JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S REVELATION TO THE WORLD CHAPTER 8 JESUS’ MIRACLES AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY

Jesus, the Miracle Worker Jesus’ words were accompanied by many “mighty works and wonders and signs.” These prove that Jesus is the Messiah and the Kingdom of God is present in him.

Pattern of Miracle Stories Introduction Display of faith Jesus’ response Result of the miracle People’s reaction

Types of Miracles Physical healings Nature healings Caused blind to see and deaf to hear, cured skin diseases and sufferings Nature healings Calmed a storm, walked on water, changed water into wine, fed five thousand people from five loaves of bread and two fish

Types of Miracles Exorcisms Raisings from the Dead “Expulsion of an evil spirit” Expulsion of a legion of spirits from a crazy man which went into a herd of swine Raisings from the Dead Widow’s son at Nain; the daughter of Jarius; his friend, Lazarus

How Jesus’ Contemporaries Understood Miracles Many took offense at Jesus’ refusal to perform miracles to satisfy their curiosity. Many today deny the reality of supernatural events.

How Jesus Differed from Other Healers of his Day There is no record that anyone else cured such a variety of problems Jesus did not engage in bizarre rituals Jesus did not perform miracles for pay

New Testament Understanding of Miracles Dynamis: “acts of power” Ergon: “work” Semeion: “sign” Jesus’ miracles reveal God’s power Jesus’ miracles are signs of God’s Kingdom

It symbolizes that through Jesus our own resurrection takes place! Raising of Lazarus It symbolizes that through Jesus our own resurrection takes place!

People Who Encountered Jesus Sadducees Pharisees Most priests and aristocrats Cared for the Temple practices and worship in Jerusalem Believed only the Torah was inspired Made up a large part of the Sanhedrin—the major law-making body and supreme court of Judaism Means “separated ones” Strictly observed the Law to distinguish themselves from Gentiles and others Influential in the synagogues Some didn’t like Jesus Most were good Jews Preserved Judaism after the destruction of the Temple

People Who Encountered Jesus Essenes Zealots Apocalyptic group Believed that God would usher in his Kingdom through a catastrophic event Many withdrew to a desert community in Qumran Were celibate and engaged in ritual washing throughout the day Believed in violence to overthrow their enemies Originated to protest foreign taxation and occupation Fomented the revolt against the Romans Famous stand at Masada is a source of Jewish pride

People Who Encountered Jesus Other Contemporaries Most were common people—called “people of the land” by Pharisees Tax collectors—hated by fellow Jews Gentiles—proselytes and “God-fearers” Women, who were looked on as property

The Paschal Mystery Paschal: Passover, the Exodus experience when God led the Hebrews out of slavery to the Promised Land Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross is a passing from the slavery of sin and death to the greatest freedom of all: Resurrection. The Eucharist re-presents the Paschal Mystery, enabling us to enter into the events of our Salvation.

Historical Background of Jesus’ Death Jesus’ opponents felt threatened by some of Jesus’ words and actions. Some judged that Jesus was a false prophet. Members of the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death.

Theological Background of Jesus’ Death Responsibility for Jesus’ Death is assigned historically to Pontius Pilate. The real instruments of Jesus’ crucifixion are sinners. Holding all Jewish people responsible for Jesus’ Death is a form of anti-Semitism.

Why Jesus Died In his suffering and Death, Jesus’ humanity became the free and perfect instrument of divine love, a self-surrendering gift of love on our behalf.

The Passion Narratives “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” Last Supper Jesus instituted the Eucharist. Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection are God’s New Covenant with us. Gethsemane “Abba . . . Take this cup” Jesus took the path of peace.

The Passion Narratives Before the Sanhedrin Judged that Jesus committed the sin of blasphemy Pilate Condemns Jesus to Death Jesus was charged with sedition, punishable by death under Roman law. Crucifixion Typically died by suffocation Jesus refused pain relief. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me.”

The Passion Narratives Jesus’ Death Symbolized the end of the Old Covenant Fulfilled the mission of the Suffering Servant “Truly, this man was the son of God.” Jesus’ Burial His Mother, Mary, and John the “beloved disciple” and other women were present Buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Resurrection of Jesus Fundamental event of Salvation History “If Christ has not been raised, then empty to is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.”

Scriptural Accounts of the Resurrection Disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24) Women (Mt 28) Mary Magdalene (Jn 20) Peter (Lk 24, 1 Cor 15) Four separate appearances to the Eleven and some other disciples (Jn 20, Mt 28, Acts 1) Seven disciples (Jn 21) More than five hundred brothers (1 Cor 15) James (1 Cor 15) Paul (Acts 9)

Theological Meaning of the Resurrection Many disciples would suffer martyrdom for their belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The event of the Resurrection is historical, but it also goes beyond human experience. It proves that Jesus is divine. He lives on in his Body, the Church. “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

The Ascension of Jesus The Ascension “indicates a difference in manifestation between the glory of the risen Christ and that of the Christ exalted to the Father’s right hand.” On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit gives the Apostles the power to preach the message that Jesus is Risen.

The Second Coming of Christ Parousia: the Second Coming of Christ when the Lord will judge the living and the dead “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” “AMEN! COME, LORD JESUS!” MARANATHA