The Story of Jesus

As told in the Synoptic Gospels

Terms

• Mystery = unknowable– Mystery of God’s infinite greatness, and infinite

love– Mystery of Salvation– Mystery of the Incarnation

• Disciples v. Apostles

Nativity of Christ• The Annunciation

– The angel Gabriel announces

• The Visitation– St. Mary visits St. Elizabeth (her cousin)– John the Baptist’s mother

• Nativity in Bethlehem– Why shepherds?

• Epiphany – celebrates God’s manifestation– Celebration associated with the magi

Matt’s & Luke’s messaging

• Matthew– Treachery of King Herod

• Luke– Shepherds show Jesus’s openness to all– Presentation & Circumcision: dedication of the

child to God– Prophets recognized the Messiah

Followers

• Calling of many disciples– From all walks, men & women– Call to sacrifice, many were martyred– “Pick up your cross”

• 12 Apostles (really 12+1 + St. Paul)– Why 12?– “Emissaries” – those who are sent– Chosen by Jesus, taught by his own authority

Jesus’s Public LIfe

• Jesus as a model– God’s love & compassion for all– Humility– Forgiveness

• Baptism by John “the Baptist”– First event in all 3 Gospels– Importance of repentance, forgiveness of sins– Presence of all the Trinity to begin the ministry

Temptations in the Desert

• 40 days (40 years the Israelites wander)– Jesus’s temptation replaces Israelites’– Jesus passes

• Showing human’s constant temptation by sin– Stones into bread: care for own needs before

ministry– Worship Satan for power: power before service– Test God by jumping: Demanding of God instead of

trusting

Proclamation of the message

• Mark’s “Kingdom of God”

• Matthew’s sermons– Sermon on the Mount

• Aphorisms & Parables– Short sayings & allegorical stories

• Example & Miracles

Transfiguration

• Jesus was praying: communing with God– Transformed by it

• Met by 2 Old Testament figures– Moses & Elijah– Moses: the Law– Elijah: the Prophets– They announced the Messiah, Jesus fulfilled them

• Revealed God’s Kingdom & splendor

Paschal Mystery

• Passion Death Resurrection Ascension– Most important?

• Catholic emphasis?