05/09/24, Thursday

SALVATION HISTORY PART 2: JUDGES, KINGS, PROPHETS, AND THE THEMES OF THE GOSPELS

ISRAEL AND THE PROMISE LAND

THREE PROMISES TO ABRAHAM

• Means the establishment of Israel as a true nation.
• To be a true nation, the people must have:
  • Law
  • Land
  • Leader

ISRAEL’S COMMUNITY IN THE PROMISED LAND

• Monotheism
  • Israelites followed this.
  • They believe that there is only one god.
  • God is their only king.
• Theorcracy
  • Political system that suggest that God is their only king.
  • Is this political system enough to establish Israel as a nation?
• There is equal justics.
  • Because it was God who renders it and not a human ruler.
• There was an equal distribution of resources.
  • God made sure eveyone had their fill. The economical gap among the people were non-existent.

ISRAEL DURING THE TIME OF THE JUDGES

JUDGES

TOPIC OUTLINE

1. Israel and the Promise Land
   1. Three Promises to Abraham
   2. Israel’s Community in the Promised Land
2. Israel During the Time of Judges
   1. Judges
   2. Israel’s Cycle of Infidelity
3. The Judges of Israel
   1. Deborah
   2. Gideon
   3. Samson
4. The Great Kings of Israel
   1. Background on the Existence of Kings in Israel
   2. King Saul
   3. King David
   4. King Solomon
5. God Spoke Through the Prophets
   1. Background on the Existence of Prophets in Israel
   2. Three Prevailing Themes of the Preaching of the Prophets
   3. Prophet Amos
6. The Four Gospels
   1. The Gospel of Matthew
   2. The Gospel of Mark
   3. The Gospel of Luke
   4. The Gospel of John
   5. Stages of the Formation of the Gospel
7. Who is Jesus to You?
   1. Christ or Messiah
   2. Lord
   3. Son of Man
   4. Son of David
8. The Threefold Mission of Christ
   1. Priestly
   2. Kingly
   3. Prophetic
   4. Catechism of the Catholic Church
      • Back then, Israel was always in constant battle to conquer the promise land.
      • Judges
        • Leaders appointed by God to lead the Israelites to defeat their enemies.
        • Military leaders commission by God to act as deliverers, and so guarantee the survival of Israel in times of invasion and natural crisis.

• The Ark of the Covenant
  • Served as the central and most important symbol of the faith.
• The Israelites struggled with the temptation of worshipping other gods.
• Replacement of judges
  • Once the judges have secured victory or in some ways, committed sin against

God, that marks the end of their

DEBORAH

THE JUDGES OF ISRAEL

• They ask for repentance because of oppression.
• Deliverance
  • God forgives them by sending judges.

leadership.

• • • This is why there were so many judges at the time.

ISRAEL’S CYCLE OF INFIDELITY

• A cycle of sin that made God send judges to deliver His people from oppression.
• Has something to do with the appearance of judges.
• God rescued His people through the Judges of Israel every time they would repent from theirunfaithfulness they would repent from their unfaithfulness towards their covenant with Him.
• It also tells us the proper ordering of things in our society where there are conflicts and problems that would arise, especially injustice.
• Justice
  • Consists of the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor (CCC 1807).
• Levels of Complacency
  • Peace
    • They experience peace after God’s deliverance.
  • Sin
    • They eventually forget God and commit sin.
  • Oppression
    • The people go face hardship.
  • Repentance
• From the Tribe of Ephraim.
• The only female judge who defeated Canaanites.
• She was known for rendering her judgments by sitting under the palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the mountain region of Ephraim (Judges 4:5).
• Gave Israel 40 years of peace after her victory.

GIDEON

• From the Tribe of Manasseh.
• Defeated the Midianites with three hundred men only.
• The noise of the trumpet and the breaking of the clay jars (Judges 7:19) caused panic and confusion to their enemies and brought forth victory.
• His victory gave 40 years of peace in the land.

SAMSON

• Was a Nazarite
  • Someone who consecrated to the service of God under the vows to abstain from alcohol and was not allowed to cut his hair.
• Was known for his extraordinary strength becasuse of his uncut hair.
• He fell in love with Delilah (Judges 16:4).
• He defeated the Philistines by destroying their temple, including him by crashing the temple single-handedly (Jusged 16:29-30).
• He led Israel for 20 years (Judges 16:31).

