God the Son, Mentor's Guide, MG10

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G O D T H E S O N

3. Through his death, Jesus effects a reconciliation and peace between God and his creation; he brings to a final and lasting conclusion the alienation between God and humankind, 2 Cor. 5.18-20

Conclusion

» Jesus Christ in his descent from the heavenly realms humbled himself in his Incarnation and death. » Through his work on the Cross, Jesus has laid the foundation for our faith, worship, and witness to the world. » Jesus’ death has been historically understood through the dimensions of a ransom sacrifice, a propitiation for our sins, a vicarious or substitutionary offering in our place, a triumph over Satan’s hold on us through death, and a reconciliation between God and humankind. Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. In many ways, the humility and lowliness of our Lord constitutes the heart and soul of our personal ethic of the Kingdom of God. We are called to suffer with him, to bear our cross daily, and follow him. Only if we experience the fellowship of his sufferings can we fully be liberated as his vessels of worship and witness. The significance of the cross cannot be overestimated for Christian leadership or effective urban ministry. Answer the following questions with an eye to apply these truths as the Spirit leads. Be clear and concise in your reasoning and support your answers with biblical proofs. 1. What is the meaning of the phrase “self-emptying of Jesus Christ?” In other words, what specifically did Jesus “empty” himself of in his Incarnation and ministry on earth? 2. How did the life and ministry of Jesus demonstrate his servanthood, humility, and lowliness? What are the implications of this for our own lives of discipleship and ministry today? 3. What is the relationship between Jesus humbling himself and him surrendering the “independent use” of his divine attributes while on earth? 4. Why is the death of Jesus so important for an overall understanding of Incarnation?

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Student Questions and Response

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