Culture Politics During the Time of Jesus

Jesus' Countercultural Message

In his day, Jesus' teaching was considered Subversive. Today, we would say Countercultural, Alternative. Examples of countercultural messaging: The Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Lost Sheep, Workers in the Vineyards, healing on Sabbath

Romans and Greeks

In time, the Greek empire declined, and the Romans conquered the Greek kingdoms. In 63 B.C. Rome conquered the region of Palestine. Rome borrowed much of its culture directly from the Greeks. Art, architecture, religion were all heavily Greek. We call this Graceo Roman culture.

Greek influence

Greek influence began after the conquest of Alexander the Great in the 300s BC. Greek culture was powerful and appealing. Greek language, art, religion, and intellectual ideas spread.

Economic Status in the Time of Jesus

It was an agrarian society, and it was often difficult to survive. Double Taxes Roman Tax (crops and cash, 13%). Temple Tax: religious tithe to support the Temple and local Jewish administrators (20%). History reports that the tax burden was considered very severe. Commoners resented the taxes.

Zealots

Spiritual beliefs were similar to the Essenes -However, they wanted to fight the Romans. -Since they were "chosen" they believed they defeat the Romans. -They yearned for a Messiah.

Religious Factions and Politics in Jesus' Day

Factions had developed within Judaism. Each faction had an opinion on foreign influences.

For hundreds of years leading up to the time of Jesus, Israel had been occupied

First by the Greeks, and then by the Romans. Both of these cultures influenced Judaism. Greek and Roman customs mixed with Judaism. When cultures mix, it is called cultural syncretism.

1. During the time of Christ, Judaism in Israel was experiencing internal and eternal conflict

For centuries Judaism had a clear identity as the "chosen people," and their viability was in question during the first century.

Sanhedrin

supreme religious council of the Jews. 70 members and 1 high priest. Sadducees and Pharisees. It was controlled by Sadducees.

Messiah

He was called Messiah - anointed one. Christ is Greek for Messiah

The Kingdom of God: An Interpretation: The meaning of "kingdom."

In Greek, a word similar to 'kingdom" is "basileia." Royal palace or royal empire. Basileia means royal, noble, or heavenly. One may imply it to mean smart, beautify, and dignified. Therefore, Jesus wanted to bring "basileia" to the people. In this perspective, living life is an art. We want to live a life that is ennobling (dignified, royal) and creative (smart and beautiful). In other words, we want to dwell in the divine, and we want the divine to dwell in us.

Jesus' teachings in the context of Judaism Torah

Jesus emphasized the spirit of the Law (Torah) rather than the letter of the law. According to Jesus, Sabbath was about experiencing peace and wholeness. Therefore, it would be appropriate to work miracles and heal people on the Sabbath. He would restore people and make them whole again so they could experience peace and joy and the fullness of life. For Jesus, healing others was peaceful. Therefore, healing others on the Sabbath was not work.

What does Jesus' name mean?

Jesus is the Latin Roman name for Joshua—it means God saves.

How did Jesus challenge Jewish customs?

Jesus questions the religious purity/holiness code and strict interpretation of the Torah. He opposed the holiness code. He believed it created divisions in society and it wasn't compassionate Jesus Stressed Inner Transformation over strict ritual adherence to the Laws

What did Jesus teach?

Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is present now in our midsts. It's our responsibility and mission to make heaven on earth. Love God. Love Neighbor. Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Live the Beatitudes.

What was Jesus like before?

Jesus was a carpenter or a stonemason. (Was he rugged or gentle like he is often depicted in art?) Tradition says he was poor. He is from tiny Nazareth, but Sepphoris, a cosmopolitan Greek/Roman city was nearby.

The Jesus Movement

Jesus' following was known as "The Way," and it was considered a Jewish sect. The Jesus Movement was a renewal movement within Judaism. His first followers were Jewish, and they celebrated Jewish Sabbath and Sunday Eucharist. Members of "The Way" would celebrate with a meal. They called this meal "Agape." Agape translates into "love feast"

Major Political Entities in the Time of Jesus Herod The Great

King of Palestine, appointed by the Roman Emperor. Ruthless leader. Great Builder. An architect. Wanted to make Jerusalem like Athens or Rome. Built a huge Temple in Jerusalem. Built theatres, baths, and circus, everything you find in a great city. According to the Gospel, he died soon after Jesus' birth. He died in 4 BC.

Major Political Entities in the Time of Jesus Pontis Pilate

Roman procurator, Syrian Greek descent, a Roman military leader at the time of Jesus death. He governed Judea. Herod sons were ousted because they were considered incompetent.

Jesus' teachings in the context of Judaism Sabbath

Sabbath is a canopy of peace. It's like a richly set table, a time to enjoy life's blessings. Your home is a dwelling place for God.

Why was Jesus crucified?

The Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy. (Define: the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk.) They feared his movement was growing too big.. They feared that if Jesus and his followers rebelled against the Romans, the Romans would crush the rebellion and rule directly.

The Cultural Milieu: The cultural atmosphere.

There was a general sense that the End Time was near. It is within the context of these disputes and turmoil that Jesus taught. Jesus spoke as though the Kingdom of God was already present on Earth In effect, Jesus and his followers were in the midst of the end time. God 's presence was working to restore and fulfill the covenant.

Result of influence of Greek and Roman culture on the Jews

There was pressure for the Jews to assimilate. However, Jews were not going to accept Greek and Roman religion.Those religions were considered impure and unholy Greeks and Romans didn't believe in the One God or the Mosaic Law (Torah)

Major Political Entities in the Time of Jesus Roman Rule

They appointed local aristocrats to run normal operations.

Essenes

They felt betrayed by the Jewish religious authorities. Felt like mainstream life was impure, so they moved into religious settlements in the wilderness. A monastic group, wanted to live pure because the end time was near. -Strict interpreters of Torah. -Shared everything in common. If you h

Pharisees

middle-class scholars, dedicated to the Torah and the oral religious laws. -They taught how people should live properly according to the Torah (God's Law) in day-to-day matters. -They embraced a purity and holiness code. Believed Jewish faith included every aspect of life. -They focused on proper prayer, food, family, daily life according to religious Law. - Despised the Romans. Thought the Romans were impure Wanted Romans to know that even though they were not in power, the Jewish people still maintained an identity and moral code that was different from those around them. -Sincere and devout Jews. They are essential in preserving Jewish identity and customs through history. -Modern rabbis can trace their roots to the Pharisees.

Jesus' teachings in the context of Judaism Shalom

peace, wholeness, a meaningful life. You are awake and ready to use your creativity.

Sadducees

priestly upper class, aostocrats , educated. They were priests in the Temple. Believed the Temple was the focal point of all Jewish life. Controlled the Temple and sacrificial rituals in the Temple. Believed Jewish identity as the Chosen people relied on ritual purity in the Temple. They represented the local concerns of the Jews with the Romans.