chapter 4- daily life in Jesus time

Question 1

why is sharing a meal a sacred act in ancient jewish time

Answer 1

• it shows a sign of unity and friendship

- whenever a meal is shared in the gospels, something very significant is happening

Question 2

why did people react so strongly when Jesus ate with the sinners

Answer 2

• Jesus was trying to show a continually forgiving love, despite his disapproval of their sins

Question 3

explain the typical housing situation in ancient Jewish times

Answer 3

• majority of the houses of the lower class were one room, white washed cubes
• only one door and divided in half because of their animals
• some were built into hills or clays baked into bricks
• only the rich houses were made out of stone
• commoners houses were made of wattling, which consisted of poles bounded together by reeds and grass then covered with earth.

Question 4

explain the occupations of ancient Jewish times

Answer 4

• agriculture-work related to earth
• farmers-also shepherds
• fishers-men of courage and patience and healthy spirits
• trades-carpentry like Jesus

Question 5

ancient jewish family: marriage

Answer 5

• men married no later than 20 years old
• women married as soon as they could bear a child, 12.5 years old
• arranged by parents
• preceded by engagement of about a year, this gave the couple to know each other
• engaged women who are found guilty of adultery was stoned to death
• adultery for males only is the woman is engaged or married

Question 6

ancient jewish family: weddings

Answer 6

• lasted for more than a week

- there was much eating and drinking

Question 7

ancient jewish family: husbands role

Answer 7

• chief leader of the family
• would be called master or lord by the wife
• sons and daughters were his property and could be sold into slavery if they committed a crime
• could kill children if they disobey him

Question 8

explain why ancient jewish society was considered patriarchal

Answer 8

• women were considered the property of men
• women did not eat with men but ate while standing and serving them
• women are restricted to certain areas of the temple

Question 9

how did Jesus combat this patriarchal society

Answer 9

• Jesus spoke out against the discrimination of women
• Jesus often spoke to women although this was looked upon negatively
• made the poor and weak the centre of his ministries
• embraced the unclean
• condemned all social oppression and anything that kept people from experiencing the fullness of life itself

Question 10

did slavery exist in Jewish times

Answer 10

• existed among jews but not common to greeks and romans
• laws of Moses called for better treatment of slaves
• jewish laws demanded that slaves be set free after seven years of service

Question 11

explain the social class situation of ancient jewish times

Answer 11

• no middle classes
• few people were rich and many were poor
• some professions were regarded higher than others
• sandal makers and wood makers were thought to be better than perfume salesmen.
• lepers and the sick were excluded from the centre of religious life.