1. Hidden vs. Revealed
-- In Jesus's lifetime he made no public claims about himself
--In fact, he deliberately concealed his identity and mission
--True disciples are those who believe in the absence of evidence
--Uses the literary device of outer brackets vs. inner frame (messianic entry to Jerusalem conceals Jesus's true mission of sacrifice)
2. Who is Jesus?
--Jesus comes from nowhere and ends nowhere (empty tomb)
--He was a real person who suffered and died
--He is primarily a man of power
--He works on behalf of people but doesn't comfort them
--Titles for Jesus: Son of Man, Son of God, Christ/Messiah
3. Jesus was killed unjustly by the Jewish leadership
--His claims were misunderstood: he wasn't a political threat nor did he really mean to threaten the Temple
--He is a different kind of Messiah
--His death was somehow necessary
4. Necessity of faith
--God demands faith
--Faith is always difficult and hidden
--Salvation may be for the few
--Following Jesus requires suffering and persecution
5. Apocalyptic themes
--Jesus's death will inaugurate a new and more just age
--Symbols of the new age: the messianic entry, the messianic feast, reconstitution of the twelve tribes
--Those suffering now will endure later
6. Foreshadowing a Gentile church
--Jewish leadership reject Jesus
--Crowds approve but are clueless
--Even the core group misunderstands him
--Outsiders are the insiders: demons, women, outcasts, gentiles
--This community is imagined using the vocabulary of Judaism