UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LOUIS

Tuguegarao City

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, ARTS and SCIENCES

Department of Philosophy and Religious Instructions

First Semester
A.Y. 2021-2022

CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE

CFED 1013- God’s Journey with His People

Prepared by:

MR. MICHAEL ANGELO AGUDO

MISS THELMA BARICAUA, MARS
MISS SARAH MARIE IBAY
MISS MICA TALAY
MRS. ESPERANZA ZABLAN
MISS CHARISSA ZALUN

Reviewed by:

WILSON TEMPORAL, LPT, MST

DEPARTMENT HEAD

Recommended by:

VENUS I. GUYOS, Ph.D.

Academic Dean

Approved by:

EMMANUEL JAMES PATTAGUAN, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academics
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 School of Education, Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy and Religious Instruction
Curriculum 2021-2022

This Week’s Time Table: (November 22-27, November 29, December 1-4, 2021)

For this week, the following shall be your guide for the different lessons and tasks that you need to accomplish.
Oops! Be patient, read them carefully before proceeding to the tasks expected of you.

HAVE A FRUITFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE 😊

Date Topics Activities or Tasks

November 22-27 The Socio – Political and Religious Read and Internalize Lesson
Situation before and during the time of
Christ
November 29 Mary, The Gospels, Read and Internalize Lesson
December 1-3 Summary of the Four Gospels
December 4 Submission of the learning tasks Accomplish the learning task in the Activity
portion of this module

CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE

CFED 1013 (God’s Journey with His People)
A.Y. 2021-2022

Lesson 15: The Social Situation and Institutions before and during the time of Christ,
Events before the coming out of the Gospels

Topics: The Socio-Political and Religious Situations of the Israelites before and during
the time of Christ
Mary and the Coming out of the Gospels and a Short Summary about the Four
Gospels

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the different religious groups and institutions during the time of Christ;
2. Explain the role of Mary in God’s plan of saving humanity; and
3. Differentiate the four gospels in terms of their emphasis.

LEARNING CONTENT:

Introduction:

After the Israelites return from the Babylonian exile, there were no longer prophets to remind them of
their covenantal relationship with God. The people who guided them in their worship were the priests. These
priests were anointed by God from the descendants of Levi since during the time of Aaron. They reconstructed
their nation especially the temple or house of the Lord which was completed in the year 515 BC. (Ezra 6:14 –
16). So aside from the prayer and study of the Word of God especially the Torah in the Synagogues, they now

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revived the worship in the Temple which is centered on the offering of the sacrificial lamb. So the priests
especially their high priests are the ones facilitating these worships.

The Synagogue (Greek sunagogos – “place of meeting”) was the center primarily for teaching the Scriptures
especially the Torah (Law) as well as for prayer and worship when the
Temple was not yet reconstructed.

The synagogue at Chorazin in a typical “Galilean” style

In the Catholic Worship, we also have the Word of God (Readings and homily) for the first part and
the offering of the Lamb, (Jesus through His body and blood) on the altar.

The Socio-Political Situation before the coming of Christ

The Persian Empire was defeated by the Greeks under Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. and later the
strong Roman Empire ended the Greek’s ruling in 146 B.C. and they captured Jerusalem in 60 B.C.
Israel and most of the Middle East was under the control of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire assigned a
governor/procurator in these countries like Pontius Pilate in Israel. The Tax collectors are no longer collecting
alms for the poor and the temple treasury but also for the Roman Empire. These countries may have their
kings like Herod in Judea and their own ruling bodies like the Sanhedrin but ultimately, they were under the
rule of the Roman Empire.

Institutions before and during the time of Christ

1. Worshipping places

a. Synagogue – Meeting place for prayer and studying the Word of God especially the Torah (Law).

b. Temple – place to offer the lamb offering, where the Ark of the Covenant is located.

2. The Sanhedrin (Ruling body) – headed by the High Priest

A “senate” or “assembly” composed of seventy members drawn from the various parties and the
important people (the elders) of the land. It was the main governing body of the Jews and had control of all
religious matters. It has also a judicial function.

Different Religious Groups of the Israelites during the Time of Jesus

There was a point in the history of the Israelites that their different views on how they should maintain their
good relationship with the God led to their division into different religious groups. Sometimes they were often
very hostile in treating each other.

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a. The Sadducees (Hebrew: Saduq, “the righteous ones”)

Their name was derived from Zadok, the chief priest installed by Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). They
controlled the priesthood until the 2 nd BCE. They belonged to the priestly class/families. They represented the
wealthy aristocracy. The High Priest, the head of the Sadducees, was a political appointee and was regarded
as the symbol of true religious observance. As priests, they focused on the acts of worship in the temple.

b. The Scribes

They were trained in the preservation of knowledge and interpretation of the Jewish scriptures. They
studied the Pentateuch (the Law) and wrote the legal opinions regarding its proper interpretation. They were
called “teachers of the Law” (Rabbi or Rabboni) or “doctors of the law”. Mark 12:38-39 describes them as
people who loved to wear long robes of distinction and sat in places of honor.

c. The Pharisees (Hebrew: P’rushim or perushim, “separated ones,” “parush,” “to be separated”)

The Pharisees were the most dominant group. They were known as strict and literal interpreters of the
Jewish Law (Torah). They tended to become separatist in all aspects of life because of their insistent
observance of the Torah. They became overly legalistic and hypocritical.

d. The Essenes

This group withdrew from the society and lived a monastic way of life and practiced celibacy. They believed
that they are the remnants of the chosen people of God. They are believed to be the writers of the scrolls
which were copies of the Sacred Scriptures found near the Dead sea in 1947.

e. The Zealots

This was a revolutionary group against the Roman Empire who ruled Israel at that time. The grouped
believed that they were chosen by God to deliver the Jewish people from the Roman domination. They were
called “sicarii,” (dagger men) because for them the violence was the only way to achieve independence. The
Zealots were responsible for the great revolt in 66-70 C.E that ended in the destruction of Jerusalem.

