SESSION 4 – THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14
OBJECTIVE OF THE SESSION
The purpose of this session is not simply to learn information about Jesus, but to encounter Jesus Christ and recognize Him as the center of the Gospel and of the Christian life.
By the end of the session, participants should be able to:
Explain who Jesus Christ is according to Sacred Scripture and Catholic faith.
Understand that Jesus is true God and true man.
Explain the meaning of the Incarnation.
Understand what Jesus means by proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Explain why the Cross and Resurrection—the Paschal Mystery—are at the heart of the Gospel.
Recognize that Christianity is fundamentally a response to the Person of Jesus Christ.
Identify a concrete area of life that must be surrendered to Christ.
Begin proclaiming the Gospel to others through personal witness.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
The word Gospel means “Good News.” But the Gospel is not merely a collection of good ideas. The Gospel is fundamentally the proclamation of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. The Catechism teaches that the Gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets, fulfilled in Christ, and transmitted through the Church.
Read: Mark 1:14–15
Jesus begins His public ministry by proclaiming: “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Notice the two responses Jesus asks for:
1. REPENT - Turn away from sin.
2. BELIEVE - Place your faith in the Gospel.
Therefore, evangelization cannot simply mean: “Come to church.”
It means: “Encounter Jesus Christ, turn toward Him, believe in Him, and become His disciple.”
WHO IS JESUS?
This is the foundational question.
Not: “What do I think about Jesus?”
But: “Who does Jesus reveal Himself to be?”
Catholic Christianity professes that Jesus Christ is:
the eternal Son of God;
the Word through whom all things were made;
true God;
true man;
the promised Messiah;
Savior of the world;
Lord;
the one Mediator between God and humanity;
the fulfillment of the promises of God;
the center and fullness of Revelation.
Scripture
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John does not begin by presenting Jesus merely as a moral teacher. He takes us back to “the beginning.” Jesus did not begin to exist at Bethlehem. The Son is eternal.
John 1:3
“All things were made through him.” Jesus is not simply part of creation. Creation came through Him.
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is the mystery of the Incarnation.
THE INCARNATION: GOD BECOMES MAN
What does “Incarnation” mean? The word means that the eternal Son of God assumed human nature and became man. The Son did not stop being God. He became what He was not while remaining what He was: true God and true man.
The Catholic faith therefore rejects two opposite errors:
Error 1: Jesus was only a man. No. Jesus is truly God.
Error 2: Jesus only appeared to be human. No. Jesus is truly man. He had a real human body, a real human soul, a human intellect and human will.
Catechism
CCC 456–483 teaches the mystery of the Incarnation. The Son became man for us and for our salvation. The Creed expresses this beautifully: “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven.”
WHY DID GOD BECOME MAN?
This question is essential for evangelization. Why did God enter His creation?
Why did the eternal Son take human nature? The Catechism gives several profound reasons.
A. To save us
Matthew 1:21
“He will save his people from their sins.” Jesus did not come merely to make people feel better. He came to save us from sin.
B. To reveal the Father's love
John 3:16 God's love is revealed through the gift of His Son.
C. To show us the Father's face
John 14:9
Jesus tells Philip: “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus makes the invisible God known to us.
D. To become our model of holiness
Jesus shows humanity what perfect obedience, love, humility, mercy, and holiness look like.
E. To make us sharers in divine life
This brings us to St. Athanasius.
ST. ATHANASIUS: “GOD BECAME MAN SO THAT WE MIGHT BECOME GOD”
St. Athanasius wrote: “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.”
This statement must be understood correctly. It does not mean that human beings become God by nature or become equal to God. Rather, through grace, God allows us to participate in His divine life. This is traditionally called divinization or theosis.
Catechism – CCC 460
The Catechism teaches that the Word became flesh in order to make us: “partakers of the divine nature.”
2 Peter 1:4
Peter speaks of believers becoming: “partakers of the divine nature.” This is one of the most beautiful truths of Catholic Christianity: God did not become man because humanity was worthy of such a gift. He became man because He loved us.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: JESUS IS NOT AN “ADD-ON”
Imagine someone says:
“I believe in Jesus, but my career is mine, my money is mine, my relationships are mine, my plans are mine, and I will decide what is right and wrong.”
