Page 72 - A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy

CHPATER TWO

JESUS’ METHODOLOGY OF PREACHING

The Centrality of Preaching in Jesus’ Ministry

Of the many ministries that Jesus performed during his public life, preaching was the

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primary one. Jesus was not only a preacher of the Word but also a trainer of preachers. This
section briefly surveys the witness of the Synoptic Gospels concerning the centrality of

preaching in Jesus’ ministry.

Witness according to Mark

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In addition to Mark’s primary focus on a presentation of the Good News of Jesus Christ, his
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Gospel also discloses who the person of Jesus was by recording a variety of activities. Mark

shows that Jesus was a preacher; and Mark’s revelation of Jesus as such is evident in the written

1 Joachim Jeremias, New Testament Theology: The Proclamation of Jesus (New York:
Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1971), 1-36, 231-39; For the ramification of Jesus’ calling of his
disciples, see Martin Hengel, The Charismatic Leader and His Followers, trans. James Greig
(New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1981), 71-83.

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He opens his Gospel with the phrase: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ,
the Son of God” (Mk. 1:1).

3 Paul J. Achtemeier, Mark, Proclamation Commentaries: The New Testament Witness for
Preaching (Philadelphia, PN: Fortress Press, 1975), 51. He views Jesus as preacher, as teacher,
and as miracle worker.