Crucified under placard reading INRI: Iesus Naxarenus Rex Iudaeorum. Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Planned for a company of followers to carry on his work. Worked with a faithful band of disciples for two years, taught them about life in the kingdom of God. Introduced them to a new covenant that bound them together in forgiveness and love. Found it necessary to call for the loyalty of his followers without confusing the purpose of his mission with the objectives of the other parties among the Jews (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Essenes). Began his ministry by joining a new movement in the Judean wilderness led by a prophet, John the Baptist. Began his mission in Galilee, traveled from village to village throughout Galilee preaching in Synagogues and on the Sabbath. Main theme of his teaching was the "Kingdom of God". His popularity aroused much controversy. The Pharisee's challenges gave him

A Jewish faction, arising near the end of the inter-testamental period who emphasized those Jewish traditions and practices that set them apart from pagan culture. Their name means "separated ones" and they prided themselves on their strict observance of every detail of Jewish law and their extreme intolerance of people whom they considered ritually unclean. This piety and patriotism made them respected leaders among their people. Considered the rivals of the Sadducees.

[tags]BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, history, Pharisees, Sadducees[/tags]

A Jewish faction arising near the end of the inter-testamental period who were of Jerusalem's aristocracy. A conservative political group at the time of Jesus, these men still controlled the high Jewish council, or Sanhedrin, but they had little influence among the common people. They held their privileged positions with the support of the Roman government.

[tags]BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, history, Jesus, Sadducees[/tags]