Is Jesus God ?

The divinity of Jesus Christ is an essential Christian teaching of the Catholic faith

Lesson 5

Jesus - Son of God

Jesus is God

Catholicism teaches that Jesus is God. Jesus himself proclaimed this truth, the Apostles taught this same truth and subsequent centuries of Christians believed it. This core truth is professed in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed. As a truth taught and believed through faith by Catholics, it is also considered a mystery. It is a mystery because the church cannot explain in the fullest sense, this act of God coming in the form of a man. Even if the church could, humanity would not be able to comprehend it. This is why it is believed through reason and faith.

From the early centuries of Christianity, The early forms of the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed profess what Christians already believed. The Nicene Creed declares the belief in Jesus more substantially by saying “Through Him all things were made.” Theologically the words of the creed are reserved only for God the Creator. Therefore, this statement, as an authentic Christian truth, declares Jesus as the Son of God is God. This is known as the “Deity (Godhood) or Divinity of Jesus.” Note the creeds never conclude that there are two or three Gods, only One.

Nicene Creed:

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God

born of the Father before all ages,

God from God, Light from Light,

True God from True God, begotten, not made,

consubstantial with the Father.

Through Him all things were made.

Apostles Creed: I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord.

The Mystery of Christ's Divinity

Jesus Christ’s divine nature as God, referred to as His divinity is an essential Christian teaching of the Catholic faith. Christ’s divinity can be gleaned from God’s revelation and the words of Jesus. The fullness of this truth is expounded to a limited degree due to the limits of human understanding. Much can be said which allows for believing this truth, but its fullness is so rich, there is much which remains a mystery.

Any group or so-called ‘church’ denying Christ’s divinity ceases to be Christian in any way shape or form. Certain quasi-Christian (so-called Christian) sects deny the divinity of Christ. This is wrong. Vehemently they reject this core truth, and present poorly formed arguments from the Bible; unfortunately using the Bible to their discredit.

Catholic Christianity faithfully presents teachings coming from the apostles. The divinity of Christ is one such teaching, steeped in scripture and faithful to magisterial teaching. Magisterial teaching consists of those things passed on by Jesus to His Apostles. The Apostles subsequently passed this to Bishops who would be their successors. They in turn would pass on the same beliefs. Thus, making magisterial teachings, in step with what the Apostles originally believed and taught.

God Begets God

Born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light,
True God from True God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father

The Nicene Creed asserts Christ’s divinity in a very straightforward way. Just as man begets man, only God can beget God. Only from God can God come forth. God cannot be fractioned. Since nothing is impossible for God, He can come to mankind in the flesh if He so chooses. Such a profession of faith by Christians asserts they do not doubt the divine nature of Jesus.

Jesus is “begotten,” he is not made as part of creation at some point in time and space. Some quasi-Christian and early-century heresies that claim Jesus was “made.” “Begotten” is used to mean coming from the same intended nature. The creed also contains “Consubstantial with the Father,” pointing to the divinity of Jesus being of the same substance as God. Begotten and Consubstantial are the closest words that can be used to explain the mystery. God is not divided into parts, so any presence of God which is revealed to mankind is equally and fully God.

The Mystery of Christ's Incarnation

God coming in human form is called the “Incarnation” and is the first mystery of Jesus. The Creeds, assert Jesus was “begotten,” agreeing with John’s Gospel Chapter 1. Jesus as God existed before the beginning. He enters into space and time for the sake of humanity, to be seen, heard, and touched. God comes in a form, in which humanity with very limited capacities, can understand, witness, and be blessed. God reveals himself in the form He chooses and in whatever form He chooses, He is still equally God.

