Is Jesus Really God? Five Key Questions Is there Truth? Yes Does God Exist? Yes Is there Revelation? Is Jesus Really God? Did Jesus start the Catholic Church? The difficulty of explaining why I am a Catholic is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true. -GK Chesterton Some Things Anyone Can Say Jesus is the most influential person in human history Jesus is God is either the greatest truth or the greatest lie WHAT IF IT IS TRUE? We can prove that God exists Two options are possible 1. All-powerful, perfect God created the world but has not interacted with it (like a clock maker) this is called Deism That s like giving a laptop to a caveman but not telling him what it is for. It will get destroyed before he figures it out. That doesn t seem like a good plan. 2. All-good God created the world and has interacted with us, spoken to us and acted in the world in some way What if God not only spoke to us and acted in our lives, but actually came to Earth, taking on our human nature, uniting Himself to us? That would be really good, really beautiful, and change everything. We would have to respond by believing Him and following Him "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 14:6 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 The Father and I are one. John 10:30 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 1
Key Questions to Answer How do we know Jesus really existed? What if it was just a myth? Did Jesus fulfill prophecies? By many prophets over hundreds of years Too specific to be just random chance Does Jesus Himself claim to be God? Or was it a later invention? Are there miracles that verify His claim? Why do we believe in Jesus? Because of the Catholic Church! The eye witness testimony of apostles, bishops, and hundreds of disciples. Using the same standards of archeology, we can know for certain that Jesus of Nazareth really existed The Apostles and Disciples were eye witnesses to all of these things that really happened They were willing to die for this truth None of the early disciples ever claimed it was a myth, even under extreme torture 1st John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life -- the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us -- that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. Jesus never existed He was made up by others who were trying to get power Was the Jesus story made up? When? Before Constantine? Before 313AD? 313AD Edict of Milan legalized Catholicism It was illegal to be Catholic and believe in Christ for the first 300 years not a path to wealth and power. Would you make up a myth that got you persecuted and killed? People lie to get out of trouble, not to be tortured. Christians may have given up the faith during torture, but they never claimed it was a big hoax That s something the enemies of Christ would have noticed and written about repeatedly but they don t Creation of Constantine? False Claim: Emperor Constantine created the myth of Jesus to either control Christians or to give them power When? In the 300s? Problem: We have writings from the 1 st century speaking about Jesus of Nazareth The Gospels are eye-witness testimony (4 witnesses) Writings from other Christians Non-Christian sources 2
1 st Century Testimony Didache (1 st Century) We give Thee thanks, Holy Father, for Thy holy name, which Thou hast made to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which Thou hast made known unto us through Thy Son Jesus. Ignatius of Antioch - "Ignatius, also called Theophorus, to the Church at Ephesus in Asia... predestined from eternity for a glory that is lasting and unchanging, united and chosen through true suffering by the will of the Father in Jesus Christ our God" (Letter to the Ephesians 1 [A.D. 110]). "For our God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by Mary in accord with God s plan: of the seed of David, it is true, but also of the Holy Spirit" (ibid., 18:2) Early Testimony to Christ Aristides - "[Christians] are they who, above every people of the earth, have found the truth, for they acknowledge God, the Creator and maker of all things, in the onlybegotten Son and in the Holy Spirit" (Apology 16 [A.D. 140]). Tatian the Syrian - "We are not playing the fool, you Greeks, nor do we talk nonsense, when we report that God was born in the form of a man" (Address to the Greeks 21 [A.D. 170]). Did Jesus Really Exist? Josephus, a Jewish historian who died in 98AD About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders. - Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2 Non-Christian Testimony Historian Tacitus in 64AD Nero fastened the guilt... on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of... Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome.. Anti-Catholic but doesn t claim Jesus was a myth Non-Christian Testimony Pliny the Younger, a pagan historian writes to the Emperor in 111AD: They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind Non-Christian Testimony Babylonian Talmud collection of Jewish rabbinical writings 70-200AD On the eve of the Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald... cried, He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Lucian of Samosata 2 nd century pagan satirist The Christians... worship a man to this day--the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account.... [It] was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. 3
The Facts of History Both Christian and non-christian evidence for a Jesus of Nazareth Even enemies of Christianity acknowledging Jesus was real Evidence from the 1 st century, not centuries later No 1 st or 2 nd century writings claiming Christians invented a Jesus character Evidence from a time when Christians were being killed for this belief Would you make up a lie that would lead to your being persecuted, tortured, and killed? Jesus never existed He was made up by others who were trying to get power Announced by the Prophets No one can control what happens hundreds of years before their birth. Prophecies prove Jesus was more than a man. At the heart of the Jewish faith, is the expectation of the Messiah Deuteronomy 18:18 - I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brethren; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. Micah 3:1 Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. Announced by the Prophets Isaiah 9:6-7 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. Prophesies of Christ Isaiah 53:3-7 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. The Prophecies Get Very Specific Genesis 3:15 seed of a woman Genesis 18:18 Descendant of Abraham Genesis 49:10 From the tribe of Judah Micah 5:2 Born in Bethlehem Isaiah 7:14 Born of a Virgin Malachi 3:1 Way prepared by a messenger Zechariah 9:9 Enters Jerusalem on a donkey Hundreds of prophecies over hundreds of years all fulfilled that is not random 4
