Interpretation Project 1

Interpretation Project 1 Instructions

Interpreting Gospel Passages

Read and review Duvall and Hays, Journey into God’s Word: Your Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible, page 108. This passage lists two interpretive questions for application to Gospel passages. In order to complete the requirements for Interpretation Project 1, you must apply these 2 interpretive questions to Matthew 24:42–44.

In good essay style, answer both questions outlined below in at least 4–6 paragraphs (300–400 words). Format the project in a single Word document using current APA, MLA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program).

1. What does this small story tell us about Jesus? Try to discover the central message of this story, and then write it out. Read the stories before and after the text you chose and write out their main messages.

2. What is the Gospel writer trying to say to his readers by the way he puts the smaller stories together? Try to discover what the 3 stories have in common. Write out a paragraph showing the connections between all three stories.

Interpretation Project 1 is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3.

There are many important lessons that Jesus teaches us throughout the gospel accounts of his life and ministry. He healed the sick, fed the poor, rebuked the hypocrites and proclaimed the good news of God and his plan for salvation. "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) Jesus was full of grace, but he was not afraid to tell the truth, even if it was unpopular or undesirable.

The concept of Jesus' ministry being full of truth is clearly evident in the gospel of Matthew 24:42-44; 

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he...