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Questions for Today |
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Act IV: Jesus
As Jesus comes on the scene, the world is in virtual peace. The Roman Empire has control of most of that part of the world. Amidst that world is Israel, the nation God called to himself as part of his plan to restore humanity to a right relationship to himself. Ever since the first two people, all humans have been in rebellion toward God. He hasn´t spoken through a prophet in 400 years.
There are also various groups and factions operating at this point. For a brief list of who some of these people are, check out the Cast of Characters.
It is into this world that an angel appears to a young woman named Mary. She is a virgin engaged to a Jewish man named Joseph. The angel tells her that she will become supernaturally pregnant with a son. She is to name him Jesus.
While much is known about his birth, little is known about his childhood. What we do know comes from Luke´s gospel (see pages 43-44). We next see Jesus among a crowd of captive listeners. The speaker is a crazily dressed prophet in the wilderness of Israel calling for the people of the country to repent of their sins. When he notices Jesus, he declares him "the lamb who takes away the sin of the world," an illusion to Jewish sacrifice of lambs as offerings to God.
So Jesus comes and begins his work. He heals sickness and disease among the people, which are signs of the curse on the creation. He confronts God’s enemies in the spiritual realm, the demons, and forcefully orders them to leave the people that they torment. Jesus forgives the sins of those who humbly come to him. He proclaims the gospel, or good news: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (page 26). The very heart of Jesus´ message is the good news of the coming of God´s reign. God is coming back to dwell with his people. This is why Jesus is called Immanuel, meaning "God with us."
But Jesus´ message receives mixed responses. Some are asking if he is God. Others are asking if he is Satan. Some people are convinced he is worth following and listening to. Out of these people, Jesus chooses twelve disciples or followers. (Twelve is a symbolic number showing that Jesus was claiming to build a new nation of Israel around himself, based on the twelve tribes of Israel descended from the great-grandsons of Abraham.) But most people simply watch him with amazement, never knowing quite what to make of him. The established religious leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, quickly become hostile toward him.
*****SPOILER WARNING!*******
Like most great stories, there is a twist in the account of Jesus. If you are not familiar with the story, we urge you to read the New Testament and let the story unfold. Just like any book, we don´t want to tell you the end before you come to it. Unlike many books, the beginning may not necessarily be the best place to start (although you are welcome to start there). Click here for a guide to help you read through in an order that may be more helpful.
On the other hand, if you know already what the twist is, or just can´t wait to find out what it is (it really is worth the wait), click here to continue reading about Jesus.
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