Page 49 - Christology - Student Textbook

Section 11: The Life of Christ

11.1. Connect.

Never before has one man made such a significant effect on the world than the person of Jesus
Christ. His birth was unique. His life was filled with compassion and love. He performed
miracles that no man could do. His works validated His claim to be the Son of God, the
Messiah of Israel. Even though He walked a perfect life and demonstrated God’s love to all,
men rejected Him. He was cruelly beaten and crucified as a criminal simply because He claimed to
be deity. He lived a life and died a death to fulfill Old Testament prophecy. He was the “Lamb of
God”, the great sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

As we study Christology, we need to take a quick journey through His life. Let’s get started…

11.2. Objectives.

1. The student should be able to describe the early childhood of Jesus and see the purpose of
His coming to earth.

2. The student should be able to analyze His public ministry.

3. The student should be able to describe selected portions of Scriptures that extensively discuss His
passion week.

4. The student should be able to describe His crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

11.3. Phases in the Life of Christ

Lineage of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:1-2, 5, 12-17; cf. Gen. 12:1-5; Luke 3:23-38; Gen. 49:10; Ruth 4:18-
22; cf. Matt. 1:3-6; 1 Chr. 3:10-17; cf. Matt. 1:7-11)

In the Scripture references listed, we can read the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The Genealogies
list the relatives of Jesus back to King David. In doing so, the genealogy of Christ demonstrates
that Jesus was a human and in the kingship line of David.

When Adam and Even sinned against God, the Lord told them that there would be enmity between
the woman and a snake (Gen. 3:15). Scholars call that as protoevangelium. It has to do with “the
first announcement of the gospel.” The serpent is obviously Satan and the woman is the mother
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of Jesus (Rev. 12:9). The Lord foretold that the seed of the woman would crush the head of Satan,
which he would bruise His heal. This was fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s genealogy there are some people who were women; Ruth (Ruth 4:18-22), Rahab (Jos. 2:1),
Tamar (Gen. 38:11, 13-14), and Bathsheba. Jewish genealogies seldom included the names of
women. Ruth and Rahab were not even Jews. The inclusion of non-Jews (Gentiles) is theologically
significant as it demonstrates that Gentiles were also in God’s redemptive plan. R. T. France notes

130 Carson, NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel
Message, Genesis 3:15: 30-31.

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