Religious Background / Birth of Jesus / Module 3.1 / Religion and Ethics 1

Summary

This lesson, led by Sir JV, explores the religious background of the birth of Jesus Christ, focusing on Israel's leadership, laws, prophets, and religious practices. It covers key figures like the patriarchs, judges, and kings, as well as the significance of the Torah, the prophets, and the Jewish religious institutions such as the temple and synagogue. The video also highlights the role of priests, sacrifices, and major Jewish feasts like Hanukkah, Passover, and the Feast of Trumpets. The lesson provides a foundational understanding of Israel's religious history leading to the birth of Christ.

Takeaways

• 📜 The religion of Israel began with God's promise to Abraham, developing over 2,000 years.
• 👑 Israel's leadership evolved through three key stages: Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph), Judges (e.g., Deborah, Gideon, Samson), and Kings (Saul, David, Solomon).
• ⚔️ After Solomon's reign, the Kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam.
• 🌍 Israel was later conquered by several empires, including Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, affecting its religious and political landscape.
• 📜 The Torah, or the Law, given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, contains the Ten Commandments, serving as a guide for a righteous life and relationship with God.
• 🗣️ Prophets in Israel were God's messengers, warning the people of impending punishment and delivering divine messages. Major and minor prophets were prominent in the Old Testament.
• 🏛️ The Temple (built by Solomon) and the Synagogue became key institutions for Jewish worship, study, and prayer.
• 🕊️ Jewish religious structure included the Levites (helpers), priests, and the high priest, with the high priest entering the Holy of Holies during the Day of Atonement.
• 🎉 Jewish festivals played an important role in religious life, such as Hanukkah, Passover, the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), and Purim, each commemorating significant historical and religious events.
• 🎶 Despite various leadership structures, Israel believed that their leaders were divinely chosen to implement God's covenant and laws.

Q & A

What is the focus of the lesson in this module?

The lesson focuses on the religious background of the birth of Jesus Christ, along with the socio-political background and messianic prophecy.

Who are the patriarchs mentioned in the religious background of Israel?

The patriarchs include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Abraham is known as the father of faith, Isaac as his faithful son, Jacob as the father of a great nation (later named Israel), and Joseph as the dreamer who became the prime minister of Egypt.

What role did the judges play in Israel's leadership structure?

Judges were charismatic leaders who ruled Israel after the conquest of Canaan and the death of Joshua. They included figures like Othniel (the first judge), Deborah (the only female judge), Gideon, and Samson.

Who were the first three kings of Israel, and what were their contributions or failures?

The first three kings were Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the first king but lost favor due to jealousy and disobedience. David was famous for defeating Goliath but later committed adultery and murder, though he repented. Solomon was known for his wisdom and peace but fell into idolatry due to his foreign wives.

How did the division of the kingdom of Israel occur?

The kingdom was divided after the reign of Solomon due to heavy taxation and forced labor. It split into the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam.

What were the four major empires that influenced Israel's history?

The four major empires were Babylon (under Nebuchadnezzar), Persia (under King Ahasuerus), Greece (under Alexander the Great), and Rome (under Augustus Caesar). These empires dominated and shaped Israel’s leadership and religious structure.

What is the significance of the Torah in Israel's religious background?

The Torah, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, consists of the Ten Commandments. It serves as a guide for the Israelites to live in a right relationship with God and others.

Who were the prophets, and what role did they play in Israel?

The prophets were spokesmen of God who conveyed His will. They often warned the people of impending punishment if they turned away from God. Major prophets included Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, while there were also minor prophets.

What are the key Jewish religious institutions mentioned in the lesson?

The key religious institutions are the temple, built by Solomon as the center of worship, and the synagogue, which was a place for study, prayer, and assembly during the time of Jesus.

What are some notable Jewish feasts, and what do they commemorate?

Notable Jewish feasts include Hanukkah (celebrating the Maccabean revolt), Passover (commemorating the Israelites' escape from Egypt), the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah, a time of repentance), and Purim (celebrating how Esther saved the Jews from annihilation).