CHECK: discussing the person of jesus christ:

What is the role of Jesus as a teacher of wisdom?

Jesus clearly had an important moral message for Christians, communicated through both his words and actions. He came from the Jewish tradition, and much of his wisdom is found within the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

Did Jesus add anything new to the wisdom he communicated?

Some argue that Jesus’ key contribution was that he communicated existing wisdom in a new way for a wider audience, going beyond the local Jewish population. His ability to encapsulate wisdom for many people is considered by some to be his enduring legacy.

Did Jesus’ wisdom focus solely on morality?

Jesus' message was not just about morality. In addition to moral teachings, Jesus offered spiritual messages like the forgiveness of sins and salvation from death. His message is seen by some as being about who he was and what he did, not just what he said.

How did the Resurrection impact the understanding of Jesus' message for early Christians?

For the early Christians, the Resurrection was central to understanding the "good news" message of Jesus. The reality of his Resurrection empowered his followers to spread his message.

How does the impact of Jesus compare to other wise figures in history?

Many wise individuals have existed throughout history, but for Christians, the impact of Jesus goes beyond that of any other human being. His message transcends rational wisdom, holding a unique spiritual and mystical significance.

What does the question of Jesus as a political liberator involve?

Jesus’ message was one of freedom, particularly for the poor, the outcasts, and the most needy. He associated with groups that were excluded from society, including the sick, women, sinners, and tax collectors.

How did Jesus’ associations with marginalized groups affect him?

Jesus’ associations with marginalized groups led to criticism from more respectable classes. His social radicalism and the challenges it posed to existing norms brought him into conflict with religious and social authorities.

Did Jesus have any connections to political movements or revolutionary ideas?

Some scholars suggest that Jesus may have been interested in political liberation and may have associated with disciples linked to Zealots or other movements focused on political change, possibly even seeking a revolutionary movement against Roman oppression.

How did Jesus' message inspire political and social change?

Jesus' liberating message inspired social reformers throughout history, including advocates for black liberation. His message was not about conformity but about radical change to the established order.

How did Jesus' message relate to political power and authority?

Jesus' threat to the political establishment may have led to his execution by Pontius Pilate. Some see his message as challenging not just social norms but the established ruling classes.

What kind of liberation does the Bible speak of, and how does it differ from political liberation?

The Bible speaks of liberation from sin and death, a spiritual liberation that reaches beyond the physical world. This is different from political liberation, which addresses societal structures and oppression.

How does Jesus' message differ from that of other political liberators?

While there have been many political liberators, Jesus' message includes a spiritual reality that, for Christians, elevates him far beyond being a mere figure of history. His message touches people in a unique, transcendent way.

What makes Jesus' relationship with God unique?

Traditional Christian thought holds that Jesus' relationship with God is unique. He had a closeness to God that surpassed the relationships of the Prophets or Patriarchs of the Hebrew Scriptures.

How did Jesus' actions reflect his relationship with God?

Jesus performed actions traditionally reserved for God, such as forgiving sins and reinterpretating religious laws, which brought him into conflict with the guardians of Jewish law. This led to accusations of blasphemy during his trial.

How does the New Testament present Jesus’ relationship with God?

In John’s Gospel, New Testament Letters, and Acts, Jesus’ relationship with God is made explicit. These texts depict him as God made man and the Son of God, highlighting the importance of this belief in early Christian thought.

What question arises regarding Jesus’ self-understanding of his divinity?

The question of whether Jesus thought he was divine is complex. If Jesus was aware of his divinity all the time, it raises issues about his humanity, such as whether his childhood could have been truly human and whether his emotions were genuine or pretended.

What challenges arise from the idea that Jesus was fully aware of his divinity?

If Jesus knew he was divine, it raises questions about how his humanity could be truly relatable. For example, if he knew the future and could read minds, how could his human emotions like fear and mourning be genuine?

What if Jesus was unaware of his divinity?

If Jesus was unaware of his divinity, it raises questions about how he could have taught with the authority he did on topics like sin, death, forgiveness, and God's love. It also raises theological concerns about the nature of his relationship with God.

How does modern psychology inform debates about Jesus’ self-understanding?

Modern psychology suggests that self-awareness is complex, and humans often have layers of self-consciousness that evolve over time. This complexity is also relevant to understanding Jesus' self-awareness, as he may have understood his divinity through these layers.

Why are debates about Jesus' self-understanding considered complex?

Debates about Jesus' self-understanding are seen as simplistic, even by human standards, because human self-awareness is multifaceted and can evolve over time. Jesus’ self-awareness might have developed in layers, similar to human experiences of self-discovery.