Therefore, Jesus has two natures, divine and human, but at the same time, Jesus is one person. An aspect of the incarnation is for part of Jesus’ person to be of human form. Just as you have a physical side and an immortal side (your soul) you are still one person. The human nature of Jesus means, He still felt thirst, hunger, and pain. You may be thinking “Wow this is quite something to grasp.” This is exactly how St. Paul, the writer of the book of Philippians, expressed it![1]

Notice the Church does not Teach that Jesus is half human and half divine as if He is some sort of hybrid. This is a heresy. Jesus is one person both fully human and fully divine, a mystery, “something to be grasped.”[2]

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[1] Philippians 2:6-8 :: 6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.

7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,

8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

[2] Philippians 2:6-7

Through Him all things were made

“Through Him all things were made” declares God alone creates from nothing. The act of creation recalled in Genesis reads “And God spoke and said, ‘Let there be…’ ”[1] and creation came forth. Everything that God does is “of God.” When God speaks in the way only God can speak, new things are created where before there was nothing. The limited human language can only use such words as “God spoke” and “God’s word” to convey this. It is not enough to explain the eternal extent of the mystery of God’s actions. However, such language is enough to allow you to believe.

Any “word” coming from God is equally God and not separate from Him. God, can put flesh on his words, give the ‘flesh bound words’ a human form, walk around as man, and dwell among men (if He wants to, after all, he is God). Scripture does say, “nothing is (will be) impossible for God.”[2] God speaks and something new comes forth, gets changed, or begins. Jesus is the word of God made flesh coming forth to fulfill the plan of salvation, which is to restore man’s unity with God.

It is because of His glory Jesus came to earth. In His love for all of humanity, which is also part of His glory, God came to walk among men. All persons are presented with the opportunity to relate to God’s message and to understand how close He is. He did this for you as well as all persons to teach, heal, and show God’s path to eternal life and salvation, and through Jesus where you can become a “New Creation.”[3]

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[1] Genesis 1:3

[2] Luke 1:37

[3] 2 Corinthians 5:17 :: 17 So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

The Apostle John begins his Gospel by explaining the nature of Christ. John who is an Apostle from the first generation of Christians, chooses a word clearly stating, that Jesus is “Consubstantial” with God.

Gospel of John verses 1 -14

1 In the beginning[1] was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things came to be through him[2], and without him nothing came to be. What came to be

4 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race;

5 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

[ Verses 1 – 5 are speaking of Jesus Christ ]

6 A man named John[3] was sent from God.

7 He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

[ Verses 6 – 8 switch emphasis to mention and compare John the Baptist. ]

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.

11 He came to what was his own, but his own people[4] did not accept him.

12 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,

13 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling[5] [6] among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

[ Verses 9 – 14 return to speak of Jesus Christ. ]

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[1][1:1]In the beginning: also, the first words of the Old Testament (Gn 1:1). Was: this verb is used three times with different meanings in this verse: existence, relationship, and predication. The Word(Greek logos): this term combines God’s dynamic, creative word (Genesis), personified preexistent Wisdom as the instrument of God’s creative activity (Proverbs), and the ultimate intelligibility of reality (Hellenistic philosophy).With God: the Greek preposition here connotes communication with another. Was God: lack of a definite article with “God” in Greek signifies predication rather than identification.

[2] [1-3] All things came to be through him; We find this in the Nicene Creed “Through Him all things were made”

[3] [1:6] John:(the Baptist) The Apostle John is referring to John the Baptist: John was sent just as Jesus was “sent” (Jn 4:34) in divine mission. Other references to John the Baptist in this gospel emphasize the differences between them and John’s subordinate role.

[4][1:11] What was his own…his own people: first a neuter, literally, “his own property/possession” (probably = Israel), then a masculine, “his own people” (the Israelites)

[5][1:14] Flesh: the whole person, used probably against docetic tendencies (cf.1 Jn 4:2;2 Jn 7).Made his dwelling: literally, “pitched his tent/tabernacle.” Cf. the tabernacle or tent of meeting that was the place of God’s presence among his people (Ex 25:8–9). The incarnate Word is the new mode of God’s presence among his people. The Greek verb has the same consonants as the Aramaic word for God’s presence (Shekinah).Glory: God’s visible manifestation of majesty in power, which once filled the tabernacle (Ex 40:34) and the temple (1Kgs 8:10–11,27), is now centered in Jesus. Only Son: Greek, monogenēs, see Jn 1:18.Grace and truth: these words may represent two Old Testament terms describing Yahweh in a covenant relationship with Israel (cf. Ex 34:6), thus God’s “love” and “fidelity.” The Word shares Yahweh’s covenant qualities.

