories of Sowers, Weeds, and Mustard Seeds)
• Lesson 5: The Identity of the King (Peter’s Confession & The Transfiguration)

Chapter 3: The Journey of the King (Luke 9-19, Matthew 19-20, Mark 10)

• Lesson 1: The Cost of Following the King (Teachings on the Road to Jerusalem)
• Lesson 2: The Heart of the King (Parables of the Lost and Found)
• Lesson 3: The Exclusivity of the King (Confrontations & Controversies)
• Lesson 4: The Humility of the King (Teachings on Servanthood & Welcoming Children)
• Lesson 5: The Approach of the King (Zacchaeus & The Triumphal Entry)

Chapter 4: The Sacrifice of the King (Matthew 21-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 19-23)

• Lesson 1: The Final Teachings of the King (Cleansing the Temple & The Olivet Discourse)
• Lesson 2: The New Covenant of the King (The Last Supper)
• Lesson 3: The Agony of the King (Gethsemane & The Arrest)
• Lesson 4: The Trials of the King (Before the Sanhedrin & Pilate)
• Lesson 5: The Crucifixion of the King (The Cross at Calvary)

Chapter 5: The Victory of the King (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24)

• Lesson 1: The Empty Tomb (The Resurrection Morning)
• Lesson 2: The Appearances of the Risen King
• Lesson 3: The Confirmation from the King (The Walk to Emmaus)
• Lesson 4: The Commission of the King (Making Disciples of All Nations)
• Lesson 5: The Ascension of the King (The Promise of the Spirit)

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.