The person may believe that Jesus exists, but the Gospel demands more. Jesus does not ask to become an accessory to our lives. He asks to become Lord of our lives.
Luke 9:23
Jesus says that whoever wants to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Him.
Reflection
Ask yourself:
Is Jesus truly Lord of my life?
Or is He only Lord when I need something?
Do I consult the Gospel when making important decisions?
What part of my life am I still trying to control without God?
JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Mark 1:15
Jesus proclaims: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” What is the Kingdom? The Kingdom is not simply a geographical territory. It is the reign of God breaking into human history.
Where God's will is received, His Kingdom is being manifested. Jesus is Himself the King who brings the Kingdom.
Matthew 4:17
Jesus calls people to repentance because the Kingdom is near.
Luke 17:20–21
Jesus teaches about the presence of God's Kingdom among His people.
10. WHAT DOES THE KINGDOM DEMAND FROM US?
The Gospel requires conversion. Conversion means more than feeling guilty.
It means: turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Example
A person may say: “I have always been angry. That's just who I am.”
The Gospel says: You are not trapped by your past. Christ calls you to conversion.
Another person may say: “I cannot forgive because what happened to me was too painful.”
The Gospel does not say that the wound was insignificant.
It says: Christ wants to enter even that wounded place and begin transforming the heart.
Another person may say: “I know I should change, but I'll do it later.”
Jesus says: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” The Kingdom demands a response today.
JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE
John 14:6
Jesus says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
Notice that Jesus does not say merely: “I teach the way.”
He says: “I am the way.”
He does not simply say: “I teach truth.”
He says: “I am the truth.”
He does not merely say: “I teach you how to live.”
He says: “I am the life.”
Christianity therefore is not fundamentally adherence to an ideology.
It is communion with a Person: Jesus Christ.
THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
The Gospel reaches its climax in the: Passion + Death + Resurrection + Ascension of Jesus Christ. This is called the Paschal Mystery.
Catechism
CCC 571–682 presents the central importance of Christ's Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and glorification. The Cross cannot be separated from the Resurrection.
We cannot preach only: “Jesus loves you.” without eventually proclaiming: “Jesus gave Himself for you.”
And we cannot proclaim only: “Jesus died.” We must proclaim: “Jesus is risen.”
WHY THE CROSS?
Isaiah 53:5
The suffering servant is wounded because of our transgressions.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Paul summarizes the apostolic proclamation: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised.
1 Peter 2:24
Christ bore our sins upon the Cross. The Cross reveals: The seriousness of sin
Sin is not insignificant.
The seriousness of God's love
God's love is so profound that Christ gives Himself for us.
The victory of grace
The Cross is not the defeat of Jesus.
It becomes the instrument through which Christ accomplishes our redemption.
THE RESURRECTION: THE GOSPEL DOES NOT END AT THE CROSS
The Resurrection is essential. If Jesus remained in the tomb, Christianity would not be the Gospel we proclaim.
1 Corinthians 15:14
Paul explains that if Christ has not been raised, Christian faith is empty. But Christ has been raised.
The Resurrection means:
sin does not have the final word;
death does not have the final word;
despair does not have the final word;
evil does not have the final word.
Jesus Christ is victorious.
THE GOSPEL CHANGES THE WHOLE PERSON
A genuine encounter with Jesus produces conversion. Consider Zacchaeus.
Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus encounters Jesus. His encounter produces a change in his heart.
His relationship with possessions changes. His relationship with others changes.
His priorities change. His life changes.
That is evangelization: Jesus enters a person's life, and the person begins to live differently.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: FROM RELIGION TO DISCIPLESHIP
A person may attend Mass but continue consciously choosing serious sin.
A person may know Catholic prayers but refuse to forgive.
A person may receive religious instruction but never pray.
A person may wear a crucifix but never ask what the Cross requires of his or her life.
