Jesus and His Jewish Influences

By: Jodi Magness, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Jodi Magness

Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Jesus - a Jewish man from first-century Judea - was perhaps the most influential person in world history. His life and beliefs sparked a movement that influenced the course of global civilization, and his teachings gave rise to a faith currently practiced by over two billion people around the world. And yet, as revolutionary and lasting as his ideas are, few of us think to ask: Where did they come from?

It's important to realize that Jesus' actions and teachings didn't emerge from a vacuum. Rather, they were the products of a fascinating dialogue with - and reaction to - the traditions, cultures, and historical developments of ancient Jewish beliefs. In search of a more complete comprehension of Jesus' legacy, this course explores fundamental questions such as: How was early Judaism different from the Rabbinic Judaism practiced today? What kind of world did early Jewish sects envision, and how does Jesus' worldview relate to theirs? How did events like the Babylonian exile and the reign of Herod the Great affect the development of Judaism up to Jesus' time?

Follow an acclaimed archaeologist to unearth the roots of Jesus' actions and teachings within the traditions and beliefs of ancient Judaism. These fascinating 24 lectures approach the subject of Jesus from a historical rather than scriptural perspective - one rooted in ancient texts and archaeological discoveries. This investigation reveals hidden insights into how the tumultuous events of early Jewish history shaped an individual - and a movement - whose legacy endures to this day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

Fascinating

Professor Magness is not the most dynamic of The Great Courses professors, but the insights, scholarship, and organization she brings to this series are outstanding, making it a fascinating listen.

Whether you are religious or not, whether you are Jewish or Christian or Muslim, if you are at all curious about how history is made, you will surely find this series riveting. I thought I knew a few things about biblical Israel, Roman antiquity, Jesus and ancient Judaism... but Professor Magness pulls it all together into a context that makes all of it make sense.

at first

Seems to have much irrelevant information at first as well as some lectures ending abruptly. Become much better in the last 2/3 of the series.

Interesting subject and coverage

Loved the information and a new perspective on the life of Jesus, particularly healing and ritual purity.

Fascinating; gives context to gospel AND history

Who or what is a Pharisee? A Samaritan? Where else in the ancient world of the middle east do we hear a phrase like "Son of Man"? How many other great flood stories were floating around in the context of the Noah story? What were these temples, and where?
I appreciate some Christian believers seem to be rolling their eyes and drumming their fingers waiting for a simpler story that neatly fits their limited cognitive maps of what Jesus supposedly was or is. Those with short attention spans need not apply. However, for me there is plenty of colorful story to keep my eyelids from drooping. This professor has a quality I admire, a wonderful clear cadence, scarcely ever fumbling. (I cannot stand a professor who inserts a lot of "uhhh" and "you know" in the delivery.) This has deepened and widened my comprehension of the ancient middle east considerably. All sorts of peoples and places and beliefs are discussed. The politics and religions of various dynasties and groups are made clear. It's well worth it!

not quite what I was expecting

a lot of good information on the Jews before and after Jesus but not much relating specifically to Jesus. what there was was excellent but only a few chapters.

Informative

This course was packed full of information I did not know before, or did not fully understand in historical, political, and religious context.

Not What I Expected

If you could sum up Jesus and His Jewish Influences in three words, what would they be?

Not about Jesus

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jesus and His Jewish Influences?

None

Which scene was your favorite?

None

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

An excellent in depth history of the Jewish people. But it was not what I was looking for.

A Great Course Indeed!!!

It amazes me how so many "Christians," "Preachers," and "Teachers" on Sunday mornings have no real idea of how Jewish, Jesus was/is. None I have ever heard, except one, have ever conveyed even a tenth of the contents of this course over the course of their years of pastoring. Might need to seek out a good Rabbi or better yet, keep taking these truly great courses to strengthen my faith, understanding, and knowledge in G-d.🙏🏻

Should be required reading for all Christians

This course was enlightening on many levels. Many Christian concepts & passages which I previously misunderstood became very clear after listening to this course. The Jewish and Greco-Roman background against which Jesus existed pull all of that together. The motives and apocalyptic outlook of Jesus make so much more sense to me now given proper context.

Dr Magness is a great instructor

This is a wonderful course. As a Jew who is fascinated with the life of Yeshua, it was illuminating!