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

Jesus’ baptism reveals his complete identification with sinners, as well as God’s validation of Jesus as his Son on whom the Holy Spirit rested. Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness demonstrated Jesus’ ongoing conflict with Satan, and his endurance and triumph over the devil’s temptations and attacks. Jesus inaugurated his ministry by selecting some early followers after his baptism, and announcing his Messianic identity through two important incidents: his public announcement of his Messiahship at Nazareth, and his first public miracle attesting his Messiahship at the wedding at Cana. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about this first lesson in The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom module, The Messiah Announced . The information covered in this lesson focuses on the events and issues associated with Jesus’ arrival as Messiah into the world, physically as Mary’s baby, and later as the growing adolescent of Joseph and Mary, and finally as the Messiah announced by John to the nation. Grasping the importance of Jesus’ announcement as Messiah can aid you greatly as you continue your study of his ministry, and in your effort to fully comprehend the meaning of Jesus’ person as well as his work in the world. As you review this lesson, what particular questions have come up that you are curious about, that demand your further consideration? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Why did Jesus of Nazareth come into the world at the time and moment that he did? * Why wasn’t Jesus immediately recognized by the nation to be its long-awaited Messiah and conquering King who was destined to rule on David’s throne? Why did so many find the announcement of Jesus troublesome and annoying? Explain your answer. * Did Jesus become Messiah at the baptism, or was he merely recognized to be so there? Explain. * Considering the fact that Jesus was in every way just like we are, was it possible for Jesus to sin at all, either during the Temptation or at any other time of his life? How so or how not?

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Student Application and Implications