JESUS’ MINISTRY

· The Roman Empire – unrest among the Jews (disliked bring oppressed)

· Political and religious groups:

o SADDUCEES – priests concerned with the Temple and worship

o SANHEDRIN – Jewish court of law

o PHARISEES – running synagogues

o SCRIBES – writing the laws

o ZEALOTS – believe in the Messiah

o HERODIANS – wanted Herod in power

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’

· Jesus has a deep religious experience at his baptism.

· Jesus’ vision of the heavens opening represents God’s presence

· The dove represents the voice of the Spirit – Jesus experienced the peace of God in his heart

· The voice from heaven shows divine approval – confirms Jesus is God’s son

· Jesus did not need to be baptised, he was born sinless. He is associating himself with those who want to be free of sin and is also indicating his authority from God.

· The Temple was very important

· The further in the Temple you could go, the more highly regarded you were religiously

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

· Driven out – exorcisms

· Forty Days – used as a figure meaning a long tome

· Satan and the wild animals – Evil powers and opposition to God. Jesus’ faith was severely tested

· Angels – God’s support for Jesus

· Jesus was tested by Satan. This was supposed to shake Jesus’ belief in himself as the Messiah.

· He returned ready to start his ministry

· This story reinforced the authority of Jesus

· During lent we remember the temptations – increasing self-discipline

· God will support you as he supported Jesus

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages of Caeserae Phillipi. On the way, he asked them:

“Who do people say I am?”

They replied: “Some say Elijah, Some John the Baptist and others still one of the prophets.”

“But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered “You are the Messiah” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. He told them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and three days later rise again. He spoke plainly about this and Peter took him aside and rebuked him.

But when Jesus turned to the rest of his disciples he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me Satan!” He said, “for you have not in mind the things of God but the things of men.”

· This is very significant

· The messianic secret is first introduced here as Jesus tells the disciples that he is the messiah but they mustn’t tell anyone. He does this because:

1. He wants people to make their own decisions about him (let people decide for themselves if they believe he is the Messiah

2. If the Jewish figures of authority discovered that he was calling himself the Messiah before he had created his ministry then they may kill him before it is time

· Titles introduced: MESSIAH, SON OF MAN

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became a dazzling white, whiter than anyone could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say for he was so frightened.)

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them and voice came from the cloud saying: ‘This is my son whom I love. Listen to him!”

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

· The whiteness of Jesus’ clothes signifies he was more than just a man.

· Gods words confirmed that Jesus was his son – divine approval

· Moses and Elijah are from the Old Testament.

· The shelters would be showing respect or are like a sacred tent used for worship.

· Importance for Jesus- reassuring Jesus he is following the right path.

· Importance for the three disciples – Confirming that he is the son of God. They are told to pay attention to Jesus’ teachings.

· Importance for Christians – connected with the title Son of God and a reminder that Jesus is suffering but is also glorious.

Q: Describe the baptism of Jesus.

Q: How was the baptism a turning point in Jesus’ Ministry?

Q: Outline the temptations of Jesus.

Q: Which two Old Testament figures appeared beside Jesus in the Transfiguration?

Q: Explain the importance of the transfiguration for Peter James and John.

Q: ‘Son of Man’ is the best title for Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? Give your answer showing that you have considered more than one view.

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Notes and Stories