From Jesus to Christ

Session 3Pascual

GOAL

• Wrap-UP Luminous Mysteries

• Consider the component of Jesus’ death and Resurrection

The TransfigurationThe Fourth Luminous Mystery

The Transfiguration• Context: This event occurs seemingly a few days after Peter

proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah,

• Yet Jesus mysteriously responds to this act of faith by predicting his Passion, death and Resurrection. (Mt 16:16ff)

• The event occurs on top of a mountain where it’s just Jesus, Peter, James and John.

AND NEXT?• Jesus’ face and clothes

shone like the sun

• Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus

• Father’s voice came from the clouds “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Symbolism• To faithful Jews, Moses represented the Law and Elijah

represented the message of all the prophets.

• This was a sign that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and prophets.

• This event strengthened the faith of Peter, James and John, right before the ordeal of Jesus’ Passion and death.

The Institution of the EucharistThe Fifth Luminous Mystery

GOAL

• Explore what is popularly known as the Institution Narrative of the Eucharist.

• How does Jesus make the connection of the Eucharist and the Passover?

Some Vocab• Passover – The night the Lord passed over the houses of Israelites marked by the blood of

the lamb, and spared the firstborns from death. It also is the feast that celebrates the deliverance of the Chosen People from bondage in Egypt and the Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land.

• Eucharist- Literally means thanksgiving.

• typically means the liturgical celebration of Mass for the Catholic Church

• Also, as a noun, refers to the bread and wine that is substantially changed to the body and blood of Jesus Christ (for the Catholic Church)

• Anamnesis- opposite is amnesia

• Means to remember, a Memorial

• 2000 years ago, the Jewish understanding of “remembrance” means to make something present again.

• Sacrifice – “sacred offering”, to make holy (or dedicate to God)

• Sacre – Holy, of God

• Fice – to offer

Strategy

• Look at the Hebrew Scripture narrative on Passover

• Compare it to the Gospel narratives

• Consider what theology is the Gospels trying to convey

Exodus 12: 1,3,5,7-8

• 1The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:

• 3Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every family must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household.

• 5Your lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish.

• 7They will take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.

• 8They will consume its meat that same night, eating it roasted with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Exodus 12:11-14• 11It is the LORD’s Passover.

• 12For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn in the land, human being and beast alike, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD!b

• 13But for you the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thereby, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you.c

• 14This day will be a day of remembrance for you, which your future generations will celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD; you will celebrate it as a statute forever.

Passover scene from Prince of Egypt

• Some context for the Passover

Some intriguing scenes from the Gospel of John

• 1:29 The next day (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,* who takes away the sin of the world.t

19:14 (Crucifixion scene) It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon.

• Footnote: Noon, the time when, according to John, Jesus was sentenced to death, was the hour at which the priests began to slaughter Passover lambs in the temple

Exodus 12: 22 Then take a bunch of hyssop, and dipping it in the blood that is in the basin, apply some

of this blood to the lintel and the two doorposts.

• John 19: 28o After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,* Jesus said, “I thirst.”p

• 29There was a vessel filled with common wine.* So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.

• 30* When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”q

 And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Ex 12:43,46 This is the Passover statute… You shall not break any of its bones.*

• John 19:

• 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

• 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs,

• 34* s but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

• 35An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows* that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe.t

• 36For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled:

• “Not a bone of it will be broken.”

The Last Supper(according to Synoptics)

Narrator:While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to his disciples.

Jesus:Take and eat; this is my body.

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Narrator:Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them.

Jesus:Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

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for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

In this instance…

• Jesus is identifying himself with the Paschal Lamb of Passover

• The original Paschal Lamb was offered to free the people of Israel from the slavery in Egypt,

• A true sacrifice, the people of God were designated holy (or “OF GOD”)

Jesus as the Passover

• so through his Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus’ life is offered up for us. This is the core of the Paschal Mystery, which Catholics enter into every time we participate in the Eucharist. (p 77)

• Hence, a “sacrifice” that reconciles humankind to God. Not just death that is a sacrifice, but his life and Resurrection.

