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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Jesus’ baptism Mk. 1:9-11 To point out the importance of Jesus’ baptism:
the meaning of baptism in the days of Jesus and today
Jesus coming to John for His baptism
the signs of God’s approval of Jesus
Temptation The temptation of Jesus Mk. 1:12-13; Lk.
4:1-13
To explain the significance of the temptation of Jesus:
the background to the temptation of Jesus
the nature of the temptation
Jesus’ replies
To demonstrate how it is possible to overcome temptations in daily life:
obedience to God, submission to the teaching of the Bible, and determination to resist Satan
Jesus calls ordinary people to be His disciples
To show that discipleship is a call from Jesus:
Jesus calls four fishermen to be His
disciples Mk. 1:16-20 Jesus calls ordinary people to be His disciples Jesus calls Levi, the tax-collector to
be His disciple
Mk. 2:13-17 the meaning of “disciple”
Jesus sends out the
Apostles Jesus chooses the 12 Apostles Jesus sends out the Apostles to preach
Mk. 3:13-19 Mk. 6:7-13
the appointment of the 12 Apostles
the meaning of “apostle”
the work, power (authority) and mission of the disciples/apostles
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Miracles
Healing Jesus heals a leper
The man with a paralysed hand Jairus’ daughter
The woman who touched Jesus’
cloak
A woman’s faith
Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida
Mk. 1:40-45 Mk. 3:1-6
Mk. 5:22-23, 35-43 Mk. 5: 24-34 Mk. 7:24-30 Mk. 8:22-26
To show that Jesus has the power to heal and that it is part of His ministry:
Jesus performs the healing miracles because of His compassion and the people’s faith
the different reactions of the people to these miracles
Jesus keeps His identity hidden in some of these miracles
Authority over evil spirits
Jesus heals a man with evil spirits Jesus heals a boy with an evil spirit
Mk. 5:1-20 Mk. 9:14-29
To show that Jesus has the power over evil spirits and that defeating evil spirits is part of His ministry:
Jesus fights to destroy evil spirits because of his compassion and the people’s faith
people’s reaction to Jesus’ words and deeds
Jesus reveals His identity in these miracles
Power over nature Jesus has power over a storm Jesus has power to feed 5,000 people
Mk. 4:35-41
Mk. 6:30-44 To show that Jesus exercises His power over nature out of His concern for the people’s needs, and to point out the importance of faith in facing difficulties:
Jesus calms a storm and feeds a multitude
the disciples are limited by their lack of faith and understanding
Others The Pharisees set a trap for Jesus by demanding a miracle
Mk. 8:11-13 To emphasise why Jesus performed miracles:
the misunderstanding of people about performing miracles
Jesus’ standpoint on performing miracles
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Transfiguration Mk. 9:2-8 To point out the glory of Jesus in His transfiguration:
confirmation of the divinity of Jesus
the appearance of Moses and Elijah, and the voice of God acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God
Passion
Jesus’ predictions about
His suffering Jesus’ three predictions about His
suffering Mk. 8:31-33,
9:30-32, 10:32-34 To show why the Messiah has to suffer:
Jesus’ three predictions about His suffering
the Messianic Secret
Peter’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ role
Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for His coming suffering
Before suffering Entrance into Jerusalem Mk. 11:1-10 To show how Jesus makes His role as the Messiah public, thereby fulfilling the prophecy:
riding on the colt into Jerusalem is a prophetic sign of Messiahship
the way the people welcome Jesus shows their misunderstanding of Messiahship
Palm Sunday
The anointing at Bethany Mk. 14:1-11 To show that the anointing is a preparation for Jesus’
death:
the Jewish leaders’ plot to arrest Jesus secretly
Jesus praises Mary’s deed
Judas agrees to betray Jesus
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes The Lord’s Supper Mk. 14:12-31 To explain the meaning of the Last Supper:
Jesus foretells His coming suffering and the reaction of the disciples
the Feast of the Unleavened Bread and the Passover
the significance of the Last Supper in the days of the disciples and in the church today
Maundy/Holy Thursday
Gethsemane Mk. 14:32-42 To point out how Jesus as a human being shrinks away from His suffering, but finally determines to do the will of God at all costs:
Jesus’ example: to pursue the way of God in prayer
