The relationship of Roman occupation with Jesus' life and work

Question 1

What was the ‘parable of a pharisee and a publican?’

Answer 1

Here, Jesus praised the humble faithed of the publican and condemned the spiritual pride of the pharisee. This would have been extremely shocking at the time

Question 2

What does Mark 2:15-17 describe?

Answer 2

Jesus being criticised for dining with publicans and replying that these sinner’s need God’s love and forgiveness more than ordinary Jews

Question 3

How did Jesus respond when asked whether a good Jew should pay taxes to Rome?

Answer 3

He points to the image of Caesar on a coin and says ‘give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’ (Matthew 22:21)

Question 4

What does the appearance of publicans and Roman soldiers in the gospels symbolise?

Answer 4

The idea that Christ’s mission is just as much to the Gentiles as it is to the Jews. Matthew’s gospel goes as far as to include scenes where Gentiles recognise Jesus’ authority while the Jews do not

Question 5

Why was Jesus referring to himself as ‘king of the Jews’ is a problem for the Roman Empire?

Answer 5

It could be conceived as a rebellion against Roman rule in Judea

Question 6

What is sedition?

Answer 6

This is trying to overthrow the government, the Roman punishment for this was crucifixion

Question 7

Give some reasons why Roman occupation of Palestine impacts our understanding of Jesus

Answer 7

• There were two people claiming to be the son of God; Jesus and the emporor
• Jesus’ values of love and forgiveness contrast with the violence and brutality of Roman rule

Question 7

Give some reasons why Roman occupation of Palestine impacts our understanding of Jesus

Answer 7

• There were two people claiming to be the son of God; Jesus and the emporor
• Jesus’ values of love and forgiveness contrast with the violence and brutality of Roman rule
• Jesus was executed by the Romans because he represented a threat to their regime
• Without understanding the Roman occupation, the role of publicans makes no sense
• The central question for Jews at this time was how to practise their religion where temporal power rests with a pagan empire. Jesus offered answers to that question that is still relevant today

Question 8

Give some reasons why Roman occupation of Palestine does not impact our understanding of Jesus

Answer 8

• His ministry was shaped by the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament
• Jesus’ values can be better contrasted with the harsh laws of the Old Testament
• Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death by Jewish Priests
• Since Jesus dies an atoning death, the regime that actually killed him is incidenta
• Things would likely have happened the same way if Judea was ruled over by the Persians or one of Herod’s sons