Unit 1- Background to Mark s Gospel

Transcription

1 Unit 1- Background to Mark s Gospel Why did Mark write the Gospel: They thought jesus would come again in their lifetime but once it came apparent he wasn t coming so soon mark decided to write the Gospel down so things would be remembered when he did come The people who knew jesus and the key eyewitnesses were dying and the message would have been lost if it wasn t written down Beliefs about the religion were starting to be changed so the beliefs had to be written down Christians were being persecuted so he had to write it down to give them faith Divine inspiration Mark's gospel sources Collections of teachings: some christian communities would have had some of the stories about jesus written down The passion narrative: The events leading up to jesus crucifixion would have been written down because they are important Matthew's Gospel: Some historians think that matthew's gospel was written first so mark used it as the basis of his writing Peter or another disciple: Sources state that mark got lots of his information from peter as well as the other disciples Other eyewitnesses: Mark might have met people like Simon of Cyrene and Bartimaeus who had known jesus directly, he also might have talked to other christians who might have witnessed events like the feeding of the 5000 Personal Experiences: Mark might have witnessed events such as the last supper and the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane Divine inspiration: Some christians believe that Mark was directly inspired by God therefore everything is the Gospel would be accurate and correct The first line in Mark's Gospel This is the good news about jesus christ, the son of god tells us that Jesus is the son of god, that mark believes in jesus and thinks highly of him, and it is good news written by a believer for believers Who was mark? A man named mark referred to in the bible and early christian tradition Mysterious man in gethsemane who witnessed jesus arrest, he is only mentioned in mark's gospel His mother owned the house where the last supper was held so perhaps mark was in the house at the time

2 Why did christianity appeal to people? Women were treated badly and discriminated, in christianity everyone was equal Sins can be forgiven if you are genuinely sorry for what you have done, this would apply to criminals Outcasts will be accepted Slaves were treated badly but everyone in christianity was treated equally Why were christians so unpopular? The romans worshipped many Gods whereas in christianity there was only one God They were seen as unsociable because they didn t come to parties There were rumours about how they worshipped such as they were thought to be cannibals Blamed for bad economy because they were no longer buying offerings to take to shrines Nero blamed christians for the great fire in Rome Calming of the storm Jesus and the disciples were on a boat on the sea of Galilee when waves rushed over and into the boat, Jesus was sleeping so they woke him up and said Master, do you not care if we drown Jesus told the wind and waves to be still and they did so, he then said to the disciples Why are you so afraid? do you still have no faith?. They were terrified and asked each other who is this man, even the wind and the waves obey him The ship on rough seas was an early christian symbol, representing the church sailing over the stormy seas of live to God. This story would inspire people to trust in God and even though they may lapse in faith God will still be there and forgive them. Unit 2 Jesus Ministry Jesus Baptism The baptism was the first significant event in Jesus life. At that time jesus came from nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by john in the jordan. As jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and a spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven you are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased The water represents purity and the cleansing of his sins, the dove is the sign of peace and represents the holy spirit; the holy spirit inspires jesus to start his messianic ministry. The heavens opening is an old testament symbol and shows God is welcoming him, the baptism proves jesus is the messiah and God claimed him as his son.

