Unit 3

Christ Our LightRedemption Unfolds

Vocabulary

AllegoryAsceticBeatitudeBlasphemyKingdom of God

ParablePrejudiceReal PresenceSynagogueTransfiguration

Learning from the Life of Christ

The Gospels are NOT biographies of Jesus.They tell little about the years between his birth

and his adulthoodThey do not describe him or give many details of

his personal lifeThey are FAITH WITNESSES (John 20:31)

Every aspect of Christ's life is a revelation from God.

Every action, word, silence, suffering, mannerism

The smallest details and the greatest miracles all teach us something about God's great love.

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9)

John the Baptist

Prophet, compared to ElijahLived in the wilderness

– Dressed in camel fur and leather– Ate grasshoppers and wild honey

Started preaching around 28 AD– Message of repentance– Preparation for God's judgment on the sinful– Repent and be baptized

Baptism by John

NOT the sacrament that we have today.– Sacraments are instituted by Jesus Christ only.

Baptism by John was a sign that one was willing– To turn over one's life to God.– To change one's way of living, forsaking sins of

the past– To prepare for the coming of the Lord

Jesus is Baptized

By submitting himself to baptism by John, Jesus was

– Taking on the identity of his people– Permitting himself to be counted among the

sinners, foreshadowing his death for our sins– Identifying with our spiritual needs, by being the

model for our own baptism– Subjecting himself humbly to the role of the

servant – the Suffering Servant in Isaiah

The Holy TrinityAll four Gospels The sky opens revealing that through the person of

Jesus Christ the mission is about to begin.God the Father –the voice from heaven, “This is my

Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

God the Son – the person of Jesus, taking on the mission of Salvation

God the Holy Spirit – “descending like a dove and alighting on him” (Matthew 3:16)

The Temptations of Jesus

After his baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he fasted and prayed for forty days.

Jesus was tempted by the devil during this period.Each of the three temptations represents a

temptation that had been faced by the people of Israel while they wandered in the wilderness for forty years.

Matthew 4:1-11

The First Temptation

Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread and take away his hunger.

The Israelites were hungry while wandering the desert. They wanted to return to Egypt where they were fed but not free

Jesus was not swayed by his hunger. He knew that God's word was more fulfilling than

bread.

The Second Temptation

Satan tempted Jesus to throw himself from the highest point of the Temple.

This would be a test of God's love and protection in the face of danger.

Jesus teaches us to trust in God's love, even when there are obstacles in our way.

“You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” (Matthew 4:7)

The Third Temptation

Satan offers Jesus all of the nations of the earth, with the power and wealth that goes with them, if he will bow down to him.

Jesus rejects what Satan is offering – the easy, popular, and pleasurable way of life

The offer of Satan is empty - not his to give.Jesus rejected worldly goods and an earthly

kingdom to bring about the Kingdom of God.

Temptation is not a sin. It is a test.It forces us to choose, therefore demonstrating

our beliefs in the way we respond.We will be tempted

– To seek the easy way out– To put ourselves before the needs of

others– To seek pleasure rather than God's will

We can turn to Jesus when we are tempted, for strength and example. WWJD

Temptation = desire + opportunity

Sin = desire + opportunity + action

The Kingdom of God

The central theme in the preaching of Jesus God's reign of “righteousness, peace, and joy in

the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17)Brought about by the words and actions of JesusAccomplished definitively by the Paschal MysteryPresent for us in the Eucharist and in the Church,

the people who the Spirit formsWill be fully realized at the Second Coming of

Jesus Christ

Teaching with Authority

Jesus began his ministry by going to his own synagogue in Nazareth.

As was the custom for Jewish men, he asked to read from the Scripture

Luke 4:18-19 – Jesus' missionJesus applied this reading from Isaiah to himself.He was the fulfillment of the prophecy.Many of his neighbors accused him of blasphemy.

The Mission of JesusLuke 4:18-19

To bring good news to the poor To proclaim liberty to the captives To recover sight to the blind To let the oppressed go free To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

Call of the Disciples

John the Baptist announced Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

As Jesus began to preach, people began to listen, and many began to follow him as he traveled.

