Chronology of Christ

Chronology of Christ

• The events of Christ's life in chronological order: birth and early life, baptism and beginning of ministry, teachings and miracles, the Last Week, crucifixion and resurrection, ascension, and the Second Coming.

Birth & Early Life (0-12 years old)

• Born in Bethlehem because St. Mary and Joseph traveled there for a census.
• Angels announced Christ's birth to shepherds; Wise Men later visited.
• The family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's infanticide.
• Christ grew up in Nazareth, living a normal life and working as a carpenter.
• At age 12, Christ amazed teachers with His wisdom at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Baptism & Beginning of Ministry (Around age 30)

• John the Baptist baptized Christ in the Jordan River, where the Holy Spirit descended like a dove.
• Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan three times, but did not sin.
• Christ called His first disciples: Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
• Christ's first miracle was turning water into wine at the Wedding at Cana.

Teachings & Miracles (3 Years of Public Ministry)

• The Sermon on the Mount includes the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.
• Christ healed the blind, lame, and sick as miracles.
• Christ fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish as a miracle.
• Christ walked on water as a miracle.
• Christ raised Lazarus from the dead as a miracle.
• Christ taught in parables, such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan.

The Last Week (Passion Week)

• On Palm Sunday, Christ entered Jerusalem riding a donkey.
• Christ cleansed the Temple by throwing out merchants.
• During the Last Supper, Christ blessed bread and wine, establishing Holy Communion.
• Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing He would be arrested.
• Judas betrayed Christ, and He was arrested and put on trial.

Crucifixion & Resurrection (The Foundation of Salvation!)

• Christ was tried under Pontius Pilate, and the people called for His crucifixion.
• Christ was beaten, mocked, and crowned with thorns, then carried His cross to Golgotha.
• Christ was crucified and died on the cross, saying, "Father, forgive them."
• Christ was buried in a tomb, which was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers.
• Christ resurrected on the third day (Easter Sunday); the angel proclaimed, "He is not here, He has risen!".

Ascension & The Second Coming

• Christ spent 40 days after His resurrection teaching His disciples.
• Christ ascended into heaven as His disciples watched.
• Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead.

The Five Pillars of Mystery

• Holy Trinity: One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Incarnation: Jesus, fully God and fully human, born of St. Mary.
• Baptism: Entry into faith, washing away sin.
• Holy Eucharist: Christ’s real body and blood, gives eternal life.
• Resurrection of the Dead: Everyone will rise and face judgment.

The Beatitudes (8 Blessings)

• Poor in spirit: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Those who mourn: They will be comforted.
• The meek: They will inherit the earth.
• Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: They will be filled.
• The merciful: They will receive mercy.
• The pure in heart: They will see God.
• The peacemakers: They will be called children of God.
• Those persecuted for righteousness: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Great Lent

• The Great Lent lasts 55 days: a 7-day prep (Zewerede), 40-day fast, and 8-day Passion Week.
• It commemorates Jesus fasting 40 days in the wilderness.
• It involves more prayer, fasting (no animal products), charity, and repentance.
• Key verses: Matthew 6:16-18 (Jesus on fasting); Jonah 3:5 (Ninevites fasted, God forgave them).

Important Definitions

• Dogma: Core, unchangeable teachings of the Church.
• Canon: Official Church laws.
• Faith: Strong belief in God, even without seeing.
• Religion: The way people practice their faith.
• Tewufit: Obedience and humility in following God’s will.
• Church: The community of believers.

Salvation

• We are saved if you believe in the Holy Trinity and Resurrection.
• Final salvation comes at the Second Coming of Christ, when He judges the living and the dead.
• Salvation is a process, requiring continued faith and good works.