Jesus' Identity: Seeing Jesus Through the Disciples' Eyes
Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for this super important chapter. Ever wondered how the first followers of Jesus went from seeing him as just an interesting teacher to something... much more? This chapter is all about that journey.
We're going to explore how the disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity grew and changed over time. Think of it like getting to know a new friend. At first, you only know their name and what they look like. But as you spend more time with them, you discover their personality, their talents, and who they truly are. The disciples went through a similar process with Jesus.
Understanding this is key because their final conclusion about who Jesus is became the foundation of Christianity. Let's get started!
The Starting Point: Jesus as a Rabbi (Teacher)
When the disciples first met Jesus, the most obvious thing about him was that he was a powerful teacher. The title they often used for him was Rabbi.
What was a Rabbi?
In Jewish culture back then, a Rabbi was a highly respected teacher of the Jewish Law (the Torah). They would interpret the scriptures and guide people on how to live. People would gather around a Rabbi to learn from him, and these followers were called "disciples."
Why did they see him as a Rabbi?
- He Taught with Authority: Jesus didn't just repeat what other teachers said. He spoke with a unique confidence and wisdom that amazed people.
- He Gathered Disciples: Just like other Rabbis, Jesus called a group of followers (the 12 disciples) to learn from him and travel with him.
- People Called Him Rabbi: In the Gospels, people, including his own disciples, frequently address him as "Rabbi" or "Teacher."
Think of it like this: Imagine a new teacher at school who is so brilliant and engaging that everyone wants to be in their class. They explain things in a way nobody has before. That's the kind of initial impression Jesus made. He was seen as an exceptional and authoritative teacher.
A Special Kind of Teacher
Interestingly, in Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus tells his disciples not to seek the title 'Rabbi' for themselves, "for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers." He was showing them that while he fulfilled the role of a teacher, his authority came from a unique source – God. This was the first hint that he was more than just another wise man.
Key Takeaway
The disciples' journey began by recognizing Jesus as a Rabbi – a powerful and authoritative teacher whose wisdom was unlike any other. This was their foundational understanding of him.
A Deeper Understanding: Jesus as the Son of God
As the disciples spent more time with Jesus, they saw him do things that no ordinary Rabbi could do. This led them to a much deeper and more shocking conclusion: Jesus had a unique relationship with God. They began to understand him as the Son of God.
Don't worry if this concept seems tricky at first! For the disciples, it wasn't a complicated theological idea. It was their way of explaining the incredible power they saw him use.
What convinced them? His Miracles!
The syllabus points out that the disciples' belief in Jesus as the Son of God came directly from witnessing his miracle-performing. These weren't just random magic tricks; they showed his authority over every aspect of life.
- Power over Sickness: He healed lepers, blind people, and the paralysed.
- Power over Nature: He calmed a raging storm with just a command (Mark 4:39).
- Power over Evil Spirits: He cast out demons who recognized him. In Mark 5:7, a demon cries out, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" Even the spiritual world seemed to know who he was!
- Power over Death: He raised people from the dead, like Jairus's daughter.
Seeing these things, the disciples realised that Jesus' power and authority didn't just come from wise teaching; it came from God Himself. The title Son of God meant Jesus had a divine nature and a special, intimate connection to God the Father.
Did you know?
The Gospel of Mark starts by immediately declaring Jesus' identity. Mark 1:1 says, "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." The rest of the gospel is like a collection of evidence proving this opening statement.
Key Takeaway
Witnessing Jesus' incredible miracles—his power over sickness, nature, and even death—led the disciples to believe he was the Son of God, someone with divine authority and a unique relationship with God.
The Big Reveal: Jesus as the Messiah
This is the climax of the disciples' journey of discovery. They went from seeing a great Teacher (Rabbi) and someone with divine power (Son of God) to understanding his ultimate purpose: he was the Messiah.
What does "Messiah" even mean?
The word Messiah (from Hebrew) or Christ (from Greek) means "Anointed One." In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed with oil as a sign that God had chosen them for a special purpose. For centuries, the Jewish people had been waiting for a promised Messiah who would be their ultimate saviour and king.
The Popular Expectation vs. The Reality
To understand how big this moment was, we need to know what most people thought the Messiah would be like, and how different Jesus was.
Common Jewish View of the Messiah at the time:
- A mighty political and military leader, like a new King David.
- Someone who would lead a rebellion and overthrow the hated Roman occupiers.
- He would restore Israel to a glorious, independent kingdom on earth.
Analogy: Imagine your city is being run by a bully. Everyone is hoping for a superhero to show up, fight the bully, and make everything right again. That was the kind of Messiah most people were waiting for.
Jesus' Interpretation of the Messiah:
- Not a military king, but a Suffering Servant.
- His mission was not to fight Romans, but to save people from sin and spiritual death.
- His Kingdom was not an earthly one, but the Kingdom of God – a spiritual reality.
- He came to serve and to give his life, not to conquer with force.
Peter's Confession: The Turning Point
The most famous "Aha!" moment happens in Mark 8:27-29. It's a huge turning point in the story.
- Jesus Asks: He first asks the disciples, "Who do people say I am?" They give the popular answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets.
- Jesus Gets Personal: Then he looks them in the eye and asks, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"
- Peter Declares: Simon Peter, speaking for the group, gives the incredible answer: "You are the Messiah."
This was the first time one of his inner circle said it out loud. They finally connected the dots! But right after this, Jesus began to teach them that as the Messiah, he must suffer and be killed (Mark 8:31). This completely shocked them because it didn't fit their idea of a powerful, conquering Messiah. They had the right title, but they still had to learn what it truly meant.
Quick Review: Two Views of the Messiah
Popular Expectation: A military king to defeat the Romans.
Jesus' Reality: A spiritual saviour to defeat sin and death through suffering.
Key Takeaway
The disciples' understanding peaked when they declared Jesus as the Messiah. However, they had to unlearn their popular, political expectations and accept Jesus' true mission: to be a Suffering Servant who would save people spiritually.
Putting It All Together: A Journey of Discovery
The disciples' understanding of Jesus wasn't a single event, but a gradual revelation. They moved from the familiar to the extraordinary as they walked with him.
Step 1: Rabbi (The Respected Teacher)
He teaches with amazing authority.
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Step 2: Son of God (The One with Divine Power)
He performs miracles no ordinary man can do.
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Step 3: Messiah (The Anointed Saviour-King)
He is the chosen one we've been waiting for, but his mission is spiritual, not military.
This progression is central to the Christian faith. It shows how those closest to Jesus came to believe he was not just a great man, but the divine saviour. Great job on working through these important ideas!