The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

Please take as much time as you have available to answer these and other questions that the video brought out. Jesus was born and raised in a Roman historical context which impacted greatly the decisions and lifestyles of various competing Jewish contemporary groups of his period. Be clear and concise in your answers, and where possible, support with Scripture! 1. List two of the main elements of the historical context of the Roman empire at the time of Jesus? In your opinion, how did these elements impact the coming of the Lord at the time of his first advent? 2. Briefly describe the key features of the following groups which reacted to Jesus during his public ministry: the Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots, and Herodians. 3. In what way did the response of each of the above groups to the Roman occupation influence and affect their relationship and response to Jesus of Nazareth? 4. What group, in your opinion, was furthest away from the claims of Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah? Which group was closest to and most open to the claims of Jesus? 5. What do we detect in Jesus’ response to these groups that shows that he was aware of their reaction to him? Was Jesus especially open to or critical of any one of the groups? Explain.

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Student Questions and Response

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6. Do you think that the opposition that Jesus faced by one or more of the above groups was to be expected in light of the Roman occupation?