rs mark's gospel: unit 1 (the life of jesus)

Question 1

1.1 what does the word ‘gospel’ mean?

Answer 1

‘good news’
some christians believe it is the word of God in the sense that it was dictated by the Bible

Question 2

1.1 where does the authority of the gospel come from?

Answer 2

• it deals w the life of jesus and c’s believe it is an account of the life of the son of God and God reveals himself in a unique way
• c’s believe it contains the actual words of jesus
• J’s divine authority is expressed through accounts of his teachings and readings

Question 3

1.1 why was mark’s gospel written?

Answer 3

to support persecuted christians

Question 4

1.2 titles of Jesus: Son of God

Answer 4

• most important title that mark uses for J, J does not use this for himself
• used in baptism, transfiguration (voice from Heaven says ‘my son’)
• has authority, demonstrates God’s power as his son
• jews true to their faith were also called sons of God

Question 5

1.2 titles of Jesus: Messiah

Answer 5

• hebrew term for anointed one
• kings of Israel anointed w oil t be made holy: messiah believed to be from that tradition
• believed messiah would be descended from David
• J did not use as it was dangerous to claim to be the messiah and it would have ended his ministry early (blasphemy)
• lead to messianic secret

Question 6

1.2 titles of Jesus: Son of David

Answer 6

• all men are sons of David after King David

Question 7

titles of Jesus: Son of Man

Answer 7

• meaning for human being or a heavenly being of great power given by God
• J used this, safe title as people thought he was talking abt another person but followers linked w old testament meaning one coming w power at end of time

Question 8

1.3 What did John the Baptist wear and eat?
b) what was his role?
c) what does the use of water symbolise?

Answer 8

a) ‘clothed with camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey’
b) to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming: he was a forerunner to J and is the messenger who will announce his coming
“I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the holy spirit”
taught people abt the need to repent and once baptised, begin a new life
c) sign of repentance to turn away from sins and commit to a new life of God and make a new beginning

Question 9

1.4 what is the symbolism of:
a) water
b) heavens
c) the dove
d) voice
e) temptations

Answer 9

a) in genesis, the spirit of God hovered of the waters
b) sign of God’s presence
c) presence of God in the form of the holy Spirit
“he saw the heavens torn apart and the spirit descending like a dove on him”
d) voice of God “A voice came from Heaven “You are my son, the beloved; with you i am well pleased”
e) Jesus suffered, human side of J
“ He was in the wilderness for 40 days, tempted by satan”

Question 10

1.4 What is the significance of baptism?
How do christians remember the temptations?

Answer 10

a) beginning of a person’s christian commitment, baptised as baby or adult saying they belong to God, water is used
b) during lent, 40 days c’s give smth up or do extra e.g give to charity

Question 11

1.5 what can c’s learn from the story of the paralysed man?

Answer 11

• if you have immense faith in Jesus, miracles can happen
  ‘when Jesus aid his faith, he said “son your sins are forgiven”
• J has authority: “i say to you, stand up, take your mat, and go to your home” cures man

Question 12

1.6 what can we learn from the healing of Jairus’ daughter

Answer 12

• if you have immense faith in Jesus, miracles can happen
  “do not fear, only believe” when other laughed he believed and his daughter was cured
• J’s authority: girl was immediately healed “and immediatelt the girl got up and began to walk about”
• Jesus cares for everyone, “talitha cum” speaks aramaic and shows that gospel is written for gentiles and jews
• messianic secret “he strictly ordered them that no one should know this”

Question 13

1.7

Question 14

1.8 what can we learn from the feeding of the 5000?

Answer 14

• jesus’ compassion for humanity
  “they were like sheep without a shepherd” He is hungry and tired, but still he takes time to teach the people
• j’s authority: nature miracle, fed 5000 people from 2 fish 5 loaves
  “ he looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves’
• J as messiah; believed messiah’s reign would be marked w a great banquet

Question 15

1.8 what is the symbolism of:
a) 5 loaves
b) 2 fish
c) 12 baskets

Answer 15

a) 5 book of old testament
b) 2 tablets of 10 commandments
c) 12 tribes of Israel