[6]Docetic (tendencies): Docetism was an early heresy against true Christianity. It did not come from within the church but from an external heretic group known as the Gnostics. The heresy maintains that Jesus was not flesh (came in human form) but a vision or illusion. The heresy believes Jesus seems to be a man, seemed to have been born, to have lived, suffered and died.

Jesus Christ is God: Proof from Scripture

God coming as Jesus with a sinless human nature to live among mankind, is part of the mystery of the sacrifice of Jesus. God would not be almighty if humans who are limited in thinking could fully understand the mysteries of all He is and all He does. Many things about God cannot be fully understood and cannot be fully comprehended. This carries an aspect of mystery which requires faith to believe.

Suppose God were to come to dwell among men in all his power, might, and glory. No one would be able to comprehend Him. The human is unable to cope with such pure eternal majesty, holiness, love, glory, magnificence, and power. Mankind would hide, probably be terrified, and would run away from, instead of towards God. The Scriptures say that “the hills melt like wax before the Lord.”[1] Now imagine the unsanctified human race standing before God’s fullest glory. Poof! All gone!

From the very beginning of Christianity, the dogma of Jesus being God has been an important one. Jesus claimed it Himself and writers of the New Testament record this. In the first centuries, early church historians as well as the early Church fathers fought against heresies that minimized or discounted the divinity of Christ.

The John’s Gospel records where Jesus is in the temple being questioned about things concerning Abraham. The encounter begins in John 8:52:

52 (So) the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?”

Jesus goes on and then He says:

Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.

(John 8:56)

To which the Jews reply in the next verse (57):

So, the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”

Then Jesus drops a bombshell on them when he proclaims:

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” (John 8:58)

“I AM” is the name God revealed to Moses in the Old Testament.[2] In saying this Jesus(John 8:58); first meant it as truth and second it is a revelation that He is God. If it were not true then Jesus would be a liar and a blasphemer.

Saying such a thing in the Jewish culture amounted to blasphemy. Jesus was not speaking in riddles or symbols. Being aware of this the Jews pick up stones to stone him to death for what they perceived as the sin of blasphemy.

59 So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area. (John 8:59)

In an earlier verse in the same chapter (8) of John’s Gospel, Jesus is talking to the crowd and uses the same phrase, “I Am,” when referring to himself:

28 So Jesus said (to them), “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM[3], and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me.” (John 8:28)

This is not just some sub-planted phrase (interpolation). Jesus was indicating that later the realization will come to those who chose to believe, that He really is God. If what Jesus is saying is not true, then He is either a blasphemer, a liar, or a lunatic.

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[1] Psalm 97:5 - The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

[2] Exodus 3:13-14 – 13 “But,” said Moses to God, “if I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what do I tell them?” 14 God replied to Moses: I am who I am.* Then he added: This is what you will tell the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.

[3][John 8:28] I AM: an expression that late Jewish tradition understood as Yahweh’s own self-designation (Is 43:10); Jesus is here placed on par with Yahweh who is God namely the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Isaiah (name means “YHWH (the LORD) is salvation.” ) was a prophet of God during old Testament times. He is regarded as one of the greatest prophets. He lived in Jerusalem. The book in the Old Testament which he wrote bears his name. In Isaiah Chapter 1 the prophet recalls how he received visions from God. He prophesied during the reign of four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.

