1. CHAPTER 7 JESUS’ TEACHING JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S REVELATION TO THE WORLD

2. Blessed John XXIII “What counts the most in life is blessed Jesus Christ, his holy Church, his Gospel, truth and goodness.”

3. Jesus the Teacher Jesus returned from the desert and began to teach in the synagogues. “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Lk 4:21) Jesus is claiming that in him Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah is taking place—he is the Good News!

4. How Jesus Taught Jesus was genuine. Jesus was genuine. Jesus was available. Jesus was available. Jesus spoke Aramaic—a poetic language—using hyperbole and parallel statements. Jesus spoke Aramaic—a poetic language—using hyperbole and parallel statements. Jesus taught with authority using “Amen” to introduce and strengthen his words. Jesus taught with authority using “Amen” to introduce and strengthen his words. Jesus was a brilliant debater. Jesus was a brilliant debater. Jesus challenges his listeners. Jesus challenges his listeners.

5. The Regions Where Jesus Taught Galilee Galilee –Fertile land in the north watered by the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee –Nazareth is located here. –Ruled by Herod Antipas. Samaria Samaria –North central region inhabited by those who descended from foreigners –Samaritans –Worshipped at Mount Gerazim Judea Judea –Dry, barren land in the south inhabited by those who returned from the Babylonian captivity –Bethlehem –Jerusalem is its principal city.

6. Jesus Preached the Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God is the active presence of God’s love, justice, truth and Salvation working in the world! Ultimately, it is Christ’s work of redemption that brings about the Kingdom!

7. What Are Parables? parabole: “placing two things side by side in order to compare them” Jesus told simple, vivid picture stories drawn from everyday life. His stories reveal truth in an interesting way that was easy to remember. Parables forced his listeners to look at reality in a fresh way.

8. The Meaning of Parables God’s Kingdom Is for All Jesus is the Promised One, the Messiah. Jesus is the Promised One, the Messiah. The growth of the Kingdom is steady, and sure, but spreads mysteriously. The growth of the Kingdom is steady, and sure, but spreads mysteriously. Despite all obstacles it will flourish. Despite all obstacles it will flourish. Sinners are Welcome Jesus preached forgiveness and mercy. Jesus preached forgiveness and mercy. God’s love is beyond what we can comprehend. God’s love is beyond what we can comprehend. God’s mercy is something to rejoice about. God’s mercy is something to rejoice about.

9. The Meaning of Parables Salvation Jesus came to assure us that Salvation is taking place. Jesus came to assure us that Salvation is taking place. Salvation is for everyone. Salvation is for everyone. Jesus not only announced Salvation, he brought it in. Jesus not only announced Salvation, he brought it in. Belief and Repentance Repent (Greek metanoia): “change one’s mind,” a radical way of thinking and doing things Repent (Greek metanoia): “change one’s mind,” a radical way of thinking and doing things God’s justice is breaking into our world. God’s justice is breaking into our world. Repentance and faith go hand in hand. Repentance and faith go hand in hand.

10. The Meaning of Parables Preparation for God’s Judgment “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Because God is love; we, as Jesus’ disciples, must also be loving. Because God is love; we, as Jesus’ disciples, must also be loving. Rejoice Even amidst apparent setbacks in working for God’s Kingdom and Salvation, we should be happy, joyful people. Even amidst apparent setbacks in working for God’s Kingdom and Salvation, we should be happy, joyful people. Jesus announces that good triumphs over evil. Jesus announces that good triumphs over evil. The time to choose Jesus is now! The time to choose Jesus is now!

11. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount An occasion when Jesus went up on a mountainside to speak to a great crowd of followers Brings to mind Moses, who delivered the Law from Mount Sinai Luke contains the Sermon on the Plain.

12. The Beatitudes—Our Roadmap to Happiness Jesus’ blessings reveal how to fulfill our desire for happiness and teach us the final end to which God calls us: the Kingdom

13. Breaking Open the Lord’s Prayer “The Gospel in miniature” “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus invites us to call God “Abba.” We end the Our Father with “Amen.”

14. Salt of the Earth and Light of the World If we put on the Beatitudes, we will make a difference in the world. Committed disciples flavor the world with Christ’s love. Our good works should be like a beacon of light that leads others to God.

15. New Standard of Law Jesus came to fulfill all the promises of the Old Covenant Mere external observance of the Law is not enough. We should not even be angry with our neighbor. We should not even lust after another. We should be truthful in everything. We should love even our enemy and not seek revenge.

16. Have a Right Attitude Jesus instructed his followers to examine their attitudes when they perform virtuous works. God loves us and has already rewarded us. Why should we be motivated by what others think? Requirements for Christian Living Jesus teaches the Golden Rule: do to others whatever you would have them do to you. It is not enough to mouth the word of God; we must put the words into action.

17. CHAPTER 8 JESUS’ MIRACLES AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY JESUS CHRIST: GOD’S REVELATION TO THE WORLD

18. Jesus, the Miracle Worker Jesus’ words were accompanied by many “mighty works and wonders and signs.” These prove that Jesus is the Messiah and the Kingdom of God is present in him.

