Welcome to Your Journey into the Life of Jesus!
Hello! Welcome to your study notes for the first major section of your Biblical Studies course. In this chapter, we are going to explore The Person of Jesus. Essentially, we are looking at the "Identity Card" of Jesus. Who did the Gospel writers say he was? Why did they use certain titles for him? And what do his actions tell us about his character?
Don't worry if some of the names or Greek terms seem a bit much at first. We’re going to break everything down step-by-step. Think of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) like four different witnesses to a famous event—each noticed something slightly different, but together they give us the full picture.
1. Who is He? The Titles of Jesus
To understand Jesus, we first need to look at the "titles" or names people gave him. These aren't just names; they are descriptions of his job and his nature.
Christ / Messiah
In the first century, Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah (Hebrew for "Anointed One"). In Greek, this word is translated as Christos (Christ). In ancient times, kings were "anointed" with oil to show God had chosen them. So, calling Jesus "The Christ" is like saying, "He is the King God promised us."
Son of Man
This was Jesus’ favorite way to describe himself. It has two layers of meaning:
1. It shows he is truly human.
2. It refers to a mysterious figure in the Old Testament (Daniel 7) who comes from heaven with great authority.
Analogy: It’s like a superhero who is a regular person by day but has incredible power from another world.
Son of God
This title points to Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father. It highlights that he isn't just a good teacher; he shares God’s nature and authority.
Son of David
The Old Testament promised that a future King would come from the family of King David. By calling Jesus the Son of David, the Gospel writers are proving he is the rightful heir to the throne of Israel.
The Word (Logos)
This title is unique to John’s Gospel. It suggests that Jesus existed before the world began. Just as our words express our thoughts, Jesus is the perfect expression of God’s mind and heart to the world.
Quick Review:
• Messiah: The promised King.
• Son of Man: Human + Divine Authority.
• Son of David: Royal lineage.
• Logos: The eternal Word.
2. The Beginning: How Jesus Entered the World
The Gospels tell the story of Jesus' arrival in very different ways. This is part of 1.1.1 in your syllabus.
Matthew’s Version (The Kingly Birth)
Matthew focuses on Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills prophecy. He includes:
• The Magi (Wise Men) bringing gifts for a king.
• King Herod’s attempt to kill the baby (showing Jesus is a threat to earthly kings).
• Constant reminders that "this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet."
Luke’s Version (The Humble Birth)
Luke focuses on Jesus as a Savior for everyone, especially the poor. He includes:
• The Shepherds (who were considered low-class workers).
• The stable and the manger.
• Mary’s perspective and the angel Gabriel.
John’s Prologue (The Eternal Beginning)
John doesn't talk about a baby in a manger. He goes back to the very beginning of time. He says, "In the beginning was the Word..." (John 1:1).
Key Concept: The Incarnation. This is the fancy word for God "becoming flesh" and living among humans.
Takeaway: Matthew shows Jesus is a King; Luke shows he is a Savior for the poor; John shows he is God in human form.
3. Key Events in Jesus’ Ministry
Your syllabus (1.1.2) lists specific events that help us understand who Jesus is. Let's look at a few of the most important ones:
The Baptism and Temptation
When Jesus is baptized, a voice from heaven says, "This is my Son, whom I love." This is God’s "Seal of Approval." Immediately after, Jesus goes into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Why it matters: It shows that even though Jesus is God’s Son, he is strong enough to resist evil and stay loyal to his mission.
Caesarea Philippi (The Turning Point)
Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Peter famously answers, "You are the Messiah." This is a massive moment! However, Jesus then warns them that he must suffer and die. The disciples (and many students today!) find this confusing. How can a King be killed?
The Transfiguration
Jesus takes three disciples up a mountain and his face starts shining like the sun!
Did you know? This event gave the disciples a "sneak peek" of Jesus’ heavenly glory to encourage them before the difficult days of the cross.
The Triumphal Entry and Cleansing the Temple
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey (fulfilling a prophecy about a humble king) and then kicks the dishonest money-changers out of the Temple. This shows his authority over the most sacred place in Judaism.
Memory Aid: Think of "The 3 Cs" for Jesus' ministry:
1. Confirmation (Baptism)
2. Confession (Peter at Caesarea Philippi)
3. Cleansing (The Temple)
4. Miracles: Power and Signs
In the "Synoptic" Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), miracles are usually called "mighty works." They show Jesus has power over everything.
Types of Miracles:
• Healings: (e.g., healing a paralytic or the centurion’s servant).
• Nature Miracles: (e.g., calming a storm or walking on water).
• Exorcisms: (e.g., the man with an unclean spirit).
• Power over Death: (e.g., raising Lazarus).
John’s "Seven Signs"
John calls miracles "Signs" (semeion). Just like a road sign points you toward a city, John’s miracles point you toward a deeper truth about Jesus.
Example: When Jesus feeds the 5,000, it’s a sign that he is the "Bread of Life" who feeds our souls.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just list the miracles. You need to explain what they prove about Jesus. Does it prove he is the Messiah? Does it prove he is God? That is what the examiners want to see!
5. The "I Am" Sayings (John’s Gospel)
In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes seven famous statements starting with "I am." In the Old Testament, "I AM" was the sacred name God gave to Moses. By using this phrase, Jesus is claiming to be one with God.
The Seven Sayings:
1. Bread of Life: He satisfies our spiritual hunger.
2. Light of the World: He guides us out of the darkness of sin.
3. The Gate: The only way to enter God's kingdom.
4. Good Shepherd: He protects and even dies for his "sheep" (his followers).
5. Resurrection and the Life: He has power over death.
6. Way, Truth, and the Life: The only path to the Father.
7. The True Vine: We must stay connected to him to grow spiritually.
Summary Takeaway: These "I Am" sayings are symbols. They use everyday items (bread, light, gates, vines) to explain deep spiritual truths about Jesus' identity.
Quick Review Box:
• The Synoptics focus on what Jesus did (the miracles).
• John focuses on what the miracles mean (the Signs and I Am sayings).
• All four Gospels agree: Jesus is no ordinary man; he is the Son of God and the Messiah.
You’ve made it through the first chapter! Take a deep breath. You now have the foundation for understanding who Jesus is in the Gospels. Great job!