Some Jewish traditions maintain that he was related to King Uzziah. He ministered 40-years up until the last half of the eighth century B.C. (800 B.C.). Jewish tradition says he was killed by being sawn in two by King Manasseh, the son of King Hezekiah. This seems to be alluded to in Hebrews 11:37.

Jesus was Announced: (First Motive of Credibility)

Throughout the books of the Old Testament (OT), written long before Jesus Christ was born, there is found the prediction of Jesus’ coming. Many of the OT predictions dealt with events occurring within a generation or two. Therefore, they happened soon afterward. However, many predictions in the OT which spoke of a messiah remained unfulfilled. The Jews at the time of Jesus Christ were aware of these and awaited a Messiah. Messiah is the Hebrew word for ‘Anointed.’ This Messiah was considered a person to come who was uniquely appointed by God, set apart from all others, and would be a savior.

The first motive of credibility for Jesus being the Christ promised by God are the cumulative predictions in OT which point to Jesus Christ as Messiah.

Regarding Jesus’ birth

Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the virgin (young woman), pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.”

Isaiah 9:5: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”

Micah 5:1: “But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah[1]least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.”

Concerning Jesus' Life, Ministry and Death

Micah 5:2: “Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne,[2]then the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel.”

Zechariah 9:9: “Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king[3]is coming to you, a just savior is he, Humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Psalm 22:17-19: “Dogs surround me; a pack of evildoers closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and my feet 18 I can count all my bones. They stare at me and gloat; 19 they divide my garments among them; for my clothing they cast lots.”

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[1] [Micah 5:1–6] Salvation will come through a “messiah,” an anointed ruler. The Book of Micah shares with Isaiah the expectation that God will deliver Israel through a king in the line of David. Bethlehem-Ephrathah is the home of the Davidic line.

[2] [Isaiah 5:2] These words are sometimes understood as a reference to Isaiah’s Emmanuel oracle, given some thirty years earlier (Is 7:14). The Gospel of Matthew reports that the chief priests and scribes cite this passage as the ancient promise of a messiah in the line of David to be born in Bethlehem (Mt 2:5–6).

[3][Zachariah 9:9] Your king: a just savior, a figure of humble demeanor, but riding on a donkey like royalty in the ancient Near East (Gn 49:11;Jgs 5:10: 10-4). The announcement of the coming of such a king marks a departure from the view of the royal figure as a conquering warrior. This depiction is in keeping with the tone of First Zechariah (3:8;4:6–10; 6:12) but contrasts with Haggai (2:20–23). New Testament authors apply this prophecy to Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Mt 21:4–5; Jn 12:14–15).

Likely the clearest prophecy about Jesus is the entire 53rd chapter of Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:3-8 is especially unmistakable when it refers to Jesus Christ:

“3 He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain, Like one from whom you turn your face, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.

4 Yet it was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured. We thought of him as stricken, struck down by God and afflicted, 5 But he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed.

6 We had all gone astray like sheep, all following our own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.

7 Though harshly treated, he submitted and did not open his mouth; Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 Seized and condemned, he was taken away. Who would have thought any more of his destiny? For he was cut off from the land of the living, struck for the sins of his people.”

No other person in history was ever announced, of who’s coming was foretold centuries before it happened as it was with Jesus Christ. Not just his birth but also what he would do in life (His ministry) and his death. When you try to search among the billions of persons born on earth, you find no other person comes remotely close to having the aforementioned prophetic credentials as Jesus has.

Helpful Terminology

As you increase your knowledge of the faith and of Jesus Christ, certain terms are conveyed. They are important to know to understand what is being taught. These terms with their explanations are provided for clarification.

Messiah: This is the anglicized form (English form) for the Hebrew word for “Mashiach” which means “Anointed.” Its inference is not simply someone who is anointed for a dedicated task or even an office such as a king. In the Old Testament when you were anointed, you were empowered by God. This was considered an indelible mark from God that could not be removed. Messiah or “The Messiah” (Mashiach מָשִׁ֫יחַ ) was considered a single special person possessing the anointing above all other anointings.