Jesus exhorts the disciples to be watchful and to pray for strength to resist temptation
Arrest Arrest Mk. 14:43-52 To give an account of the unjust arrest of Jesus:
the roles of Judas, the guards, the disciples, the Jewish leaders and the false witnesses
Before the Council Mk. 14:53-65 To show how Jesus is condemned for acknowledging His identity as the Messiah:
the Jewish Council
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Peter’s denial
Before Pilate
Mk. 14:66-72
Mk. 15:1-15
To explain why and how Peter fails and denies Jesus, and to help students learn from Peter’s failure:
in spite of Jesus’ warning, Peter denies Him
the reasons for Peter’s failure
the importance of repentance
To show how Jesus voluntarily submits to the injustice done to Him:
the unjust and illegal trial
the parts played by Pilate, the Jewish leaders and the crowd
Crucifixion and burial Crucifixion and death Mk. 15:16-41 To give an account of the Crucifixion and explain its meaning:
the meaning of “crucifixion”
the fulfilment of prophecies
Jesus’ words on the cross
To compare the reaction of different people to the crucifixion:
the soldiers, Simon of Cyrene, the two bandits, the priests and scribes, and the bystanders Burial Mk. 15:42-47 To give an account of Jesus’ death and burial:
witnesses to Jesus’ death: Joseph of Arimathea, the Roman Officer, and some women
Jewish burial
Good Friday
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Resurrection and Ascension
The Resurrection Mk. 16:1-14 To describe the events that took place at the Resurrection:
the message of the Resurrection
the role of the angels and the women, including Mary Magdalene
the reaction of the people concerned
To point out the relevance of the Resurrection for Christians today:
Jesus promises His disciples power and authority, and to be with them always
Jesus gives His disciples the mission to spread the Good News
the meaning of Resurrection
Jesus is alive and present with His people
Easter
The Ascension Mk. 16:19-20 To explain the meaning of Jesus’ Ascension:
Jesus resumes His glory (the meaning of sitting at the right hand side of God the Father)
the Kingdom of God has come
Jesus’ followers worship Him and the Lord confirms their work for the Kingdom of God with the signs of the Messianic Age
Jesus’ Teachings
Kingdom of God To point out the characteristics of the Kingdom of
God and its citizens:
The coming of the
Kingdom of God The Lamp under the Bowl Mk. 4:21-23 The Lamp under the Bowl: the secret of the Kingdom of God is to be disclosed
The Growing Seed Mk. 4:26-29 The Growing Seed: the inward invisible growth of the Kingdom
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
The Mustard Seed Mk. 4:30-34 The Mustard Seed: the outward visible growth of the Kingdom
Ways to the Kingdom of God
Repent and believe the Gospel Virtue of love
Mk. 1:15 Mk. 9:41-50
demands repentance and faith
purity of heart Jesus blesses little children Mk. 10:13-16 childlike humility The rich young ruler Mk. 10:17-27 whole-hearted devotion
The Kingdom of God is come – the End of Days
Prediction of the “throwing down”
of the Temple
Mk. 13:1-6 the “throwing down” of the Temple is coming;
and many people will pretend to be the Messiah No man knows when the Day will
come Mk. 13:32-37 a man taking a long journey: servants should
watch out and get ready for the return of the master
Will of God
Teachings for His disciples
To understand how to take the responsibilities of a citizen in the Kingdom of God:
Life style Humility and service Mk. 9:33-37 the least is the greatest in the Kingdom of God To be a servant of others Mk. 10:42-45 take Jesus as a role model in serving others To remember Jesus Mk. 14:22-25 take Jesus’ body and blood in order to remember
Jesus’ salvation for all
Promises Whoever is not against us is for us Mk. 9:38-41 a willingness to accept other servants of God Detachment and rewards Mk. 10:28-30 to give up what one has in the world will receive
God’s reward
Receive the Holy Spirit Jn. 20:19-23 the risen Jesus sends his disciples, grants the Holy Spirit and the power of remitting and retaining sins to them
Cost and mission Take up one’s cross and follow Jesus Mk. 8:34-38 renunciation and self-denial Go into the world and preach the
Gospel to every creature
Mk. 16:15-20 preaching the Gospel is the mission given by Jesus before His Ascension
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Parables To explain Jesus’ purpose in using parables, and to
