Important Terms and Concepts for Christology
Passion - Refers to the final part of Jesus' story once he enters Jerusalem,
including his arrest, trial, and death on the cross.
Paschal Mystery - Refers to the mystery of Jesus' death on the cross and
Resurrection. It's based on the question why did God choose to do this and
what does this mean for us?
Crucifixion - Jesus' death on the cross.
Resurrection - Jesus' rising from the dead. This event is celebrated on Easter,
which is considered to be the most important religious day for Catholics.
Incarnation - The Catholic belief that God became a human being in Jesus Christ
and that Jesus was both fully human and divine (God)
Notes on Jesus’ Passion Story
- The Pharisees' plan is to have Jesus convicted as criminal so that he will be executed
by the Romans. They try to show that he spoke of destroying the temple and
blasphemed - taught untrue beliefs about God. However, to get the Romans involved
they had to show that he broke Roman laws. They do this by saying that Jesus claimed
to be a king.
- Jesus' prediction about Peter comes true and even as the leader of the disciples he too
is going to betray Jesus and prove to flawed.
Jesus on Trial with Pontius Pilate
- Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Jerusalem. His
job was to keep the Jews under control and maintain peace between them and
the Romans. This was a very difficult task since many of the Jews were eager
to rebel and very volatile.
- The Pharisees plan begins to unravel. Jesus doesn't give them clear answers
and they cannot prove that he was a criminal.
- Pilate sees this and continually tries to get Jesus set free: 1) By finding Jesus
to be innocent; 2) sending him to Herod to try him; 3) Agreeing to release one
prisoner (Jesus or Barabbas).
- Despite his efforts, in the end Pilate agrees to give in to the crowd and to
crucify Jesus. He tries to deny responsibility by saying "I am innocent of this
man's blood. Look to it yourselves (Matthew 27:24)," but still had a role in
Jesus' death.
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (Matthew 27:33-61)
- After his conviction Jesus was beaten and mocked by the Roman soldiers.
- A man named Simon of Cyrene was sent to help Jesus carry his cross.
- Right before his death Jesus cries out to God his last words which the Gospel
writers don't agree on. (Matthew and Mark quote him saying, "My God my
God, why have you forsaken me?") (Luke quotes, "Into your hands I commend
my Spirit") (John quotes, "It is finished.")
- The only one's to stay by Jesus' side during his death were Mary his mother,
Mary Magdalene, and the Apostle John.
- After his death there was a great earthquake and storm possibly
demonstrating that Jesus was really God.
- Jesus' body was given to the disciple Joseph of Arimathea and was buried in
a tomb. A large boulder was rolled in front of the entrance to block anyone
from entering.
Resurrection and Ascension (Matthew 27:62-66, 28:1-20)
- 3 days after his death, Jesus' tomb was found to be empty with the boulder
rolled aside. The women to first witness this were visited by the risen Jesus
and told that he was resurrected.
- Eventually the rest of the disciples and Apostles learn that Jesus has risen.
Some doubt this at first but come to accept it. Eventually Jesus appears to his
disciples several times. Thomas the most skeptical one, finally comes to
believe when he sees Jesus' risen body with the wounds from his crucifixion.
- After continuing to appear and teach his disciples for several more stories,
Jesus officially commissions them to spread the word of God and faith, finally
ascending into heaven.
- Following the Ascension, the disciples got scared and hid. As Jesus
promised, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples giving them the
courage to continue God's mission and the ability to "speak" and communicate
to all people.
Implications from the Resurrection (According to the Catholic Church)
1) God forgives us from all of our sins. Despite being rejected, betrayed,
abandoned and killed, Jesus still forgave all.
2) God gives us eternal life. The Resurrection shows that death is not the end
of existence but the transformation into a new deeper life with God.
3) Jesus shows us the best way to live; which is to allow ourselves to become
vulnerable and truly love by giving of ourselves to others.