Sanders LJ 1992

In this article Sanders states the desire to know more about the life of Jesus; however, he informs the reader this is a difficult task due to the lack of authentic sources available. Sanders gives some general background information on Jesus' life as we most know. He then goes on to show the reader why knowing more than the basics is not so simple. Sanders begins with the synoptic gospels and shows their close relation in the Jesus mentioned stories. He then takes different aspects of the gospels and shows how their content and context make it hard to go deeper into Jesus' life. Different aspects discussed include Jesus' ministry, the disciples' role, the destruction of the Temple, and Jesus' teachings (specifically on the kingdom. Sanders continues with the comples issues of the Sermon on the Mount, the Law, and his miracles. To end up the article Sanders discusses Jesus' trial and death. All these topics and issues still have many questions left unanswered. Sanders states tha the believes they will not be answered and the larger part of Jesus' life will remain a mystery.