5 God the Son

Message I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord.

Contents In Jesus Christ, God the Son became man

The Second Article of Faith
God the Son is the Redeemer
Experiencing Jesus Christ today

Catechism CNAC-QA 66 (fourth paragraph), 93–94 (address in the lesson)

CNAC-QA 42, 178, 182, 194–195, and CNAC 3.2.4 (background information)

1 Lead-in
Ask Who is Jesus Christ?
What is Jesus Christ to me?
What names were given to Him?

Hint To help the confirmands to answer these questions the teacher can mention
one or two events from the life of Jesus Christ until this list includes several
(not all) of the following concepts:

Write answers – God – the word – the resurrection

on the board – the Redeemer – the light of the world and the life
– the bread of life – the Saviour – God’s Son
– the bridegroom – the way, the truth, – the Resurrected One
– the good shepherd   and the life – etc.
– the example – the Prince of Peace

What does the God the Son is the Redeemer who became human and gave His life as a
Catechism say? sacrifice for the redmeption of mankind (CNAC-QA 66; fourth paragraph) .

2 In Jesus Christ, God the Son became man

Workbook Solution to exercise A. The confirmands are to put the Christian holy days
exercises A and B into the correct order and match them to the important events in Jesus’ life.
Discuss the answers briefly. 1. Christmas: Jesus’ birth. 2. Palm Sunday:
entry into Jerusalem. 3. Good Friday: crucifixion. 4. Easter: resurrection. 5.
Ascension: return to the Father. 6. Pentecost: outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The confirmands then do exercise B. They put the components of the Second
Article of Faith into the correct order by numbering them. Afterwards they
write down the Article of Faith. (They can also complete this at home.)

34
God the Son
5
Hint The article of faith is now read aloud. The confirmands are given the opportunity
to ask for clarification concerning concepts with which they have difficulties.

I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried, entered the realm of the dead,
rose again from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven. He
is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from where He will
return.

Explain The most important aspects of Jesus’ background, life, and mission are briefly
addressed with the help of the article of faith (see appendix).

Hint This explanation should not become a monologue. The teacher should
involve the confirmands and have them explain individual points, for example,
by asking:
– What happened on Easter Sunday morning?
– Who can tell us about Jesus’ ascension?

3 God the Son is the Redeemer (appropriation)

What does the Who is God the Son? Who is Jesus Christ? These questions are answered in
Catechism say? CNAC-QA 93 and 94 (please read together and discuss).

Explain Jesus Christ brought the sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of mankind
who had fallen into sin. God the Father, said of Him:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3: 17). Jesus

brought His sacrifice because He loves mankind (John 15: 13). From this we
recognise one of His most outstanding characteristics:

Jesus’ great love for all people, also for me.

Hint Below is a description of four situations in which Jesus exhibited certain

attributes. In each case, the question should subsequently be asked: what
special characteristic of Jesus becomes evident here through His conduct?

– Jesus Christ always did the will of His Father. For this reason His Father
could say of Him: “… in whom I am well pleased.”
Obedience and trust

– Jesus sat together with His disciples for the evening Passover meal. He got
up and washed their feet (John 13: 4–15).
Humility

35
5 God the Son

– Jesus endured His suffering. Calmly He accepted terrible humiliation.

(You may wish to refer to lesson 3, where Isaiah 53 was discussed).
Dignity and meekness

– He treated all sinners with compassion, for example, the sinful woman whom
the people wanted to stone (John 8: 3–11).
Compassion

Explain These examples show that those who seek to have a close relationship with
Jesus Christ will fare well. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11: 28). This should cause the
desire to emerge:

I want to become more like Jesus Christ.

Elaborate As a group, try to think of situations the confirmands might encounter in the
coming week and discuss how they could conduct themselves in these
situations to reflect the nature of Jesus Christ a little more. In this way, a
connection to the confirmands’ lives is to be established.

Hint The confirmands should be given some time to think. If no examples are
suggested the teacher can relate some of her or his own experiences. These
should be linked to the question: How would Jesus Christ have conducted
Himself in this situation?

4 Experiencing Jesus Christ today

Elaborate through The love of Jesus Christ can also be felt today. He has laid His life into us.
questions We experience His patience and compassion in forgiveness, His nearness in
prayer, His presence in Holy Communion, His help in our battle to overcome,
Jesus in God’s work and His care in need.

Hint The idea is to establish a connection to the confirmands’ lives. The teacher
can ask the following questions:

– Where and how have you experienced the love of Jesus Christ in your life?
– When have you personally experienced the help of Jesus Christ?

The confirmands are encouraged to reflect more deeply upon the

fellowship they have with Jesus Christ, and to perceive His activity
in their own lives.

Explain Jesus Christ sent His Apostles in the early Christian period and still sends them
today. His sacrifice is still valid today—for you too!

36
God the Son
5
Through Holy Sealing you have received the prerequisite for becoming a
firstling. If you model your life on the gospel, you will become a firstling and
belong to the bridal congregation of Christ.

Jesus Christ will come again and take you to Himself!

The main points

I also want to … … become more like Jesus!

Homework The confirmands learn the Second Article of Faith by heart.

37
5 Appendix

Information for the teacher

(regarding section 2 of lesson 5)

Jesus Christ said the following concerning His origin: “I came forth from
the Father” (John 16: 28). God the Son has become human in Jesus Christ
(Philippians 2: 5–8; John 1: 14, 18). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
(Luke 1: 35; Hebrews 1: 5) and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ is true Man
and true God.

Jesus Christ brought the sacrifice on the cross in order to redeem mankind,
who had fallen into sin, with God.

Jesus Christ was arrested, brought before the high council and Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was flogged, mocked, and crucified. After His death on the
cross He descended into the realm of the dead, where He preached to the
spirits (1 Peter 3: 19; 4: 6).

On Easter morning He resurrected from the dead (John 20). He was given
a glorified body: the laws of nature had no more power over Him. After He
had appeared to His disciples on several occasions in order to comfort and
teach them, and to increase their knowledge, He ascended into heaven.
The Apostles were permitted to be present at this event. It was likewise the
Apostles who received the promise: “This same Jesus ... will so come in like
manner as you have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1: 11; Mark 16: 19 and
John 14: 3).

38