introduce some parables and show their relevance to our daily lives:
Parables about the
Kingdom of God The Sower Mk. 4:1-20 The Sower: the different responses to God’s message
The Tenants in the Vineyard Mk. 12:1-12 The Tenants in the Vineyard: the Jewish leaders’
rejection of the prophets and the Messiah
Parables about the End of Days
Ten Virgins Mt. 25:1-13 Ten Virgins: people have to prepare well for the arrival of the End of Days all the time
The Sheep and the Goats Mt. 25:31-46 The Sheep and the Goats: the qualifications to enter into the Kingdom of God at the End of Day
Parables about moral conduct
The Unmerciful Servant Mt. 18:21-35 The Unmerciful Servant: the basic attitude of forgiveness
The Good Samaritan Lk. 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan: all people are our neighbours
Other parables The Talents Mt. 25:14-30 The Talents: the need to use our talents well in order to be a good steward of talent
The Lost Sheep The Lost Son
Lk. 15:1-7 Lk. 15:11-32
The Lost Sheep and The Lost Son: God’s
unconditional love and welcome for sinners who repent
Law To point out the true meaning of the Law and
traditions, and correct the misunderstanding of the Jewish leaders:
Laws and traditions The greatest commandment Mk. 12:28-34 to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God, one should love God and one’s neighbours, which is more important than offerings and sacrifices Forgiving sin Mk. 2:1-12 the true meaning of forgiving sin
Debates on Laws and traditions
Teachers of the Law condemn Jesus for eating with the outcasts
Mk. 2:16-17 God also loves sinners, and Jesus states that He comes for sinners
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Unit 2: The Origin of Christianity - Jesus Christ
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Conflict over ritual fasting Mk. 2:18-22 the incompatibility of the old and new spirit Conflict over the Sabbath Mk. 2:23-28 the Sabbath is made for people’s sake, and not as
a burden
Clean and unclean Mk. 7:1-5, 14-22 the real source of uncleanness
Traditions to the elderly Mk. 7:6-13 it is wrong to give traditional laws a higher position than the Law
A question on divorce Mk. 10:1-12 the true will of God about marriage
A question about paying taxes Mk. 12:13-17 people have different duties in response to their different roles in the world
A question about rising from death Mk. 12:18-27 resurrection exists
A question about the Messiah Mk. 12:35-37 the Messiah is both man and God
Sermon on the
Mount Sermon on the Mount:
Characteristics of the citizens of the Kingdom
To show that the Sermon is about a God-centred approach to life:
The Beatitudes Mt. 5:3-12 (a) ways that lead to true happiness Salt and light Mt. 5:13-16 (b) to be salt and light in the world
The six antitheses Mt. 5:21-48 (c) based on a proper relationship with God rather than religious rituals
Emphasis on true piety Mt. 6:1-18 (d) to trust God and not any material thing Attitude towards life Mt. 6:19-7:11 (e) to maintain good human relationships by
forgiving and not by judging others
The Golden rule Mt. 7:12 (f) to build one’s life on the teaching of Jesus and not the Jewish tradition
Three warnings Mt. 7:13-27 (g) to strive for absolute morality and impartial love
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Unit 3: The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes
Jesus’ Identity To show different views of Jesus’ identity from
different people:
Jesus in the eyes of the Jews
Using the power of Beelzebub Mk. 3:20-22 Teachers of the Law accuse Jesus that He is inspired by the devil since He has the power to cast out unclean spirits
Jesus is rejected at Nazareth Mk. 6:1-4 people in Nazareth know Jesus to be a carpenter and do not accept His higher status
Jesus is regarded as the risen John the Baptist
Jesus is regarded as John the Baptist, Elijah and one of the prophets
Mk. 6:14-16 Herod Antipas regards Jesus as the risen John the Baptist
people other than the disciples regard Jesus as John the Baptist, Elijah and one of the prophets
Rabbi/teacher Mt. 23:8-10 People regard Jesus as a rabbi, teacher
Jesus in the eyes of His disciples
Son of God Mk. 1:1, 3:11, 5:7, 14:61,
15:39
the disciples understand Jesus as Son of God as a result of His miracle-performing
Messiah Mk. 8:29, 14:61-62,
15:32
the Jewish views of Messiah at Jesus’ time
Jesus’ interpretation of the meaning of Messiah
Jesus’ understanding of Himself
Son of Man Mk. 2:10, 2:28, 8:31,
10:45, 14:62