3 The Temptation Happens immediately after the baptism, Jesus trying to prepare for his task. At once the spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert for 40 days, being tempted by satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels attended him 40 days is often used in the old testament to signify a long period of time. Wild animals were often seen as demons and satan being there meant he was being severely tested. In the old testament angels were messengers of God who brought love and support so it represents God supporting him. This story might help christians being persecuted as it shows that we should trust God and he will support us. This story shows jesus is ready to start his ministry, that he has authority over satan and he is aware of God s support. Caesarea Philippi Jesus asked the disciples who do people say I am? and they replied some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah or one of the prophets but Jesus asked them, who do you say I am?. Peter answered you are the Christ. Jesus told them not to tell anyone, he then began to teach them about the son of man who would suffer and be killed but three days later he would rise again. Peter began to shout at him for saying these things but Jesus rebuked him Get behind me satan; you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men he said This story is important because it is the first time jesus is acknowledged as the messiah. It is also the first time we hear the passion narrative. It also shows that peter is the main disciple. Caesarea Philippi is often called a watershed as as all of Jesus teachings became private afterwards. He needed to focus on teaching the disciples everything before he was captured, which would have happened sooner if he continued to teach and heal publically. The Transfiguration Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain where he transfigured. His clothes became dazzling white and Elijah and Moses appeared talking to Jesus. Peter said to them Let us put up 3 shelters, one for each of you the disciples didn t know what to say because they were frightened. Then a cloud appeared and a voice said This is my son whom I love, Listen to him! Suddenly Elijah, Moses and the cloud disappeared and Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened Jesus shining white represents purity and shows his divinity as he is more than just a man. The cloud indicated Gods presence and again he spoke like in the Baptism, claiming Jesus as his son. Moses and Elijah were important figures in the old testament. Their presence showed that they approved of Jesus and his teachings, also it proves jesus is not one of them. God saying Listen to him was directed at the disciples and

4 telling them to heed what jesus had said about his suffering. The transfiguration is important as Jesus talking to Elijah and Moses shows his divinity, authority, messianic status and that he has Gods support. It shows Christians that Jesus is more important than Elijah and Moses. Also Peter and Jesus had previously has an arguments so it shows Jesus will always offer forgiveness. Unit 3 - Jesus suffering, death and resurrection The entry into Jerusalem As they approached Jerusalem Jesus told his disciples to go to the nearest village where they would find a donkey tied up. They brought the colt back to jesus and threw their cloaks over it. Others threw their cloaks or branches on the road. Those who followed shouted Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord, Blessed is the coming of our father david, Hosanna in the highest heaven They then went to Bethany as the temple in Jerusalem was closed Only kings would ride into jerusalem which shows Jesus authority but the fact he rode on a colt not a horse shows his humility. People throwing their cloaks down showed respect and devotion and they shouted Hosanna which means save us so they recognised that Jesus was the Messiah. This story signifies that jesus is ready to be captured and die as he is not being private or secretive anymore. The Anointing at Bethany While Jesus was at Bethany he went into the house of a man named simon. A woman came with a jar of expensive perfume, she broke the jar above jesus head and poured it all over him. The other men in the room criticized her and said she should have sold it and given the money to the poor. But Jesus told them what she did was right as there would always be poor people but he wouldn t always be there so they should do what they can before he dies. Jesus then said the woman and the story would be preached around the world and be remembered in every Gospel He was anointed by a woman showing that women have authority. She also recognises what's going to happen to Jesus as you usually anoint a dead body. It shows the men don t fully recognise what is going to happen to Jesus. Kings were often anointed as a sign that they had been chosen by God, the word messiah means anointed one. Jesus defends the woman, an outcast which re enforces Jesus message of love. Jesus says she will be remembered throughout the world which shows how important women will be in the church. You will always have poor people but not me Shows jesus is only a human being as he is being selfish, and that the disciples should listen to him as he

5 won t be there much longer. The Betrayal Judas betrayed Jesus, this might be because he wasn t the messiah he was expecting. Because Judas was a zealot he wanted a strong military leader which Jesus was not so he was angry. Also because the sanhedrin offered him a reward and for the past 3 years he had lived with nothing because he was a disciple. Saint He committed suicide afterwards showing he felt remorse Sinner He betrayed Jesus who was supposed to be his friend The other disciples betrayed jesus as well Betrayed him for money Only fulfilling what God wanted, the Divine must He faithfully spent 3 years of his life dedicated to Jesus The last supper Jesus arranged the passover meal to be held in a private room. While they were eating Jesus told them that one of them would betray him. The disciples were upset and each of them asked surely you don t mean me? Jesus answered It will be one of the twelve, The son of man will die as the scriptures say; but how terrible for that man who betrays the son of man! It would have been better for that man if he had never been born! Jesus took a piece of bread broke it, gave thanks and shared it with the disciples he then did the same to the wine. They then sang a hymn and went to the mount of olives This story is important because it is where we get communion from, which is a time when we get spiritual strength from God. In the story Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray him. Jesus knows he has to die but he tries to sway Judas so he does not have to be the reason for his capture and death. The disciples united together through sharing the meal and would be united with Jesus after his death. Gethsemane They went to a place called Gethsemane and Jesus asked the disciples to sit and wait while he prayed. He took Peter, James and John and asked them to keep watch as he was deeply distressed and troubled. He fell to the ground and prayed Abba, Father, Take this cup from me He returned to find the disciples sleeping, he shouted at them

