6/14/06
1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. Pay attention to the title of the chapter!
One of the most important key themes to this chapter is the recognition of the true meaning of the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ's message of importance of relationship fits directly with this theme. Jesus reveals to us that the Kingdom of God is in our hearts and in the hearts of others. We can experience a little bit of the Kingdom if we just recognize God's presence in our hearts and our hearts with others. If we attempt to grow in our relationship with God, with ourselves and our relationship with others, we begin to discover the true meaning of the Kingdom
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
Two major ideas spoken of throughout this chapter that I want to remember are of the story of the Hebrews and the experience of realizing that Jesus fulfilled the Covenant.
I believe that the story of the Hebrews is important for me to remember because in order to begin understanding Jesus, we must understand that Judaism was His core; the story of the Hebrews was woven into His heart. As we study Abraham and Yahweh we uncover his past and what he was taught. We begin to move closer into the heart of Jesus. We too trace our religion from Judaism so it is necessary to understand their history. To a more important extent, the story of the Hebrews reveals salvation history and themes that carry out in Jesus Christ's life
The experience of realizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Covenant sends a very powerful message. As we study the Old Testament, we are introduced to a Covenant given to Abraham from Yahweh. As we look into Jesus Christ's life, He introduces that he is the fulfillment of the Covenant and he accepts Yahweh as His God. As we compare the Old and the New Covenant we begin to see the similarities and proof the Jesus is the Covenant. The Old Covenant rescues the Israelites from the Egyptians while the New Covenant rescues the followers of Christ from sin. The Old Testament Israelites cross over the Red Sea and celebrate their Passover meal while followers of Christ cross over the waters of Baptism and celebrate the Eucharist. The Law given by Yahweh to the Israelites is the Letter of the Law and Jesus' God gives the followers of Christ the Law of Love. We begin to see the beautiful reality that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Covenant.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
Are the God of the Hebrews [Yahweh] and the God of Jesus [God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit] the same?
5. Do one of the "Living the Gospel" questions at the end of the chapter. Write out the question, reflect upon it and write out your answer.
(2.) How will the world be different because you were born? Choose "one little bit" you can do today to make the world better for someone and then do it.
I am unique along with everyone else that was on this planet, are on this planet and are to be on this planet. God sent every single human being for a reason. I can make the world a better place in numerous ways. The reason the world will be different because I was born is because I will demonstrate the way Jesus wants us to live. I can act as a role model for my younger siblings and friends on how Jesus wants us to live our life. I have influenced my family and friends in such a positive way that I have gained the reputation of being kind and understanding. This reputation I have touches all of those I meet and reflects on their personality, too. My influencing of being a role model can spread throughout wide distances within generations to come of those I met.
A little bit I can do today is ask my younger brothers if the want to go outside and play baseball or play a board game. I can even go throughout my community and school showing the "man for others" figure. By representing the figure of compassion, understanding, and responsibility I can change the world.
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