The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

7. What do you find especially significant in Jesus’ choice of Isaiah 61 as the text to announce to the nation that he in fact was the promised Messiah? 8. How do Jesus’ very earliest followers understand him to be? How do they describe him and his purpose in the world? 9. In what way does the miracle at Cana of Galilee reveal the glory of Jesus as the Messiah of God? According to John, what conclusions and interpretations do the disciples draw from this remarkable display of miracle working power there? This lesson focuses upon the critical concepts and events associated with the initial announcement and presentation of Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, in his birth, infancy and childhood. It also highlights critical truths connected with his baptism, his temptation in the wilderness, and the subsequent presentation of himself to the nation Israel, beginning in the synagogue at his hometown in Nazareth and his first miracle at Cana of Galilee. The New Testament reveals in the Gospel accounts of the Apostles the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Messiah who fulfills the promise of God for salvation, redemption, and revelation. The study of Messiah is rooted in the Old Testament’s motif of promise and fulfillment through God’s covenant promise with Abraham, and through him to Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David. Jesus appeared in the world at a critical time of world centralization, unity, trade, and change. The historical climate and conditions around the time of Messiah’s coming were critical to his arrival in the world. The birth and infancy narratives of Jesus provide key insight into both the person and work of Jesus, both in terms of his identity and his purpose in coming to earth as God’s anointed Messiah. John the Baptist was the forerunner and witness of the Messiah, chosen by God to provide witness to Jesus’ arrival and prepare the nation of Israel for his coming.

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Summary of Key Concepts