6 Watch and Pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak Once more he went and prayed but when he came back he found them asleep. Jesus returned for a third time and told them to get up Look the son of man is delivered into the hands of sinners he said to them. This is the first time we see Jesus like this, upset and distraught he was also annoyed and worried that even his closest disciples couldn t stay awake. Christians can relate to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane because sometimes we might think we have the world on our shoulders when we deal with stress and problems in our life. Christians being persecuted might find this story a source of encouragement because it showed we must trust in God. Many christians can also relate to Peter, James and John as they wanted to stay awake but could not. The arrest of Jesus Jesus was speaking with Judas when an armed crowd arrested Jesus. One of the disciples drew his sword and cut of the high priest slaves ear, but Jesus said why have you come here armed when you did not arrest me all those times I was teaching in the temple then all the disciples ran away Jesus remained calm and did not panic because he had prayed unlike the disciples and he knew it had to happen. The disciples panicked because they had not prepared themselves and were caught off guard The Sanhedrin Trial The sanhedrin took Jesus to the high priest's house to be trialed, peter followed behind them. The council could not find any evidence against him so they got witnesses to lie, but none of the stories agreed. The high priest asked him Are you the messiah, the son of the blessed God? Jesus answered I am The high priest took this as Blasphemy so they all agreed to put him to death. They blindfolded Jesus spat and hit him before the guards came to take him away During the trial the Sanhedrin broke many rules The trial shouldn t have been held at night Verdict should have been given at least a day after the trial It should have been held in the hall of hewn stone The trial should have began with reasons why the accused is innocent Evidence should be given by 2 witnesses whose testimony agrees The high priest shouldn t ask direct questions Only when God s personal name is used is it blasphemy The trial before Pilate The teachers of law handed Jesus over to Pilate, who questioned him. Are you the

7 king of the jews? So you say Jesus replied. The chief priests accused Jesus of many things so pilate asked him again Aren t you going to answer, Listen to all their accusations Again Jesus did not say anything and Pilate was amazed. At every passover meal Pilate would release a prisoner. When a crowd gathered Pilate asked them, who do you want me to free, Jesus or Barabbas The chief priests had told the crowd to ask for Barabbas so Barabbas was set free by Pilate. He then asked what they wanted him to do with Jesus and they shouted Crucify him! So he handed Jesus back to the chief priests to be whipped and crucified. Pilate was a prefect of Judaea at the time so he needed to keep the Jews on his side during Passover so he released a prisoner every year. Pilate could clearly see during the trial that there was no case against Jesus and if he released him it would antagonise the sanhedrin which he would have liked. However because the people wanted Barabbas to be set free he could not. Afterwards the soldiers took Jesus away and made him wear a crown of thorns and a purple robe. They mocked him for saying he was king of the jews so they spat and beat him. After they had finished they led him away to be crucified. Was Pilate a coward? Agree He knew Jesus was innocent but did not let him go Was afraid of what the emperor would do if he found out Disagree Just doing his job by saving Jerusalem from rebellion Going with what the majority of people wanted Fulfilling the divine must The Crucifixion and Burial Jesus had suffered emotional trauma, betrayal and been beaten twice by soldiers. Because of this he found the crossbeam too heavy to carry so the soldiers got Simon of Cyrene to help carry it to Golgotha. The soldiers offered him a drink to drug him but jesus refused showing he was willing. The soldiers divided his clothes up between him and kept watch in case he tried to escape. Passers by taunted him and mocked his inability to save himself, even the two criminals crucified with him taunted him. The whole country descended into darkness at midday for 3 hours. At 3 Jesus cried out Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani some people thought he was calling for Elijah so they tried to prolong his life but with a loud cry he died. The curtain hanging in the temple tore in two and one of the soldiers proclaimed This man really was the son of God The only friends of Jesus who watched where the women

