Why did Jesus cleanse the Temple?

Jesus cleansed the Temple to protest against the corruption and commercialisation of worship. He quoted Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, declaring that the Temple should be a 'house of prayer for all nations' but had become a 'den of robbers'. This action challenged the religious authorities and symbolised the need for spiritual renewal.

What is the significance of the Transfiguration?

The Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine glory and confirms his identity as the Son of God. The presence of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) shows that Jesus fulfills both. It also prepares the disciples for his coming suffering and resurrection, strengthening their faith.

How does the raising of Lazarus lead to Jesus' death?

The raising of Lazarus (John 11) caused many Jews to believe in Jesus, alarming the Sanhedrin who feared a popular uprising. Caiaphas, the high priest, argued that it was better for one man to die than for the whole nation to perish. This event directly triggered the plot to kill Jesus.

What is the Olivet Discourse about?

The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13) is Jesus' teaching about the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (which occurred in AD 70) and the end of the world. He warns his disciples to be watchful and faithful, using parables like the fig tree. It emphasises preparedness for his second coming.

Why did the crowds welcome Jesus on Palm Sunday?

The crowds welcomed Jesus as a political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule. They shouted 'Hosanna' (meaning 'save now') and spread palm branches, a symbol of victory. However, Jesus was entering Jerusalem to die for sins, not to lead a rebellion, which disappointed many.

What does the cleansing of the Temple teach about worship?

The cleansing teaches that worship must be sincere and focused on God, not profit or show. Jesus' anger was directed at those exploiting worshippers. It shows that religious practices should honour God and serve people, not become a means of corruption. This challenges Christians to examine their own motives in worship.

The later ministry of Jesus

AQA

GCSE

The Dhamma (Dharma) is a foundational concept in Buddhism, representing the universal truth, the Buddha's teachings, and the path to Enlightenment. It encompasses the nature of reality, the human condition, and the ethical framework required to end suffering.

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Topic Overview

The later ministry of Jesus covers the final period of his public work, from the Transfiguration to his entry into Jerusalem. This phase is marked by an intensification of his teaching, particularly through parables and direct confrontations with religious authorities. Key events include the raising of Lazarus, the Triumphal Entry, the cleansing of the Temple, and the Olivet Discourse. These narratives are central to understanding Jesus' identity as the Messiah and his mission to establish God's kingdom.

This topic is crucial for AQA GCSE Religious Studies because it explores the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry and the events leading to his crucifixion. Students must grasp the theological significance of these events, such as Jesus' claim to be the Son of God and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Understanding this period helps students analyse how Jesus' actions and teachings challenged the political and religious structures of his time, setting the stage for his passion and resurrection.

The later ministry also connects to broader themes in Christianity, including salvation, sacrifice, and the nature of discipleship. By studying these events, students can evaluate the impact of Jesus' ministry on his followers and the development of Christian doctrine. This knowledge is essential for answering exam questions that require detailed reference to biblical passages and their interpretations.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Transfiguration: Jesus is revealed in divine glory on a mountain, with Moses and Elijah appearing, affirming his identity as the Son of God and fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.
→Triumphal Entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, and is hailed as king by crowds, symbolising his messianic claim and the arrival of God's kingdom.
→Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus drives out money-changers and sellers, declaring the Temple a 'house of prayer' (Mark 11:17), challenging the religious establishment and emphasising purity of worship.
→Olivet Discourse: Jesus teaches about the destruction of the Temple, the end of the age, and his second coming, urging watchfulness and faithfulness (Mark 13).
→Raising of Lazarus: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11), demonstrating his power over death and foreshadowing his own resurrection, leading to increased opposition from the Sanhedrin.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure you can clearly define the Three Marks of Existence and provide examples for each
💡Use precise terminology when discussing the Five Aggregates
💡Be prepared to compare and contrast Theravada and Mahayana views on the human personality and the ideal of the enlightened person
💡Link the concept of Dhamma to the broader Buddhist path to Enlightenment
💡When writing about the later ministry, always link events to Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Zechariah 9:9 for the Triumphal Entry) to show deeper understanding and gain higher marks.
💡Use specific biblical references (e.g., Mark 11:15-19 for the cleansing of the Temple) to support your points. Examiners reward precise knowledge of scripture.
💡For evaluation questions, consider different Christian interpretations: some see the Olivet Discourse as fulfilled in AD 70, while others view it as still future. Acknowledging diversity of views shows critical thinking.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the Theravada concept of the Five Aggregates with Mahayana concepts like sunyata
Failing to distinguish between the Arhat and Bodhisattva ideals
Misinterpreting the Three Marks of Existence as separate concepts rather than interconnected aspects of reality
Overlooking the specific differences between Theravada and Mahayana perspectives on human personality and destiny
Misconception: The Triumphal Entry was a spontaneous celebration. Correction: It was a deliberate act by Jesus to fulfill prophecy and present himself as the Messiah, though the crowd's expectations were political rather than spiritual.
Misconception: The cleansing of the Temple was just about anger. Correction: It was a prophetic action symbolising judgment on corrupt worship and a call for true devotion, rooted in Old Testament themes (e.g., Jeremiah 7:11).
Misconception: The Olivet Discourse refers only to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Correction: While it predicts that event, it also points to the final judgment and Jesus' second coming, with layers of meaning for both the immediate and future audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•The early ministry of Jesus (baptism, temptation, calling of disciples) to understand the context of his later work.
•Key teachings of Jesus (e.g., parables, Sermon on the Mount) to see how his later ministry builds on earlier themes.
•Basic knowledge of Jewish religious and political groups (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots) to grasp the conflicts in the later ministry.

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

The later ministry of Jesus

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE Religious Studies

Authority

Beliefs about the nature of human life

Beliefs and teachings

Buddhism

How to Revise The later ministry of Jesus — AQA GCSE Religious Studies

Examiner Tips for The later ministry of Jesus

Common Mistakes in The later ministry of Jesus

Key Marking Points

The later ministry of Jesus

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus cleanse the Temple?

What is the significance of the Transfiguration?

How does the raising of Lazarus lead to Jesus' death?

What is the Olivet Discourse about?

Why did the crowds welcome Jesus on Palm Sunday?

What does the cleansing of the Temple teach about worship?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE Religious Studies

Authority

Beliefs about the nature of human life

Beliefs and teachings

Buddhism