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Teacher Context Resources

Introduction

The four gospels of the New Testament record the history of the Son of God – and not a biography of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Gospels do not provide any substantial biographies about the people we learn about. These teacher resources relate to the audio and print versions of ‘The Story of the Messiah.’

Jesus Christ lived his life at a particular time and place in history. The Gospels record significant events in the life of Jesus, but do not provide the details of the culture or religion that adds texture and depth to most events in the Gospels.

There are many resources available for the scholar who has a deep interest in the life and times of Jesus Christ. Perhaps Alfred Edersheim (1825 – 1889) produced the most definitive reference material available. He was a Jewish convert to Christianity and was a renowned Biblical scholar. His books were extraordinarily valuable in providing helpful background information. His works include:
  • The Temple and its Ministry and Services at the Times of Jesus Christ (London, 1874)
  • Bible History (7 volumes, 1876-87)
  • Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ (1876)
  • The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (2 volumes, 1883)
Our objective is to provide background information that will serve to enhance ‘The Story of the Messiah’. Teachers can use this information in classroom situations as a means providing helpful information about the events that are described. Comments are offered for those events in each episode or chapter where the information is thought to be helpful. Topics include:

Travel and Commerce in Galilee and Judea

Reference: Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Upbringing and Education of Jewish Children

Reference: Sketches of Jewish Social Life
Edersheim: Life and Times, Chapter 9, The Child-life in Nazareth

Again, we return to the words of Saint Peter: “As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1.3 NLT)

Teacher Context Guide Index

Click here for complete Context Guide (PDF)

Click one of the chapter numbers below for context on the events in that chapter (please note that chapter numbers correspond with episode numbers for the 28-episode audio version of 'The Story of the Messiah'):

Chapter 1  The Annunciation
Chapter 2  The Birth of Jesus Christ
Chapter 3  The Temptation of Jesus Christ
Chapter 4  Public Ministry of Jesus Christ
Chapter 5  The Kingdom of God
Chapter 6  The First Disciples
Chapter 7  Jesus - Lord of the Sabbath
Chapter 8  The Sermon on the Mount
Chapter 9  Healing, Questions & Parables
Chapter 10  Calming the Storm - Miracles
Chapter 11  Jesus Walks on the Sea - Feeds 4,000
Chapter 12  The Transfiguration
Chapter 13  The Mission of the 70 Disciples
Chapter 14  The Good Samaritan - Lord's Prayer
Chapter 15  Trust in God
Chapter 16  The Good Shepherd
Chapter 17  Jesus and His Passion
Chapter 18  The Cost of Being a Disciple
Chapter 19  The Coming Kingdom of God
Chapter 20  Jesus and the Children
Chapter 21  Palm Sunday
Chapter 22  The Last Supper
Chapter 23  The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 24  The Prayer of Jesus and Betrayal
Chapter 25  The Trial of Jesus Christ
Chapter 26  The Crucifixion
Chapter 27  The Resurrection from the Dead
Chapter 28  He is Alive - Jesus Christ Lives