THE GREAT KINGS OF ISRAEL

BACKGROUND ON THE EXISTENCE OF KINGS IN ISRAEL

• The judges were not enough to help the Israelites. It’s not in the judges’ capacity to really help Israel establish their nation.
• Tribes in Israel have so much disunity. So the only way to address the problem was to anoint a king to achieve national unity.
• Insitution of the monarchy
  • Signaled the end of the time of the judges and opened the reign of the Kings.
• Ammonites
  • Gave threats to Israel
  • While they were giving threats, there was also disunity among the tribes of Israel.
• Samuel
  • Medium that God used to grant the Isrealites’ request of wanting a king to lead them, just like in other kingdoms.

KING SAUL

• The first King of Israel
• A simple shepger boy from Gibeah.
• Through God’s help, he defeated all of Israel’s enemies and was able to expand its territory.
• Defeated:
  • Philistines
  • Ammonites
  • Moabites
  • Edomites
  • Arameans
  • Amalekites
• Acheieved national unity during his reign.
• Reign was successful at first but he disobeyed the laws of offering and identified himself as God.

KING DAVID

• The Great King of Israel
• The Second King of Israel
• From the Tribe of Judah
• Was known for defeating the Philistinian Giant Goliath.
• Freed Israel from the yoke of the Philistines after countless wars ushering a golden age for his people.
• Ordered the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6).
  • A crucial step in making Jerusalem a royal city (the central sanctuary as commanded in Deuteronomy 12:10-11).
  • Paves the way for his son and successor, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple there.
• Plotted to kill Uriah so that Bathseba could become his wife.
• Never committed the sin of idolatry.
• Prophet Nathan
  • Called his attention because of his sin.
  • Caused King David to repent and fast because of his sin.

KING SOLOMON

• The Wise King/The King of Ancient Hebrews
• The son of David and Bathseba.
• A powerful leader who riles as a grand monarch.
• Known as the wise ruler whose advice was well-known.
  • God gave him this gift in a dream.
• He formed numerous friendly alliances with great powers of his day, many of which he secured through marriage.
• Widened his influence in the land by:
  • Using his wisdom
  • Forming alliance through marriages.
• Had 700 wives and 300 concubines to establish his power across all kingdoms.
  • This cost him his relationship to God, making him idolatrous and marking the downfall of his kingdom.

GOD SPOKE THROUGH THE PROPHETS

BACKGROUND ON THE EXISTENCE OF PROPHETS IN ISRAEL

• The establishment of the Kingdom of Israel ushered prosperity and unity.
• However, infidelity to God and abuse of power caused the nation its downfall.
• As a solution, God sent prophets who will remind them of their covenant with God.

THE PROPHETS OF ISRAEL

• Persons who speak for God or God’s spokesperson to the peaople.
• Drived form its etymology, which means “to speak for.”
• Receive God’s message through dreams and visions.
• Are not fortune tellers. But they speak of tomorrow as the consequence of today.
• Warned Israelites regarding their impending punishment due to their infidelity to God. However, they were also assured of the love of God.
• Criticizes the prevailing consciousness and leaders for their abuse and forgetfulness with regards to their covenant with God.
• Energize the people who seem to be distraught by their leaders.
• Constantly called the people to turn to God and to remember the covenant.

THREE PREVAILING THEMES OF THE PREACHING OF THE PROPHETS

1. Justice for the poor and the oppressed.
2. Faithfulness to the covenant
3. Messianism
   • God choosing someone to bring salvation to His people.

PROPHET AMOS

• A fiery prophet who called the women “Cows of Bashan” because they lived a bountiful live while people in the community were suffering.

THE FOUR GOSPELS

THE GOSPELS

• The heart of all Scriptures, “becaus they are our principal source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior” (CCC 125).
• Greek word “euangelion,” meaning “good news”
• Refers to the four books of the New Testament that describe the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Not just a historical account but also a proclamantion of the good news of salvation and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
• Teaches us that Jesus is the Son of God sent to redeem humanity from sin and offer hope of eternal life.
• Invites people to follow Jesus, turn away from sin,a nd live according to His teachings.
• Recognized by the Church as:
  • Primary source of knowledge of Jesus Christ
  • Divinely inspired writings
  • Central to Catholic belief and worship
  • Read and proclaimed during mass and other liturgical celebrations.

