Summary Notes on Ch. 4 Marcus Borg - Why Was Jesus Killed?

1. Significance of Jesus Death.

• "The Stories of Jesus' crucifixion in the gospels are among the most powerful religious narratives in the world. Rich in meaning and metaphorical resonance, the stories of his death have been the subject of theological reflection, liturgy, art, and music throughout the Christian centuries."
• Jesus death has been traditionally understood as the principle purpose of his life, with God having purpose behind it all. The gospels and also Paul portray Jesus as knowing that he died for our sins
• BUT, did Jesus understand his life and death in this way? Borg feels this meaning is given to the event post-easter by the early Christian community..

2. Did Jesus see his death as salvific, as himself as redeemer?

• Jesus death was a shock to his followers. They didn't behave like this was the plan.
• New Testament passages are generally Old Testament prophesy historicized. A process of Mishrash.
• It is an unattractive notion to think this of Jesus. Such ego is out of context with his life as a wisdom teacher, his healing, his actions on justice issues, his communal behaviours.
• It is not the same to think he knew his life was at risk as to think he was marching to his death.

3. Background of the end week.

• At Passover (a major event) Jesus entered Jerusalem at the East gate as Pilate entered at the West gate in pomp. A contrast in power and perspective.
• Jesus had memorable encounters with Pharisees, Saducees and Temple authorities. His way was different than their ways.

4. What is Historical?

• Mark is the foundational narrative.
• The last supper, the betrayal, the arrest, the crucifixion seem based on real events, though many aspects are in question.
• From arrest to crucifixion is speculation because Jesus followers had fled.
• Trial. Jesus was a peasant. The highest courts needn't have been involved. It was not legal to hold court at night.
• Crucifixion. A Roman punishment for rebels and defiant slaves. Not Jewish.
• Body. Crucified corpses were left on the crosses, or buried anonymously. This was part of the deterrent.
• Blame for death on Jews. Jewish authorities collaborated with Roman. But in a Roman world the early church put the best spin on it for the Gentile audience and blamed just Jews. We have inherited this terrible tradition.
• Accusations of blasphemy - that he was Messiah. Probably not.
• Why was Jesus killed? "The domination system killed Jesus as the prophet of the kingdom of God."

October 22, 2000