Seeing the Genius of Jesus in the Parable of Two Sons
Oct 17, 2023
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Peter Williams, advocate for considering Jesus as a genius, discusses the cleverness and wisdom of Jesus in the parable of two sons. They explore themes of acceptance and surrender, authenticity and depth of Jesus' teachings, and the long-term research and a fascinating discovery of an ancient manuscript. The episode also delves into the work and support of Tyndale House Cambridge in enhancing the Greek New Testament.
Jesus displayed great wisdom and cleverness in his teachings, specifically focusing on the parable of the prodigal son.
Recognizing that God's revelation can both reveal and hide can impact our approach to teaching and sharing the gospel with others.
Deep dives
The Surprising Genius of Jesus
In this episode of Gospel Bound, Colin Hanson interviews Peter Williams, the principal of Tyndale House Cambridge, about his new book 'The Surprising Genius of Jesus.' Williams argues that Jesus displayed great wisdom and cleverness in his teachings, specifically focusing on the parable of the prodigal son. He explains the depth and intentionality behind Jesus' words, drawing connections to Old Testament stories and highlighting the hidden messages within the parable. Williams also emphasizes the importance of studying Jesus' teachings and expecting depth in his stories, as they reveal his genius and hold valuable lessons for believers today.
Exploring Jesus' Unique Teaching Style
In this segment, Colin Hanson and Peter Williams discuss the unique teaching style of Jesus, which spoke to both the simple and the intelligent. Williams explains that while Jesus spoke in a way that was easily understood by ordinary people, he also crafted his words in such a way that those with worldly knowledge and pride could miss their significance. They highlight the importance of recognizing that God's revelation can both reveal and hide, and how this understanding can impact our approach to teaching and sharing the gospel with others.
Understanding the Authenticity of Jesus' Teachings
Peter Williams addresses the authenticity of Jesus' teachings, particularly in the parable of the prodigal son. He argues that the coherence and brilliance of the story, along with the connections to other biblical narratives, strongly support their origin from Jesus himself. Williams highlights the use of unique phrases, echoes of Old Testament stories, and the intentional composition of Jesus' teachings as evidence of their authenticity. He encourages Bible study teachers and preachers to delve into Jesus' words, expect depth, and explore the connections between the Old and New Testaments to uncover the genius of Jesus' teachings.
Insights into Tyndale House Cambridge
Colin Hanson and Peter Williams discuss Tyndale House Cambridge, a research center and library dedicated to serving biblical scholars and the global church. Williams explains that Tyndale House aims to raise up servant-hearted Bible scholars and create a community where scholars from around the world can collaborate and support one another. He highlights the networking opportunities and sense of community fostered at Tyndale House. Additionally, Williams shares upcoming research projects, including work on the Greek New Testament and the history of the Old Testament, as well as ways for people to support Tyndale House through prayer, financial contributions, volunteering, and advocacy.
Jesus was and is a genius. Have you ever thought of him that way? We know him as a friend, Lord, healer, and teacher. Of course, Son of God, true God from True God. But genius? Einstein was a genius. Hawking was a genius. Men of science. Men of modernity. Men who created our world.
Jesus? He’s a religious figure. And we don’t associate religion with genius. Even when we confess with Hebrews 1:3 that Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power.’
Peter Williams, however, wants you to consider The Surprising Genius of Jesus in his new book from Crossway. He shows readers what the Gospels reveal about the greatest teacher, and he wants you to see the cleverness and wisdom of Jesus.
Williams is the principal of Tyndale House, Cambridge, and chair of the International Greek New Testament Project. He’s also the author of an excellent little book, Can We Trust the Gospels?, which is similar to The Surprising Genius of Jesus.
In this episode of Gospelbound, Collin Hansen talks with Peter Williams about The Surprising Genius of Jesus as well as the mission of Tyndale House, Cambridge.
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