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

• Sympolized by “Man”
  • Because it begins with the genealogy of Jesus.
  • Begins with the birth narrative and concludes with the resurrection.
• Matthew
  • A tax-collector among the twelve.
• Audience:
  • Written for the Jewish Christians who were depressed caused by the dstruction of the Temple of Jerusalim in 70 A.D.
• Principal Theme:
  • Jesus fulfills the Scriptures of Israel.
  • Jesus is, in fact, “Emmanuel,” or “God with us” (Isa. 7:14; cf. 28:20).
  • It traces Jesus’ ancestry with Abraham.
• Parts:
  • The main part is structured into two parts
    1. Jesus’ preaching and healing
    2. Jesus’ suffering and death

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

• Symbolized by “Lion”
  • Because the gospel begins with the baptism of Jesus in the wilderness; “voice of one crying out in the wilderness (Mark 1:3).
• Shortest gospel.
• Action-paced story about the coming of the Kingdom of God.
• Paradoxically stresses the death of Jesus, the suffering servant as the ultimate purpose of His coming, the paradiem discipleship, and the manifestation of His ultimate divine power.
• Divided into two main sections:

1. Reveals the power of Jesus in the Kingdom as healer and exorcist
2. Reveals Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah and

• Mark
  • Follower and “interpreter of Peter”
  • Accompanied Barnabas and Paul on the “First Missionary Journey.”
• Audience:
  • Seem to have been Gentile, unfamiliar with Jewish customs.
• Principal Theme:
  • Mark presented Jesus as the sufffering Messiah and the Son of God.

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

• Symbolized by “Ox”
  • A reference to the sacrificial aspect of Jesus’ mission and the emphasis on his humanity.
• Emphasis on spirit and universal salvation.
• Like Mark and Matthew, also assumes that Jesus’ followers must share his mission and compassion in liberation (will be persecuted, will encounter faithful witnesses in spite of suffering).
• Luke
  • Was a physician by profession and was a companion of Paul
• Audience:
  • Is most certainly Gentile.
• Principle Theme:
  • It highlights Jesus’ ministry to the poor and oppressed, the role of women, and prayer.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

• Symbolized by “Eagle”
  • An eagle soars towards heaven, he soared in spirit upwards to the heavens

of heavens to bring back to earth revelation of sublime and awful mysteries as well ast the divinity of Christ.

• Referred to as the “Spiritual gospel.”
  • You cannot read his gospel literally. You have to read between the lines.
• Narrates the story of Jesus as the “incarnation” of the Divine Word.
• John
  • Belived to be the beloved apostle of Jesus.
• Audience:
  • Was likely written for a diverse group of early Christians living in various locations throughout the Roman Empire.
• Principal Theme:
  • Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
  • Themes central to his message
    • Divinity of Jesus
    • Deity of Jesus, presenting Him as the Word of God who was made with God from beginning and became flesh to save humanity.
    • Salvation through faith. Faith in Jesus is the means of salvation and that those who believe in Him will have eternal life.

STAGES OF THE FORMATION OF THE GOSPEL

1. The Historical Jesus
   • The very life and ministry of Jesus.
   • Tells us what Jesus did and taught for our eternal salvation.
   • Includes the truth that Jesus lived with us, performed miracles, told parables, was crucified, and rose from the dead.
   • Just like the formation of the Sacred Scriptures, it begins with events and real

experiences of eye witnesses how Jesus manifested His teachings and miracles. This became the foundation of tradition.

