The Coming of the Messiah PDF

The Coming of the Messiah  The Gospel Portraits of Christ’s Origins Jesus’ birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection fulfilled the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and achieved our salvation. Taken together, the four Gospels paint the most complete pictur...

The Coming of the Messiah  The Gospel Portraits of Christ’s Origins Jesus’ birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection fulfilled the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and achieved our salvation. Taken together, the four Gospels paint the most complete picture of the saving deeds of Jesus, beginning with his birth and culminating in his Passion, Death, and Resurrection.  Both drawing upon Mark and the “Q” source, Matthew and Luke begin their Gospels with infancy narratives. Numerous similarities in their accounts: – use of infancy narratives to highlight Jesus’ identity – angel foretold Jesus’ birth – Jesus conceived by the action of the Holy Spirit. Thus, he is the Son of God. – Jesus born of the Virgin Mary, as was prophesized – his foster father, Joseph, a descendent of David, making Jesus a true Son of David – Jesus born in Bethlehem, as prophesized in Micah 5:1  The Gospel of Matthew Differences in Matthew and Luke’s infancy narratives reflect their respective audiences. Matthew, writing for a Jewish audience, chiefly concerned to show how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to the Jews.  The opening genealogy of Matthew’s Gospel (Mt 1:1-17) links Jesus’ ancestry to Abraham, the Father of the Jews, and to King David. Matthew shows how Jesus’ birth (Mt 1:18-25) fulfills Old Testament prophecies, God’s promise to King David, and links Jesus’ foster father Joseph to the Joseph of the Old Testament.  The visit of the Magi (Mt 2:1- 12) represents the Lord’s willingness to accept Gentiles among those who worship him. Jesus’ flight into Egypt and the Massacre of the Infants (Mt 2:13-18) recalls Moses’ escape from Pharaoh, portraying Jesus as the new Lawgiver. Jesus’ return to Nazareth (Mt 2:19-23) recalls the exodus and presents Jesus as the definitive liberator of God’s people.  The Gospel of Luke Written for Gentile Christians Key themes: – Jesus’ preaching to the lowly and outcast – Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem, where our salvation was to be achieved  Luke’s infancy narrative: Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth (Lk 1:5-25)—John portrayed as a New Elijah, announcing the coming of the promised Messiah Announcement of the Birth of Jesus (Lk 1:26-38)—referred to as the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive the Son of the Most High by the Holy Spirit, which she humbly accepted  Mary Visits Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56)—Elizabeth acknowledges Mary as the mother of God – Mary responds with the canticle known as the Magnificat Birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:57-80)—John’s father Zechariah offers a prayer known as the “Benedictus” – praises God for remembering the promises he made to David – recognizes the prophetic role of his son Birth of Jesus (Lk 2:1-20)—Jesus is born in the birthplace of David yet in humble circumstance and surrounded by humble people like shepherds – conveys Luke’s theme of Jesus’ mission to the lowly and outcast  Jesus’ Circumcision and Presentation in the Temple (Lk 2:21- 38)—at this event the prophets Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus’ as the expected Messiah Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:39-52)— teaching of the 12-year old astounded the teachers – prefigured when Jesus would return to the Temple as an adult and confound the learned scribes and rabbis  The Gospel of John John begins his Gospel from before the creation of the world. The Prologue teaches that the Word of God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This is what we mean by the Incarnation. This divinely revealed truth (dogma) reveals that Christ is both true God and true man. Our Lady of the Rosary The Joyful Mysteries (Said on Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays of Advent, and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent) First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary Mary's humble acceptance is a model of faith and obedience The humility of the Blessed Virgin when the Angel Gabriel greeted her with these words: "Hail full of grace". Luke 1:26  Consider Mary's courage and trust in God's plan. How can we emulate her faith in our lives?  Second Joyful Mystery – The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth This encounter highlights the joy of sharing good news with loved ones. Mary's charity in visiting her cousin Elizabeth and remaining with her for three months before the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1:39  This encounter highlights the joy of sharing good news with loved ones. When have you experienced similar joy?  Third Joyful Mystery – The Birth of Jesus This event shows God's closeness to humanity by becoming human Himself. The poverty, so lovingly accepted by Mary when she placed the Infant Jesus, our God and Redeemer, in a manger in the stable of Bethlehem. Luke 2:1  Reflect on the humility of Jesus' birth. How does this influence your understanding of greatness? Fourth Joyful Mystery – The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Spirit of Sacrifice Mary's obedience to the law of God in presenting the Child Jesus in the Temple. Luke 2:22  Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling Jewish law Think about the significance of tradition and faith in your family. How do they shape your beliefs?  Fifth Joyful Mystery Finding Jesus in the Temple Jesus' wisdom and dedication to His Father's work. The deep sorrow with which Mary sought the Child Jesus for three days, and the joy with which she found Him in the midst of the Teachers of the Temple. Luke 2:41  Jesus, at twelve years old, is found discussing scripture with teachers in the Temple What are you passionate about, and how do you pursue it?