The Identity of Jesus

What you have covered in this unit… The titles of Jesus (Son of God, Christ, Messiah, Son of Man, Son of David and Saviour). STORIES 1. The Ministry of John the Baptist. 2. Peter’s declaration about Jesus. 3. The Transfiguration. 4. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. 5. The calming of the storm. 6. The request of James and John. 7. Blind Bartimaeus.

Titles of Jesus TitleMeaning Son of GodNever used by Jesus. Used by Mark at Jesus’ baptism & transfiguration. In Jewish Scripture the King of Israel was sometimes called God’s son. ChristGreek – anointed one. Used for people with a special task in Jewish Scripture. High priests and kings were anointed with oil as a sign that God chose them. MessiahHebrew – anointed one. The Jews believed a Messiah would save them from the Romans and restore the glorious reign of King David. Never used by Jesus, used by Peter in his declaration. Son of DavidMost Jews expected the future Messiah to be a descendant of King David (the greatest king of Israel). Jesus’ family tree can be traced back to David. Son of ManUsed often by Jesus meaning ‘a heavenly being with power and authority from God’. Comes from prophecies (Ezekiel and Daniel). SaviourJesus means ‘God saves’. Jesus offers salvation to humans through his death and Resurrection. He sacrificed himself and took mans punishment.

Which is the best title for Jesus? Think about the meaning of the title and explain it. Give arguments for the title you have chosen or the title you have been asked about. Give arguments against the title and consider better titles (explain why they are better).

The Ministry of John the Baptist Opening line: the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. “Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!” John appeared in the desert baptising people who came to listen to him “Turn away from your sins and be baptised…and God will forgive your sins.” He wore a leather belt and sandals and ate locusts and honey. He announced “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the river Jordan. When he came out of the water, the heavens opened, the spirit came down like a dove and a voice said “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” He was then taken to the desert by the Spirit for 40 days to be tempted by Satan (angels helped him)

Key points John’s role was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. John’s preaching was very successful – seen through the large crowds. Baptism was not a new idea – Jews had used water to be cleansed. John is described as a prophet – not telling the future but explaining implications of Gods word. John is compared to Elijah: - Jesus states that Elijah had already come. - He is described as looking like Elijah. John explained that his baptism was not enough for salvation. This event shows Jesus is Gods son. 3 important events take place: 1. Heavens open (only Jesus saw this, maybe it was a vision). 2. Dove comes down: known to Jews as a bringer of Good News. 3. Voice: confirms Jesus’ identity and his ministry.

Peter’s declaration about Jesus Who? Jesus and his disciples, particularly Peter! What? Jesus asked “who do people say that I am? The disciples replied “some say John the Baptist, others say that you are Elijah, while others say you are one of the prophets. He then asked Peter “What about you? Who do you say I am?” Peter replied “You are the Messiah.” Jesus ordered them “Do not tell anyone about me. The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. He will be put to death, but three days later he will rise to life.” Peter rebuked Jesus for saying this but Jesus rebuked Peter saying “Get away from me Satan, your thoughts don’t come from God but fro human nature!” Where? Near Caesarea Philippi

Key points This story shows that the general public were unsure of who Jesus was. It also shows that Peter is clear about who Jesus is (the Messiah). He was one of the first disciples to truly understand who Jesus was. Messianic secret is shown – tell no one. Jesus speaks of his death & Resurrection for the first time. Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man and is the only person in Marks gospel to use this term. Peter like most Jews probably thought the Messiah would be a victorious king, saving Israel from the Romans not dying a humiliating death. Jesus is angry at Peter for trying to stand in the way of Gods plans. Turning point in the Gospel – start to look at last events of Jesus’ life after this!

The Transfiguration Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain alone. Jesus clothes became shining white – whiter than anyone could wash them. The disciples saw Elijah & Moses talking to Jesus and asked “Teacher, how good is it that we are here! We will make three tents, one for you, Elijah and Moses.” The disciples were frightened and did not know what to say. A cloud appeared and a voice said “This is my own dear Son – listen to him!” Coming down the mountain Jesus ordered them “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has risen from death.” They obeyed him. They began to ask questions: -What does rising from death mean? -Why do teachers of the Law say Elijah has to come first? Jesus explained Elijah came first to get everything ready, however, people treated him as they pleased, just as Scripture had said.

Key points The word transfigured means transformed. Moses = Law. Elijah = Prophets. Both represent the foundations of the Jewish religion and show that Jesus fulfils the law and prophecies. Jewish custom to build tents for great figures of Judaism. Cloud & voice = Gods presence and confirm Jesus is Gods Son. Messianic secret again – tell no one. The disciples were confused & asked questions. It was believed Elijah would return to turn the hearts of people back to God before the Messiah appeared. Jesus said Elijah had already come (John the Baptist).

