A Little About Jesus

Introduction

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally, the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered.

The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled.

As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd.

A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace?

A tumultuous, violent waterfall hurling down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power.

A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

Berit Kjos, A Wardrobe from the King, pp. 45-46.

Isaiah 9:6–7 ESV

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Jesus’ Birth

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1. Mary became pregnant, at a questionable time.

2. Census was taken, which apparently required Joseph and Mary to physically be present in Joseph’s home town. & , ;

3. Born in manger.

4. Herod’s command to kill all the children, two years of age and younger.

Jesus’ Childhood

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth and childhood were in striking contrast to the supernatural mode of his conception. He was born in the animal quarters of a crowded village inn, and brought up in a very ordinary home in the obscure Galilean village of *NAZARETH, which had achieved no mention in earlier literature. His family may have been what we would call ‘middle class’, ‘the carpenter’ (actually more a building contractor) being a skilled craftsman, perhaps employing labour, and a respected figure in village life (*ARTS AND CRAFTS, III. C). But the Gospel records make it clear that they were not affluent (; cf. ), and Jesus’ parables sometimes reflect experience of a home where comfort and money were limited (e.g. ; ).

The New Testament records only one incident that occurred in the childhood of Jesus. When he was twelve years old, he participated in the celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem ().

It was during this time that Jesus stayed behind, while his parents began their journey back home, and He engaged in intellectual and stimulating discourse with the religious leaders.

This occurrence brought forth his mother’s anxiety and reprimand for dealing so with his parents.

Jesus’ Baptism & Start of Public Ministry

After Jesus’ baptism, he spends 40 days in wilderness. Tempted by Satan.

After Jesus begins his public ministry, his cousin John the Baptist, is first imprisoned and then beheaded.

Development of Opposition to Jesus

Criticism for free forgiveness of sin.

Criticism for Association with sinners. & . The calling of Matthew, a tax collector.

Criticism for Attitude for Fasting. & & The disciples of John were upset because the Pharisees and they fasted, but Jesus’ disciples did not fast.

Criticism for Working on the Sabbath , , Jesus and his disciples were walking through a field on the Sabbath. His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat them. The Phariseas had a fit because they said the Disciples were working on the Sabbath.

Criticism of Healing on the Sabbath. , , . Jesus healed the man with the withered hand. The Scribes and Pharisees, we are told, sat waiting, watching to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath, so they could find something to accuse him about.

Jesus’ Betrayal & Death

Passover with the disciples. &

Judas’ betrayal and arrest of Jesus. & &

Trials & crucifixion of Jesus.

Judas’ betrayal and arrest of Jesus. & &

Trials & crucifixion of Jesus.

Trial before Jewish authorities & &

Trial before the Roman Authorities. & &

Crucifixion of Jesus. & &

The Burial of Jesus. & &

Jesus’ Resurrection

The guard for the Sepulchre.

The visit to the Sepulchre. , ,

With the Disciples in the Country.

With the Disciples in Jerusalem. &

With the Disciples in Galilee. & .