Prophecies about His Death Messiah's price money would be used to buy a potter's Zechariah 11:12-13 Matthew 27:9-10 field. Messiah would be falsely accused. Psalm 35:11 Mark 14:57-58 Messiah would be silent before his accusers. Isaiah 53:7 Mark 15:4-5 Messiah would be spat upon and struck. Isaiah 50:6 Matthew 26:67 Messiah would be hated without cause. Psalm 35:19 Psalm 69:4 John 15:24-25 Messiah would be crucified with criminals. Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:38 Mark 15:27-28 Messiah would be given vinegar to drink. Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34 John 19:28-30 Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced. Psalm 22:16 Zechariah 12:10 John 20:25-27 Messiah would be mocked and ridiculed. Psalm 22:7-8 Luke 23:35 Soldiers would gamble for Messiah's garments. Psalm 22:18 Luke 23:34 Matthew 27:35-36 Messiah's bones would not be broken. Exodus 12:46 Psalm 34:20 John 19:33-36 The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Luke 1:35 And the angel said to them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:10-14 Behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. Matthew 9:9 5
You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19 He who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9 But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. Matthew 26:56 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34 Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:43 Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! Luke 23:46 Woman, behold your son! John 19:26 Behold, your mother! John 19:27 I thirst John 19:28 It is finished. John 19:30 6
Put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing. My Lord and My God John 20:27-28 What was Jesus mission? To reveal and glorify the Father and do His will To fulfill all that had been foretold by the prophets To establish the kingdom of God, the Catholic Church and establish a new and everlasting covenant To redeem humanity from everlasting death and open the gates of heaven by dying for our sins To offer infinite love to the Father I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. John 14:31 To send the Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may call God Father Is Jesus of Nazareth God? John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. Is Jesus of Nazareth God? John 10:31 I and the Father are one. John 10:33 The Jews answered him, It is not for a good work that we stone you but for blasphemy; because you, being a man, make yourself God. John 8:56-59 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad. The Jews then said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. Deut. 3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." Is Jesus of Nazareth God? John 14:9 He who has seen me has seen the Father. An angel can t claim that, would be blasphemy Colossians 2:9 for in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily Hebrews 1:3-6 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. John 20:28 Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus of Nazareth really existed Jesus claimed to be God 3 options Liar Why would someone lie to get crucified? They wouldn t Lunatic His teachings and miracles disprove that Lord The prophecies fulfilled, miracles and His resurrection proves He is Lord and King 7
How Can Jesus be God & Son of God Jesus reveals the mystery of the Holy Trinity One God in Three Divine Persons: The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit Distinction between nature and person Nature or Being refers to what you are E.g. What is God? God infinite, all-powerful being Person subject of a rational nature who you are E.g. Who is God? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit One Divine Nature, one what, one being 1 Divine Intellect & Will Three Divine Persons Jesus Christ: Both God & Man The Eternal Son of God, Divine Person Divine Nature (one with the Father & the Holy Spirit) Same Divine Intellect as Father & Holy Spirit Same Divine Will as Father & Holy Spirit Human Nature (Body and Soul) Unique Human Intellect Unique Human Will What does it all mean? Jesus reveals who God is and what God is like He who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:8) Jesus reveals how much we are worth to God You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19) Jesus makes it possible to be alive now and forever I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26) We must give our lives to Him who lived and died for us The Lord God loves you this much! The Lord God loves you this much! 8
The Lord God loves you this much! The Lord God loves you this much! How will you respond to this great love? The Lord God loves you this much! Catholic Cool Stuff The Shroud of Turin Believed to be the burial cloth of Christ And he bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mark 15:45 Caught fire in 1532 and in Cathedral in Turin, Italy Length 8 cubits by 2 cubits (14 3 x 3 7 ) The Shroud of Turin Scientists cannot explain how the image is on the shroud just on the surface of the fibers Not painted nor scorched on from heat Some scientists hypothesize that a form of radiation by light could produce image at a level that we cannot currently produce Blood on the Shroud is type AB and contains a high concentration of bilirubin consistent with someone dying under great stress Man on the cloth is 5 10 tall Scourge marks consistent with Roman flagrum 9
The Shroud of Turin Stitching pattern consistent with Jewish cloths in the 1 st century The Shroud of Turin Bloodstains were applied before the image Cotton is a middle eastern species not in Europe Pollens on the shroud are native to Jerusalem 1988 Carbon-14 dating proven false Contaminated by fibers used to repair shroud after fire 2013 Chemical tests date the shroud to the 1 st Century Photographic negative reveals 3D image data The Shroud of Turin Resources For more information on Jesus Christ: The Holy Bible read an entire Gospel Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed Jesus Shock by Dr. Peter Kreeft The Case for Jesus by Brad Pitre The Life of Christ by Archbishop Fulton Sheen For more information on the Shroud of Turin: http://www.sindone.org - Official Site Shroud App Sindone 2.0 Small Group Discussions What prompted you to start RCIA? Do you have any favorite stories from Jesus life? (Miracles, parables, etc.) How does Christ dying for you changes things? 10