The Witness of Jesus. Review Can you remember any of the details of the topics we discussed in the first class? Can you remember any of the details of

ReviewReview

Can you remember Can you remember anyany of the details of the topics we of the details of the topics we discussed in the first class?discussed in the first class?

The pre-incarnate ChristThe pre-incarnate ChristWhat was Jesus like in eternity past?What was Jesus like in eternity past?

ChristophaniesChristophaniesWhere do we see Jesus in the Old Testament?Where do we see Jesus in the Old Testament?

The Roman World in Jesus’ DayThe Roman World in Jesus’ DayWhat was the political situation in the 1What was the political situation in the 1stst century?century?

ReviewReview

Can you remember Can you remember any any of the details of the topics we of the details of the topics we discussed in the first class?discussed in the first class?

The Jewish World in Jesus’ DayThe Jewish World in Jesus’ DayHow would you describe the religious How would you describe the religious

climate of Israel in the 1climate of Israel in the 1stst century? century?

Jerusalem and Nazareth in Jesus’ DayJerusalem and Nazareth in Jesus’ DayWhat were these places like? What were these places like?

Introduction to the GospelsIntroduction to the GospelsDo you remember the order in which they Do you remember the order in which they

were written? How does the Gospel of were written? How does the Gospel of Mark differ Mark differ from the Gospel of John?from the Gospel of John?

400 silent years (the time between Malachi and God 400 silent years (the time between Malachi and God beginning to speak through angels and prophets at beginning to speak through angels and prophets at the birth of Christ).the birth of Christ).

““It has been 500 years since the visit of anIt has been 500 years since the visit of an angel. It has been over 500 years since that angel. It has been over 500 years since that

isolated miracle of the fiery furnace during the isolated miracle of the fiery furnace during the time of Daniel. And it's been 800 years sincetime of Daniel. And it's been 800 years since

miracles came in a group and that was at the miracles came in a group and that was at the time of Elijah and Elisha. God hasn't acted, time of Elijah and Elisha. God hasn't acted, God hasn't spoken, God hasn't sent an angel God hasn't spoken, God hasn't sent an angel in centuries. Heaven has been silent in centuries. Heaven has been silent for a for a long time.”long time.”

John MacArthurJohn MacArthur

The Silence of GodThe Silence of God

Why was it good for Jesus to come?Why was it good for Jesus to come?

Dayton Nathaniel Wehse, December 2010Dayton Nathaniel Wehse, December 2010

Otherwise there would be fightingOtherwise there would be fighting

And badnessAnd badness

And we would cry all the timeAnd we would cry all the time

And no one would wash away our sinsAnd no one would wash away our sins

How the Four Gospels open their accounts:How the Four Gospels open their accounts:

JohnJohn Begins with theologyBegins with theology(Pre-existence—Creation—Incarnation)(Pre-existence—Creation—Incarnation)

MarkMark Jumps immediately to ministryJumps immediately to ministry(John the Baptist & Jesus’ baptism)(John the Baptist & Jesus’ baptism)

MatthewMatthew Is the first account (1:18-25) of the birthIs the first account (1:18-25) of the birth(It contains the only mention of the wise (It contains the only mention of the wise men & Herod’s mass murder of baby men & Herod’s mass murder of baby

boys boys [2:1-23]). Did I say “Herod was a jerk”?[2:1-23]). Did I say “Herod was a jerk”?

LukeLuke Is the definitive account of Jesus’ birthIs the definitive account of Jesus’ birth(Background—Mary—Detailed events)(Background—Mary—Detailed events)

The Birth of JesusThe Birth of Jesus

I thought you would like the movie.I thought you would like the movie.

I really like thisI really like this interpretation!interpretation!

It’s ratherIt’s ratheraccurate.accurate.

HerodHerod The coolThe cool wise men.wise men.



If you have a minute, readIf you have a minute, read

these short accounts. They these short accounts. They

describe two godly peopledescribe two godly people

rejoicing in the arrival ofrejoicing in the arrival of

the long-awaited Messiah!the long-awaited Messiah! Simeon’s response (2:21-35)Simeon’s response (2:21-35)

Anna’s response (2:36-38)Anna’s response (2:36-38)

““When they had performed everything When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”upon Him.”