Among his followers were people of many different backgrounds

Wedding at Cana

The first of the signs (or miracles) in John's Gospel – changing water to wine

Occurs before Jesus begins his public ministryHospitality was a great virtue in this culture and

the host would suffer great shame if he failed to provide refreshment to his guests.

Mary's faith in her son compels her to ask him to help, even though his hour has not yet come.

Symbolism in the SignJohn's is a highly symbolic GospelThe wedding represents the joining of Jesus and

his “bride” the Church– Just as the couple is given the grace they

need to love each other as Jesus loves his Church.

– It is a foreshadowing of when Jesus will change the wine into his own blood in the Eucharist.

The water represents the ordinary things we need in life. The wine represents the joyful moments of life when we celebrate. – By telling Jesus that the people have run out

of wine, Mary is reminding Jesus that the people need to know that he is here and they have reason for joy

Jesus Announces the Kingdom of God• Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites

had different ideas about the reign of God– God’s justice and judgment over the Israelites– A future event that would free them from their

oppressors– A cosmic battle between good and evil– A new heaven and a new earth ruled by peace,

justice, and goodness– A Messiah, anointed one, would bring them the

Kingdom

Jesus IS the Messiah

• He is God’s only son• Emmanuel – “God with us”• Not only announced the coming of the

kingdom, but brought it about with his own presence

• “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

The Kingdom Present and Future

• Matthew refers to the Kingdom as the “Kingdom of Heaven” rather than the “Kingdom of God” as a sign of reverence.

• Jews avoided saying the name of God, as a sign of respect.

YHWH

Especially the Poor

• Jesus announced the Kingdom in a special way for the poor and lowly.

• Jesus shared a special bond by living the life of the poor, from his humble birth to his death on the cross.– He understood their needs – hunger, thirst, povertyFoxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head. (Mt 8:20)

Conditions for Entering the Kingdom

• Matthew 25:31-46• Corporal Works of Mercy - We must respond to the

needs of the poor and less fortunate– Feed the hungry– Give drink to the thirsty– Welcome the stranger– Clothe the naked– Care for the sick– Visit the imprisoned– Bury the Dead

Open to Sinners • Jesus preached and ministered to

sinners.• Tax collectors were considered sinners

because they were Jews who worked for Rome to exploit and abuse other Jews.

• The Pharisees and scribes believed that if one associated with sinners, it was showing approval for the sins.– They stayed away from sinners, fearing that they

could “catch” their immorality.

Jesus and the Sinners

• Jesus ate at the house of tax collectors, Levi and Zaccheus.

• Scribes and Pharisees complained about Jesus associating with sinners.

• “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners

(Luke 5:31-32)

The Beatitudes

• Jesus asks us to live in such a way that we will attract others to the Kingdom.

• In Matthew, they are presented in the Sermon on the Mount. (Mt 5:3-11)

• In Luke, the presentation is at the Sermon on the Plain. (Lk 6:20-26)

• They teach us that wealth can blind us to the Truth that God is the source of all gifts, and we should share those gifts with others – even our enemies.

The Higher Standard

• The Commandments are the basic law. They represent the minimum standards.

• The Beatitudes are a higher law. They represent the higher ideals of behavior.

• We must strive to imitate God by extending our goodness to ungrateful and wicked people.– Not judging or condemning people– Give without counting the cost

The Beatitudes

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.– Not too proud to ask God for help, recognize their need for God

• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.– Experience the sadness of the changes in life and leaving people/things

behind

• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.– Not stubborn or quick tempered, chose their battles wisely

• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.– The need to do the right thing is burning, almost physical, and must do

what they can to correct injustice

• Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.– Sympathetic, generous, helpful without a selfish motive

• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.– Doing right in thoughts and actions, recognize God’s image in

themselves and others

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.– Actively seek peace in their world and in the treatment of others

• Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.– Standing up for beliefs even in the threat of being ridiculed or injured in

some way because of those beliefs

Parables

• Parables are analogies. Jesus used more familiar images, such as fishing, farming, celebrations, shepherding, and everyday life to illustrate a deeper reality.