8 Israel in darkness symbolises that a great sin has been committed and judgement was being passed. The temple curtain symbolises the barrier of sin that cut humanity off from God being torn in two, so now christians could freely talk to God again. The soldier would have been significant for 1st century christians as it was a gentile who recognised and declared Jesus true identity. The women is also significant for 1st century christians as it shows they were important as the disciples were nowhere to be seen. The meaning of Jesus death for christians Self giving love - By dying Jesus took on the sin of humanity and experienced the separation between God and Humans caused by sin. This shows the full extent of Jesus self sacrificial love, he accepted his fate even though it meant feeling cut off from God. Atonement - Atonement refers to reconciliation or bringing together. Human sinfulness built up a barrier to God that humans could not remove, the death of Jesus removed the barrier, enabling people to get close to God again. Liberation - Jesus set Christians free from sin and opened up the possibility of eternal life. This can help christians living hard lives in that they will be rewarded with eternal life Victory - Jesus ministry may have appeared to have ended in failure and defeat, but christians believe her was a victor because he willingly accepted his suffering. The Burial of Jesus Joseph of Arimathea asked pilate for the body of Jesus so he could bury it quickly before the sabbath. Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so quickly but agreed that Joseph could have the body. He wrapped it in a linen sheet and placed it in a tomb made of solid rock, he then rolled a large stone in front of the entrance. The women were watching and saw where the body of Jesus was placed. It was important that Mark recorded the Burial as false beliefs about Jesus where spreading such as he did not actually die. Jesus Resurrection After the sabbath the women went to anoint Jesus body. They went to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away, when they entered the tomb they found a man dressed in white. Don t be alarmed, I know you are looking for Jesus, he is raised He told them to tell the disciples but they ran from the tomb and said nothing to anyone

9 because they were afraid. It is significant that the the first people to hear the good news about Jesus resurrection were women as it shows they were important, but like the disciples they also failed as they fled and did not tell anyone. The man is thought to be an angel and the fact he tells them to tell the disciples shows that the disciples were forgiven even though they abandoned Jesus. Jesus Resurrection appearances Jesus first appeared to mary magdalene, when she went and told the others what had happened they did not believe her. Again it is significant that Jesus first appearance was to a woman. After this jesus appeared to two of the disciples but when they returned and told the others they did not believe it. Last of all Jesus appeared to all the disciples as they were eating, he scolded them because they did not have faith and they did not believe those who had seen him. He told them to preach the Gospel throughout the world, drive out demons, speak in strange tongues, heal people and be able to drink poison and pick up snakes without being harmed. The ascension After Jesus had spoken to them he was taken up to heaven and sat on the right hand of God, then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, the Lord worked with them and confirmed their word. The Ascension marks the end of Jesus physical presence on earth, for christians it is the final proof that Jesus was indeed the son of God. Jesus became a spiritual presence in the disciples lives after this. What Resurrection means for christians A living christ- Christians worship a living christ not a crucified martyr and Jesus is a spiritual presence in the lives of christians Teaching that can be trusted- Jesus referred to his suffering, death and resurrection many times and by this coming true we can believe that all his teaching can be trusted A sign of God s power- Christians believe God brought Jesus back to life showing his power Death is not the end- Christians see jesus resurrection as opening the possibility of eternal life with God A sign of victory over all evil- Whatever sufferings they undergo in life nothing can separate them from God s love

