Article Two
The Big Idea: Jesus came to bring God's kingdom and saved us from sin and death.
Learning Goal: To understand that Jesus became human to teach us how to live and to free us from sin and death.
Biblical
The Apostles' Creed tells us a lot about Jesus' relationship to God. Because we're not always sure about how that relationship works, the second article focuses on Jesus' place in the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and on Jesus' life in the flesh. Jesus' life in the flesh shows that Jesus is fully human. Jesus was born a human being, a child of a human mother. Jesus suffered, was killed by crucifixion, and was buried. Family, friends, and followers knew Jesus as a human being. Yet the people who lived when Jesus lived—friends and enemies—did not understand very well who he was .
The resurrection shines light on who Jesus really was. Jesus is also fully divine. The gospel writers wrote of Jesus' human life from the view of the resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Thoughts
The second article is the longest of the Apostles' Creed's articles. There are two important ideas: Jesus' divinity and Jesus' humanity. Jesus' being fully human and fully divine is so important to the work of saving us. God is willing to go to any length, even human suffering and death, to restore his creation, including people. God does this out of love for creation, including us.
Jesus is Lord. Jesus freed all creation from sin, death, and the power of evil. One way of talking about this is to say that Jesus purchased our freedom. In this sense, Jesus "owns" us and is Lord. Jesus is also Lord because Jesus sits at the right hand of God and is one with God the Father almighty, maker of all things.
The Creed doesn't tell all there is to know about Jesus. The life of Jesus between the manger and cross is actually missing in this creed. Jesus' life revealed the power of God's reign. The Creed makes no mention of Jesus' preaching or setting up of God's kingdom.
Historical
The most widely accepted creed is the Nicene Creed. It was formulated in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicea, a gathering of Christian leaders under Constantine's auspices. The Apostles' Creed was written in the form we use it in the 8th Century.
Contemporary/Cultural
In our sinfulness, we misuse God's good creation. Our bodies are part of God's good creation—in sinfulness, we misuse them, too. We fail to observe the Third Commandment, to rest. We eat things that do not nourish us—"junk food." We bring down violence on others and ourselves; for example, by physical abuse, war, or overwork. We stand by silently as others misuse and abuse their bodies or as others go hungry.
Human sinfulness in the use of our bodies does not mean that our bodies are bad. God's creation is good but fallen. Human beings are sinful. Jesus Christ, who made God known to us in human flesh, is the Redeemer of all creation, including us. Jesus Christ has freed us, including you and me, from sin, and freed us, including you and me, to partnership with God in good care of our bodies and the bodies of others.
Teen Connection
Article Two—"in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord." God's special relationship with his people was carried for countless centuries through the chosen people of Israel. After many good times and bad, they still didn't get it. God took the ultimate step and gave us a Son. Through this really human Christ, we are led to understand what God is and what God offers us. We still stumble around in God's world, but now we have a human model—one who lived and walked on earth. We can relate to God's Word made flesh in Jesus the Christ.
Opening Prayer
L: Gracious Lord,
C: Though we did not deserve it,
L: You died for us.
C: Though we did not deserve it,
L: You forgive us.
C: Though we did not deserve it,
L: You save us.
C: Though we did not deserve it,
L: You bless us.
C: Gracious Lord, make us worthy of your loving grace,
L: Witnesses to your Good News,
C: And instruments of your peace.
ALL: Amen
My Faith Story
The creed "Jesus is Lord" is the root of all Christian faith. That faith is best passed on from generation to generation by believers sharing with one another how Jesus has affected their lives.
Who told or tells you about Jesus as Lord?
Open the Catechism
The second member of the Trinity is Jesus, God's Son. Since he was sent to earth to live a divinely human life, we ordinary humans are inclined to see him as a model for us. We study his actions as well as his words and, on our good days, we try to be like him. Some of us even wear bracelets that remind us to ask what he would do if he were here, right now! -- WWJD
Open the catechism to the Second Article of the Creed and read it and its meaning.
What does the meaning says about what we are supposed to do?
Hmmm. Belong to him? Live under him? Serve him? Those aren't about trying our hardest to do things the way Jesus would!
What do you think is going on here?
It is all about what Jesus has already done for us. That may be why the Second Article is the longest—to clarify that the point is, Jesus has done it!
What would WHJD mean?
Why would you tell someone that the H is important?
How would you tell them?
Cartoon Connection:
I'll Have the Recommended Daily Amount of Grace, Please
What might a "lo-sin" life look like?
Is it even possible?
Sin is part of life, and, as Christians, we believe Jesus takes away our sin. Christ came for us, died for us, and rose again for us. We are free.
What does it mean to live and be free from sin and death?
Bible Connection: Jesus Is Lord
Open your Bible to Matthew 1:18-25 and read. The teaching that Mary, mother of God, was a virgin is emphasized in Matthew and in the creed. It is one of the basics of the Christian belief about Jesus. It demonstrates both his divinity and his humanity.
Open their Bibles to Luke 5:27—6:5 and read.
What does Jesus says about himself in these verses?
Open to Acts 1:2-22.While many non-Christians acknowledge that Jesus was a great teacher, Christians believe that he is the Son of God, descended from heaven. While many criticize Christians for treating Jesus as God, we believe that Jesus is God. The Scriptures tell the story, and our creed proclaims it.
Open to Philippians 2:5-11 and read. Verses 9-11 from Paul's letter to the people of Philippi are like a hymn. Lets recite the words together.
DVD: Saved
Closing Questions
Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins. There is absolutely nothing we can do, say, pray, or believe that will earn us God's saving love in Christ. It has been given freely to us as an unmerited, unearned gift. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, he has purchased us and we belong to him. He is our Lord and Savior.
What is your favorite family Christmas tradition?
What is your favorite family Easter tradition?
What kinds of things enslave people in the world today?
What kinds of things enslave you?
What would it mean to be freed from the things that enslave you now?
It has been said that Christians live between the "already and the not yet." How is life different for a Christian waiting for Jesus' second coming?
What is different about saying that Jesus is the Christ and saying that Jesus was a great teacher?
If Jesus already saved us, why do we still need forgiveness?
Does everyone really sin? Are there some people so good that they do not really need forgiveness? Why or why not?
Today we elect presidents, not kings. Is the idea of Jesus as King and Lord outdated? Why or why not?
Closing Ritual
Consider closing the lesson with the following brief rite:
L: The Lord be with you,
C: And also with you.
L: Let us pray. You sent your Son to save us from sin because we cannot save ourselves. Grant that we may become instruments of your peace and love. We ask all of this in Jesus' name.
C: Amen
Closing Blessing
L: May the peace of God that passes all human understanding keep your heart and mind this week on Christ Jesus our Lord. In the name of the Father +, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit +. Amen