The Gospel of Luke offers the most detailed account of the beginning of Jesus’ story. Context: Caesar Augustus ruled Rome Herod was the local ruler No Prophets have spoken in 400 years

Yet something mysterious was stirring! Angelic visitors starting appearing: 1.Zechariah was visited by an angel 1.Told that he and his wife would have a son 2.The boy’s name would be John This John was “John the Baptist,” a cousin of Jesus He would preach about a coming Messiah (a anointed chosen king) Judgment was coming so all should repent He was like a 2 nd Elijah (roleplay/cosplay)

Side Note- Messiah Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning anointed one. The Greek word is Christ. We often say Jesus Christ, but we can also say Jesus the Messiah. To be the anointed one means that God has chosen that person for a special purpose and has given him or her special power to accomplish that purpose. Kings in the Old Testament were anointed with oil to signify their new kingship over Israel.

Angel Sighting Part 2! 2. Mary was visited by an angel 1.Told that she would have a baby through the Holy Spirit (not a human father) 2.The boy’s name would be Jesus 3.He would save the people

God is going to come to Earth. He needs to be born somewhere. What would you expect to happen?

So what really happened?

1.Baptism 2.Temptation in the Wilderness

We learned about John the Baptist from the beginning of the Gospel of Luke. He was Jesus’ cousin. What did John do when he grew up? Prophet and Preacher (just like Elijah) 1. Repent 2. The Kingdom of Heaven is Near Baptizer 1. Baptized people as a sign of repentance and sin

John’s baptism was for repentance and sin, but Jesus wasn’t a sinner? Why was he baptized then? “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15 Jesus’ baptism was an introduction for him. God showed the world that Jesus was His son. God poured the Holy Spirit out on Jesus. Jesus also pointed towards His future death and resurrection.

Jesus role-plays or “relives” Israel’s history in many different ways. Here’s an example: The nation of Israel lived in Egypt. Pharaoh wanted to kill all the little baby boys of Israel. Herod wanted to kill all the little baby boys when Jesus was a baby. Woah!!!!!! Can we think of some examples?

ISRAELJESUS Pharaoh kills babies Israel is called out of Egypt 40 years in the desert Jonah and the whale Exile Herod kills babies Jesus is called out of Egypt 40 days in the desert Jesus buried for three days Death on the Cross

Israel had a mission from God. They failed it. Jesus had to come to earth to save Israel and to save everyone else. In the meantime, he (being Jewish) completed Israel’s mission.

Teaching ability Miraculous Powers Healing Exorcism Forgives Sins “What is this? A new teaching— and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits, and they obey him.” Mark 1:27

Jesus gained popularity very fast, yet he often ran away from the crowds. He wasn’t seeking fame or popularity. Why?

Jesus did things that people liked, and he did…strange things. Strange things Chose low class disciples Spent time with tax collectors and sinners Loved outcasts and cared for the poor Made himself ceremonially unclean (against Jewish rules)

Jesus also said and taught strange things Strange Words Forgiving sins just like God Called him “Son of Man” Kept his identity a secret Communion

Israel expected the Messiah to be a conquering hero that would make Israel independent and punish their enemies.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Matthew chapters 5-7 Werkheiser- 5:1-126:16-18 Jae Woo- 5:13-166:19-24 Robert- 5:17-206:25-27 Wen Bo- 5:21-266:28-34 Yoo Jin- 5:27-307:1-6 Su Bin- 5:31-327:7-12 Yuhan- 5:33-377:13-14 Yun Gi- 5:38-427:15-20 Hyunsoo- 5:43-487:21-23 Joshua- 6:1-47:24-29 Jang Won- 6:5-8 Ji Woo- 6:9-15

These are demonstrations of God’s power They often defy the laws of physics and the natural world They are impossible for humans to replicate by themselves

What was the purpose of miracles, signs, and wonders?

Parables are stories or illustrations, often drawn from everyday life. Common Elements in Parables Families Grain and Seeds Water Trees Money Weddings Jesus used parables frequently to teach others about the Kingdom of God BUT… Was that all?

Parables were designed by Jesus to do something else. Reveal truth to those with ears to hear Conceal truth from those who were not willing to believe

God is a master planner. He will wait centuries and millennium until He determines the perfect moment. He unveils Kingdom secrets slowly at the perfect time.

Jesus will come to earth two times. 1.As a baby, as a teacher, and as the sacrifice for our sins. 2.As a glorious conqueror who defeats Satan and makes the world new. BUT the Old Testament doesn’t tell us that. Jesus tells us that the Kingdom will start small (like a seed.) That’s His first coming.

His second coming will be much more dramatic. The world will be judged. God’s enemies will be defeated. All will be made new. Why do you think God is allowing so much time to pass between Jesus’ first and second coming?

Take some time and read Lesson 7. Write down 5 truths you learned from this less. Let’s discuss