TEXT: Acts 10:36-38
PROPOSITION: Life and teachings of Jesus
Introduction:
We know that Jesus existed lived on the earth.
Now we must learn what He did, what He taught.
LIFE of JESUS
Was Jesus born in the year zero?
There was NO ZERO YEAR.
The counting goes from 1 BC to 1 AD
This calculation was done in 531 and was off about 3-4 years
Jesus was born about 4 BC
Was Jesus' mother really a virgin when he was born?
God said this in Genesis 3:15 seed of woman (not seed of man)
Isaiah said this in Isaiah 7:14 700 years ahead of time
Matthew said this in Matthew 1:23
Was there a star or comet at the time of Jesus' birth?
Many look for an explanation in astronomy
Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn 7 BC
Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter 3 BC
Supernova in 4 or 5 BC
Halley's comet in 12 BC
All of these FAIL This star had to remain in place for 2 years!
Why weren't there any women disciples of Jesus?
There were. Jesus had thousands of disciples (learners, followers)
He also had 12 Apostles chosen to send out (Apostle one sent)
Was Jesus ever married?
Peter was married Matthew 8:14
Paul was not married 1 Corinthians 9:5
Jesus was not
married never settled in one place
Was Mary Magdalene Jesus' girlfriend?
Jesus was single.
Mary was one of Jesus' disciples.
Some try to claim she was a prostitute [Not true] (some of Jesus' followers certainly were).
That's is what we know from the Bible. Everything else is speculation.
Did Jesus really walk on water?
John record the first miracle of Jesus wedding water into wine
John tells about the miracles Jesus did Born blind, Lazarus raise
Jesus fed 5,000 at the Sea of Galilee
Jesus walked on water.
What miracles are said to have been done by Jesus?
Heal the sick, cast out evil spirits
Cured leprosy, paralysis, blindness, deafness
On three occasions raised the dead
Command over nature still storm, curse fig tree
Why did Jesus have so many enemies?
Political enemies -
Romans felt a threat from Jesus
Jews want someone to free them from Roman rule
Religious enemies -
Sects Pharisee, Sadducee
Leaders Scribes, Lawyers, Levites
Personal enemies-
Some were jealous of his fame / power
Some wanted to get on the bandwagon
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
We don't know the Bible does not say what the motive was.
Some theories:
Greed he got 30 silver coins (about 4 month's wages)
Thought Jesus could escape no harm, no foul
Judas was disillusioned wanted the military and political power
Why didn't Jesus avoid being crucified?
Jesus knew the plan before He came.
Matthew 26:2 He know he would be killed
Why was Jesus crucified?
Holy God must have a perfect sacrifice.
Jesus offered Himself as that sacrifice for our sins
2 Corinthians 5:21 Knew no sin, was made sin for us
Teachings of Jesus
What were Jesus' basic teachings?
The kingdom of God is coming
God is your Father Obey Him
Love God and love each other
Why did Jesus tell stories?
Parables literal (true as opposed to fiction) with a spiritual application
Jesus told parables for two reasons:
If you understood you got deeper insight into the mind of God
If not you heard a good simple story
What is the kingdom of God?
NOT a political kingdom to overthrow Rome set up earthly kingdom
NOT literal, physical, earthly
IS spiritual kingdom citizens of God's family
Was St Paul the real founder of Christianity?
Paul was a late arrival - born out of due season
His writings (13 letters in the NT) contain little about the life of Christ
That was already covered and known
Was Jesus a Christian?
In a very important sense, no.
Jesus was Jewish worshiped in the synagogue and at the Temple.
Did Jesus say he was coming back?
Yes John 14:1-3
Acts 1:11 He will come back same way he left in clouds
Revelation 1:7 Behold, He comes with clouds, every eye will see Him