2. Jesus The Long Awaited Messiah

3. Background Born in Bethlehem of Judea Born to poor parents Born amidst persecution Born “miraculously” Born around 4 BCE Born a Jew

4. The Anointed One Taught the law Reinterpreted the message of the Law Ministered to the needs of the people Popular with the outcasts Unpopular with religious leaders Had a band of disciples Announced the “Kingdom Of God” was at hand

5. The Anointed One “Jesus’ teachings and life-style,... accepted all people” but were controversial for some of the Jews. He challenged the authority of the religious leaders. Many expected great things from him.

6. The Betrayal He was betrayed by one of his followers. He was tried and found guilty by a religious court. He was condemned to death by the Roman government at the instigation of his enemies many of them Jews.

7. The Crucifixion He was crucified. He died. He was buried.

8. The Resurrection His body was hastily prepared. He was buried in a tomb not his own. A few days later his body was missing. His followers, who had scattered but returned, said that he was resurrected-- just as he predicted.

9. The Christian Community His followers formed a community and decided to spread the “Good News” or the Gospel. They proclaimed that God’s love which was revealed through Jesus can save. They went everywhere with their message.

10. The Bible The Christians, as they came to be known, had great respect for the Hebrew Bible which they later called the “Old Testament.” The story of Jesus and his works were written down long after his death. The letters of the leaders to the faithful were collected. These together came to be known as the a new covenant or the “New Testament.” The “Old Testament” and New Testament make up the Christian Bible.

11. The Church The gathering of the Christians at various places developed into Churches. They became a diverse group--rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, men and women. As a result of their diversity different practices were established among the churches. However, they agreed on the Eucharist and on Baptism as being important aspects of the faith.

12. From Unity to Diversity to Change