the meanings of Son of Man: (1) has the right to forgive sins; (2) Lord of the Sabbath; (3) has to suffer; (4) the one who serves people; (5) will come back from heaven in glory
Development of the Early Church
The Ascension Acts 1:6-11 the promise of the Holy Spirit and the power to witness
the Ascension
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Unit 3: The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes Pentecost – the coming of the Holy
Spirit
Acts 2 To show that the Pentecost is the birthday of the church:
the form and gift of the Holy Spirit
Peter’s preaching Acts 2 To introduce the content of the proclamation of the Early Church:
Peter’s proclamation begins the active spreading of the Gospel by the Church Persecution of the early believers
(Stephen and James)
Acts 5:17-33, 6:8-15, 7:54-8:3, 12:1-5
To show the courage of the apostles as witnesses of Christ:
the apostles, forbidden to preach, choose to obey God and not man
the threat of execution
the faith of Stephen as shown in his arrest and death
Herod executes James
Conversion of Saul Acts 9:1-19 To give an account of the conversion of Saul and its importance for the development of the Church:
Saul’s vision of the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus
God reveals His purpose to Ananias and sends him to baptise Saul
To explain the nature of conversion:
the meaning of the conversion of Saul:
(a) complete break with his past (b) freedom from the struggle for
righteousness (c) displacement of self (d) complete change of values
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Unit 3: The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes Preaching to the Gentiles Acts 9:20-11:30 To show the source of Peter’s power to heal,
and to show the Gospel was spread in Judea:
Peter heals in the name of Jesus and many people believe
To show how God prepared to reveal His salvation to all:
God gives a vision to Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion
Peter learns in a vision that salvation is for all
Peter explains that the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles is the proof of God’s acceptance
To show the work done by the church in Antioch:
Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene preach to the Gentiles in Antioch and many Gentiles turn to the Lord
Barnabas is sent by the church in Jerusalem to help in Antioch, and Barnabas invites Saul to help
the term “Christians” is first used, signifying separation from Judaism
Antioch sends famine relief to Judea
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Unit 3: The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry
Topics Key Points Biblical References Explanatory Notes The Council of Jerusalem Acts 15:1-21 To explain the reason for calling the Council:
Paul and Barnabas bring the problem of circumcision to the apostles in Jerusalem To explain that the compromise of the Early Church enabled Christianity to become a world religion:
Peter emphasises that salvation by grace is for both Jews and Gentiles
four rules are drawn up to make it easier for Jewish believers accepting Gentiles as Christians
The Gospel spreads to Rome (Paul’s missionary journeys)
Acts 28:16-30 To show that Paul preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles in Rome
Development of basic Christian belief
Salvation The influence of Paul in the development of the
Christian faith:
Paul’s three perspectives of salvation
Change of sovereignty
Mystical transformation
1Cor. 7:23
Rom. 6:15-18 2Cor. 5:14-15
people are free from their sins by the precious blood of Jesus, and become servants of God
actual and symbolic meaning of death and resurrection of Jesus and His people Justification by faith Rom.1:16-17 the meaning of justification by faith
James’ concept of salvation
Faith and work Jas. 2:14-26 James’ teaching as a complement to Paul’s concept of justification by faith
New Commandment Love one another Jn. 13:34, 15:12 To show how John states that Jesus gives a new commandment to His disciples:
1Jn. 2:7-11, 3:11-18 love one another: one has to know how to
love another in the way Jesus loves His people
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2.2.3 Elective Part II: Faiths in Action (Choose ONE only)
Experiential learning activities are organised and structured around religious teachings and the way they relate to shared human experience.
Students can either engage in a social service programme or visit a place where religious activities are held. Teachers may help students to reflect on these experiences and to explore their meaning.