Luke 2:39, 40Luke 2:39, 40


The Youth of JesusThe Youth of Jesus

Read Luke 2:41-52Read Luke 2:41-52


Luke 2:41-52Luke 2:41-52


Luke 2:41-52Luke 2:41-52

Replica of the 1Replica of the 1stst century temple. It is quite possible century temple. It is quite possible that every time Jesus visited the temple, some sort that every time Jesus visited the temple, some sort of construction or remodeling was taking place. of construction or remodeling was taking place. However, the commotion did not deter Jesus from However, the commotion did not deter Jesus from fulfilling his responsibilities as a faithful Jewish fulfilling his responsibilities as a faithful Jewish man.man.



Luke 2:41-52Luke 2:41-52

Isn’t this an interesting story?! Did you notice the Isn’t this an interesting story?! Did you notice the contrast of contrast of fatherfather (Joseph) with (Joseph) with Father Father (God)? (God)? Jesus had a passion to be “about His Father.” It Jesus had a passion to be “about His Father.” It was amazing for them all and an awesome example was amazing for them all and an awesome example for us! How important is God to us? Seriously—for us! How important is God to us? Seriously—ask yourself: Is God a priority or an accessory?ask yourself: Is God a priority or an accessory?


“Jesus assumed responsibility for His family and sat as head of the household—offering family prayers; explaining life, nature, the Jewish feasts and customs; sharing His own spiritually awakening thoughts from Scripture; working at grinding, physical labor. Somehow, He also prepared for the call to messianic ministry burning in His heart. Some commentators picture Him laboring at His workbench with a borrowed scroll of Scripture spread out beside Him. Perhaps so. It was probably at this time that He developed His lifelong habit of ‘prayer-walking’ in the solitary hills” (p.34).

The Glorious Disturbance

Ernest B. Gentile

Chosen Books, 2004


“He laid his security down with his hammer. He hung tranquility on the peg with his nail apron. He closed the window shutters on the sunshine of his youth and locked the door on the comfort and ease of anonymity…It wasn’t easy. Leaving the carpentry shop never has been” (p.52).

God Came Near

Max Lucado

Multnomah, 1987

The Baptism of JesusThe Baptism of Jesus

Read Matthew 3:11-17Read Matthew 3:11-17

John the BaptistJohn the Baptist

“ “The Elijah The Elijah who came”who came” (Mt. 17:12)(Mt. 17:12)

““He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).In Washington, D.C., there is a “St. John the Baptist Cathedral.” In light of In Washington, D.C., there is a “St. John the Baptist Cathedral.” In light of John’s comment above, I don’t think he would have approved of a church John’s comment above, I don’t think he would have approved of a church with his name on it. John wanted Jesus to receive all the glory. with his name on it. John wanted Jesus to receive all the glory.


Let’s think for a Let’s think for a

few minutes on the few minutes on the

baptism of Jesus. baptism of Jesus.

As you know, it took As you know, it took

place in the Jordan place in the Jordan

River. Here’s a map.River. Here’s a map.


156 mi. long; At points, it descends rapidly through 156 mi. long; At points, it descends rapidly through the Jordan Rift Valley. By the time it approaches the the Jordan Rift Valley. By the time it approaches the Dead Sea, the Jordan River is slow flowing. At its Dead Sea, the Jordan River is slow flowing. At its deepest, the river is 17 feet. deepest, the river is 17 feet.

An Orthodox priest collecting Jordan River water atAn Orthodox priest collecting Jordan River water at

the traditional sight of the baptism of Jesus.the traditional sight of the baptism of Jesus.

One of the many Christian pilgrims whoOne of the many Christian pilgrims who

chose to be baptized in the Jordan River.chose to be baptized in the Jordan River.

What stands out to you What stands out to you

in this historical account in this historical account

of the baptism of Jesus?of the baptism of Jesus?

The presence of the TrinityThe presence of the Trinity

Did you notice the three members of Did you notice the three members of the the Godhead present? The Son was in the Godhead present? The Son was in the

river. The Spirit was descending. The river. The Spirit was descending. The Father was speaking.Father was speaking.


““This is My SonThis is My Son

whom I love;whom I love;

with Him I am well pleased.”with Him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:17Matthew 3:17


Affirmation of the deity of Jesus.Affirmation of the deity of Jesus.

