Lecture Notes: The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Introduction

• Beginning of the Gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
• Reference to prophecy from Isaiah about a messenger preparing the way.

Ministry of John the Baptist

• John baptizing in the desert, preaching repentance for forgiveness of sins.
• People from Judean countryside and Jerusalem confess sins, baptized by John.
• John wore camel's hair clothing, ate locusts and wild honey.
• Message: One more powerful than he will come, baptizing with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism and Temptation of Jesus

• Jesus baptized by John in the Jordan.
• Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove; voice from heaven declares Jesus as God's beloved Son.
• Jesus tempted by Satan in the desert for 40 days.

Beginning of Jesus' Ministry

• Jesus preaches the good news in Galilee: "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe."
• Calls disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John.

Miracles and Teachings

• Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue, amazes people.
• Casts out evil spirits and heals Simon’s mother-in-law.
• Heals sick and drives out demons across Galilee.

Parables and Teachings

• Parable of the Sower: different types of soil represent different responses to the word of God.
• Lamp under a bowl: teachings meant to be shared, not hidden.
• Kingdom of God like a mustard seed: small beginnings leading to large outcomes.

Demonstration of Jesus' Authority

• Calms a storm on the lake.
• Heals a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes.
• Heals Jairus' daughter and a woman subject to bleeding.

Challenges and Responses

• Pharisees question Jesus about traditions; He emphasizes true purity comes from within.
• Teaches about divorce, blessing children, and the difficulty for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.

Predictions and Denials

• Jesus predicts His death and resurrection; rebukes Peter for misunderstanding.
• Transfiguration: Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah.
• Jesus foretells His betrayal and Peter's denial.

Last Supper and Betrayal

• Jesus predicts betrayal at the Last Supper.
• Establishes the covenant with His disciples through bread and wine.
• Prays in Gethsemane; arrested by the authorities.

Trial and Crucifixion

• Brought before Pilate; accused by chief priests.
• Crowd chooses to release Barabbas; Jesus is crucified.
• Jesus' death and burial in tomb by Joseph of Arimathea.

Resurrection

• Mary Magdalene and others find the empty tomb, told Jesus has risen.
• Jesus appears to disciples, commissions them to preach the gospel.

Ascension and Commissioning

• Jesus ascends to heaven, seated at the right hand of God.
• Disciples spread the gospel, perform signs as Jesus instructed.