Si-Co Chapter 4 Jesus Son of the Living God
Chapter 4
Belief in the Incarnation
Christians believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully God.
Jesus was human and exactly like us in all things but sin.
Jesus proved he was God through his resurrection from the dead.
This belief is expressed in the doctrine of the Incarnation.
The term "Incarnation" means "made in flesh," signifying Jesus' dual nature: divine and human.
Is Jesus Really God and Really Human?
Christians affirm that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and this acceptance is a matter of faith.
The belief that God is infinite love leads to the understanding that God chose to become one of us out of love.
Saint Paul teaches that Jesus was like us in all things except sin.
Jesus as a Jewish Man
Jesus was not unlike any other Jewish person of his time:
Grew up in Nazareth in Judea.
Learned Hebrew and could quote from the Hebrew Scriptures.
Followed Jewish dietary practices and made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Helped his mother with chores and assisted his father in carpentry.
Laughed and shared moments with friends.
Identified with the Jewish people’s longing for freedom.
His early life before ministry is referred to as the "Hidden Years" of Jesus.
Who Is This Man?
Various interpretations of Jesus:
A preacher or rabbi, highly gifted but limited to that role?
A prophet like Jeremiah and Isaiah, chosen by God for guidance?
Something else entirely?
Jesus' Declaration in the Synagogue
After baptism and 40 days in the desert, Jesus reads from the Prophet Isaiah in the synagogue:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor." (Luke 4:18)
He concluded by stating that the scripture was fulfilled in their hearing.
Those present questioned if he was proclaiming to be the Messiah.
Reflection Questions
Imagine being one of Jesus’ friends in Nazareth. What do you think Jesus was like at your age?
Contemplate being in the synagogue hearing Jesus claim to be the Messiah. What would your thoughts be?
Timeline of Events Begins with Jesus' Conception
The Annunciation: Angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a young Jewish girl, that she will bear a son named Jesus.
His conception would be through the Holy Spirit, not in the usual manner.
Mary and Joseph accepted God's plan and married.
Jesus' Birth
Narratives of Jesus’ birth are found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew,
Both accounts share basic elements but differ in details, yet both convey the miraculous significance of his birth, marking God becoming man.
Jesus' Baptism
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
In Matthew's account, the Spirit of God descends like a dove upon him.
This event marks the beginning of Jesus' mission, supported by the love of his heavenly Father.
Temptation in the Desert
Led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus undergoes a 40-day period of prayer and fasting in the desert.
Faced three temptations to abandon dependence on God in pursuit of easy power.
Jesus remains steadfast, focusing on his heavenly Father as his source of strength.
Calling the Apostles
One of the first actions after proclaiming glad tidings was calling the Apostles to follow him.
These men left everything behind to assist in his mission.
Jesus gathered disciples who would learn and continue his mission after his departure.
God the Father
Jesus uniquely understood his relationship with God the Father.
He referred to God as both "my Father" and "our Father."
Taught followers to pray to "Our Father" as part of the Lord’s Prayer.
God's Love Includes Everyone
Living in the Kingdom of God implies residing in the Father’s love, suffused by it and letting it dictate community life.
As God’s Son, Jesus embodied God’s love and made it tangible.
Jesus’ Actions as Signs of the Kingdom
Jesus performed healings and miracles.
Included outsiders and loved enemies.
Challenged hypocrisy and religious legalism.
Jesus’ Teaching through Parables
Frequently used parables to communicate about the Kingdom of God.
Parables featured relatable imagery (e.g., sheep, coins, seeds) with often surprising conclusions.
Example: The Good Samaritan emphasizes God’s love for all.
The Response to Jesus
Responses to Jesus were mixed:
Some found him irresistible and committed their lives to him.
Others viewed him as a threat to their authority, particularly political and religious leaders.
Ultimately, a conspiracy developed to arrest and execute Jesus, yet this was not the end of his story.
Jesus’ Mission
Jesus' mission included proclaiming the Kingdom of God through actions and words—an embodiment of the Kingdom characterized by love and justice.
The Kingdom of God transcends political entities and power structures and was often unexpected by many.
Reflection on Jesus' Life
Go back through the slides and discern aspects of Jesus' life that seem divine versus those that are more human.
Here are 9 multiple-choice questions based on the notes about Jesus and the belief in the Incarnation:
What does the term "Incarnation" mean?A) Jesus' teachingsB) Made in fleshC) The resurrectionD) A Jewish festivalAnswer: B) Made in flesh
Which apostle is known for teaching that Jesus was like us in all things except sin?A) Apostle PeterB) Saint JohnC) Saint PaulD) Apostle AndrewAnswer: C) Saint Paul
Where did Jesus grow up?A) JerusalemB) BethlehemC) NazarethD) GalileeAnswer: C) Nazareth
What event marked the beginning of Jesus' mission?A) His birthB) His baptism by John the BaptistC) The Sermon on the MountD) The Last SupperAnswer: B) His baptism by John the Baptist
Who questioned Jesus about his declaration of being the Messiah in the synagogue?A) The disciplesB) The PhariseesC) Those present at the synagogueD) John the BaptistAnswer: C) Those present at the synagogue
Which of the following is NOT a miracle performed by Jesus?A) Healing the sickB) Turning water into wineC) Walking on waterD) Raising a synagogue leader from the deadAnswer: D) Raising a synagogue leader from the dead (the correct event is raising Jairus' daughter)
How did Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God?A) Through sermonsB) Through parablesC) Through debatesD) Through rituals
Answer: B) Through parables
What did Jesus refer to God as in his teachings?A) Our KingB) My Father and Our FatherC) Almighty GodD) The Creator
Answer: B) My Father and Our Father
What was the response to Jesus' teachings and actions among the people?A) Universal acceptanceB) Mixed reactionsC) Complete indifferenceD) Immediate following by all
Answer: B) Mixed reactions