Identity of Jesus

Description of John the Baptist

He ate wild locusts, honey and wore clothes made of camel hair with a belt around his waist

Why was Jesus baptised?

1. So that he could become like one of us, showing great humility

2. To set an example for Christians to follow

3. Opportunity to show his authority as God confirmed he was his Son

4. Mark the beginning of his ministry

What happened during Jesus’ baptism?

1. The heavens were opened- a symbol of God’s presence, shows a closeness to humanity

2. Spirit of God descended in the form of a dove- doves were a symbol of the arrival of good news

3. A voice from Heaven spoke, “You are my own dear son, I am pleased with you.”- confirms Jesus’ identity as Son of God and approval

Evaluate the titles of Jesus Son of Man

1. title preferred by Jesus, used 14 times in gospel and prophecy of daniel

2. It reminds Christians that Jesus came to serve others and to sacrifice his life

3. Shows his human and divine sides and God’s representative on Earth

4. It is hard for all Christians to relate to as it is a Jewish title

5. not an obvious title Christians use when they think about Jesus

Evaluate the titles of Jesus Son of God

1. Many Christians think this is the best title, used in the opening, baptism and transfiguration

2. Stresses the close relationship between Jesus and God

3. Reminds people of Jesus’ great power to heal and save

4. Some don’t like it because it makes God seem very distant

5. Some prefer to think of Jesus as more approachable, personal figure who they can get close to

Evaluate the titles of Jesus Son of David

1. used in blind bartimaeus and entry into jerusalem

2. Messiah would be a descendant from King David and he is through Joseph

3. fulfilled Old Testament predictions of a leader

4. It reminds some Christians that Jesus is their king

5. Reminds us Jesus is a historical figure but threatens romans

Evaluate the titles of Jesus Christ/Messiah

1. Means anointed one and used in peter declaration

2. misleading as he was not the warrior messiah and was peaceful

3. the messiah would be special and sent from god

4. To call Jesus the Messiah might make them compare him to an earthly king who uses his power in the world today

Evaluate the titles of Jesus Saviour

1. Jesus means ‘god saves’ and used in calming of storm and feeding 5000

2. Expected to free jews from roman rule

3. He saved humanity through death

4. Dangerous title that he didnt like

5. Expected a military messiah but he was peaceful

Evaluate the titles of Jesus conclusion

• you need the variety of titles to show Jesus' unique status

• no one title in particular is sufficient to show Jesus' identity on its own

• each one is needed to make up the entire jigsaw of his life

Retell the story of the transfiguration

1. After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. He was transfigured and clothes becoming dazzling white.

2. Elijah and Moses appeared and spoke with him. Then, a cloud covered them, and a voice said, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

3. When the cloud lifted, only Jesus remained. Jesus instructed them not to speak of the vision until after his resurrection.

4. They questioned him about Elijah's role, and Jesus explained, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished.

Key points from the calming of the storm

1. Jesus and his disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat

2. A violent storm arose, while Jesus was asleep

3. They woke him, saying, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"

4. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and commanded the waves, "Quiet! Be still!"

5. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

6. They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!

Significance of the calming of the storm

1. Jesus demonstrates divine power, showing that he has authority

2. Jesus questions the disciples' fear and lack of faith importance of faith over fear

3. Jesus was calm, his presence brings peace and stability

4. The disciples’ questions show growing understanding of Jesus

5. represents challenges and chaos in life, to trust Jesus as the one who can help

Key points from the feeding of 5000

1. The apostles returned to Jesus, large crowd followed, and Jesus had compassion on them because they were "like sheep without a shepherd."

2. asked them to check what food they had, five loaves of bread and two fish.

3. instructed the people to sit in groups. looked up to heaven, gave thanks, broke loaves, and distributed food

4. all ate and were satisfied.

5. The leftovers filled twelve baskets (12 tribes)