1. Jesus in the Temple Court – Mark 11:15-18 LO: To know the story of the incident in the Temple Court and to assess Jesus’ actions.

2. Jesus and the Jewish Authorities: The Temple Court Learning Objectives: To know the story of the incident in the Temple Court and to assess Jesus’ actions. Grade C: Students will be able to retell the story of Jesus in the temple court and will show an understanding of possible reasons for Jesus’ actions. Grade B: Students will be able to retell the story of Jesus in the temple court and will be able to explain possible reasons for Jesus’ actions. Grade A/A*: (as above) Students will evaluate whether violent protests can ever be justified. 5.3 (pages 98-99)

4. Read and put in your own words... The Temple Court The Temple Court, also known as the Court of Gentiles, was a place of trade immediately outside the temple. This was a space set aside for gentiles to pray who were not allowed inside the Temple.

5. Read and put in your own words... Background It was normal practise for people to buy pigeons on the way to the Temple; these birds would have been offered to the priests for sacrifice. Secondly, people changed Greek and Roman coins for temple money because Jewish law forbade the face of any other God to enter a holy place.

6. As you watch this clip, think about these questions:clip 1.Could you pray to God in this place? 2.Would you describe Jesus’ behaviour as violent? 3.Why do you think he acted this way? 4.Do you think he acted correctly?

7. 15 When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the Temple and began to drive out all those who were buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the stools of those who sold pigeons, 16 and he would not let anyone carry anything through the Temple courtyards. 17 He then taught the people: "It is written in the Scriptures that God said, "My Temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations.' But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!" 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law heard of this, so they began looking for some way to kill Jesus. They were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. The Incident in the Temple Court: 11:15-18

8. Why was Jesus angry? Imagine you’re home. The place you go to relax and be with your family. All of a sudden these strangers are there gambling and disrespecting your home! Would you be happy?

9. In the Temple... Their practise was corrupt as the money changers took high rates of commission. This means they were making profit out of people’s need to honour Jewish law. Jesus is defending the rights of the Gentiles to pray in this space, which has been taken unjustly by the traders.

10. However... What we see here is Jesus losing his temper! This shows his human side. He gets so angry he is actually violent! His actions did not change anything. He made his point but the next day there was still people buying and selling in the Temple Court.

11. 1.What did Jesus do when he entered the Temple ?(3 things) 2. How did he explain his actions? What was he not happy about? (2 things) 3. In this incident, was Jesus teaching others to use violence?  Yes Jesus did teach others to use violence because..  No Jesus did not teach others to use violence because..

12. ‘A violent protest is never justified’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Mark’s Gospel in your answer. (6 marks)