Question to ponder

• If, in giving us the Eucharist, Jesus left us a way of continuing to be present with us even after his earthly life was over, why did Jesus choose a meal as his way of doing this?

• Why “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, remember me”?

• Why not every time you plant a seed, row a boat, take a walk, watch the sunrise, and so on? And, if a meal, why bread and wine?

• NOTE: you’ll break into groups to discuss this

Just as Important…

• John 13 describes Jesus washing the feet of his disiciples at Passover…

• Reading this contextually, who washes feet 2000 years ago?

John 13:12c-15

• “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.

• If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.

• I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Important point

• The Catholic Church places this Gospel reading in its Holy Thursday Mass, which celebrates the Institution of the Eucharist (and the Priesthood)

• This suggests a close connection between the Eucharist, ministerial leadership and service.

• In other words, you cannot simply go to the Eucharist as a simple by-stander…you are called to serve in the same way Jesus does.

Conclusion part 1 of 3

• For Catholics, there is no more important way of forming our identity as Christians than participating in the Eucharist,

• which has endured for almost two thousand years as Jesus’ way of continuing to be present with the faith community that bears his name.

• This is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

• All are invited to the table; all should be equally welcome to the table just as it is in the Reign of God.

Conclusion part 2 of 3

• The Transfiguration and Institution of the Eucharist anticipated the Passion and death of Jesus (as well as his Resurrection).

• This suggests an intimate connection between Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection.

• Therefore, you cannot separate these components.

Conclusion part 2 of 4

• Jesus’ as the Lamb of God offers his life (death and resurrection) for humankind to redeem them from sin

• Or makes humankind holy (SACRIFICE for humankind)

Conclusion part 3 of 4

• Jesus uses Bread and Wine in the Eucharist to express a dual expression of Meal (table fellowship) and Sacrifice (make humankind holy).

• Participation in the Eucharist is participation in the heavenly banquet.

Conclusion part 4 of 4• Jesus uses the Eucharist to be a “memorial” of his sacrifice for

humankind (his life, death and resurrection).

• He connects himself to the Paschal Lamb of Passover

• Jesus also ties to this “memorial” the duty of service, using the symbolism of the washing of the feet. Therefore, to celebrate in the Eucharist is to commit one’s self in service to others like Christ would.

• The fact that he does this to his Apostles is a clear sign that leadership is first and foremost SERVICE.

Break

• Socrative

• 5 minutes

The Redemption of ChristA RECAP: Jesus’ Passion and Death

Pascual 3.2

Gameplan

Look briefly into the events of the Passion and Death of Jesus

Consider the historical analysis of the scene Reflect on the theology that comes from these

stories.

The Events of the Passion

Jesus and 12 enter Jerusalem to celebrate PASSOVER Jesus “Cleans” the Temple

› Gets the Jewish and Roman Leaders attention (Mk 11:18) The Last Supper

› Institutes the Eucharist› Washing of the Feet

Part 1: Jesus in the Temple

Part 2: The Last Supper

Events of the Passion (cont)

Garden at Gethsemane› Judas leads Temple guards to arrest Jesus

Trial before the Sanhedrin› Finds Jesus guilty of blasphemy

Trial before Pilate› Authorizes Jesus’ death› Scourges Jesus› Historical note: Pilate may not have been as innocent as

the Gospels portray

Part 3: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Part 4: Pontius Pilate and the Trial of Jesus

The Crucifixion

The Roman instrument of torture, humiliation and execution› Ironic that it becomes the symbol of Christianity… › What might be a modern day cross today?

Part 6: Jesus’ Crucifixion

The Death of Jesus

According to Matthew, some intense events occur› Note: Not found in other Gospels… suggests that Matthew

had a specific goal

Tearing of the Temple Veil

Context: Only the High Priest can go behind the Temple Veil (into the Holy of Holies)› The veil separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the

Temple

HOLY OF HOLIES Rest of TEMPLE

VEIL

Tearing of the Veil

For the Jew (2000 years ago), the Veil symbolizes the separation of God from the world/people

So what did Matthew intend?

