Texts and interpretation: the Kingdom of God, conflict, the death and resurrection of Jesus

Texts and interpretations – The Kingdom of God in Luke: parables of the kingdom and eschatology

a) The teaching of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God, differing views on the arrival of the Kingdom, past, present and future.
b) The meaning, theological significance and importance for early believers.
With reference to the ideas of I H Marshall and A Schweitzer

Why did Jesus have to die?

a) Religious and political conflict in the ministry of Jesus as presented in the Fourth Gospel: the religious and political authorities and why they were so concerned about Jesus, the arrest, trials, and charges made against Jesus. References may be made to the Law of Moses, Temple cleansing, Sabbath 
controversies.
b) Other elements to Jesus’ challenge to Judaism: Christology, blasphemy, threat to power, political expediency. The context of conflict in Jesus’ ministry, its key themes and differing views on who was responsible for the death of Jesus.
With reference to the ideas of E Rivkin and R A Culpepper

The crucifixion and resurrection narratives in Luke’s Gospel

a) Old Testament references, symbolism, fulfilment of scripture, God’s saving plan. The religious significance of the crucifixion narratives.
b) The meaning and significance of the resurrection narratives for early believers, including terms such as sacrifice, salvation, atonement, power of God, forgiveness of sins, relationship with God, the future of the early Church.
With reference to the ideas of I H Marshall and F Matera.