The Mission of Jesus Chapter 6

Jesus is the Christ – “anointed one” – Israelites anointed their prophets, priests and kings with oil Christ same as Messiah – Israelites did not expect a Messiah such as Jesus Looking for someone to overthrow Rome

Jesus’ mission was; – To proclaim the word of God – To make present the reign of God – To bring the kingdom of God so everyone would live in peace and love

God’s kingdom is not a place – It is the rule of God over our hearts.

Jesus was the Messiah who preached – Humility – Love of neighbors and enemies

Launching the Mission John the Baptist – Cousin of Jesus – Proclaimed that the Messiah was coming – He paved the way for Jesus – He was beheaded by King Herod

Beheading of John the Baptist Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. 6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

Anointed for the Mission Jesus’ baptism was – a sign that he was accepting his mission as Messiah – a symbol that he was ready to die for us

Epiphany Epiphany – revelation of manifestation of God – Sign of a change or change of heart. – Sign that you “get it” Jesus’ Epiphany at his baptism – Descending of Holy Spirit upon Jesus – The Holy Trinity – To strengthen and anoint Jesus on his mission

Messiah Test After baptism Jesus was led by Holy Spirit into the desert – Prayed and fasted for 40 days – Overcame Satan – Faithful to his Father

Temptation 1 To physical pleasures - hunger – “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” – “One does not live by bread alone.”

Temptation 2 Temptation to pride – “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. Scripture says that the angels will support you with their hands.” – “Scripture says, you should not put the Lord, your God to the test.”

Temptation 3 Temptation to power – “All these I shall give you if you will kneel and worship me.” – “Get thee away Satan! Scripture says, “The Lord, your god, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.’”

Our Test Temptation is NOT sin. Sin is choosing to do wrong. – Hurts our relationship with God Venial sins – Completely break our relationship with God Mortal sins

temptation

Our means for resisting temptations: – Prayer – Fasting – Self-control – Sacraments – Our relationship with Jesus – Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Prodigal Son parable

Mortal sins depend on; – Seriousness of the matter – Our knowledge – Pressure form outside forces – Circumstances that weaken our will power – Our intentions