Ch. 3: The Essential Jesus Part 1:The Infancy Narratives & Baptism of Jesus

Assignments (due Mon.,/) Print out PPt notes (3/pg w/ lines for notes; Read pp. 82-87 > “…our ordinariness”; RQs 1-7, p. 91 (due Weds., /) Read pp. 87-90; RQs 8-12, p. 91 (due Thurs., / Read pp. 91-97; RQs 1-5, p. 97

Assignments (due Weds., /) Read pp. 97-100; do “Miracles” exercise on pp. 100-101. (due Fri., /) Read pp. 101-103; RQs on p. 103 (due ) Create a “Matthean” or “Lucan” Christmas card according to specifications on linked sheet. (due) Research 1 sacred Christmas carol acc. to directions on sheet

Assignments (due ., /) Parent Interview: Why is Xmas celebrated on Dec. 25th? What is the most important meaning of Christmas? Written summary of parents’ response/reaction

Assignments (due ., /) / Activity 2, p. 127 (Add: Has your Confirmation been a real, mature “owning” of your faith? Why or why not?) (Tues., 5/10) TEST on Ch. 3 Review Questions Notes (Netclassroom) Ppt notes

Assignments (due Tues., 4/17) Read pp. 91-97, and do RQs on p. 97 (due Thurs., 4/19) From list on p. 93-94, choose 3 of your favorite of Jesus’ parables, and answer for each one: What is the message of this parable? What is one real life scenario to which this parable has something meaningful to say?

Assignments (due Tues., 4/24) Read pp. 97-103, and do “miracles” exercise on p. 100 and RQs on p.103 (due Thurs., 5/3) TEST on Ch. 3 (part 2)

“Infancy Narratives” In Matthew & Luke only… why? Early Christians’ preaching (kerygma) about the Risen Christ focused on Death and resurrection Life, teachings & deeds/miracles Only later are Christians interested in birth/childhood of Jesus Mark: earliest Gospel; pre-dates this interest

Matthew Luke Ancestry of Jesus Conception of Jesus Born in Bethlehem Visit of the Magi Escape into Egypt Slaughter of Innocents Return to Nazareth in Galilee Jesus’ & John’s births foretold Annunciation VisitationMagnificat Birth/circmcsn of John Benedictus J the B’s “hidden life” Birth of Jesus Visit of Shepherds Presentation in Temple Jesus’ “hidden life” Jesus at 12: lost in Temple

“Infancy Narratives” Matthew: Jewish audience Joseph’s perspective (descendant of David) Features Joseph, Herod, Magi & flight into Egypt: Why? Luke: Outcast Gentile audience Mary’s perspective (lowly/woman, etc.) Features Mary, Shepherds, Simeon: Why?

The Betrothal (Mt. 1:18-25) Jewish betrothal A blessing of the relationship Official commitment as binding as marriage Lasted one year Broken only by a divorce

The Annunciation (Lk. 1:26-38) Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to conceive and bear a Son “angel” from Gk. = Messenger/ bringer of news Pictured as ray of light: why? NOT the “Immaculate Conception”

The Annunciation Mary Probably young teenager Completely surrenders to God: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me as you say.”

Coming of the Messiah Means “the Anointed One” Hebrew= mesch’iah Ie. The King (“King of kings”) Hebrew= mesch’iah Greek= christos Jesus the Christ… the Anointed One of Israel

The Visitation (Lk.1:39-80) Mary visits Elizabeth Shows Mary’s love/ unselfishness Parallels between Elizabeth/John the Baptist and Mary/Jesus

Joseph’s Dream In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an “angel” in dream He, the faithful Jew, takes care of everything “according to the Law”

Why Bethlehem? Roman Census Tension between Herod & Roman emissaries: census unpopular (“We should have no ruler except the Lord!”)

Why Bethlehem? Joseph of David’s line Bethlehem= David’s city Prophecy: “For you, Bethlehem, are in no way the least among the cities of Judah, for from you shall come forth a shepherd of my people Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

The Birth of Jesus “Nativity” from Latin nativitas=birth “Christmas” from Old English Christes Maesse = the Mass of Christ Not originally a feast

The Birth of Jesus Date unknown Dec. 25 may be end of “Saturnalia”, Roman feast of the “birth of the Sun” For more: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm

The Presentation Circumcision: initiated child into community Presentation: consecration (making holy/ setting apart/ making special) of firstborn unto God Purification: of mother, after birth

Visit of Magi Midrash? Gifts symbolize Christ as: Priest (incense) King (gold) Prophet who will suffer for message (myrrh)

Baptism of Jesus John the Baptist Link between Old & New Testament Last of OT Prophets Prepared People for coming of the Messiah

Baptism of Jesus Baptism for repentant sinners Jesus is baptized for our sins Jesus “like us in all things, except sin.”

Baptism of Jesus “Confirmation” of Jesus… “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” Shows presence of the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)

Temptation of Jesus Immediately after Baptism Desert = Trial/struggle Tempted away from: Suffering Serving Submission only to the Father

Beginning of Ministry “Inauguration” in synagogue (a “bringing together”/ gathering) Clear prophecy of Messiah Why so hard to believe?

Jesus the Teacher Teacher= rabbi (sometimes “Master” in film) Core teaching= the coming of the “Kingdom of God” or “Rule of God”

Kingdom of God… is here and now is of a loving God (Abba) is a free gift; not earned Beginning/seed is the “here & now” community or “assembly” of believers --the “Church” (ekklesia) Involves life of serving others

Jesus the Miracle Worker 4 types of miracles: Physical healing Nature miracles Exorcisms Raising the dead

Miracles: “Signs” of Kingdom What are the miracles? Teras = “marvel” Dynamis = “power” Semion = “sign” Ergon = “work” Miracle= a marvelous, powerful work or sign of God’s reign

Miracles: Proclamation of Kingdom Jesus proclaimed God’s rule over Sin (forgiveness of sinners) Sickness (cures of illnesses) Death (raising the dead) Jesus proclaimed Himself as promised Messiah

Miracles: Invitation to Kingdom Responses: Acceptance/ Faith Rejection/ Disbelief Impressed/ Apathy What is your response? What do you “make” of Jesus’ miracles?