Jesus The Man with a Plan

Imagine... it is a beautiful day for a hike in the woods.

But suddenly, you become lost.

It has been three days. You realize you cannot rescue yourself... and begin to loose hope.

Your parents get worried and call the park authorities to send a guide who knows the area to rescue you.

You are so thankful he saved your life that you pass out and wake up at home, safe and sound again.

Discussion In this story, what was the role of the parents? In this story, what was the role of the ranger?

Gospel of John – The Incarnation John 1: 9 – 14 "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (1:9-14)

According to this reading... Why did God take on human form? To unite us with the Father by saving us from our sins. To show us the nature of God in human form, like us, so we can fully understand who God is. To show us how to imitate God in his words and actions as a model of perfect love.

Names of Jesus Jesus Christ Son of God Lord

Jesus Hebrew name meaning: “God saves” “Savior” Jesus would save the world from sin and death.

Christ “Messiah” “Anointed One” Jews expecting a political Messiah; Jesus was a different type of Messiah than they expected.

Son of God This is a way to understand relationship between God and Jesus; a share in the divinity of God. The divinity of Jesus always existed. God became man through Jesus. Incarnation (“Carne” – FLESH) This is what defines Christianity!!!

Hypostatic Union 100% God, 100% man. 2 natures, one person. Homouseous: - “of the same stuff” - One-in-being - Consubstantial

Lord Refers to a ruler or someone with great power. The name we translate that God revealed to Moses. YHWH

Partner Activity Spend 5 minutes quizzing your partner on the names of Jesus and what each means: Jesus Christ Son of God Lord

How Do We Know About Jesus? Jesus was a historical person. He was born during the reign of King Herod. (Between 6 – 4 B.C.) Several historians noted his existence. (See textbook p. 45 – 46)

Evidence from the Bible Infancy Narratives in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke! These two accounts of Jesus share similarities, but also important differences. Matthew – written for the Jews Luke – written for the Romans

Common Elements in Both Infancy Narratives: - Main characters: Mary, Joseph, Jesus - Supporting characters: Angels, Holy Spirit -Titles attributed to Jesus: Christ, son of David -Heritage: children of Abraham/Israel, house of David - Place names: Nazareth in Galilee, Bethlehem in Judea -Historical period: during the reign of King Herod

Matthew and Luke Matthew: written for Jews emphasized the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Hebrew people for a Messiah. Titles of Jesus: Messiah, Emmanuel, King of the Jews Luke: written for Romans emphasized Christ for all people. Titles of Jesus: Jesus; Son of the Most High; Son of God; Savior

Gospel of Matthew Infancy Narrative Wise men & three gifts ▫Frankincense – Jesus as priest ▫Myrrh – Jesus as prophet ▫Gold – Jesus as a king

Gifts foreshadow the death of Jesus – ▫Frankincense – the sacrifice of Jesus the priest will be Jesus himself. ▫Myrrh – The balm of the dead; the prophetic words Jesus speaks will lead to his death. ▫Gold – Jesus is accused of being ‘King of the Jews’ at his trial. Gospel of Matthew Infancy Narrative

Gospel of Luke Infancy Narrative The Annunciation ▫Read together: Luke 1:26 – 38 ▫Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.  INCARNATION!  Mary’s ‘yes’ as model of faith.

Annunciation 4 by Fra Angelico,

Born in a stable… ▫Why?  Humble beginnings – recognition of who Jesus is going to serve. Shepherds ▫Jesus mission is directed towards the poor and lowly. Circumcision ▫Jesus is Jewish! Gospel of Luke Infancy Narrative

Watch Consider what parts of the story belong to Matthew and which belong to Luke... Video Clip of Nativity Story 1:16 - 1:29http:// 8MFBshttp:// 8MFBs

Study for Quiz! Next class points.

Parables & Gospel Values The Public Ministry of Jesus

‘Parable’ A literary form that uses a fictional story to make a point. Metaphors or similes drawn from nature or daily life. [See Mt 13:44-50] Require one to use one’s imagination. Lead the listener to another way of thinking; challenges the listener to think differently.

Parables may … Have a surprise / unexpected ending. Be open-ended. ▫The meaning might not be clear right away or open to interpretation. May be unclear and require explanation. Be very short.

Parables may… Be longer, more elaborate stories. Are always challenging! There are 40 of Jesus’ parables in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

3 Aspects of a Parable What is the point? ▫Illuminates a point about the kingdom of God or a Gospel value. What is surprising? What is challenging? ▫Some of these aspects may be related!

The Parable of the Good Samaritan Lk 10:25-37 ▫What is surprising in this parable?  The priest & Levite pass by the man.  A Samaritan helps!  Unlimited credit… ▫Challenging?  What does this mean for how we treat others? ▫The point?  We are called to “love our enemies”  GOSPEL VALUE!

The Parable of the Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32 ▫What is surprising in this parable?  Son asks for inheritance before death.  Degrades himself.  Comes home and the father forgives! ▫Challenging?  The Son was not even able to apologize before his father forgives AND throws him a party. ▫The point?  Unconditional forgiveness!

The Woman with the Hemorrhage Mark 5: ▫Not a parable, but a miracle story demonstrating an important value! ▫What is the ultimate point of this story? What does Jesus say really healed the women.  Her faith and trust in God alone!

Groups of 5 Choose one ‘gospel value’ to highlight from the parables. Come up with a modern day interpretation of your skit that emphasizes the gospel value! Be prepared to explain why you presented what you did.