Identity of Jesus

The Ministry of John the Baptist

• John appeared in the desert, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy.

• Crowds from Judea and Jerusalem confessed sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River.

• John wore clothes made of camel's hair with a leather belt, and ate locusts and wild honey.

• John said he baptized with water, but someone greater (Jesus) would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

• Jesus was baptized by John; heaven opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and God's voice said, "You are my Son"; then Jesus spent 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan.

The Ministry of John the Baptist Significance

• John fulfills Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah) preparing the way for the Messiah.

• Baptism marks a call to repentance and forgiveness, key themes in Jesus' message.

• John's humility points to Jesus’ greater power and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

• Jesus’ baptism reveals his divine sonship ("You are my Son") and mission.

• The temptation shows Jesus' obedience to God and preparation for his ministry.

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

Calming the Storm

• Jesus told his disciples to cross the lake; he was already in the boat and they set off with other boats too.

• A furious storm arose, waves were breaking over the boat, and Jesus was asleep on a cushion.

• The disciples woke him, saying, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"

• Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" — the storm stopped and there was complete calm.

• Jesus questioned their fear and lack of faith; the disciples were terrified and asked, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Calming the Storm Significance

• Demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority over nature, confirming he is the Son of God.

• Highlights the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, even in fear and danger.

• Shows Jesus' concern and care for his disciples' safety.

• Challenges the disciples’ lack of understanding about who Jesus truly is.

• Prepares the disciples for the trials they will face following Jesus.

Jesus Feeds the 5000

• The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported all they had done; they went to a quiet place because they had no time even to eat.

• A large crowd followed them; Jesus had compassion on them, seeing them as "sheep without a shepherd," and began teaching.

• Late in the day, Jesus told the disciples to feed the crowd themselves; they found five loaves and two fish.

• Jesus blessed and broke the loaves and fish; all 5000 men ate and were satisfied.

• The disciples collected twelve baskets full of leftovers after everyone had eaten.

Jesus Feeds the 5000 Significance

• Reveals Jesus’ compassion for people's physical and spiritual needs.

• Shows Jesus’ divine power to provide abundantly, linking to God providing manna in the wilderness.

• Points to the deeper meaning of Jesus as the Bread of Life.

• Demonstrates the role of the disciples in serving others under Jesus' direction.

• Foreshadows the Last Supper and Jesus' offering of himself for many.

Peter’s Declaration About Jesus

• While near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say I am?"

• They replied: some said John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others one of the prophets.

• Peter declared, "You are the Messiah"; Jesus warned them not to tell anyone.

• Jesus explained he must suffer, be rejected by elders, priests, and teachers, be killed, and rise after three days.

• Peter rebuked Jesus, but Jesus said to him, "Get away from me, Satan!"; Peter’s mindset was human, not divine.

Peter’s Declaration About Jesus Significance

• Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, a turning point in Mark’s Gospel.

• Jesus redefines the Messiah as one who must suffer, not a conquering king.

• Shows that even close disciples misunderstand Jesus' mission.

• Jesus’ rebuke teaches that true understanding comes from God's perspective, not human ideas.

• Prepares the disciples for the suffering and sacrifice required in following Jesus.

The Transfiguration

• Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where he was transfigured; his clothes became dazzling white.

• Elijah and Moses appeared and talked with Jesus; Peter offered to set up three shelters.

• A cloud covered them, and a voice said, "This is my own dear Son—listen to him!"

• Suddenly, only Jesus was visible; he ordered them not to tell anyone until after he had risen from the dead.

• The disciples questioned what "rising from the dead" meant and discussed Elijah's return; Jesus explained Elijah had come (referring to John the Baptist).

The Transfiguration Significance

• Confirms Jesus' divine identity through the shining glory and God’s voice ("This is my Son").

• Moses and Elijah’s presence shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

• Encourages the disciples by giving them a glimpse of Jesus’ true glory before his suffering.

• Reinforces the command to listen and obey Jesus as God's chosen one.

• Highlights the mystery of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection, still hidden from full understanding.

The Request of James and John

• James and John asked Jesus to sit at his right and left in glory.

• Jesus asked if they could drink his cup (suffering) and be baptized like him; they said they could.

• Jesus said they would indeed suffer, but seating arrangements were God's decision, not his.

• The other ten disciples were angry, so Jesus taught them: true greatness comes through being a servant.

• Jesus said he came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The Request of James and John Significance

• Shows the disciples' misunderstanding of true greatness in God's Kingdom.

• Jesus teaches that greatness comes through humility, service, and sacrifice.

• Emphasizes that suffering is part of the Christian journey (the "cup" and "baptism").

• Reinforces that leadership among Jesus' followers must be servant leadership.

• Jesus points to his mission to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.

Blind Bartimaeus

• As Jesus left Jericho, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.

• Hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

• Many rebuked him, but he shouted louder; Jesus stopped and called him over.

• Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, jumped up, and told Jesus he wanted to see again.

• Jesus said, "Your faith has made you well"; immediately Bartimaeus could see and followed Jesus.

Blind Bartimaeus Significance

• Bartimaeus' faith and persistence show the right attitude towards Jesus.

• Titles Jesus as "Son of David," recognizing him as the promised Messiah.

• Jesus heals in response to faith, showing his power and mercy.

• Bartimaeus' immediate discipleship ("followed Jesus on the road") models true following.

• Highlights that spiritual "sight" (faith) is more important than physical healing alone.

Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem

• As they approached Jerusalem near Bethphage and Bethany, Jesus sent two disciples to fetch a colt that had never been ridden.

• The disciples found it tied by a doorway; when questioned, they said, "The Master needs it," and were allowed to take it.

• They put cloaks on the colt, and Jesus rode it; many people spread cloaks and leafy branches on the road.

• The crowds shouted, "Praise God! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"; they praised the coming kingdom of David.

• Jesus entered Jerusalem, went into the Temple, looked around, and then left for Bethany with the Twelve because it was late.

Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem Significance

• Fulfills prophecy (Zechariah) about the humble king entering Jerusalem on a colt.

• Publicly declares Jesus as Messiah, though a peaceful, not military, king.

• People's shouts ("Hosanna!") show their hope for deliverance and salvation.

• Begins the final stage of Jesus’ mission leading to his death and resurrection.

• Reveals the tension between popular expectations and Jesus' true purpose.

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