The Old Testament’s ancient Hebrew prediction for the person coming as messiah varied and the messiah was seen as a king, warrior, and savior. Yet other scriptures passages refer to him as a man of suffering who would take on the sins of the world. Messiah for the Christian is the significant person of Jesus[1]. The coming of Jesus fulfills the ancient prophecies who suffer for our sins as well as battle Satan, eternal death, and sin. Jesus as the Messiah is also given the titles; ‘King of kings and Lord of Lords.’

Christ[2]: This is the anglicized form which comes from ‘Christe’ (or ‘Christos’) the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Mashiach” Christe in Greek means “messiah” or “who is messiah.” The other Greek word Christos” simple means “the messiah.” An early Roman Latin form of this was Christus.

Jesus[3]: As a name [in Hebrew Yeshu(a)] means ‘God saves.’ The name signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of Jesus (his son).

Jesus Christ[4]: As a name, it is at the heart of Christian prayer. The name itself is not to be mistaken as a first name and last name. The name can simply be said to say, “Jesus the Messiah or Jesus who is Messiah.” Often one or the other is used to infer the full name/title. So; ‘Jesus the Lord’ is the same as ‘Christ the Lord’ is the same as ‘Jesus Christ the Lord.’

Much can be said about the name “Jesus Christ,” for example its power. St Paul writes: “At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bend.” This includes all of creation, with the angels, and even Satan must bow before him. It should be mentioned that as ‘a Divine Person,’ Jesus Christ is the “Second person of the Holy Trinity.” More on this later.

Incarnate[5]: This is the term used to explain the mystery of God coming in the “Flesh” as the person of Jesus Christ. Carne in the Latin means “flesh or meat.”

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[1] CCC 438

[2] CCC 436

[3] CCC 430, 432, 433

[4] CCC 435

[5] CCC 461, 463

A Savior is Born

How Jesus came to be with us is important.[1] The facts surrounding Jesus’ birth are central to Christian belief because they are part of the mystery and theology of His incarnation. Jesus’ birth is the beginning of God’s special presence with man. This special presence by Jesus marks God’s return to man for the salvation of all mankind. In the creeds, we find the following:

Nicene Creed

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven.

By the Holy Spirit he was incarnate of the Virgin Mary

And became man.

Jesus as God came in the form of man to save mankind from sin, eternal death, and separation from God caused by original sin. As part of God’s plan for man’s salvation and to show His glory through His Love and Mercy, He sent His son Jesus Christ to be born, live, and finally suffer and die (pay the price) for our sins.

Apostles Creed

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

God’s plans are not fully comprehensible to man. The mystery of His plan unfolds in part with the Virgin Mary giving birth to Jesus as prophesied by Isaiah.[2] There are four Gospels in the New Testament. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide a narrative of how Jesus Christ came as a child, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is mentioned because God begins His special act of salvation for man by “setting her apart” for this special task. This is done through God’s Holiness which makes or brings forth in a particular person of His choosing quality and/or nature God deems necessary for their participation in His plan. How God intended or intends to set any person apart by His grace is God’s doing not the individual’s. Holiness is what God intends for all Christians. God asks all Christians to allow him to set them apart for His purpose.

God is beginning the fulfillment of His promise in Genesis. The Blessed Virgin Mary is “The Woman” of Genesis 3:15. Jesus is the offspring. Those who benefit from His salvation are those who would “Strike” at Satan’s head.[3]

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[1] CCC 457 - 460

[2] Isaiah 7:14:“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the virgin (young woman), pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.” [Emmanuel - means God is with us.]

[3] Genesis 3:15 : “I will put enmity between you (Satan-the devil) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They (man’s offspring) will strike at your head (Satan’s head), while you (Satan-the devil) strike at their heel.”