10 Did the resurrection really happen? Yes If the story was untrue its author would not have included the unlikely detail that women were witnesses Most of the eleven died as martyrs, they would not have given their lives for what they knew was a lie The disciples changed from being afraid into courageous preachers of the Gospel, something must have happened No Mark was a human capable of making mistakes as were his sources Perhaps the story of the empty tomb was a kind of parable Perhaps the eleven became so involved in the lie that they started to believe it or did not know how to get out of it Unit 4 - The person of Jesus Mark states on many occasions that Jesus was teaching. Some called him a rabbi because some of them like Jesus travelled round towns and villages delivering teaching. Those who listened to Jesus were stunned by the difference between his teaching and that of the rabbis they usually heard. Jesus often taught using parables, the audience would have found these more interesting and memorable. There were several people who travelled round israel who claimed to be able to perform miracles like Jesus. Jesus was able to perform healings, exorcisms and nature miracles. The stories of jesus healing people often show Jesus power and compassion. People saw Jesus power to drive out demons as a sign that jesus authority came from God. Jesus defies the laws of nature in several miracles as these clearly display Jesus God given power. The feeding of the 5000 Jesus told the disciples to come with him so they could find a quiet place to eat and rest. They went away in a boat but many people followed them so Jesus started teaching them. Later the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away but Jesus told them to give them something to eat. The disciple protested as they only had 5 loaves and 2 fish but Jesus told them to share it out anyway. Once everyone had eaten the disciples gathered up the remaining food and found they had enough to fill 12 baskets This story combines both Jesus roles as a teacher and a miracle worker, we see how popular he is. It also proves he is the messiah and a miracle worker. Jesus recognises that the people were desperate for spiritual guidance so rather than be annoyed with

11 them he reacted with compassion and taught them for hours. Mark refers to the crowd in this story as sheep without a shepherd. Several old testament passages also use this when talking about the future messiah, so mark was pointing at Jesus being the messiah. Some people think that the 5 loaves and 2 fishes refers to the 5 books of Jewish law and the 2 stone tablets that the commandments were written on. The 12 baskets are the 12 tribes that formed israel. Messiah/Christ Means the anointed/chosen one. The title has strong political and Jewish links as in the old testament it was used to describe kings especially King David. Jews ideas of the messiah changed over time. Jews began to think that a supernatural figure sent by God would be their messiah. Zealots in the 1st century hoped the messiah would be a warrior who could help them overthrow the Romans. Throughout Jesus life there were men who claimed to be the messiah to led Zealot uprisings. Jesus did not use and discouraged others from using this title because of the messianic secret. If Jesus had called himself this he would have been captured and killed much quicker and would not have been able to complete his ministry. Jews expected the messiah to perform miracles to prove his identity but this is not why he performed miracles, he did so to show his compassion, God s power and love. If Jesus had called himself the messiah people would have instantly followed him, but he wanted people to draw their own conclusions about him. There are better titles however that reveal who Jesus is such as son of God. Also many people today do not understand what a messiah is and could lead to ideas of status and power which is the opposite of what Jesus is about Son of man Jesus used this title the most to describe himself. Many christians like this title because it emphasises Jesus humanity and humility and as someone we could relate to.. At the same time it points to his authority as God s representative during his ministry and to his future state of glory. It had no political links so it was not dangerous to use but it still linked to the old testament. The title however is not important enough to fully describe Jesus and his power. When Jesus uses the son of man it is referring to his ministry, suffering and future glory. Jesus uses the title son of man in his ministry and links it to ideas of his god given authority. When talking about his suffering Jesus often says son of man as it shows his vulnerability. During the sanhedrin trial Jesus says they would see the son of man seated at God's right hand linking to Jesus future glory. For some people it would be a confusing title because it links to the old testament which not a lot of people will know about, it is also a vague title which does not tell us about Jesus divine qualities