““This is My Son…”This is My Son…”

If God the Father said it, shouldn’t I believe it?If God the Father said it, shouldn’t I believe it?

I should! If the New Testament teaches anything, it teaches the I should! If the New Testament teaches anything, it teaches the deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus claims to be God, and the works deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus claims to be God, and the works described by the authors of the Bible prove those assertions to be described by the authors of the Bible prove those assertions to be true. I am about to begin a three-month Sunday School class on true. I am about to begin a three-month Sunday School class on the life of Christ. I look forward to being amazed again!the life of Christ. I look forward to being amazed again!


Affirmation that Jesus is worthy of love.Affirmation that Jesus is worthy of love.

““This is My Son Whom I love…”This is My Son Whom I love…”

If God the Father loved Jesus, shouldn’t I love Jesus?If God the Father loved Jesus, shouldn’t I love Jesus?

I should! Do I love Jesus? I think I do, but I do not think I love I should! Do I love Jesus? I think I do, but I do not think I love Him to the extent that I should! He is to be my “First Love” (Rev. Him to the extent that I should! He is to be my “First Love” (Rev. 2:4). Sometimes I wonder if that is true. I am commanded to love 2:4). Sometimes I wonder if that is true. I am commanded to love God with all my ability (heart, soul, mind, strength [Mt. 22:37]). God with all my ability (heart, soul, mind, strength [Mt. 22:37]). Honestly, I don’t know how often that is fleshed out in my life. The Honestly, I don’t know how often that is fleshed out in my life. The desire is present. May the doing be more present in the year to desire is present. May the doing be more present in the year to come! There’s a prayer request for ya!come! There’s a prayer request for ya!


Affirmation that Jesus and what Jesus did was sufficient.Affirmation that Jesus and what Jesus did was sufficient.

“…“…with Him I am well pleased.”with Him I am well pleased.”

If God the Father was well pleased with Jesus, shouldn’t I be?If God the Father was well pleased with Jesus, shouldn’t I be?

I ask myself this question: Is Jesus enough? One popular I ask myself this question: Is Jesus enough? One popular Christian song from a few years ago contained this line: “He’s Christian song from a few years ago contained this line: “He’s more than enough for me.” I agree but wonder if that is evident in more than enough for me.” I agree but wonder if that is evident in my life. If everything were stripped away from me and all I had left my life. If everything were stripped away from me and all I had left was Jesus, would He indeed be “more than enough”? I hope so. I was Jesus, would He indeed be “more than enough”? I hope so. I think that He would be if I truly understood how incredibly think that He would be if I truly understood how incredibly awesome He is. awesome He is.


Affirmation of the deity of Jesus.Affirmation of the deity of Jesus.

If God the Father said it, shouldn’t I believe it?If God the Father said it, shouldn’t I believe it?

Affirmation that Jesus is worthy of love.Affirmation that Jesus is worthy of love.

If God the Father loved Jesus, shouldn’t I love Jesus?If God the Father loved Jesus, shouldn’t I love Jesus?

Affirmation that Jesus and what Jesus did was sufficient.Affirmation that Jesus and what Jesus did was sufficient.

If God the Father was well pleased with Jesus, shouldn’t I be?If God the Father was well pleased with Jesus, shouldn’t I be?


The purpose of the baptism.The purpose of the baptism.(This is an audio clip. It should work if you click on the (This is an audio clip. It should work if you click on the photo. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.)photo. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.)


From the highs in the lowsFrom the highs in the lows

To the lows in the highs…To the lows in the highs…


Read Matthew 4:1-11Read Matthew 4:1-11

The Temptation of JesusThe Temptation of Jesus

The Judean WildernessThe Judean Wilderness


““Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts…”wild beasts…”

Mark 1:12,13Mark 1:12,13


Do you remember this scene from one of the Do you remember this scene from one of the SpidermanSpiderman movies? It was good (Spiderman) vs. movies? It was good (Spiderman) vs. evil (the weird guy with a bunch of arms). Although evil (the weird guy with a bunch of arms). Although Jesus is—like—way more powerful than Satan, this Jesus is—like—way more powerful than Satan, this was a very real temptation! It was a battle which was a very real temptation! It was a battle which would genuinely (temporarily) wear out Immanuel—would genuinely (temporarily) wear out Immanuel—God-with-us!God-with-us!


