Unit 2: Preparation for Ministry

Name the two kinds of fulfillments that Jesus' birth and life accomplished.

(Hint: One type of fulfillment was accomplished through the events that took place in His life, and the other type was accomplished through His obedience.)

What does it mean that Jesus "increased... in favor with God and man"? (Luke 2:52)

Summarize John's message. What should have motivated people to heed his message?

Choose one of the three temptations. Explain why it would have been wrong for Jesus to do what Satan tempted Him to do.

What should motivate and empower you to resist temptation?

When Jesus did miracles, such as turning water into wine, what did He reveal about Himself?

Compare God's purpose for the temple with Jesus' motivation for cleansing the temple.

Why were the people upset with Jesus' refusal to do miracles in Nazareth as He had done in Capernaum?

Why did Simeon bless God and tell the Lord that he was ready to depart in peace? What transition word tips you off to the reason? (Luke 2:28-30)

How can you interpret Matthew 2:13-15, 19-20 so that it's not changing the original meaning of Hosea 11:1 since the verse in Hosea doesn't seem to be a prophecy?

Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:4, and Luke 3:3 all seem to indicate that John's baptism was for forgiveness. Based on Matthew 3:7-10 and Luke 3:7-8, how do you know that people had to demonstrate genuine repentance before he would baptize them? (Note: The Greek word for "for" can also mean "on the basis of" "because of" or "in reference to" rather than "for the purpose of.")

The miracle at Cana is a paradigm for the rest of Jesus' miracles. How should you interpret the purpose of all Jesus' miracles? (John 2:11)