For Matthew, the tearing of the veil shows that the death of Christ makes ALL People (not just the High Priest) having access to God.

Jesus’ Death

It was real… “My God, my God…why have you forsaken me?” Jesus is truly human…he would’ve had every

experience that went to being human… Food for thought…you think he knew he was going to

“Resurrect”?

WHO KILLED JESUS?

A RECAP

Jewish Leaders

Jesus challenged their authority to such an extent they believed Jesus was undermining their authority. › Not worth a death sentence…

According to the Gospels, they charged Jesus with blasphemy › This is worth a death sentence

Blasphemy

Speech or actions that show disrespect or irreverence for God› Some Historians believe that Jesus “cleansing” of the

Temple was blasphemy› Bible exegetes (esp in John) show that Jesus intended to

replace the Temple with Himself! That’s blasphemy for the Jew…

The Roman Leaders’ Reasons

Though the Gospels portray Pilate as innocent, biblical exegesis and historians find this claim very unlikely…

Likely reason: Jesus disturbed the peace› Jerusalem was a volatile city for rebellion

Simple fact: Pilate authorized Jesus’ death

Historically…

Jesus was executed because › He undermined the Jewish Leaders’ authority

They charged him with blasphemy› The Romans don’t like unruly citizens

Otherwise…they could’ve cared less about Jesus…

Socrative

1. If Jesus died for our sins (as a ransom for many), doesn’t God come off as an angry and cold-hearted accountant demanding payment in blood to set us free? What do we really mean when we say “Jesus died for our sins”?

2. How would you answer the question, “why would God the Father allow his Son to suffer and die as he did?”

3. What acts as the best image to describe Jesus’ death for us today? (the Image of the Suffering Servant, the Paschal Lamb, or the Ransom for many). If you had to choose one, which is it and why?

Break

5 minutes

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUSRE 2.4.3 D3 Pascual

CHALLENGE

The Gospels are not consistent in their details of the Resurrection… yet…

The Resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of Christian faith “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain,

and your faith is in vain” (1 Cor 15:14)

NOTE ABOUT THE RESURRECTION

Jesus’ followers did not expect him to die… Their expectation of the Messiah was to deliver Israel as a

Kingdom of God, free from Roman Control Their expectation of the Messiah was to call all of God’s

people together (qahal = ekklesia)

Historically speaking…Jesus’ death did not fulfill this.

DISCIPLE’S BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION?

There was no expectation of a resurrection of the body until the end of time…

That’s assuming they did believe in the resurrection…

The Empty Tomb

Mk 16:1-8 Mt 28 Lk 24 Jn 20

Time Sabbath was pastVery earlyFirst day of weekSun risen

Late on the SabbathFirst of weekGrowing light

First of weekAt first dawn

EarlyFirst day of weekStill dark

Women Mary MagdaleneMary, mom of JamesSalome

Mary MagdaleneOther Mary

Mary MagdaleneMary, mom of jamesOthers

Mary Magdalene (note “we” in vs 2)

Purpose Brought aromatic oils

Came to anointCame to see tomb

Had aromatic oil from Friday

Took aromatic oils along

Visual Phenomena

Stone already rolled backYouth sitting inside on right

EarthquakeAngel descendedHe rolled back the stoneHe sat on the stone (outside)

Stone already rolled back2 men standing (inside)

Stone already moved away(later) 2 angels sitting inside

Conversation Angel said: Not to fearJesus not hereHe is raisedTell disciples to GalileeYou will see him there

Angel said: Not to fearJesus not hereHe is raisedTell disciples to GalileeYou will see him there

Men asked: Why seek living among dead?Jesus not here, he is raised. As he told you while still in Galilee

(later) angels asked: why do you weep?(later) Mary answered: they took my Lord away.(later Jesus gives message for disciples)

