St John Lutheran Church and School      Where Faith and Education Meet 

The Way of Life:  A beginning

Introduction:   The great figures of human history are fascinating topic to study.  Their lives, their ideas, their contributions to humanity are inspiring.  Jesus of Nazareth stands without equal in this group.  Billions of people have found hope and life and meaing in their relatoinship with Him.  In this brief study we will begin to examine what the Bible says about who Jesus is.

Jesus' time in human history:  Western culture marks the years as B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. for the Latin phrase Anno Domini which means "year of our Lord."  Jesus lived 2000 years ago in Palestine druing the time of the Roman Empire.

1.  Read about Jesus' birth in Matthew 1:18-25

Who is Jesus' mother?

What is strange about this birth?

What is Joseph's role?

2.   Now read Luke 1:26-37.  It speaks of the conception of Jesus in HIs mother's womb.

Who is Jesus' mother?

Who is Jesus' Father?

Verse 35 is key.  What will Jesus be called?

3.  In some literature Jesus is described as though He were an alien from outer space.  He's depicted as unreal.  Look up the following verses in the Bible and write the human activity or achacteristic seen in Jesus.

Luke 2:7

Luke 2"40

Matthew 4:2

John 11:35

John 19:28

Mark 4:38

Matthew 27:50

The point that these verses make is that Jesus is truly ______________________________

4.   Yet, the mystery of Jesus is a deep one.  Read Luke 1:35 again.  Who is Jesus?

Read Luke 2:1-14.  Who do the angels say has been born?  (v. 10-11)

Read Matthew 1:18-25 again.  One of the many titles given Jesus is "Immanuel."  According to verse 23, what does this word mean?

Do y ou see Jesus as "with you?"  Why or why not?

5.   Read the following verses.  Write the action Jesus did that shows he was more than human.

Matthew 4:23-25

Matthew 8:1-4

Matthew 9:18-33

Matthew 14:22-33

Mark 4:35-41

John 2:1-12

John 11:38-44 

The point of these verses is that Jesus truly is __________________

6.   What do you think is the most important message from the Bible about Jesus?

Some futher questions for thought or discussion:

1.   What are your criteria for someone to be considered your hero?

2.   How did you develop your present concept of Jesus?

3.   When you discuss spiritual topics with your friends, does the image of Jesus that you just read from the Bible come up very often? 

If so, how?

If not, why not?

Suggested Activities -

There is a video called "Jesus of Nazareth."  Check it out or buy it from a local video store or Christian Book store and watch it.

Rent the movie "The Passion of Christ" and watch it.

If you would like to learn more about Jesus and complete this five part study, you may click on the hyperlink below.

http://www.lcms.org/wij