Chapter 4 Daily Life in Jesus Time – Culture & Religion Major Concepts Jesus: Born in a Particular Time and Place Palestine: Great Variety in a Small Land The People and Their Daily Life The Jewish Family: A Community of Faith Social Classes in the World of Jesus The Major Features of Judaism

The stories of Jesus in the New Testament emphasize that Jesus was a Jew, born in a particular place, within a particular culture, at a particular time in history. We need to appreciate the subtle influences of his culture (known today as “environmental influences”) that were so much a part of who He was and the message He shared. Jesus’ daily life enabled Him to speak to His fellow Jews using images they understood and situations they could identify with.

Examples of Jesus Life Experiences Woven into His Teachings As farmers, the Jews knew how to read the weather but could not read the times, i.e. what was happening in front of them: “Ye who can read the wind and stars but cannot read the times.” Meals were important in Jewish life. Jesus explained eating with sinners by virtue of being a physician sent to cure the sick: “Those who are well have no need of a physician…”

Experiences & Teachings continued Jesus’ apostles became afraid when He helped them catch too many fish for their nets to hold: He tells them not to worry, He was going to “make you fishers of men.” Jesus use of is knowledge as a carpenter: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye.. ?”

Today’s “Holy Land” in Jesus’ time: was known as: Canaan The Promised Land Israel Judah and, Palestine

He knew His Home Country Intimately About the size of Massachusetts, 145 miles north-south and from 25 to 87 miles wide. The people walked everywhere. Our textbook says they could cover up to 90 miles in two days. This explains how Jesus and His apostles appear all over the area so quickly. Historians believe Jesus probably never went further than about 55 miles from His home town.

The Jews Knew Their Home Land Well Because of its small size, people knew the country well They could categorize what people were like by the town or area they came from They would have known that Jesus came from the area which was expected to produce the Messiah but was at the time of Jesus’ earthly life an area of poverty and of no special significance

A Land of Diversity In-class, read together page 80 Geographic Diversity Varied Climate In-class, examine map and text on page 81 Gifts of Life from the Promised Land: Water: A Precious Resource Bread & Wine Animals For written homework, due Monday, answer the 3 Review Questions on page 82

What Have We Leaned About the Promised Land? In-class, read together “Give Us This Day” on page 83 The People & Their Daily Life Food and Meals of the Jews: Sharing a Meal: A Sacred Act Meat: On Special Occasions Only Common Fare (Food) The Dinner Table

The Typical House: Simple but Adequate Design & Construction & Furnishings Read together in-class from “John: Images from Daily Life” on page 87 Common occupations: Agriculture Fishers Trades, such as carpentry For written homework, due next class day, answer the 3 Review Questions on page 88