Chapter 2: Christianity takes root Lesson 1: The seed of the Church

Luke’s gospel What is a literary form? St. Luke uses two forms in his Gospel. Speech and summary. Let’s read Acts 2:42-47 page 35 of text What does Luke say the early Church believes and does? How would you compare this description to what you experience the Church believing and doing today?

The seed of the church Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. Page 35-36 Why do early believers seemed so willing to die for their beliefs?

Yay or nay Thumbs up for YES Thumbs down for NO Would you be willing to die… For the sake of the truth? To protect the life of a family member? To protect the life of a friend? To protect the life of a stranger? For your faith? For your country?

The person of Christ How do we know that Jesus was an actual historical figure? Group Project. Written. Heading. Look up references to Jesus in non-biblical sources: Roman: Tacitus, Pliny the Elder, Suetonis Jewish: Josephus, Babylonian Talmud Christian: Gospel of Thomas

The person of Christ Known as Jesus of Nazareth, records show he was born around year 6 BC. Born in Bethlehem, Judea. Outskirts of Roman Empire ruled by Caesar Augustus. Birth went unnoticed by Romans. It took decades for Jewish and Roman writers to mention him, usually to complain about his followers: the Christians. The Gospels of MMLJ are our source of Jesus’ history. Not biographical detail, but used to testify our faith.

The person of Christ The Gospels reveal nothing of Jesus’ life as a wood worker in Nazareth. Around AD 28, he was baptized by his cousin. After John’s arrest, Jesus began his ministry. “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” Mark 1:14-15

The Kingdom of God is at hand What does this mean? The Kingdom of God is not a place. It is the advancement of God’s power into all areas of life where it hasn’t been previously recognized. The coming of the Reign signals the ultimate power of God and ultimate freedom of humans. Freedom from what?

Handout #1 the four gospels Let’s read it together. “Synoptic” means “seeing together”. Group Activity. Heading. Written. Each group will be assigned a Gospel. Write 2 major characteristics of that Gospel. Research findings will be shared with the class. On the back of the handout, we will write the major characteristics of each Gospel together.

Jesus the teacher Jesus’6 Key teachings: God’s kingdom appears small, but its growth is inevitable. God’s kingdom is a gift to all. I knows no bounds. The good news of God’s love demands a whole hearted response. No more sin. Repent. Following Jesus means we must love EVERYONE. Jesus predicts that he will suffer, be killed and be raised on the third day. Being a Christian means picking up your cross and following Jesus, by being a servant.

Jesus the wonder worker Jesus performed many miracles, showing he was the Son of God. The disciples and the crowds saw the miracles and rejoiced. In pairs complete Chapter 2 Handout #2. “Miracles of Jesus”.

Reaction to jesus Jesus attracted many followers, but some groups rejected him. Sadducees: aristocratic Jewish leaders who controlled Temple worship. Roman collaborators. Pharisees: Jewish sect who disapproved Jesus’ law interpretation, even though they had a lot in common. Jesus called them out on hypocrisy. Zealots: political movement who sought to incite the people to rebel against the Roman Empire and expel it from the Holy Land by force of arms. Handout #3 “Who’s who?” Complete it with a partner.

Reaction to Jesus One group that reacted well to Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God was: the poor. The Israelites were poor and knew little about religion or Law. Other groups looked down on them. The Israelites did not care for the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Zealots. The poor lacked leaders and just hoped God would keep his promise and send a Messiah.

homework Written. Heading. Jesus and the Poor. 10 pts. Find 3 instances in the Gospels where Jesus’ message would really impress or relate to the poor. Be ready to share next class.

The parables Unique form of storytelling where the narrator uses common experiences that everyone can understand. Jesus used them so that even the simplest in his audience could understand. The parables lead to a single teaching point with a surprise or twist ending.

The parables Group Project: Let’s Act the Parables You will be assigned a number 1-4. Get together with your group. You will act for the class. Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9) Parable of the Lost sheep (Luke 15: 1-7) Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

St. Paul Born in Tarsus, Cilicia. Around the same time as Jesus. Known as Saul of Tarsus. Historians doubt he was wealthy/aristocrat. Saul was a member of the Pharisees. Persecuted Christians. On his way to Damascus, God revealed his Son to him. Saul converted, changed his name to Paul. Paul met the other apostles. The Apostle of the Gentiles. Preached and established churches for the next 20 years. Paul is Paul was stoned, arrested, and killed for his faith. During his arrest he wrote many letters (Romans)

Handout #4 Paul’s Journeys I will divide you into 4 groups. Each group will be assigned a “journey”. Work together. 14 Points. Write all names on handout to be turned in.

St. peter’s life project Scripture Connection page 63 Begin working on the chronology of St. Peter’s life. 40 pts Typed (heading) To be turned in at the end of the 9 weeks.