Assignment:Assignment:

#1 #1 Mt. 4:1-4Mt. 4:1-4#2#2 Mt. 4:5-7Mt. 4:5-7#3#3 Mt. 4:8-10Mt. 4:8-10

How were these three genuine temptations? How were these three genuine temptations?

This will take some thought and some reading This will take some thought and some reading (probably online). You might find Blomberg’s chart (probably online). You might find Blomberg’s chart on p.223 to be helpful.on p.223 to be helpful.

Submit to Submit to [email protected] a page (one a page (one paragraph per temptation) answering that question.paragraph per temptation) answering that question.


““For we do not have a high priest who is unable to For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 4:15, 1616


After Spiderman (Peter) saved the train, he After Spiderman (Peter) saved the train, he was completely spent. He had survived and was completely spent. He had survived and defeated evil, but he was worn out. The defeated evil, but he was worn out. The same was true of Jesus.same was true of Jesus.


““When the devil had finished every When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an temptation, he left Him until an

opportune time.”opportune time.”

Luke 4:13Luke 4:13

““Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”came and began to minister to Him.”

Matthew 4:11Matthew 4:11


The Presence of the SpiritThe Presence of the Spirit

Descending upon Jesus (Mt. 3:16).Descending upon Jesus (Mt. 3:16).

Impelling Him into the wilderness (Mt. Impelling Him into the wilderness (Mt. 4:1).4:1).

Filling Him with power (Lk. 4:14).Filling Him with power (Lk. 4:14).

““And Jesus returned in the power of And Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to Galilee…”the Holy Spirit to Galilee…”

The Public Ministry of JesusThe Public Ministry of Jesus

AssignmentAssignment

The DisciplesThe Disciples

Submit a paper to Submit a paper to [email protected] (2-3 pages) (2-3 pages) describing the disciples. Who were these guys? describing the disciples. Who were these guys? How did Jesus call them? Why did they follow him? How did Jesus call them? Why did they follow him? What happened to them? What happened to them?


Every class has this student!Every class has this student!


The Calling of the DisciplesThe Calling of the Disciples

Irony: Thomas Jefferson was on the Google Images Irony: Thomas Jefferson was on the Google Images results page for “Follow Jesus.” Do you recall what results page for “Follow Jesus.” Do you recall what Jefferson, the deist, did to his Bible? He cut out all Jefferson, the deist, did to his Bible? He cut out all the miracles of Jesus. He liked the moral teachings the miracles of Jesus. He liked the moral teachings of Jesus, but not the miraculous. He wanted Jesus, of Jesus, but not the miraculous. He wanted Jesus, but on his (Jefferson’s) terms, not on His (Jesus’) but on his (Jefferson’s) terms, not on His (Jesus’) terms. terms.

Jefferson was neither the first nor the last to treat Jefferson was neither the first nor the last to treat Jesus and the Gospels as a buffet (pick and choose Jesus and the Gospels as a buffet (pick and choose what you like). How should we “take Jesus”? what you like). How should we “take Jesus”? Munch on it.Munch on it.


Read John 2:1-11Read John 2:1-11


The First Miracle of JesusThe First Miracle of JesusJohn 2:1-11John 2:1-11

Why did Jesus perform this miracle?Why did Jesus perform this miracle?Think about that before you click again.Think about that before you click again.

1. To glorify His FATHER (Lk.2:49).1. To glorify His FATHER (Lk.2:49).

2. To honor His mother (Jn. 2:5).2. To honor His mother (Jn. 2:5).

3. To bless a young couple.3. To bless a young couple.

4. To teach His disciples (Jn. 2:11).4. To teach His disciples (Jn. 2:11).

The First Miracle of JesusThe First Miracle of Jesus

““This beginning of His signs Jesus did This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and in Cana of Galilee, and manifested manifested His gloryHis glory, and , and His disciples His disciples believed in Himbelieved in Him.”.”

John 2:11John 2:11

The First Miracle of JesusThe First Miracle of Jesus

Assignment:Assignment:

Read The Case for Christ by Strobel, Part Two (p.131-187). Submit a paragraph stating that you did so and which chapter you liked most and why.

Be sure to flip back through this presentation so that you do not miss an assignment.

The Last SlideThe Last Slide

Documents

The Witness of Jesus. Review Can you remember any of the details of the topics we discussed in the first class? Can you remember any of the details of