Untitled Flashcards Set

• Marianna goes from addiction to kinship and love.

• Saul Paul of Tarsus went from persecuting Jesus Christ's followers to being a follower and believer in Jesus Christ.

• Saul is present in the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen.

• Conversion is a profound change of heart, turning away from sin toward God. 

Saul’s conversion story begins with him going to the Greek city of Damascus with two companions to persecute Jesus’ followers. He has a theophany, a vision of Christ. He is knocked off his horse and is temporarily blinded. A voice calls out to him, “Saul, Saul, Why do you persecute me?” It was Jesus. Saul was taken to Damascus by his companions. In Damascus, Jesus sent a disciple, Ananias, to restore

• Paul is called the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” who were not Jewish but Greek. 

• He embarks on three journeys spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

• He suffers, stoning and scourging, and is imprisoned in Philippi with one of his traveling companions, Barnabas. He is escorted out of the city.

• As a Roman citizen, he ends up under house arrest in Rome for two years until his sentence is declared by Emperor Nero: death by decapitation.

II. What Is So Great About Jesus

• For two thousand years, Jesus has inspired Christians and non-Christians to become the best version of themselves.

• Thousands of martyrs have given their lives to spread Jesus’ message of God’s truth, love, and mercy. (ie. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, etc. )

• Jesus’ life, message, and mission are revealed in the New Testament.

III. Understanding the Gospel Stories

• If we learn about how people lived in the first century, many of Jesus's words and deeds will become more apparent.

1. What Was Life Like For Men And Women In Jesus’ Time?

• Women: wives and mothers did domestic tasks.

• Men: husbands and fathers, wage earners, and decision-makers.

• Patriarchal: rule by the fathers.

• Primary rule: commitment to family.

• Roman oppression of Israel.

• Few are wealthy families, and most are poor. (farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, traders).

• Roman gods, not Jewish God.

IV. Oppressive Leadership: NOT God’s Vision

King Herod (Judea)

• Ambitious, brutal, and successful.

• Rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem.

• Allowed local rulers to oversee small areas as long as they pledged their allegiance to Rome.

Pontius Pilate

• Roman governor at the time of Jesus’ Crucifixion.

• Known to be ruthless, he put down several Jewish rebellions with mass crucifixions of Jews.

Centurions (Roman soldiers)

• Commanders in the Roman army.

• In charge of 80–100 soldiers.

• Took orders from a higher officer or the Roman governor.

V.  Key Players in Jewish Religion

Chief Priests, High Priest (Caiphas)

• Led the religious services and sacrifices at the Temple; benefitted from Roman rule.

Scribes

• Scholars, teachers, and often Pharisees’ allies.

Zealots

• Revolutionaries; overthrow Romans!

VI. Mark’s Gospel: What Was Going On?

• AD 70, Mark writes for Christians in Rome

• Roman Emperor Nero persecutes Christians

• Some new Christians deny their faith out of fear (Apostasy)

VII. Mark Sets the Stage: Jesus Is God!

• “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God].”
  (Mark 1:1)

• “You are my beloved Son.  .  .  .” (Mark 1:11)  

• “At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert.” (Mark 1:12)

VIII. Jesus had feelings and emotions, too, just like us.

• Compassionate / Fearful

• Angry / Misunderstood

• Gentle / Distressed

• Joyful / Relaxed

• Amazed / Sad

• Hurt / Rejected

• Tired / Hungry

IX. Dealing with Rejection and Opposition

• The first half of Mark is about Jesus’ teaching and miracles. 

• But Jesus also met opposition and rejection.

• Like Old Testament prophets, he was rejected by his people in his hometown!

X. Who Do People Say I Am?

• JOHN?  - No, although Jesus also calls us to repentance.

• ELIJAH? - No, although Jesus also challenges authority.

• A PROPHET? - No, although Jesus also spoke for God.

• hometown!

X. Who Do People Say I Am?

• JOHN?  - No, although Jesus also calls us to repentance.

• ELIJAH? - No, although Jesus also challenges authority.

• A PROPHET? - No, although Jesus also spoke for God.

XI. Who Do YOU Say I Am?

XIII. Misunderstandings and Abandonment

• Disciples misunderstood Jesus:

1. They did not want the children to come to him.

2. Sought places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom.

3. Judas betrayed him.

• Disciples abandoned him:

1. Fell asleep in the garden.

2. Peter denied him three times.

3. Only a few women were at the cross. (Mary, his mother, and Mary Magdalene)

XIV. Jesus Dies, but Three Days Later 

1. The third day after Jesus dies:

   • Women discover the empty tomb. 

   • An angel tells them to tell the disciples.

   • Women run away in fear, telling no one.

   
   

   XV. The Rest of the Story: Mark’s Longer Ending:

   1. Jesus makes three post-Resurrection appearances to…

   1. Mary Magdalene.

   2. Two men walking along the road. (Emmaus)

        3. The eleven Apostles at the table.

       B. After giving the eleven Apostles instructions, Jesus ascends into Heaven.

   XVI. What Difference Does the Resurrection Make?

            The Resurrection of Jesus:

   • It is proof of the accomplishment of God’s saving plan for us.

   • Gives meaning to our suffering.

   • Transforms the meaning of the cross. (From Defeat to Victory/Hope)

   • Radically answers the question, WHY BELIEVE IN JESUS?

   
   

    Miscellaneous

   
   

   1. Apostle- Chosen by Jesus; Were called to leave everything behind (family, jobs, home, etc.) One who is sent. “Fishers of Men”

   
   

   2. Disciple- Followers of a teacher / Rabbi. They did not leave their hometowns but supported Jesus when He visited. (Hospitality)

   
   

   3. B.C.E - Before Common Era

   
   

   4. C.E. - Common Era