Importance of Parables

• They convey the heart of Jesus’ message.– The Kingdom of God

• They show that Jesus was an outstanding teacher.– Easy to remember, bring to mind important

teachings• They give us a good idea of how Jesus was

able to defend himself against opponents.– Shows the uniqueness of the New Testament as a

way to live and believe

Parables of the kingdom• Parables in Matthew’s Gospel show that the

Kingdom has both present and future dimensions.

• The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)– The mustard seed is a very small seed, just as the

kingdom starts out small in the preaching of Jesus– The seed will grow into a very large shrub, just as

the Kingdom will flourish in the future.

• The Treasure (Mt 13:44) and the Pearl (Mt 13:45)– Show the value of the Kingdom and the total

commitment it requires

• The Weeds Among Wheat (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43) and The Fishing Net (Mt 13:47-50)– Express the coming of the Kingdom and how God will

separate the good from the bad, rewarding the faithful and punishing the unjust

For All • Although Jesus announces it to

the People first, he invites all people to enter the Kingdom

• The Parable of the Sower (Mt 13:1-9,18-23)– The seed must be carefully planted, just as the

word of God must be received in a prepared heart.– Those who hear God’s word, accept it, and work to

properly understand it will reap amazing results

Miracles: Signs of the Kingdom

• Miracles are observable events that the laws of nature cannot explain. They happen as a result of God’s power.– Signs that the Messianic time had started– Proof that the Father had sent Jesus– Invitation for people to believe in Christ

• In response to their belief, Jesus grants believers what they ask.

• This deepens their faith.• Not all who witnessed miracles believed.

Some questioned the source of his power to be the power of Satan.

• Miracles ALWAYS resulted in great good, the defeat of evil, and God’s power over Satan

Kinds of MiraclesHealing Miracles

Exorcisms

Nature Miracles

Raising from the

Dead

The Transfiguration of Jesus

• One of the most dramatic and important of the miracles

• Witnessed by three of the Apostles – Peter, John, and James

• Jesus asked the apostles who people were saying that he was. Answers varied:– John the Baptist, back to life– The prophet Elijah– A great prophet

• Jesus asked the apostles, “Who do you say that I am?”

• Peter answered for the three, “You are the Messiah, Son of the living God.”

• The apostles did not understand the full impact of that statement until after the Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

• The apostles were given a preview of the Kingdom of God in the Transfiguration.

• Jesus took them to a mountain where his face “shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as light.” (Mt 17:2)

• Jesus is joined by two Old Testament figures – Moses, representing the Law given to Israel – Elijah, the great prophet who preached about the

sufferings of the coming Messiah

• The presence of the Holy Trinity is also experienced.– The Father in the voice from heaven– The Son in Jesus– The Holy Spirit in the shining cloud

Institution of the Eucharist• If we open ourselves to the gift of Eucharist,

the gift Jesus gave us of himself, we are nourished with the REAL PRESENCE of God.

• The institution of the Eucharist begins on Palm Sunday, with Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.

– To fulfill prophecies, Jesus must die in Jerusalem– It was also prophesied that he would enter

Jerusalem as a humble king

During the week before he died, Jesus was often in the Temple.

– Turning out the money changers and thieves

– Teaching and defending his authority to teach when questioned by the priests

• The leaders of the Temple plotted his death.– Tempted Judas, one of the apostles,

to turn Jesus over to them

• Jesus prepares to celebrate the Passover with his apostles.

• John’s Gospel reports that Jesus washed the feet of the apostles as a sign of service.

• Jesus gave the apostles the great commandment.

“This is my commandment: Love one another as I love you. No greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends… This I command you: love one another.”

(John 15:12-13, 17)

• Jesus instituted the sacrament of Eucharist as a memorial to his death and Resurrection.

• He commanded the apostles to celebrate the Eucharist until he returned.

• He gave them his body and blood in the form of bread and wine.

• Followers are commanded to celebrate the Eucharist in memory of the Life, Death, Resurrection, and intercession of Jesus.

The Church• The Church has faithfully

celebrated the Eucharist from its beginning.

• Especially celebrated on Sunday, the day of the Lord’s Resurrection

• Catholics recognize the Eucharist as the center of the Church’s life in Christ.

• Eucharist celebrates and creates the Church, where Jesus lives in and transforms us.