Life of Christ

Part 3: The Early Years of Jesus

Christ
and
Part 4: The Public Ministry of John
the Baptist
 Overview of Christs Public
Ministry POPULARITY
(DECLINING)

PUBLIC
OBSCURITY PRESENTATIO OPPOSITION
(VANISHING) N (INCREASING)

EARLY PRIVATE
MINISTRIES PREPARATION
4 mos. 10 mos.

Twelve
Jesus appoints the
Galilee
Jesus returns to

Sidon
To Tyre and
OPENING CONCLUDING
John introduces Jesus

EVENTS MINISTRIES
1.5 Mos.
4 months 8 months 6 months 3 Mos. 3 Mos.

Entry
Triumphal
Birth

Tabernacles

Death
on
Resurrecti
Ascension
Largely in Judea Galilee Around Galilee Judea Perea

First Year Second Year Third Year

 Part Three: The Early Years of
Jesus Christ
Circumstances of Jesus' birth explained to Joseph (Matt. 1:18-25)
Mary remained with Elizabeth until the birth of John. She had been
away from Joseph for about 4 months, and Joseph knew nothing
about Gabriels announcement.
When Mary returned and Joseph saw her condition, he had 2
options:
Bring Mary before the law courts.
Divorce her quietly.
The angel appeared to Joseph and explained everything.
Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
Census required that each head of household return to his home
city.
In Gods providence, the Son of David was born in the City of David.
Witness of the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
Probable time of Jesus birth was between spring and fall, since
shepherds were out in the field.
First announcement of the birth was to those of low social status:
shepherds. These shepherds were good impartial witnesses of the
savior. No one could accuse them of prejudice in their testimony.
 Part Three: The Early Years of
Jesus Christ
Circumcision of Jesus (Luke 2:21)
Mary and Joseph followed the Mosaic Law.
Jesus presented in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)
Two further rites were necessary after circumcision:
Child - Redemption of firstborn son. This kept alive the truth
that the tribe of Levi replaced the firstborn sons of Israel.
Mother - purification after childbirth required offer of
sacrifices (Lev. 12:2-8).
Simeon, a righteous and devout man, knew by the Holy
Spirit that this was the One, and that He would provide
redemption for both Israel and the nations.
Anna, a prophetess and widow, was another member of
the righteous remnant. When she realized who the baby
was, she spoke about Him to all who were looking for the
deliverance of Israel.
Return to Nazareth (Luke 2:39)
The family returned to Nazareth to get their personal
belongings and move back to Bethlehem, believing that
this is where the Son of David should be brought up.
 Part Three: The Early Years of
Jesus Christ
Visit of the Magi (Matt. 2:1-12)
This incident occurred up to 2 years after Jesus birth, while the
family was living in Bethlehem.
The Magi were probably Zoroastrians, who studied the stars in
order to find God. They had access to the OT Scriptures,
including Daniels 70 week prophecy. They came to Herod in
Jerusalem to inquire about the King of the Jews.
Their gifts were probably used to finance the trip to Egypt.
Flight into Egypt (Matt. 2:13-18)
The slaughter of male babies was completely in accord with
Herods character.
Notice how Matthew takes OT events that were familiar to his
readers and draws out a new application for them.
New home in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19-23)
Rather than returning to their home in Bethlehem, Joseph took
his family back to Nazareth.
Growth and early life of Jesus (Luke 2:40)
In keeping with his purpose, Luke emphasizes the humanity of
Jesus. For the first time in history a human infant was
developing according to the ideal, completely untarnished by
sin.
Geography of
Life of Christ
Key Regions:

Judea

Galilee

Decapolis

Perea

Samaria

Jerusalem
 Part Three: The Early Years of
Jesus Christ
Jesus' first Passover in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-50)
At twelve years of age Jesus already knew the Scriptures
well enough to converse with the most learned men in
Israel.
Jesus first recorded words are in Luke 2:49. His reply of
the things of My Father were in response to Marys
statement of Your father and I have been anxiously
looking for you.
Jesus' Adolescence and early manhood (Luke
2:51-52)
A single sentence in Luke 2:52 covers an 18 year period,
from 12 to 30 years old.
We have no other detailed information about this time in
Jesus life. Generally, He grew up as the oldest son in a
large family. Joseph evidently died before Jesus began
His public ministry, so Jesus would have become the
provider for the family, most likely through carpentry.
Part Four: The Public Ministry of
John the Baptist
His ministry launched (Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2)
As a careful historian, Luke places the arrival of
the forerunner within the stream of historical
events and persons of the Roman Empire
(footnote u, p. 33).
His person, proclamation, and baptism (Matt.
3:1-6; Mark 1:2-6; Luke 3:3-6)
Johns mission was comparable to that of an
Oriental courier who preceded his monarch to
proclaim the kings coming and the need for
citizens to prepare the roads for his arrival.
Johns preparation was in matters of moral
behavior. To receive the kingdom promised by the
earlier prophets, the people needed to repent.
Johns baptism identified those who were of the
believing remnant.
Part Four: The Public Ministry of
John the Baptist
His messages to the Pharisees, Sadducees,
multitudes, tax-gatherers, and soldiers (Matt. 3:7-
10; Luke 3:7-14)
Jews of Jesus day assumed that they would be granted
entrance into the kingdom as physical descendants of
Abraham. They believed that Abraham sat at the gates
of Gehenna and turned away all Israelites.
For these reason, Israelites had no fear of the coming
kingdom. Gods wrath would be poured out on Gentiles,
not on Israelites. John rebuked this thinking and gave
illustrations of true repentance.
His description of the Christ (Matt. 3:11-12; Mark
1:7-8; Luke 3:15-18)
In contrast to John's water baptism, John speaks of one
coming who will baptize with the Spirit and fire.
He has in mind OT prophecies such as Joel 2:28-32.
 Next Time:

Part Five: The End of Johns

Ministry and the Beginning of
Christs (Largely in Judea)