What have we learned?• We have an understanding of

the context into which Jesus was born.

The Holy LandThe country where Jesus lived is known as the Holy Land. This is because the origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam are found there. At the time of Jesus, the Holy Land was called Palestine. Today, this country is known as Israel.

Life Under Roman RuleIn 63 BC, Palestine was conquered by the Romans andbecame part of the Roman Empire.

Religious Structures in the Time of Jesus

The SanhedrinThe Sanhedrin was the religious governing body located in Jerusalem. The High Priest was president of the Sanhedrin. Its members were made up of Sadducees and Pharisees.

The TempleAll Jewish people wanted to visit the Temple in Jerusalem at least once a year. It was Judaism’s most sacred building. The chief authority of the Temple was the High Priest.

The SynagogueThe synagogue was a meeting-place for prayer and the study of the Law.

The SabbathIn the time of Jesus, the Jewish Sabbath began on Friday evening and ended on Saturday evening, just as it does to this day.

What are the following groups collectively called?

We can name some of the sources of information about Jesus of Nazareth.

‘The source of any piece of information is where the information comes from; the evidence refers to the information itself. The New Testament is the main source of evidence about Jesus.’

What have we learned?

The gospels are documents offaith because the authors

believed that Jesus was the Sonof God. Each of the gospels

gives witness to the story of Jesus.

The historians Josephus andTacitus referred to Jesus intheir writings. They wrote

Documents of history.

Documents of Faith Documents of History

• We can differentiate between documents of faith and documents of history.

• We can trace the development of the gospels from oral tradition to the written word.

Stages in the writing of the Gospels

First Stage Life stage This began with the birth of Jesus and ended with his ascension into heaven.

Second Stage Oral stage When the followers of Jesus recognised who he was, they brought news of him beyond Palestine to other countries, eventually reaching Rome. This oral stage is part of the Christian oral tradition.

Third Stage Written Stage Written stage Eventually, the followers of Jesus began to write down the story of Jesus’ ministry and the circumstances of his death and resurrection. This written stage is part of the Christian written tradition.

What have we learned?

• We can identify characteristics of the Kingdom of God as preached by Jesus.

‘When people looked at Jesus’ actions and listened to his words, they caught a glimpse of the presence of God in the world, inviting their response.’

Characteristics of the Kingdom of God as shown in the parables, miracles, table-fellowship and discipleship of Jesus.

Jesus helped people to understand the meaning of the Kingdom of God. He demonstrated thecharacteristics (signs or features) of the kingdom by showing:

• how people living in the kingdom should love their neighbour;• how sinners and outcasts (outsiders) were to be treated in the kingdom;• how there should be a special place for the poor;• how women should be treated;• how people must love and forgive their enemies.• We can recognise these characteristics in the words and actions of Jesus and is followers, past and present.

Living the Gospel today

When people respond to the call of Jesus, God’s kingdom can be seen in their lives.

For example:The L’Arche Community, Trócaire, Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.

Outline the above examples in your own words.

What have we learned?

• We recognise moments of conflict in the life of Jesus.For example:Growing opposition to Jesus; Jesus challenges the teachers of the Law.

• We understand the Last Supper as a meal in the Passover tradition.

We have read and are familiar with the gospel accounts of the death of Jesus.

• The arrest of Jesus:

• Before the Templeauthorities andPeter’s denial:

• Roman trial:

• Crucifixion, death andburial:

Mark 14:26-52; Matthew 26:30 56; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-12.

Mark 14:53-72; Matthew 26:57–27:10;Luke 22:54-71; John 18:13-27.

Mark:15:1-20; Matthew 27:11-31; Luke 23:1-25 John 18:28 – 19:16a.

Mark 15:21-47; Matthew 27:32-66; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:16b-42.

We have studied the possible impact of the resurrection appearances on the followers of Jesus.

‘When the followers of Jesus realised that he had risen from the dead, they were confident once again. Jesus had not abandoned them, but had come back to them as he had promised, to be with them until the end of time. Now they fully understood who he was. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead and his subsequent appearances finally revealed to his followers that he was more than they could ever have imagined. Jesus had surely come from God: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” ’ (John 14:9)

What have we learned?We have an awareness of the emerging identity and development of the firstChristian communities.

‘Pentecost is the name given to the day when the followers of Jesus experienced God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus.’‘The disciples were sent out as missionaries and they worked hard to spread the Good News and build the early Christian community.’

‘The Christian community in Antioch grew as Christians fled from Jerusalem, where Christianity was outlawed. It was at Antioch that the name “Christian” was first given to the followers of Jesus. One of the challenges that faced the early Christian community was the tension between the Jewish and Gentile Christians.’

Modern Christian CommunitiesThe same statements in relation to faith, worship and way of life apply today to modern Christian communities. For example: Restoration Ministries is a faith-driven organisation that aims to restore and strengthen the faith and confidence of people who have been hurt byothers and by life.

We have examined some of the new titles for Jesus. (Higher Level only)

Son of Man

This title was first used in the Old Testament to describe a heavenly representative of great power and dignity, who would remain faithful to God and act for God and for the people in the event of a final time of trial or crisis. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus used this title fourteen times when he was describing himself.

Christ/Messiah

The word ‘Messiah’ means ‘one who has been anointed’. In the time of Jesus, kings were anointed to show their God-given authority. The Old Testament foretold that God would send a Messiah to save the people. By using the word ‘Messiah’ to describe Jesus, the early Christians showed that they believed that Jesus was the Messiah sent by God.

Son of GodThis title was used to describe the Risen Jesus. This term helped the early Christians to understand the bond between God and Jesus. It emphasised the fact that Jesus was not just a very powerful human, but that he shared in the very nature of God.

New CreationSt Paul gave Jesus thetitle ‘New Creation’because, in Jesus, Godhad done somethingvery new that affectedevery human being.There was now an eternal living link between the RisenJesus and the People ofGod.