12 Son of God Jesus does not use this title however mark felt this title is important, as it shows Jesus unique relationship with God. This title describes fully who Jesus is and how powerful, we however cannot relate to it. This title is used at significant points in the Gospel such as the baptism, transfiguration and Jesus death. Many christians think this is the best title for jesus as it is not vague, it has no political links or tied to a particular culture. It also shows the closeness of Jesus relationship with God. However the son of God can be quite remote so some christians do not like it. The Paralysed Man A large crowd gathered to see Jesus so large it filled the room and the area outside. Some men tried to bring him a paralysed man but could not get through the crowds, instead the lowered him through the roof to Jesus. When Jesus saw his faith he said Son, your sins are forgiven Some of the teachers of law thought he was blaspheming as no one had the power to forgive sins except God. Jesus said to them the son of man has authority to forgive sins and told the man to get up and take his mat. He did so and the crowd was amazed as they had never seen anything like it Illness was often thought to be a result of sin in those days. Jesus as God s representative had authority to declare the man s sins were forgiven but the teachers of law were scandalised by his actions. Unit 5 - Jesus relationships with others The sabbath is seen as a gift from God so if they broke the sabbath laws death was the penalty. Jesus went into a synagogue and a man with a shrivelled hand was there, the onlookers wanted a reason to accuse Jesus so they watched to see if he would heal the man. Jesus said to them Which is lawful on the sabbath:to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill? They did not say anything so Jesus healed the man, the Pharisees left the synagogue and made plans with the herodians to kill jesus. This story shows that the people were obsessed with keeping the law rather than understanding why the follow the rules and being a good person. Pharisees and Herodians allying shows how much they hate Jesus. Because the sabbath is God s gift we should do what we want with it is what Jesus is trying to teach the people. The temple court Jesus entered the temple and started driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned tables and benches before saying to them You have made it a den of robbers. The chief priests began looking for ways to kill him as they feared him because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching

13 Jesus actions were dramatic but it would have only been a small scale protest. More symbolic than effective. Jesus is challenging the authority of the sanhedrin but by doing so he is signing his own death warrant. He was protesting the hypocrisy of religious leaders, as the sanhedrin were making huge profits from trading but it was impossible to pray because of trading. There is no evidence of Jesus using violence or force, some argue that it was well within his rights although pacifists find his actions hard to understand. It is evidence for christians that we should stand up for what we believe in. Paying Roman Taxes Some of the pharisees and herodians wanted to catch Jesus out so they could accuse him of blasphemy. They asked Jesus if they should pay taxes or not, he knew they had come to try and catch Jesus out so he asked them if they had a coin. They brought him a coin and Jesus asked them whose portrait is on the coin. They replied Caesar so Jesus said Give to Caesar what is caesar s and to God what is God Jesus had to be careful when responding to the pharisees and herodians because if he had said don t pay taxes then the Romans would have arrested him but if he told the jews to pay taxes he would have lost followers. We would describe Jesus response as clever as it did not get him into trouble with the Romans or the Jews. Christians in the 21st century could follow Jesus teaching in this story because it tells us to be good citizens but not to forget what they give to God. In this story the Religious leaders were breaking the commandment do not worship false idols as the emperor's face is on the coin. Jesus and the Outcasts: Jesus helping outcasts shows he has come to help those who need it regardless of who they are and what they ve done in the past. Unlike the officials or government, God accepts everyone.

14 The call of Levi and eating with sinners Jesus was teaching beside the lake, he saw levi sitting at the tax collector's booth. He told him to follow him and Levi did Levi was not liked because he was a tax collector so it would have shocked the crowd and the other disciples that Jesus chose him. However like the other disciples Levi followed immediately. Jesus was eating at Levi s house with many other tax collectors and sinners. When the teachers of law saw them they asked why does he eat with sinners Jesus replied It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners Jesus made himself ritually unclean because he entered the house of a tax collector, but he was there to offer forgiveness and cure the spiritually sick. Not to appeal to the teachers of law. The man with Leprosy A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged him to cure him, Jesus was filled with compassion so he touched the man and cured him. Jesus sent him to a priest and told him not to tell anyone what had happened If you had Leprosy you were thought to be unclean so lepers were driven out of society. Those claiming to be cure had to have a priest confirm it before they could be accepted back into society. The man was very desperate as begged on his knees, he was however not supposed to approach anyone because he was a leper. But It shows he had faith in Jesus ability to cure him. Jesus shows compassion by agreeing to heal the man but he also touched him as well even though he didn t need to to heal him. He tells the man to go straight to the priest so he can be welcomed back into society but he also tells him not to tell anyone so he would keep the messianic secret. The call of levi shows how jesus wanted everyone to be included in his ministry even if this would shock everyone else. The story eating with sinners shows Jesus wanted to teach and help those who needed it most, first. It is also a lesson to all those who treated tax collectors and other sinners like outcasts. The man with leprosy shows us that Jesus wants to help people which is what his ministry is all about. The greek woman s daughter Jesus was staying at a house near the city of tyre, but he didn t want anyone to know he was there. A woman from syria came to Jesus and begged him to drive the demon out from her daughter. Jesus replied Let us first feed the children. It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs The woman protested even the dogs under