The purpose of catechesis is not merely to produce people who know Catholic information.
It is to form disciples who: know Christ, love Christ, follow Christ, receive His grace, live in His Church, and proclaim Him.
EVANGELIZATION: HOW DO WE PROCLAIM JESUS?
Evangelization begins with the proclamation of Christ.
A simple personal testimony can follow this pattern:
1. BEFORE
“What was happening in my life before I seriously encountered Christ?”
2. ENCOUNTER
“How did I begin to recognize Christ?”
3. CONVERSION
“What did Jesus ask me to change?”
4. NOW
“How is Christ changing the way I live?”
5. INVITATION
“Would you be willing to open your heart to Jesus?”
The goal is not to pressure people. The goal is to bear witness to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15
Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you.
CATHOLIC UNDERSTANDING OF EVANGELIZATION
Evangelization includes:
proclamation of Jesus Christ;
conversion;
catechesis;
participation in the Sacraments;
life of prayer;
communion with the Church;
works of charity;
witness through daily life;
mission.
We do not evangelize someone merely to make that person attend an event. We evangelize so that the person may encounter Christ and enter more deeply into His life and His Church.
THE SACRAMENTS AND THE GOSPEL
The Gospel is not merely something we hear.
Christ continues to communicate His grace through His Church and the Sacraments.
Especially:
Baptism
We are born into new life in Christ.
Confirmation
We are strengthened by the Holy Spirit for Christian witness.
Eucharist
We receive Christ Himself sacramentally and are united more deeply to Him.
Reconciliation
Christ forgives and restores us when we return to Him with repentance.
Therefore, evangelization should lead people toward a sacramental life.
The 7 Sacraments in the Bible
Sacrament
Biblical references
What Scripture shows
1. Baptism
Matthew 28:19; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Peter 3:21
Jesus commands baptism; baptism gives new birth and unites us to Christ's death and resurrection.
2. Confirmation
Acts 8:14–17; Acts 19:5–6; Hebrews 6:1–2
The apostles lay hands on baptized Christians and they receive the Holy Spirit.
3. Eucharist
Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; John 6:51–58; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23–29
Jesus gives His Body and Blood and commands, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
4. Reconciliation / Penance
John 20:21–23; Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18
Jesus gives the apostles authority to forgive or retain sins.
5. Anointing of the Sick
Mark 6:13; James 5:14–15
The apostles anoint the sick with oil and James commands the presbyters to pray and anoint the sick.
6. Holy Orders
Luke 22:19; Acts 6:1–6; Acts 13:2–3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:5
Christ gives a ministerial mission to the apostles, who ordain others through laying on of hands.
7. Matrimony
Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; John 2:1–11; Ephesians 5:21–33
Marriage is established by God and Christ elevates it to a covenantal sign of His union with the Church.
THE EUCHARIST AND THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
The Eucharist makes sacramentally present the one sacrifice of Christ.
Luke 22:19–20
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives His Body and Blood.
1 Corinthians 10:16
Paul speaks of communion in the Body and Blood of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:23–29
Paul transmits the apostolic teaching concerning the Eucharist. The Mass therefore cannot be understood merely as a religious meeting. The Eucharist draws us into the mystery of Christ's saving sacrifice.
A CRUCIAL EVANGELIZATION QUESTION
“If Jesus really is who He says He is, what should change in my life?”
Allow silence.
Then discuss:
my priorities;
my use of time;
my relationships;
my speech;
my treatment of family;
my sexuality;
my finances;
my forgiveness;
my prayer;
my Sunday worship;
my attitude toward sin;
my service to others;
my willingness to evangelize.
The Gospel is not merely information. The Gospel demands a response.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
A. WHO IS JESUS TO ME?
Who do I believe Jesus Christ really is?
Do I believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man?
Is Jesus simply an important figure in my life, or is He truly Lord?
What does John 1:1–18 reveal about Jesus that challenges my understanding?
B. THE INCARNATION
What does it mean to me that God became man?
Why is the Incarnation a sign of God's love?
Do I treat Jesus as truly present and active in my life?
