Simply Jesus

Chapter 10 – Battle and Temple

1.  As Wright notes at the outset of this chapter, the battle Jesus is facing and the enemy Jesus confronts leaves his contemporaries (and us) utterly confused in the midst of competing expectations of God and the Messiah.  Wright provides a brief, but succinct introduction of “the satan.”  Think back to your initial introduction to “the satan,” either as a child or as an adult.  Share the circumstances of that learning and the development of your own thinking into the personification of evil.

2.  Next, Wright provides a short list of biblical references to “the satan.”  Pointing to C.S. Lewis, Wright highlights the common response of “all or nothing” in approaching this subject.  He also cites scholar Walter Wink’s brilliant trilogy on “the powers” (strongly recommended by Pr. Mark) and M. Scott Peck’s book (also recommended) as serious efforts to engage in a contemporary examination and dialogue of evil’s reality and role.  Yet, our tendency remains that of labeling “people like us” as good (and righteous) and our opponents and enemies as bad (thus evil and fair game for “demonizing”).  Again, think back to examples of such thinking and behavior over the years and share your response. 

3.  Wright offers several biblical references to Jesus facing his accusers and defending his words and actions.  He lifts us the central theme of “cleansing the Temple” and his fulfillment of Zechariah 9, where Jesus rides a donkey as he enters Jerusalem.  While we stand at a great distance, historically, from these events, Wright notes that the people of faith who witnessed them would have understood their meaning and significance at once.  Wright goes on to warn us against the “peril of modernizing Jesus,” and thus missing out altogether.  What are the dangers of attempting to interpret Jesus and his ministry without engaging in the serious work of informed biblical study, reflection, and conversation?  Where do you see the pitfalls and perils around us?