REligious studies > LIFE OF JESUS
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Picturing Jesus
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Jewish Groups at the Time of Jesus
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Parables
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Jesus is a major figure in the religion of Christianity. He is believed to be the son of God and a messiah (Hebrew word- a promised saviour).
We have no accurate representation of Jesus, as he lived 2000 years ago so many artists picture him in different ways, mainly reflecting the artist's culture.
We have no accurate representation of Jesus, as he lived 2000 years ago so many artists picture him in different ways, mainly reflecting the artist's culture.
Look at the pictures above. These show a Chinese and African depiction of Jesus.
At this time, the Jewish people were divided into 4 different groups that all wanted Jesus for different reasons.
Zealots
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Essenes
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Pharisees
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Sadducees
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Parables are short stories with a special meaning that were told by Jesus as he travelled to spread the word of God.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
This parable tells the story of a young man, who worked on a farm with his father and brother, who wouldn't wait to be older in order for him to receive his share of the farm. He demands to get it instantly and his father does so. The man then spends it all and regrets his choice, so he goes home and begs his father to give him a job saying that he doesn't deserve to be his son and that he was sorry. The father forgives him, however, and holds a huge feast for his return. This annoys his older brother but the father explains that his youngest son was lost, but now, he was found.
What Does This Parable Mean?
This parable resembles God as the father and people who have sinned as the son. This parable tells Christians that God will always forgive you no matter what and always love you. It also represents the older brother as those who should accept those who have repented.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
This parable tells the story of a young man, who worked on a farm with his father and brother, who wouldn't wait to be older in order for him to receive his share of the farm. He demands to get it instantly and his father does so. The man then spends it all and regrets his choice, so he goes home and begs his father to give him a job saying that he doesn't deserve to be his son and that he was sorry. The father forgives him, however, and holds a huge feast for his return. This annoys his older brother but the father explains that his youngest son was lost, but now, he was found.
What Does This Parable Mean?
This parable resembles God as the father and people who have sinned as the son. This parable tells Christians that God will always forgive you no matter what and always love you. It also represents the older brother as those who should accept those who have repented.