1. Oral Tradition
   • After the Ascension of Jesus, the apostles handed on to their followers what Jesus had taught them.
   • The early Christians have kept on their memories of the beautiful encounter they had with Jeuss.
   • This had led them to share and preach it with others as the Holy Spirit enlightened them, the apostles, and their followers had a fuller understanding of the teachings and deeds of Jesus.
   • They did not have the New Testament yet, so revelation of the Gospel came directly from Jesus and became the foundation and source of faith for them to share this to believers.
2. Writing of the Gospels
   • The Gospel accounts were compiles from the Oral Tradition
   • In writing the four Gospel accounts, th eevangelists selected certain elements that had been handed on, either orally or already in written form.
   • The evangelists took sayings, miracles, and parables of Jesus and combined them into a Gospel account.
   • The Gospels were a product of a long process of development that reflects the faith professed and life of the early Church on Jesus Christ.
   • The evangelists also considered the context, the audience, the message they wanted to convey, the literary form, and the focus of their Gospel.

CHRIST OR MESSIAH

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?

• The most familiar title of Jesus.
• Christ
  • Comes from the Greek word, “Christos”, which means anointed one.
  • Refers to Jesus who Christians believe is the Son of God and saver of humanity.
  • Used to signify the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy.
• Messiah
  • Hebrew word, meaning “annointed one”
  • In the Old Testament, this is used as a term that refers to a future savior who would redeem God’s people.
  • Christians believe the Jesus is the Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament.
• Matthew 16:13-16
  • When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
  • “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

LORD

• Adonai in Aramaic
• In the Old Testament, the Israelites use this title of respect to call God without mentioning His name.
• In some cases, it is used to address a wealthy person or a teacher.
• Philippians 2:9-11
  • Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the anme that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heacen and one arth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

SON OF MAN

• In the book of the Prophet Daniel, the Son of Man is described as someone given the power to rule the world.
• Meaning, He came from God. He just embraced humanity and gave us access to the divinity by using this term.
• Among all the titles, this title is the most controversial one.
  • There are many debates in the internet about Jesus claiming this title.
• John 3:13
  • No one has ever gone int heacen except th one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believed may have eternal life in him.”
• Since the gospel came from John, the Son of Man has something to do with a deeper meaning, not a literal translation. The Son of Man means a lot.

SON OF DAVID

• Signifies that the Messiah would descend from the line of David, who was the most revered King of Israel.
• Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the town of David through which He was a member of the King’s Family.
• Matthew 20:30
  • Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
• Prophecy of Isaiah
  • Said that a new king from the lineage of David will save us from the bandage of sin.
  • This means that Jesus was prophesied.

THE THREEFOLD MISSION OF CHRIST

PRIESTLY

• Sanctification
• Jesus is considered a priest because he offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
• Making atonement for the sins of people.
• Referred to as the high priest because he is the mediator between God and humanity.
• His sacrifice made it possible for people to reconcile with God.
• Jesus intercedes on behalf of his followers, praying for them and representing them for God.
  • Ex. How priests would celebrate masses or how priests raise his hands during prayer. He lifts up our prayers.
• Real-life context:
  • Leading your family to God and serving as a priest to your family.

KINGLY

• Service
• Jesus is considered a king because he reigns over his followers and the world as a rightful ruler.
• Jesus rules with justice, righteousness, and mercy.
• His ultimate victory of over sin and death will be complete when he returns in glory.
• Because of his kingly aspect, he focuses on the salvation and giving society a just place for everyone to live, just like how a king should be.
• Real-life context:
  • You stand your ground and tell them what is right and wrong and how one should live as a lawful person in society.

PROPHETIC

• Teaching
• Jesus is considered a prophet because he spoke the words of God to his followers and proclaimed the will of god for humanity.
• He taught people about the nature of God, the importance of faith, and the way to salvation.
• Jesus also foretold future events and gave warning about judgment day and eternal life.
• Real-life context:
  • You tell them what are the thinsg that we need to do, to avoid. What is eveil and what is good? What should we do? You are educating them about Christ, how one should live his life as a moral person, and how one should live his faith.

CATCHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

• The judges, kindgs, and the prophets in the Old Testament has become the foundation for Jeus sto show us what it really means to be a priest, king, and a prophet.
• By virtue of baptism, we come and share these missions that Jesus taught us. These missions should always point us to God and point us to Him.

CCC 1241

• • The anointing with sacred chrism
    • Signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has become a Christian, that is, one “anointed” by the Holy Spirit, incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest, prophet, and king.
  • Sacred chrism
    • Perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop
• Baptism
  • Sacrament wherein we become shares of the threefold mission of Christ during our