Historian’s Research into Jesus
Cut out the following statements. Decide which ones could be historically true and which ones are Christian
beliefs.
Key:
Historical
Beliefs
Mark 1.9-11
‘Not long afterwards Jesus came from
Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was
baptized by John in the rive Jordan. As soon
as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw
heaven opening and the Spirit coming down
on him like a dove. And a voice came from
heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am
pleased with you”.’
Mark 1.34
‘Jesus healed many who were sick with all
kinds of diseases and drove out many
demons. He would not let the demons say
anything, because they knew who he was.’
Mark 4.1
‘Again Jesus began to teach beside Lake
Galilee. The crowd that gathered round him
were so large that he got into a boat and sat
in it. The boat was out in the water, and the
crowd stood on the shore at the water’s
edge.’
Mark 7.31-35
Jesus then left the neighbourhood of Tyre and
went on through Sidon to Lake Galilee, going
by way of the territory of the Ten Towns.
Some people brought him a man who was
deaf and could hardly speak, and they begged
Jesus to place his hands on him. So Jesus took
him off alone, away from the crowd, put his
fingers in the man’s ears, spat, and touched
the man’s tongue. Then Jesus looked up to
heaven, gave a deep groan, and said to the
man, “Ephphatha”, which means, “Open up!”
At once the man was able to hear, his speech
impediment was removed, and he began to
talk without any trouble.’
Mark 1.12-13
‘At once the Spirit made him go into the
desert, where he stayed 40 days, being
tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there
also, but angels came and helped him.’
Mark 1.16-17
‘As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake
Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his
brother Andrew, catching fish with a net.
Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will
teach you to catch people”.’
Mark 3.13
‘Jesus went back again to the shore of Lake
Galilee. A crowd came to him, and he started
teaching them.’
Mark 4.39
‘Jesus stood up and commanded the wind,
“Be quiet!” and he said to the waves, “Be
still!” The wind died down, and there was a
great calm.’
Mark 11.7-8 ‘They brought the colt (donkey)
to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the animal,
and Jesus got on. Many people spread their
cloaks on the road, while others cut branches
in the fields and spread them on the road.’
Mark 15.1 ‘Early in the morning the chief
priests met hurriedly with the elders, the
teachers of the Law, and the whole Council,
and made their plans. They put Jesus in
chains, led him away, and handed him over to
Pilate.’