19. Pattern of Miracle Stories Introduction Display of faith Jesus’ response Result of the miracle People’s reaction

20. Types of Miracles Physical healings Caused blind to see and deaf to hear, cured skin diseases and sufferings Nature healings Calmed a storm, walked on water, changed water into wine, fed five thousand people from five loaves of bread and two fish

21. Types of Miracles Exorcisms “Expulsion of an evil spirit” Expulsion of a legion of spirits from a crazy man which went into a herd of swine Raisings from the Dead Widow’s son at Nain; the daughter of Jarius; his friend, Lazarus

22. How Jesus’ Contemporaries Understood Miracles Many took offense at Jesus’ refusal to perform miracles to satisfy their curiosity. Many today deny the reality of supernatural events.

23. People Who Encountered Jesus Sadducees Most priests and aristocrats Most priests and aristocrats Cared for the Temple practices and worship in Jerusalem Cared for the Temple practices and worship in Jerusalem Believed only the Torah was inspired Believed only the Torah was inspired Made up a large part of the Sanhedrin—the major law- making body and supreme court of Judaism Made up a large part of the Sanhedrin—the major law- making body and supreme court of Judaism Pharisees Means “separated ones” Means “separated ones” Strictly observed the Law to distinguish themselves from Gentiles and others Strictly observed the Law to distinguish themselves from Gentiles and others Influential in the synagogues Influential in the synagogues Some didn’t like Jesus Some didn’t like Jesus Most were good Jews Most were good Jews Preserved Judaism after the destruction of the Temple Preserved Judaism after the destruction of the Temple

24. People Who Encountered Jesus Essenes Apocalyptic group Apocalyptic group Believed that God would usher in his Kingdom through a catastrophic event Believed that God would usher in his Kingdom through a catastrophic event Many withdrew to a desert community in Qumran Many withdrew to a desert community in Qumran Were celibate and engaged in ritual washing throughout the day Were celibate and engaged in ritual washing throughout the day Zealots Believed in violence to overthrow their enemies Believed in violence to overthrow their enemies Originated to protest foreign taxation and occupation Originated to protest foreign taxation and occupation Fomented the revolt against the Romans Fomented the revolt against the Romans Famous stand at Masada is a source of Jewish pride Famous stand at Masada is a source of Jewish pride

25. People Who Encountered Jesus Other Contemporaries Most were common people—called “people of the land” by Pharisees Most were common people—called “people of the land” by Pharisees Tax collectors—hated by fellow Jews Tax collectors—hated by fellow Jews Gentiles—proselytes and “God-fearers” Gentiles—proselytes and “God-fearers” Women, who were looked on as property Women, who were looked on as property

26. The Paschal Mystery Paschal: Passover, the Exodus experience when God led the Hebrews out of slavery to the Promised Land Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross is a passing from the slavery of sin and death to the greatest freedom of all: Resurrection. The Eucharist re-presents the Paschal Mystery, enabling us to enter into the events of our Salvation.

27. Historical Background of Jesus’ Death Jesus’ opponents felt threatened by some of Jesus’ words and actions. Some judged that Jesus was a false prophet. Members of the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death.

28. Why Jesus Died In his suffering and Death, Jesus’ humanity became the free and perfect instrument of divine love, a self- surrendering gift of love on our behalf.

29. The Passion Narratives “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” Last Supper Last Supper –Jesus instituted the Eucharist. –Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection are God’s New Covenant with us. Gethsemane Gethsemane –“Abba... Take this cup” –Jesus took the path of peace.

30. The Passion Narratives Before the Sanhedrin Before the Sanhedrin –Judged that Jesus committed the sin of blasphemy Pilate Condemns Jesus to Death Pilate Condemns Jesus to Death –Jesus was charged with sedition, punishable by death under Roman law. Crucifixion Crucifixion –Typically died by suffocation –Jesus refused pain relief. –“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me.”

31. The Passion Narratives Jesus’ Death Jesus’ Death –Symbolized the end of the Old Covenant –Fulfilled the mission of the Suffering Servant –“Truly, this man was the son of God.” Jesus’ Burial Jesus’ Burial –His Mother, Mary, and John the “beloved disciple” and other women were present –Buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

32. Resurrection of Jesus Fundamental event of Salvation History “If Christ has not been raised, then empty to is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.”

33. Theological Meaning of the Resurrection Many disciples would suffer martyrdom for their belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The event of the Resurrection is historical, but it also goes beyond human experience. It proves that Jesus is divine. He lives on in his Body, the Church. “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

34. The Ascension of Jesus The Ascension “indicates a difference in manifestation between the glory of the risen Christ and that of the Christ exalted to the Father’s right hand.” On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit gives the Apostles the power to preach the message that Jesus is Risen.

35. The Second Coming of Christ Parousia: the Second Coming of Christ when the Lord will judge the living and the dead “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” “AMEN! COME, LORD JESUS!” MARANATHA