Grade-11-3rd-Quarter-Lesson-1-2

The True Identity of Jesus: "Revelation of God's Love"

Prepared by: Rein Joaquin Roque

Jesus of Nazareth's Humanity

Jesus of Nazareth was fully human, evidenced by His direct sharing of life with those around Him. He experienced the full range of human emotions, from joy to sorrow, allowing Him to relate deeply to our own human experiences. Biblical Reference: 1 John 1:1 emphasizes these tangible experiences—Jesus was heard, seen, and touched, illustrating His incarnational nature and that He lived amongst us, revealing God's love through His actions and interactions.

Sanctification of Human Experiences

Jesus’ experiences encompass both joy and sorrow, serving to sanctify various facets of human life. Each of these experiences can lead to holiness and spiritual growth; therefore, our relationships and life events contribute to our personal growth, showing us how to navigate life's complexities with faith.

Jesus and the Jewish Faith

He embraced the Jewish faith, taking it upon Himself and embodying the heritage of His people. Jesus subjected Himself to the Law of Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the fulfillment of the Law through love, as seen in His teachings and practices.

Observance of Jewish Law

  • Jesus underwent circumcision (Lk. 2:21) as per Jewish law, symbolizing His belonging to the Jewish community.

  • He was consecrated to God in the Temple following the Law (Ex. 13:22).

  • He participated in significant Jewish holidays such as Passover, Tabernacles, and Hanukkah, which not only fulfilled the laws but also enriched His understanding and expression of faith during visits to the Temple (as seen in Jn. 2:13, 7:2, and 10:22).

Doctrine of the Incarnation

The doctrine of the Incarnation posits that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, a theological concept exemplified in Philippians 2:6-7. Rather than exploiting His divine nature for personal gain or advantage, He chose to humble Himself by taking on the nature of a servant, which illustrates His deep love and commitment to humanity.

Roots of Catholicism in Judaism

Jesus was Jewish, placing the roots of Catholicism firmly in the traditions and beliefs of Judaism. Key beliefs that were foundational include:

  • Monotheism: The belief in one God that is central to both faiths.

  • Scripture: The Jewish Scriptures include the Law (Torah) and the Prophets, which are integral to understanding Jesus' mission.

Respect for the Law

Jesus demonstrated love and respect for Scripture and the Law/Torah. He clarified His mission as one of fulfillment, not abolition, of the Law, as outlined in Matthew 5:17, asserting that He came to complete the Law by embodying its true spirit.

Jesus as Divine

The New Testament proclaims Jesus' divinity—Colossians 2:9 asserts that all fullness of Deity resides in Him. He is distinctly recognized as the head over all power and authority, governing both the heavenly and earthly realms with divine sovereignty.

Divine Titles in the Gospels

In the Gospels, Jesus is referred to by significant divine titles such as "Son of God" and "Lord." Key affirmations of His divine identity include Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16) and Thomas' profession of faith in John 20:28, acknowledging His divinity.

Trinity Recognition

Jesus is acknowledged as the second person of the Trinity, existing simultaneously with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He shares an undivided divine essence with them, affirming the oneness of God while distinguishing the roles within the Trinity.

Miracles of Healing

  • Physical Restoration: Jesus healed the sick, including Peter’s mother-in-law, who was bedridden with a fever (Mark 1:30-31), showcasing His compassion and divine authority.

  • Restoration of Sight: He healed a man born blind (John 9:11), demonstrating the depth of His miraculous powers and His ability to bring light into darkness.

  • Curing Leprosy: An example of Jesus healing a leper (Mark 1:41-42) underscores His willingness and ability to cleanse both physical ailments and the deeper social stigma associated with leprosy.

  • Authority Over Evil: Jesus cast out demons, asserting His authority over evil spirits (Mark 1:21-27) and showcasing His role as the liberator from both physical and spiritual bondage.

  • Healing of a Boy: He demonstrated unparalleled authority during the healing of a boy with an unclean spirit (Mark 9:25), emphasizing the power embedded in His words and presence.

  • Power Over Life and Death: Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Mark 5:21-43), showcasing His divine authority and control over life itself.

  • Lazarus' Resurrection: Bringing Lazarus back to life after four days (John 11:43) revealed Jesus’ ultimate power over death and foreshadowed His own resurrection, providing a promise of eternal life.