An Introduction To The Life Of Jesus For Quakers Inspired By The Musical Godspell Lesson 1 ~ Living Prophetically Suitable for ages 11 and older. These materials are meant for free distribution to individuals and nonprofit organizations. Images are from the public domain courtesy of Wikipedia.

Godspell was created in 1970 as John- Michael Tebelaks master's thesis project, at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most of the lyrics were from traditional Episcopal hymns, which he and cast members set to new music. Godspell moved to an off-Broadway production in 1971, was made into a movie in 1973, then was produced on Broadway in Our English word Gospel is derived from the ancient Anglo Saxon word Gódspell, which means good word. Jesus ministry and teachings are often called the Good Word or the Good News by Christians. The account of Jesus life that is told in the musical Godspell is from the New Testament gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Old & New Testaments: The books of the Christian Bible are divided into two major sections. The Old Testament are books from the Jewish Torah, their history, and religious laws. The New Testament books are the accounts of the life of Jesus and his earliest disciples and followers. Prophet: A person who can see the future or great truths that could affect the future. Prophecy: A statement about the future that comes true even though the person who made the statement could not have known what would happen. Messiah: A person who will come and save all people from suffering and lead them to a better life. Roman Occupation: The people of Israel during the time of Jesus, lived under the rule of Roman conquerors. Life was very harsh and the people did not have many rights. Devotion: This is a deep loving commitment someone makes to do something no matter how hard it is or even if they do not understand it completely. Definitions

In the Old Testament Malachi wrote: "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the Lord Almighty. This is one of the prophecies which predicted the life and ministry of John The Baptist. John was the son of Elizabeth. She was the cousin of Jesus mother Mary. Elizabeth was thought to be too old and unable to have children. She and Mary were pregnant with John and Jesus at the same time. Later when John and Jesus were grown up, John became a traveling minister who preached about the coming of the Messiah. He believed that it was his job to prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare Ye, the Way of the Lord At the beginning of the song is the traditional Jewish call to prayer. Rabbis call faithful Jews to prayers on the Friday evening Sabbath with a rams horn which is called the shofar. There is only one lyric: Prepare ye the way of the Lord. This song foretells the coming of a savior called a Messiah. The Hebrew people had been waiting for some one to save them from the terrible life under Roman occupation. Rabbis often preached that people should give up sinful ways and get ready for the coming of the Messiah.

In the Old Testament, another prophet, Isaiah, predicted that his suffering people would be led to a more peaceful way of life by the Messiah: The world also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Early American artist Edward Hicks (a Quaker) was so inspired by Jesus that he painted his idea of Isaiahs prophecy of a Peaceable Kingdom over sixty times. He included all the animals Isaiah described. And, in the background of this painting you can see Quaker William Penn signing a peace treaty with Native Americans. Hicks was born just after the American revolution during which his family suffered greatly. All through history people have wished God would send someone who would save them from their troubles.

When wilt thou save the people? Oh God of mercy when? The people, Lord, the people Not thrones and crowns, but men… Flowers of thy heart O God are they Let them not pass like weeds away Their heritage, a sunless day God save the people! Shall crime bring crime forever Strength aiding still as strong? Is it thy will, O Father That men shall toil for wrong? Oh, no, say thy mountains No, say thy skies Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise And songs be heard, instead of sighs God save the people! Save The People When wilt thou save the people? Oh God of mercy when? The people, Lord! The people! Not thrones and crowns, but men! God save the people For thine they are Thy children as thy angels fair God save the people From despair God save the people! When wilt thou save the people!? Oh God of mercy when!? The people, Lord! The people!! Not thrones and crowns, but men! God save the people! Oh God save the people!

Just when Jesus parents, Mary and Joseph, were about to be married and their baby was about to born, the government demanded that people return to the town of their birth so they could be counted. This was needed so the Romans knew who and how much they would charge taxes. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ~ Luke 2:2-14

Mary & Joseph eventually returned to Nazareth. The rest of their lives they devoted themselves to their family. They did this because they loved them. They also knew they had a challenging job to do raising Jesus. But they believed they had a duty to live up to the Old Testament prophecy: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6 Day by day Oh Dear Lord Three things I pray To see thee more clearly Love thee more dearly Follow thee more nearly Day by day… Day By Day

1.What would the Messiah look or act like today? 2.What do we need to be saved from today? 3.If we could work to make something important come true in our lives (live prophetically), what would that something be? Queries