What does St. Athanasius mean by saying that the Son of God became man so that we might become God?
C. THE KINGDOM
What area of my life needs conversion?
What attachments compete with God's Kingdom in my heart?
Where do I resist God's will?
What would it look like for God's Kingdom to become more visible in my family?
D. THE CROSS
What does the Cross reveal about the seriousness of sin?
What does the Cross reveal about God's love?
Do I run from every difficulty, or can I unite my suffering to Christ?
What does Jesus' sacrifice call me to change?
E. THE RESURRECTION
What difference does the Resurrection make in the way I face suffering?
Where do I need Christian hope?
Do I live as someone who believes Christ has conquered death?
F. EVANGELIZATION
Who is one person who needs to hear the Gospel?
What prevents me from speaking about Jesus?
What aspect of my own conversion could become a testimony to someone else?
“WHAT WOULD JESUS CHANGE?”
CATHOLIC CATECHISM SUMMARY
CCC 422–429 The Gospel centers on Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior.
CCC 430–455 Jesus' name and identity reveal His saving mission.
CCC 456–483 The Son of God became man for our salvation.
CCC 512–534 Christ's mysteries and earthly life reveal the Father's saving plan.
CCC 535–560 Jesus' Baptism, temptation, proclamation of the Kingdom, miracles, and Transfiguration reveal His mission.
CCC 571–618 The Paschal Mystery: Christ's Passion and Death.
CCC 619–623 Christ's death is a sacrifice offered for our salvation.
CCC 624–630 Christ's burial and descent to the dead.
CCC 631–658 Christ's Resurrection.
CCC 659–667 Christ's Ascension.
CCC 668–682 Christ's lordship and His return in glory.
KEY CATHOLIC TRUTH TO REMEMBER
Write this sentence where everyone can see it:
JESUS CHRIST IS NOT MERELY SOMEONE WE ADMIRE.
HE IS SOMEONE WE MUST FOLLOW.
He is: True God. True Man. Savior. Lord. King. Redeemer. The Way. The Truth. The Life.
PERSONAL EXAMEN
Meditating and in Prayer… Ask the Lord:
Lord Jesus...
Where have I placed something above You?
Where am I resisting Your will?
What sin am I unwilling to surrender?
What relationship needs Your grace?
What wound needs to be brought to You?
Where am I afraid to proclaim You?
What is the next step of conversion You are asking from me?
Remain silent for several minutes.
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
Complete these sentences privately:
Jesus, I recognize that You are ____________________.
The area of my life I most need to surrender to You is ____________________.
One conversion I need to make is ____________________.
One person I can begin praying for is ____________________.
One concrete action I will take this week is ____________________.
ASSIGNMENT – ENTER INTO THE PASCHAL MYSTERY
Read the Passion Narrative in ONE Gospel.
Choose one:
Matthew 26–27
Mark 14–15
Luke 22–23
John 18–19
Do not read it merely as a historical story. Read it prayerfully.
Imagine yourself standing before the mystery of Christ's Passion and ask:
1. What does Jesus do?
2. What does Jesus say?
3. How do the disciples respond?
4. How do the authorities respond?
5. What does Jesus reveal about His love?
6. What does the Cross reveal about my sin?
7. What does the Cross reveal about God's mercy?
8. What is Jesus asking me to surrender?
9. Where do I see my own weakness in the people of the Passion?
10. What does Christ's sacrifice demand from my life?
KEY TAKEAWAY FOR EVANGELIZATION
THE GOSPEL IN ONE PROCLAMATION
God loves us. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man for our salvation.
He calls us to repentance and faith. He died for our sins on the Cross.
He rose from the dead. He gives us new life through grace. He invites us to enter His Kingdom and follow Him. He sends us to proclaim the Gospel to others.
Therefore:
Do not merely know about Jesus. Encounter Jesus.
Do not merely admire Jesus. Follow Jesus.
Do not merely follow Jesus privately. Proclaim Jesus.
Final evangelization question:
If Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Lord of my life, what am I going to do differently beginning today?