15 the table eat the children s leftovers. Then Jesus said because of her answer when she went home she would find the demon gone from her daughter Children = Jews, Dogs = Gentiles. Jesus says that the jews should have the teaching first but the woman says that the Jews have already had the good news so shouldn t the Gentiles get it too. Jesus was impressed by her answer so he cures her daughter, but he shows discrimination at the start of the story because he refuses to heal her because she is a Gentile. The woman with the haemorrhage A woman with a haemorrhage had spent all her money on different treatments and doctors but her condition only got worse. When she heard about Jesus she followed behind him and touched his cloak, she was healed immediately. At once Jesus could feel the power going from him so he turned round and asked the crowd Who touched me. The woman fell to his knees and told him what had happened, jesus replied Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering The woman was unclean so she shouldn t have approached anyone, especially Jesus. She only touched Jesus cloak so it shows how strong her faith is and how powerful Jesus is. Jairus daughter Jesus was by the lake when Jairus came up to him, he fell at his feet and pleaded with jesus to heal his daughter who was dying. While on the way to Jairus house some of the teachers said why bother your daughter is dead but Jesus carried on anyway. Jesus went into the house with Peter, James and John where he found people crying and wailing. He said to them The child is not dead, but asleep he took her hand and said Little girl, I say to you, get up!. Immediately she stood up and walked around but Jesus told them not to tell anyone Jairus was a religious leader so it shows he had faith if he would go see Jesus. Jesus also shows he is compassionate and gentle by how he treats the girl. Some christians believe that the girl was just unconscious or it was a parable showing that death is not the end. There are many christians however who believe because he is the son of God anything is possible for him. This story is important because it shows the greatness of God s power and gives hope that there is life after death. The healing of Blind Bartimaeus A blind man, Bartimaeus heard Jesus coming so he shouted Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! many told him to be quiet but Jesus told him to come to him. Jesus asked him What do you want me to do for you? and the man replied Rabbi, I want to see so Jesus said Go, your faith has healed you. Immediately he could see again and

16 he followed Jesus along the road. Bartimaeus calls Jesus the son of David in front of everyone but Jesus does not shout at him because he is ready to be captured. He is told that his faith has saved him, signifying both physical and spiritual healing. He also leaves everything behind and follows Jesus showing faith and spiritual healing. Unit 6 - Discipleship The calling of the first four Jesus was walking along the shore of the lake Galilee when he saw Simon and his brother Andrew fishing, he told them to come with him and Jesus would teach them to be fishers of men. He also called James and John who were fishermen as well. The story of the calling of the first four is significant because Jesus tells them he will make them fishers of men. Meaning they are not just to be his followers but also to become leaders and share in Jesus ministry. Also they recognised Jesus authority instantly because they respond to Jesus call immediately. The mission Jesus sent the disciples out in twos with only a staff and sandals, there where not to take any food, money or extra clothes. He told them to stay where they were welcome and if nobody would listen in the town they should leave and shake the dust of their feet. So the disciples drove out many demons, anointed and healed many sick people. This story is significant because Jesus knew he had a short time left so he sent the disciples out as well. He wanted the disciples to bring only the essentials because he wanted them to trust in God and that he would provide after Jesus died. He also gave the disciples the authority to perform exorcisms and heal the sick like he could. Peter s promise They went to the mount of olives and Jesus told them that it is written I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered but Peter said he would never leave Jesus. But Jesus told him that before the cock crows twice he would disown him 3 times. But peter denied it saying he would even die for Jesus Jesus makes it clear here that his death is part of God s plan and that he accepts it. We also get across Peter s devotion and personality in this story. Peter s Denials While peter was in the high priest's courtyard a woman came up to him and said he was with Jesus. Peter denied it saying she was mistaken, but the woman said it again but this time others heard. Peter denied it again but others said he must be one of