The Three Mysteries of Jesus Life

Along with the Mystery of Christ’s divinity, there are three additional mysteries involving the life of Jesus. These mysteries relate to Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth whose reason, cause, and benefits, can never be exhausted by the thoughts of all wisest people. This is why they are referred to as mysteries. They point to the whole sacrifice of Jesus. While you can learn much about Jesus’ ministries, the bountiful pouring of His grace is limitless and cannot be comprehended fully even if every person applied their thoughts to this.

Jesus’ Incarnation

This lesson was mostly devoted to the topic of Jesus as God incarnate. He is God in human form, which is the first mystery of Jesus. By saying Jesus was begotten, the Creeds agree with the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Jesus as God was there from the beginning. His Incarnation involves the Story of His Birth and His life on earth.

Jesus’ Crucifixion.

Jesus took on the punishment for every man, woman, and child ever born and who would be born in the future by being put to death on a cross. This is the second mystery. In a later chapter, the story of His Crucifixion is revealed. His Crucifixion is the apex of His sacrificial life. It becomes “The sacrifice.” Jesus died for everyone’s sins to restore the union between man and God so that all would have an opportunity to know God and get to heaven.

Jesus’ Resurrection

After Jesus was put to death on the Cross, He gloriously rose from the dead. This is the third mystery. Jesus did this to show us that He even has power over death. It is the signal of His triumph over sin and death. More on the resurrection is revealed in the next and later lessons.

You are the Christ The Son of the Living God

13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

Matthew 16:16-18

In these words in the Gospel of Matthew, Peter proclaims Jesus to be not only the Christ but also the Son of the living God. Peter is a Jew, so for him to say this is akin to saying Jesus is God. Notice that Jesus does not dispute this but confirms it. Notice also the other apostles are not upset by Peter’s words nor do they contradict him or contend that Peter is committing blasphemy.

Jesus is God!

Conclusion:

Provided was evidence asserting Jesus is who he says he is. He is the Messiah promised by God. Also, Jesus is God! This of course is not an exhaustive look; that would be a whole class in and of itself. For belief and formation, presented was enough information for those searching and the Christian to stake their soul on. This truth will not bend, fade, or pass away. You need to grab onto this truth. Hold it tight and live your life by it.

The predictions point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah. This is considered the first motive of credibility for Jesus being the Christ promised by God.

Jesus as God is divine. He is your friend and savior whom you should not fear. With Jesus as your savior, you should fear nothing.

The Three mysteries of Jesus life are:

Jesus’ Incarnation
Jesus’ Crucifixion
Jesus’ Resurrection

A Jesus Moment: The Nativity of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Matthew – Infant Narrative

The Infant Narrative (birth of Jesus) in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew is covered in Matthew Chapters 1 and 2.

The Gospel of Matthew begins by providing a lineage of birth. He begins with Abraham, then goes through the lineage up to King David and from there to St. Joseph then to Jesus. St. Matthew in his Gospel was writing to the Jews. The aspect of lineage was important because it laid claim to the legitimacy of Jesus Christ. It also fulfills the prophecy concerning the lineage of King David.

All of this is important for the following reasons:

One; the Jews always connected the patriarchal families one to another as a way to suggest that God was, is, and always will be with them. Matthew begins with Abraham and shows a contiguous line of descendants.

Two; the prophecies of old maintained that the Messiah would come from the house (lineage) of David[1].

Matthew mentions Jesus being born in Bethlehem (In Hebrew this name means ‘house of bread’). By doing this he refers to an Old Testament prophecy in verse 6.[2] Bethlehem was also referred to as “the City of David” (Luke 2:11). Matthew also mentions the Magi (commonly referred to as the wise men) who were Gentiles and how they came seeking the “newborn King of the Jews.” This inference in the Gospel of Matthew asserts that Jesus came not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles (non-Jews or everyone else on earth) as well.

Through it all, the angels are mentioned as providing messages from God to corroborate the meaning of the birth and provide support and guidance. Also, Mary is mentioned as being the mother. Joseph is mentioned as the protector.