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem Who? Jesus on a donkey and crowds What? Jesus sent his disciples out with these instructions “Go to the village ahead of you, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. And if someone asks why you are doing that, say the Master needs it and will send it back at once.” This happened and they followed his instructions, they brought the colt to Jesus and threw cloaks over the animal. Many spread their cloaks on the road, while others put down branches. They shouted: “Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God.” Why? Fulfilled scripture and showed Jesus’ popularity Where? Jerusalem (Jesus went to the Temple & then Bethany with the 12 disciples. When? The Sunday before Jesus died

Key points Now rather than avoid attention, Jesus made a grand entrance into the city. Jesus confirmed: 1. He was a popular figure. 2. He was a humble servant: riding in on a donkey and not a horse as kings would have done. He was a servant. 3. He was the Son of David: predicted in scripture. 4. He was Lord: He refers to this title for himself. Deliberately fulfils Zechariah’s prophecy (riding in on a donkey). The crowd believed in him and sang words of praise. It was a celebration.

The calming of the storm Who? Jesus and the12 disciples What? A strong wind blew up and waves began to spill over the boat. Jesus was sleeping with his head on a pillow when the disciples woke him, saying “Teacher, don’t you care that we are abut to die?” Jesus stood up and commanded the wind “Be quiet!” and said to the waves “Be still”. There was a great calm. Jesus then asked “Why are you so frightened? Do you still have no faith? They were afraid. The disciples began to say “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!” Why? Crossed the lake to get away from crowds Where? Sea of Galilee When? Evening time

Key points Shows Jesus’ power over nature. Jews believed God had power over the weather & sea. Lots of details = eye- witness account? Sudden storms common on the sea of Galilee but this one was particularly severe (disciples experienced fishermen yet terrified). Sleeping peacefully was a sign someone had complete trust in God. Miracles shows the disciples realise Jesus was no ordinary man but the Son of God. * Story gives comfort to those being persecuted in the 1 st century and even today. *Boat = Christian Church *Storm = persecution

The request of James and John James and John asked Jesus: - “Teacher, there is something we want you to do for us…When you sit on your throne in your glorious kingdom, we want you to let us sit with you, one at your right and one at your left.” Jesus said: - “You don’t know what you are asking for…Can you drink the cup of suffering that I must drink? Can you be baptised in the way I must be baptised?” - “You will indeed drink the cup I must drink and be baptised in the way I must be baptised but I do not have the right to choose who will sit at my right and left.” It is God who will give these places to those whom he has prepared them.” Other disciples angry. Jesus taught: if one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant to the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.”

Key points Jesus explained that asking for these seats would mean sharing in his suffering and they did not understand this. James and John insisted that they could but it is obvious that they did not know what he was referring to. Jesus spoke to them about the true meaning of discipleship – to serve others and not be served just as he did. Cup of suffering = Jewish scripture used the image of a cup as a symbol of suffering and joy. Jesus would refer to this again in Gethsemane.

Blind Bartimaeus Who? Bartimaeus, crowds, disciples & Jesus. What? Bartimaeus was begging and Jesus was leaving Jericho followed by a crowd. Bartimaeus shouted “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!” The people scolded him and told him to be quiet but he shouted even louder “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus said “Call him”. The crowd said “Cheer up! Get up, he is calling you.” He threw off his cloak, jumped up and Jesus asked him “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied “Teacher, I want to see again.” Jesus told him “You faith has made you well.” Bartimaeus could see & followed Jesus on the road. Why? They did not want Bartimaeus to bother Jesus. Jesus healed him because of his faith. Where? Jericho

Key points The crowd were probably on their way to Jerusalem for Passover. This story shows that Bartimaeus believed Jesus was the Messiah and was determined to meet him. Jesus was no longer concerned about keeping his identity a secret. It was the mans faith that healed him. We could compare the mans physical blindness with the disciples spiritual blindness as described in the request of James and John. *Readers being urged to become believers?

Past paper Q’s – 1 mark What did John the Baptist wear? In which river did John baptise? What did the voice from heaven say at Jesus’ baptism? How long was Jesus tempted in the desert? Who tempted Jesus in the desert? Where did the transfiguration take place? Name one way in which Jesus’ appearance changed at the transfiguration. Name one Old testament figure who talked with Jesus. What did Peter want to build? Name another disciple apart from Peter who was present at this event.

Past paper Q’s – 5 marks Describe what happened when Jesus asked the question “Who do people say I am?” Explain why Jesus may have wanted to keep his identity a secret. Explain why the baptism of Jesus is such an important part of the Gospel story.

Past paper Q’s – 10 marks “Saviour is the best title for Jesus.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. “People should choose for themselves whether or not to be baptised.” Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. “Son of God is the best title for Jesus.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.