Incarnation

Question 1

Incarnation + Key ideas

Answer 1

Christian belief that God came to earth in human form as Jesus. He was fully human and fully God. God loves humans that be was willing to share in humanity and face struggles like fear and suffering. The enpathy he has with humans make us feel closer to him

Question 2

Annunciation - Luke’s account

Answer 2

The angel appeared to Mary. At first Mary was troubled but he said “Do not be afraid”. He says Mary will give birth to the Son of God. Mary questions this as she is a virgin but he says the Holy Spirit will come down on her and compares this to how Elizabeth got pregnant despite her old age. He says “I am the Lord’s Servant”.

Question 3

Annunciation - Matthew’s account

Answer 3

In a dream, Joseph (husband of Mary not father of God) is told by an angel that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and God’s power. He will save people from Sin and be called “Emmanuel” (God is with us). Joseph obeys God’s plan no matter what it costs him

Question 4

Similarities bewteen Annunciation Stories

Answer 4

• Mary was virigin
• Announced by angel
• Jesus conceived by God’s power
• God worked through humans to bring about his plan for humanity

Question 5

Differences between Annunciation Stories

Answer 5

• Angel was a person, Angel was in a dream
• Named Jesus, Named Emmanuel
• Mary questioned her role, Joseph didn’t

Question 6

Incarnation shown through ‘Christ the Remeeder’

Answer 6

Reminds people of the continuing love of God, outstretched arms show the cross when he accepted death. Shows his obedience and love to take in all people

Question 7

Incarnation shows through ‘Crucifix’

Answer 7

Reminder of pain and suffering Jesus faced, freeing us from from sin giving us eternal life with God, showing his loving obedience. Sometimes kingly robes show his victory over sin and death

Question 8

Incarnation shown through ‘Sacred Heart”

Answer 8

Expresses peace and self-giving human love Jesus has. Evidence such as holes in hands, Crown of Thorns proves Jesus’ love when he accepted death

Question 9

For Christian Art

Answer 9

• Jesus fully human and visible like statues and images.
• Help to concentrate on Jesus’ qualities and be inspired by them. Statue isn’t worshiped.
• Gives people something to focus on while praying (Our Lady or Saint etc)
• Jesus shown as any ethnicity - all people can be saved by Jesus’ death
• Easier to visualise?

Question 10

Against Christian Art

Answer 10

• Impossible to portray him, he is infinite, transcendent but statues made by humans and finite resources
• Can mislead people about what he looked like (we can’t know)
• While praying, some may thing they are worshipping it - “Do not worship Idols”