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[1] CCC 439

[2] Micah 5:1-2: 1 But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. . . . . .

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The Gospel of Luke – Infant Narrative

The Infant Narrative in the Gospel of Luke Chapters 1 and 2 provides details not found in the Gospel of Matthew. Luke begins by providing information about the birth of John the Baptist and the familial relationship between his mother Elizabeth and Mary.

Next, the Gospel mentions the announcement of the Birth of Jesus. Here God uses the Angel Gabriel to greet Mary and explain to her what God is about to do. The Angel Gabriel was the Archangel sent by God to care for Israel. It is through God’s “rank and file” of angels that the message is delivered.

Luke’s Gospel contains how Mary visits Elizabeth the mother-to-be of John the Baptist, and where Mary sings her “Magnificat.” [1] Elizabeth greets Mary as “The mother of my Lord.” Years later John the Baptist would grow to be the prophet who will precede the Messiah Jesus himself.

From there Luke’s Gospel presents details such as:

The Birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:57-66

The Canticle of Zechariah (Father of John the Baptist). Luke 1:67-80

The Birth of Jesus. Luke 2:1-14

Visit of the Shepherds Luke 2:15-20

In the above-mentioned passages, Mary becomes a willing and faith-filled participant in God’s plan[2]. This required extreme faith on her part because in those days to be found “With child” and not be married meant death by stoning. Mary who is chosen also includes God’s special preparation of her from before birth. While God set her apart for this task, Mary still maintains free will and so freely chooses.

A key passage is found in Luke 2:11 where the angel says: “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” As Chapter 2 continues, there is a lineage of descendants and it closes with the story of Jesus in the Temple when he is about twelve years old.

In the creeds, Mary retains her title as “Virgin Mary.” This connotes the virgin birth of Jesus Christ as well as the ever-virgin status of Mary. It also conveys what the early Christians in those first few centuries believed and asserted. In her exonerated title, “Blessed Virgin Mary,” the word ‘Blessed’ refers to what Elizabeth said when she greeted Mary. “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.[3]” Mary, in exclamation of the Magnificat says, “For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”[4]

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[1] Magnificat – The Alternate name given to “The Canticle of Mary” which is found in Luke 1:46-55.

[2] CCC 484 - 489

[3] Luke 1:42

[4] Luke 1:48

Self-reflection:

Consider these thoughts and ask yourself these personal questions:

• This lesson points to some early references to the life of Jesus. I must be willing to use my own time regularly to become familiar not only with the Life of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospels, but also with what he teaches.

• The Virgin Mary’s role of faithfully obeying God’s call, is key to God’s plan of salvation. How much am I willing to allow God to use me to continue His plan of salvation for all of mankind?

• I must increase my prayer life and learn about God’s sacraments so that I may expose myself to be filled with His grace so that I may follow His will. Following God’s will requires, grace, wisdom, humility, and charity.

Answer the Questions:

1.) The divinity of Christ is an essential Christian teaching of the Catholic faith.

True or False

2.) Is God the Father greater than Jesus?

3.) Jesus is the word of God _______ _______ coming forth to fulfill the plan of ________________, which is to restore man’s__________ with God.

4.) In which books of the New Testament do we find the “Infant Narratives?”

a. Acts of the Apostles

b. Gospel of Mark

c. Book of Revelation

d. Gospel of Matthew

e. Gospel of John

f. Epistle to the Hebrews

g. Gospel of Luke

5.) The first motive of credibility for Jesus is:

a. He came from Heaven

b. He is consubstantial with the Father

c. He is the incarnate word of God.

d. His coming was foretold by the Old Testament prophets.

e. Peter called Him the Messiah

6.) Matthew also mentions the Magi (Wise men) who were Gentiles and how they came seeking the “newborn King of the Jews.” What does the reference to the Magi assert? In other words; what is the significance of this “epiphany” to the Magi who are gentiles?

7.) The Three Mysteries of Jesus’ Life are:

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