17 Jesus followers because he comes from Galilee. Peter told them he did not know Jesus and the cock crowed twice, he then remembered what Jesus said to him and broke down crying. The twelve: Role models Peter: Rolemodel? Good scribe as he wrote down most accounts in Gospel Good friend as he shouts at Jesus in Caesarea Philippi when he says he is going to die Gives up everything to follow Jesus At transfiguration he respects Moses and Elijah Let down? He denied Jesus 3 times Runs away when Jesus gets arrested Fell asleep in Gethsemane Argues with Jesus at Caesarea Philippi The Disciples: Role Models? They followed Jesus even though they knew it would be dangerous In the end they all died while trying to spread Jesus word Helped to heal and save many people Let downs? They all abandoned Jesus at the trials and when he was crucified They didn t believe that Jesus had risen Resorted to violence in Gethsemane They were upset that one would betray him The kingdom of God parables Jesus uses parables because they are open to interpretation and those listening can work it out for themselves, they refer to things that people would understand and they

18 are entertaining and easier to remember. Detail Farmer scatters seed Seeds on path eaten by birds Seed on rocky ground, can t grow deep roots, scorched by sun Seed on thorny ground choked by weeds Seeds on fertile ground, good honest Meaning Farmer=God/Jesus/disciple Seeds=Word of God Birds=Satan/temptation. They hear the message but it gets taken straight away due to temptation They receive the message but doesn t sink in deep enough so when in trouble or persecuted they give up on God They hear the message but are distracted by worries or desires, so they don t carry on the message People who listen and respond to the word of God and are in the kingdom of God The parable of the sower tells us that God is spreading his word and only those who accept it and spread the message will be in the kingdom of God. Those who do not accept it or give up God in times of trouble or are distracted by material wealth will not be in the kingdom of God as they don t believe. The parable of the mustard seed Jesus tells us that once a mustard seed was planted and that it grew larger than any other tree. The plant was so big even birds could nest in its branches. Mustard seed=kingdom of God when it is small Plant=Kingdom of God when it grows bigger Branches= the church and the kingdom of God growing stronger Birds=anyone not jewish, shows kingdom of God is for everyone This parable tells us that the kingdom of God starts small but then it just grows and grows and that it will protect even the Gentiles. The cost of discipleship Jesus told the crowd If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the Gospel will save it

19 Jesus was saying those who put materialist comfort and pleasure first run the risk of losing what really mattered, eternal life in God s kingdom. The rich man A man ran up to Jesus and fell to his knees Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? he asked. Jesus told him to follow the commandments and the man told him that he always had done. So Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give it to the poor and then he would have treasure in heaven but the man s face fell because he was rich Jesus is trying to say that even though you may be a good and faithful christian unless you are prepared to give away your material wealth and help others then you cannot enter the kingdom of god. This story is still significant today because we are more likely to get distracted by riches and less likely to give it all away Jesus teaching on wealth Jesus said it is much harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God then for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. So the disciples asked Who, then, can be saved? Jesus said Everything is possible for God Jesus is trying to say that those who are rich have more barriers between them and God than those that have nothing. He says because it is incredibly hard for rich people not many do. This story is still significant now because we have a lot more material things that could be making a barrier between us and God. Jesus teaching on service Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many The things that matter in the kingdom of God are the complete opposite of what matters in the secular Roman world. Greatness in the kingdom of God is about service and giving to others. To be truly great we must follow Jesus example who gave his life to serving others. The Greatest Commandment One of the teachers of law asked Jesus which of the commandments is the most important jesus replied Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength and Love your neighbour as you love yourself. The man replied Love God and neighbour is more important than to offer animals and other sacrifices to God Jesus was impressed with the man's answer so he told him he was not far from the kingdom of God.

20 Jesus is saying that we must love God and we must love our neighbour. The widow's offering Jesus watched people in the temple giving their offerings, many rich people gave a lot of money but a poor widow came and gave only two coins. Jesus told the disciples That poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth but she put in everything she had to live on Jesus is teaching about motivation, why we do what we do as opposed to what we do. The rich men were putting in money just to look good and because they could spare it whereas the woman had love for God and trust in that he would provide for her so she gave everything.