GCSE RE - Marks gospel

What were the expectations of the Messiah?

Jews believed the messiah would fufill the prophecies of the old testament.

Jewish people looked forward to a warrior king who would free them from Roman rule.

What does the use of the title Messiah show about Jesus?

Jesus most likely knew the title would be treated with suspicion. Jesus finally accepted the title when questioned by the high priest.

Isiah spoke of a suffering servant

Isiah refers to the nature and suffering of

Who is the son of man?

The son of man is a title connected with the messiah. It is used in the gospels in relation to Jesus.

The title is also used in the old testament.

"His dominion is an everlasting dominion"

Significance of the son of man today

The title son of man suggests that the idea of God's rule - Jesus remains a mighty ruler sent from God for christians today.

The cross has become a symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made.

Christians today should understand that Jesus was a divine leader sent with the mission of salvation.

Who was John the Baptist?

jesus' cousin, considered a prophet, prepared everyone for jesus

"Prepare the way of the lord, make his paths straight"

"I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the holy spirit"

The significance of the baptism today for christians

It shows Jesus' divine origin

It gives an example for christians to follow

It is an indication of Jesus' willingness to take on the sins of humanity

examples of nature miracles

"Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"

Calming of the storm

"He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke the loaves.. they all ate and were satisfied"

The feeding of the five thousand

"Take heart, it is I; have no fear"

Walking on water

The meaning of the miracles for christians today

Some christians may take these accounts literally and some may not. However, all three show why christians can proclaim Jesus as God,Creator, and Lord of Nature. They show Jesus is both human and divine. Miracles show the kingdom of God is present, as well as a future event.

Christian responses to non-religious arguments

Non-religious arguments sometimes suggest miracles have natural explanations and can be scientifically explained.

Atheists would insist that even if there is no scientific explanation it does not mean jesus is capable of performing these miracles.

Coincidence and chance could play a part in any miraculous event, or accounts could be arranged or made up.

Christians believe Jesus' divinity is reasonable given the number and variety of miracles he performed.

Healing miracles in Mark's Gospel

"Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy"

The healing of legion

"Daughter, your faith has made you well"

The raising of Jairus' daughter

The meaning of the healing miracles today

For Christians, these show:

Jesus has the power to defeat evil and death

Jesus' power is bound to the faith of the individual

The kingdom of god is present

No matter how desperate things may appear faith in Jesus can lead to healing and renewal

"Who do men say that I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples who the people thought he was:

John the Baptist

Elias

One of the prophets

Peter replied "You are the Christ"

This story shows the mystery that surrounded Jesus

For catholics, peter's confession suggests that he was the most important leader of the early church

Jesus and his purpose

Peter's confession was a prompt for Jesus to begin teaching that the son of man had to suffer and die. This is the opposite of what the jews expected.

"Get behind me, satan"

Jesus reveals his ultimate purpose: Sacrifice as salvation for humanity

The messianic secret

Jesus repeatedly told his disciples to keep his status as the messianic secret

examples:

After raising Jairus' daughter, he tells the parents to not tell anyone.

After peter's confessison, Jesus warned the disciples to tell no one

When exorcising the demons, they did not permit them to speak as they knew him.

Transfiguration

"He was transfigured before them, and his garments became glistening, intensely white"

Whiteness demonstrates divine purity of Jesus

The Law and the prophets show their support for Jesus

Moses

Represented the Law

Reminded of the rescue from slavery in Egypt

Elias:

Greatest of the prophets

Challenged kings who were not true to religion of Israel

His return was a sign of the coming messiah.

The significance of the transfiguration

For Christians today, it shows Jesus is not a break from the old testament, he fulfils it.

Non religious arguments suggest that these visions provide no proof that Jesus is of divine nature.

Conflicts of Jesus - Healing the paralysed man

"And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, My son your sins are forgiven.

This is controversial as only God could forgive sins.

This shows Jesus' authority but also conflict with the authorities.

Observing the sabbath

The sabbath was a holy day that God had decreed should be kept free of work.

The disciples picked grain to eat on the sabbath, and the Pharisees said that was unlawful.

"Sabbath was made for man. not man made for sabbath"

Jesus the controversalist

The temple was the holiest place for Jews.

Jesus visited the week he was crucified.

He drove out those changing money - they made profit as they had to change their roman money to jewish money to buy temple sacrifices.

The significance of these conflicts

Jesus was unafraid to challenge those in power who were failing to live up to high standards.

He did not avoid conflict

He found the keeping of laws unacceptable when people were in need.

Jesus tried to demonstrate serving God and others in love.

The narrative of Mark's gospel

First half: Jesus' miracle and preaching

Second half: Peter confession, moving towards the end of his life and inevitable suffering.

Challenging Jewish authority bring Jesus closer to his arrest.

The purpose of Jesus' mortal life

The institution of the eucharist at the last supper allowed a continued relationship with Jesus.

The prayers in the Gethsemane demonstrated Jesus' human fear and the value of prayer.

The betrayal of Jesus acceptance of the persecution of the Christians.

The significance of the event for Christians today

Jesus death and resurrection are the central of Christianity- not his birth.

Jesus was messiah

What Jesus had said was true.

The call of the first disciples

After John is imprisoned , Jesus starts to gather the disciples.

"Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men" Religious leaders were appalled when they saw Jesus eating with a tax collector

The call of the first disciples- Significance today

Christians today can learn from the disciples unhesitating response

They may also need to give up things to follow Jesus

Those who are rejected can find a place with Jesus.

The work of the church is to communicate the message of

It should tell others of the good news and how it can transport lives.

Evangelical Christians also believe that public witness to faith is important in sharing the message of Jesus.

Other Christian may prefer to be disciples in their everyday lives by serving others.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A Protestant minister who believed that faith in Jesus should lead Christians to actively resist the inhumanity around them

Mother Theresa

Roman Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. she was granted permission to leave her post at the convent and begin a ministry among the sick.

Three challenges that Christians deal with today

Not obsessing over money and possession

Living a simple lifestyle

Christians are persecuted in some places in the world.