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Chapter
Jesus, the Messiah
BACKGROUND The mystery of the Incarnation-the fact that the Son of God became human without giving up his divinity- reveals the infinite love of God for us. Jesus Christ is true God and true man. In him, God’s promises are fulfilled. Jesus’ whole life on Earth proclaimed God’s love and care for us all. For most of his life on Earth, Jesus was not a recognized public figure. He lived a life similar to that of most of his contemporaries and gave little evidence of his greatness. He lived in Nazareth, obeyed Mary and Joseph, and observed the laws and traditions of the Jewish religion. After John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, Jesus began his public life and ministry, a ministry of compassion, healing, and forgiveness. At one point during his ministry, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (based on Matthew 16:15). Simon Peter answered: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). All of Jesus’ deeds and words reveal Jesus as the Messiah and invite us to follow him and become his disciples. In Chapter 1 of each of the grade levels, your children will explore faith concepts such as: God chose Mary to be the mother of his Son; Jesus’ birth is a sign of God’s love and mercy; Jesus is the Savior God promised to send; Jesus is the Messiah and Second Person of the Holy Trinity; and the Paschal Mystery. They will learn about a Disciple Power virtue, explore ways people of faith have lived that virtue and how our Church expresses that virtue. They will be challenged to make faith choices about ways they can be a disciple of Jesus.
FOR REFLECTION Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” What is your response?
”You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). AT A GLANCE Grade 1: Mary, the Mother of Jesus God chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus; Mary loves and trusts God. Grade 2: Jesus, Son of God The Covenant is a sign of God’s love and mercy; the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, is a sign of God’s love and mercy. Grade 3: Jesus is Risen! Jesus suffered and died on the Cross to save all people from their sins; Jesus rose from the dead. Grade 4: The Son of God Jesus is the only Son of God; everything Jesus did was a sign of God’s love for people. Grade 5: Jesus Christ, Son of God Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah; Jesus is Lord, true God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity; Mary is the Mother of the Church. Grade 6: Son of God, Son of Mary Jesus is the Messiah; God the Father chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of his Son.
OUR FOCUS • Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah.
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