Introduction: Who Do You Say That I

am?Textbook pages 2-21

60 second free-write: How do you know God exists? How do you know things

about God?

Desire for God is implanted in our hearts◦ Nothing else fully satisfies us

Reason/intellect◦ Creator, “First Cause”, “Supreme Being”,

“Grand Designer”

Divine Revelation◦ Revelation = “unveiling”◦ Definition: God’s self-communication

whereby God makes known the mystery of the divine plan.

A. How do we know God?

Catholics believe divine revelation comes through two sources:

◦1. SACRED SCRIPTURE

Definition: The written record of salvation that teaches what is necessary for our salvation.

◦2. SACRED TRADITION

Definition: The living transmission of the message of the Gospel in the Church.

B. Divine Revelation

“Tradition” comes from a word meaning “handed on”

Sacred Tradition began with what Jesus handed on to the Apostles

Today we find Sacred Tradition in the Church’s teaching, life, and worship◦The MAGISTERIUM interprets and explains Sacred Tradition Definition: the official teaching authority

of the Church that resides in the pope & the bishops

C. Sacred Tradition

Sacred Tradition passes on the story of SALVATION HISTORY

◦Definition: The story of God’s saving activity in human history

God’s love covenants with humanity Abraham, Israel, Messiah

Climax of Salvation History = coming of Jesus

◦In your small group write the story of salvation history in 50 words or less!

D. Salvation History

The fullness of divine revelation took place in the INCARNATION

◦Definition: A core Christian teaching (dogma) that the Son of God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ

Jesus is fully God AND fully human Prologue of John’s Gospel (1:1-14)

◦ What image is used for Jesus?◦ What characteristics of Jesus are emphasized?◦ Copy down the verse that best supports the

dogma of the Incarnation

E. Incarnation

Early heresy (false teaching) of Docetism said Jesus only seemed to be human

Problem with this perspective:◦ If Jesus only seemed to be human, then he

only seemed to die and resurrect

◦ Jesus’ death & resurrection brought about our salvation; if he didn’t really die & rise, then we aren’t really saved.

Christian teaching is that Jesus was really human and really God

F. Docetism

God becoming human heals the relationship between God and humans

Jesus revealed God’s love to us

Jesus is the perfect model of holiness

God becoming human helps humans share in God’s nature

G. The Purpose of the Incarnation

List the names of 3 people who taught you something about Jesus and what they taught you about him.

How Do We Know Jesus?

Name of Person What they taught you about Jesus

1.

2.

3.

A. Historical Jesus◦All can agree that Jesus was an actual historical person

1. Basic facts about this historical person:

- “last names” (3): - religion:

- birthplace: - year of birth: - mother: - hometown: - occupation:

How Do We Know Jesus?

A. Historical Jesus (continued)

2. Jesus’ Public Ministry

- Date* ~28 C.E.

- Message* Repentance , Coming of

Kingdom of God

- Works* Healing, Feeding, Teaching

How Do We Know Jesus?

A. Historical Jesus (continued)

2. Jesus’ Public Ministry (continued)

- Reactions* Positive: disciples followed him and lived out his teachings* Negative: some thought Jesus was

crazy, some were threatened or angered by his actions

- Death* Arrested, tried, crucified by authorities (religious and political)

How Do We Know Jesus?

B. Jesus as the Son of God◦What do Christians believe about Jesus that others would not believe about him? He rose from the dead (Resurrection) He is God He sends the Holy Spirit to his followers

◦In order to believe these things we must have FAITH Faith is a gift from God

How Do We Know Jesus?

C. Personal Relationship with Jesus◦How do you connect with Jesus?

Scripture Sacraments Prayer In other people

How Do We Know Jesus?

D. Names & Titles for Jesus

◦1. JESUS

Common name in the 1st century

Means “Yahweh saves”

How Do We Know Jesus?

D. Names & Titles for Jesus (continued)

◦2. CHRIST Greek = Christos; Hebrew = Messiah

Means “anointed”

God promised the Israelites he would send a Messiah to rescue them. They expected:

Someone from the line of David Political ruler Military leader

How Do We Know Jesus?

D. Names & Titles for Jesus (continued)

◦3. SON OF GOD

Christian use of this title recognizes Jesus as the one who shares God’s divine nature Used differently in Hebrew Scripture:

referred to those who had a special relationship with God

Jesus’ miracles, words, and Resurrection reveal that he is the unique Son of God

How Do We Know Jesus?

D. Names & Titles for Jesus (continued)

◦4. LORD

Commonly used in 1st century to address a powerful person

Believers use this title differently to show that Jesus is God LORD = substitute for divine name

Yahweh

How Do We Know Jesus?

How Do We Know Jesus?D. Names & Titles for Jesus (continued)

5. PRIEST

o Mediator between God and humanity

o Offered sacrifice for the sake of his people

6. PROPHET

oSpoke God’s message

o Taught a message of salvation through his words and deeds

7. KING

o Ruler of the universe

o Rules with gentleness, compassion, and love