The Death of Jesus

The same event, different perspectives

The Jews

Judea--powerful kingdom in ancient timesJews—own language, culture, religion

• Monotheistic• God’s chosen people• Society dominated by religion:

leaders, laws

• Promised a Messiah (savior)sent by God to restore the old kingdom, No one knew when or who

• Conquered by Rome in 63 BCE—sometimes leaders cooperated with Rome, sometimes not

• When Jesus starts teaching—some think he is the Messiah who will overthrow Rome and set up a new kingdom

Jewish Religion

• Strict laws all Jews should follow– What/when to eat– When to work/rest– What to wear– Taxes and offerings to Religious leaders– Strict punishments for dis-obedience

• Why? Ways to show faithfulness to God

Jesus travels and preaches• Jewish—learns traditions and

beliefs• 30-33 years old• Uses stories and parables• Has 12 disciples that follow and

work with him• Performs Miracles• Draws larger and larger crowds

Message:• Love your enemies• Treat all people with compassion• Forgiveness for sins by believing in

Jesus eternal life of happiness and peace

• God cares about people, not rituals

Stop and Discuss

• What was appealing about Jesus’ message? What kind of people would have liked his message?

• Who would NOT have liked Jesus’ message?

Jesus’ Popularity Enemies

Enemy #1: Jewish Leaders

Law and PunishmentJewish Law and Tradition (Deuteronomy 21: 18-21)

When a man has a son who is disobedient and out of control, and will not obey his father or his mother, or pay attention when they punish him, then his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of the town, at the town gate. They shall say to the elders of the town, "This son of ours is disobedient and out of control; he will not obey us, he is a wastrel and a drunkard." Then all the men of the town shall stone him to death

Jesus: Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15: 21-24)

• “The (disobedient) son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

• “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Sacrifices and OfferingsJewish Tradition:• Jews bought and sacrificed offerings in the

temple. Roman and Jewish leaders got a cut of the profits.

Jesus• And he (Jesus) entered the temple and

began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves…He was teaching and saying, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers. (Mark 11: 15-17)

Stop and Discuss

• Why would Jewish leaders have considered Jesus an enemy?

Why did Jewish Leaders dislike Jesus?

• Undermining Jewish traditions and laws

• Threat to their wealth and power

• Good relationship with Rome depended on things staying calm

Jewish Perceptions of Jesus

• Some like Jesus and his message

Some hope he is the Messiah to save

them from Rome

• Some fear his growing popularity

Enemy #2

The Romans

Sayings of Jesus

• “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near.” (Mark 1:15)

• “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power”(Mark 9:1)

• “…Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. (Matthew 27:11)

Stop and Discuss

• Why might the Romans dislike Jesus?

Why do the Romans dislike Jesus?

• Preaching a ‘new’ kingdom

• Encouraging people who were looking for a Messiah

• Potential Political Threat

What Happens?

• Jewish leaders arrest Jesus and bring him to the Roman governor for trial.

• He is beaten and crucified

Interpretations of Jesus and his death

• Romans: A trouble-maker who was publically executed for plotting against Roman rule

• Jews: A false messiah, a threat to Jewish religion and security, a criminal deserving death

• Followers of Jesus/Christians: The Son of God whose death was part of God’s plan to save believers

Resurrection and Return

• Christians believe that after 3 days, Jesus rose from the dead, proving he was the son of God and completing God’s plan for forgiveness and salvation.

• He also appeared to his disciples and told them to continue to spread his message. Then he left them and went to heaven.

Spread of Christianity

• The Gospels (become part of the New Testament)

• Apostles: Spread to Jewish communities in Judea, then in Rome (Peter)

• Paul: Spreads to Roman Communities

Was this typical Roman Behavior?

• Coming up…How did the Romans treat other

religions in their empire?