What was the significance of Jesus' sacrifice (achieving atonement and salvation)?
-achieved reconciliation between God and humanity
-confirmed belief in an omnipotent and loving God
-showed that if humans follow the example of Jesus, they shall be rewarded in the afterlife
What are Christian responses to the problem of evil and suffering?
-Book of Psalms:
evil and suffering have a purpose in the world: it gives people the opportunity to follow the example set by Jesus
-The Book of Job:
Job endured years of suffering as a test of faith; Christians should not question God but instead accept and have faith in God
-Moral evil = misuse of free will
-Prayer:
God will give them strength and help/guide them. If God doesn't answer their prayers in the way that they want they believe he had a plan for them
-Charity:
E.g. Christian Aid + Salvation Army
Christians have a better understanding of God, as an incarnate God brings him closer to human understanding.
This can be seen through the trinity- through Jesus.
Through the incarnation, God began the process of salvation from sin
"This is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22) --> on Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper.
Jesus prophesies one of the disciples will betray him.
"Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23)
The trial:
-Sanhedrin condemned Jesus for claiming to be the Son of God, as they regarded this as blasphemy.
-Jesus was accused by the Sanhedrin leaders for claiming to be the King of the Jews; Pilate tried him for treason but couldn't find him guilty of the charges
"So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you King of the Jews? "You have said so", Jesus replied" (Luke 23)
-The crowd persuade Pilate to crucify Jesus
-only Jesus' women followers stayed with him and stood by as he was crucified
Mary had an immaculate conception --> God's son, Joseph is merely his foster father
“The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) --> incarnation.
"Father forgive them. for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34)
Differences in the records of other Gospels:
-Matthew and Mark says the betrayal and arrest took place in the Garden of Gethsemane
-According to Mark, a young man told the women who came to anoint the body that they should tell the disciples that Jesus would meet them in Galilee