Reaction

Mk 16:1-8 Mt 28 Lk 24 Jn 20

Reaction Women fledTrembling, astonished

Told no one

Women went away quickly with fear, great joy

To tell disciples

Women left

Told Eleven and rest

Mary ran to Peter and Beloved Disciple

Told them that body had been taken away

DIFFERING DETAILS…BUT A COMMON PATTERN

On the First day of the week Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb and found

stone rolled away from entrance A young man (“angel”) explains that “He is raised, he is not here”

The women left the tomb fearful

The Appearance

The Gospel Versions

Mk 16:1-8 Mt 28 Lk 24 Mk 16:9-20 Jn 20 Jn 21

Tomb Area

Country Road

Jerusalem

Galilee

The Gospel VersionsMk 16:1-8 Mt 28 Lk 24 Mk 16:9-20 Jn 20 Jn 21

Tomb Area

To women returning from tomb, they clasped his feet, He repeated message about Galillee

First to Mary Magdalene

At tomb to Mary Magdalene“Don’t cling to me” He spoke of ascending

To Simon (v 34)

To two of them walking in the country

Country Road

To 2 disciples on road to Emmaus

Jerusalem To Eleven

At mealEaster night

To Eleven

At tableAfterwards

To disciples minus Thomas, on of TwelveAt mealEaster night

To disciples with Thomas Week later

Galilee See promise in 16:7

To Eleven on a mtn.

To Seven disciplesAt Sea of Tiberias

PATTERN…

A situation is described in which Jesus’ followers are bereft of him.

The appearance of Jesus His greeting to his followers Their recognition of him His word of command or mission

RESURRECTED JESUS IN SPACE AND TIME

Physical Appearance… Bad Eyes… Ninja Jesus…

PHYSICAL JESUS…

LUKE 24

36* While they were still speaking about this,r he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”s

37But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.t

38Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?

LUKE 24

39* Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”

40u And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”

JOHN 21:12

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”

Is Jesus’ resurrected body spiritual or physical?

BAD EYES

BAD EYES…

John 20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.

John 21:4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

Luke 24: 16 but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

WHY?

Seems to tell us that the resurrected body is not a reanimated corpse…

Our soul will live on, but with our bodies… We are in-spirited bodies…(body and spirit)

NINJA JESUS…

NINJA JESUS???

Luke 24:31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.

Luke 24:36 While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.

John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week,

when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

John 20:26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus’ body is not limited by time or space

SUMMARY, THE RESURRECTED BODY IS

Not a zombie… The physical body but transformed

TYPICAL ARGUMENTS

Arguments for supporting the resurrection as a historical event… The empty tomb… Ancient copies of artifacts from different locations (NT) Many followers chose to die rather than deny the Resurrection The Resurrection appearances of Jesus caused a profound change

in his followers Many people claimed for it to be true…

DISCUSS…

The Story Continues

Well after the death (and Resurrection) of Jesus Christ, questions begun to emerge of how to “articulate/understand Jesus Christ’s mission and identity, his relationship to God, and his significance for humanity.”

The believers (of the Early Church) developed some vocab to help us in our “christology”…

GOD

HUMANKIND

How are we saved?

Mediator,Redeemer,Sanctifier

Mediator: One who connects. Jesus serves as a

mediator between humanity and God Sanctifies:

Makes holy; sanctification is the process of becoming closer to God and growing in holiness.

Redeemer: Refers to Jesus “paying the debt” to free

us from the slavery of sin.

Terms referring to Jesus

Jesus is called Lord In the OT God reveals his

name to Moses as YHWH = I AM

Out of reverence for God’s name a different name is used Adonai = Kyrios = LORD

In the NT giving the title Kyrios to Jesus indicated his divinity

Jesus as Redeemer

In Roman times a redeemer was one who paid the ransom to free a slave

Jesus paid the price to ransom us from our own slavery to sin

Jesus in the hypostatic union was able to pay our debt and unite humanity with God which makes salvation possible

Hypostatic Union

Refers to the belief that the person of Jesus Christ is truly human, and truly divine.

“He was like us in all things but sin”

The two natures are united in one person.

His two natures cannot be separated

Incompatible beliefs…

MediatorSanctifierRedeemer

GOD

HUMANKIND

Socrative