Who tells us how to “be Catholic”?

• To describe the three groups in Judaism at the time of Jesus

• To explain conflicts between these groups

• To evaluate which group Jesus felt closer to

Which one do you think is• a rich Jew, responsible for running the temple ? • a priest in the temple? • a teacher of the Commandments & Law of

Moses?

Pharisees, Sadducees and Priests

1. Draw 3 columns, or 1/3 page for each of these characters. Title in each column/ paragraph. Bullet point information about them from the sheet

2. Which characters would/ would not have got along with each other? Why? *Draw the characters!

Sadducees Priests Pharisees

Sadducees Priests Pharisees

They were wealthy, and they had a lot of influence among the Jews They had a lot of say in how the Temple was run• “sophisticated” wealthy Jews

who liked Greek culture. • They did not particularly

want to be “traditional” Jews• They did not agree with what

the Pharisees taught about the Law.

• they did not believe in life after death which the Pharisees did.

• They came from priestly families, and took turns to serve in the Temple.

• performed animal sacrifices in the Temple, especially at festival times

• They offered sacrifice to 0 praise God and make up for the sins of the people.

• They had to be careful to remain “pure” , or their sacrifice would be invalid. So they often took ritual baths to wash away any accidental “contamination”

• The separated ones• Experts in the law• Taught other jews how to

keep the Law exactly• Concerned about

remaining pure• Hypocritical and proud:

focussed on doing the Law, not on having a godly attitude.

• Prayed and did things for show.

• Jesus criticised them for this.

Say 2 things about each of these people.

PhariseePriest Sadducee

Watch the video. Which character is it about? What did they the

archeological dig discover?

From 2:45

1. Explain why priests had to wash in a “mikvah” bath.2. What sort of situations could make them impure?*From the video, what evidence is there for the existence of priests at the time of Jesus?

Homework

Read Luke 18:9-141. Describe the situation. 2. Explain what the Pharisee

was doing that was wrong3. Explain what the Tax

Collector was doing that was right

4. Do you agree with Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisee?

What does it mean if someone says to you “You are such a Pharisee!” ?

A self-righteous hypocrite !