God’s plan to save humanity which actually started with the calling of Abraham is about to be
unfolded. As the Israelites were divided into many religious groups and in dispute on what group was
the chosen people of God or will be saved, the perfect prophet, perfect king and perfect high priest
was emerging in the person of Jesus Christ. This will be heralded by
the Baptist.

John the Baptist: "YHWH has been gracious"

He is the son of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth. His life would be a model of austerity. He called
upon his listeners to mend their sinful ways in preparation of the coming of Messiah and the coming of the
Kingdom of God. He performed an act of ritual cleansing called baptism (Greek ‘baptizein’, “to immerse”),
which involved immersion in the waters of the Jordan River. This “baptism of repentance” was accompanied by
confessions of sins.

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Mary in the Gospels

The name “Mary” is derived from “Miriam” in Hebrew, or in

Aramaic “Mariam” and is translated “Maria” in Greek or Latin. It is a
common name in the first-century Israel/Palestine, and is the most
frequently used woman’s name in the New Testament.

The Immaculate Concepcion of Mary

The Immaculate Concepcion means that from the first

moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Mary was
graced and thus preserved from all stain of original sin. She was “filled with grace” that is, made holy by God’s
presence. This privilege was given to her in view of her role to become the mother of Jesus the Savior of the
human race. Thus Jesus was also preserved from the stain of sin.
The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary at the Annunciation reveals that she was “highly favoured by God
with His grace as an unmerited gift”. Mary was given a unique grace, a free and unmerited gift of holiness from
God, to prepare her for her special role to be mother of God’s Son-made-man, our Redeemer Jesus Christ (Lk.
1:31-35). This Solemnity is celebrated on December 8.

Stages of the coming out of the Gospels and the Summary of the Four Gospels
Three Stages of the Formation of the Gospels

Same with the process of the coming out of the Old Testament scriptures, the New Testament
Books especially the Gospels also have undergone three stages.

1. Historical Jesus Christ

The peak of God’s Self-revelation to humanity was the coming of Jesus. He is the agent of renewal of
the covenant between God and His people. He established a new covenant through His words and deeds.
Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God which is the reign of love, justice, peace, and the well-
being of people. The climax of His ministry was the giving of Himself on the Cross and His Resurrection and
Ascension into heaven.
Most of the information about Jesus comes from the New Testament, particularly the four Gospels.
However, there are several references to Him in secular literature; for example, the Jewish writer Josephus
and the Roman authors Suetonius, Tacitus and Pliny. It is an unchallenged historical fact that Jesus was a real
human being, a Jew who lived at a particular time and place in history.

2. Oral Tradition: The Apostolic Preaching

After the death of Jesus, His followers continued the mission He entrusted to them. They preached,
taught, and exorcised as Jesus did. They travelled around the Roman world preaching the message of Jesus
with missionary zeal.

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3. The Writing Stage

The writing of the New Testament Books especially the Gospels started only after 50 A.D. This was so
since the Israelites prefer oral preaching than writing. The Disciples only thought of writing about Jesus and His
message after realizing that Jesus did not come back soon to judge the world as they expected.
Though, one of the Letters of St. Paul might have been written earlier than the Gospels, let us focus first
on the Four Gospels.

Note: The writers of the four Gospels are called Evangelists from “Evangelion”, a Greek word for
gospel which means good news.

The Task of the Evangelists

Aside from the oral tradition as their bases, the evangelists gathered their data from materials called
pericopes, the small independent units of stories, parables, sayings, etc., of Jesus compiled by the Christians.
The evangelists were generally editors of these pericopes. In their tasks as recorders of the Gospel tradition of
behalf of the Church, they were especially guided by God’s spirit, and experience called the gift of inspiration.

The following is a quick look at the most common information about the four Gospels that most biblical
scholars accept:

GOSPEL MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN

information
Author (based on John Mark of apostle physician & John
tradition) Jerusalem companion of Paul
Implied author bilingual (Aramaic & bilingual (Aramaic & Gentile Christian the “beloved disciple”
Greek) Christian of Greek) early Jewish convert; well
the 2nd generation; Christian educated Greek
Audience mostly Gentiles, better educated Jews wealthier Gentile mixed: mostly Jews,
Christians some Gentiles,
Samaritans, etc.
Place of Writing Rome Galilee; or Antioch in Greece Galilee or Syria;
Syria
Time of Writing 60’s or early 70’s late 70’s or 80’s mid to late 80’s main edition 90’s
Image of Christ Jesus, the Suffering Jesus, the Jesus, the savior of Jesus, the “Word of
servant “Emmanuel,” the all humanity God”
expected Messiah
Number of Chapters 16 28 24 21

The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they present
many of the same stories, often in the same sequence, and sometimes exactly the same wording, in contrast
to the very different picture of Jesus presented in the Gospel of John. Most scholars believe that these gospels
share the same point of view and are clearly linked. In a sense, they view Jesus “with the same eye” thus the
term synoptic or synonymous.

*****END OF LESSON*****
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 PARTICIPATION:

Directions: Answer briefly the question and justify your answer.

Name: Score:
Course/ Date:
Year:

1. With such similar names, the first kings of the divided kingdom, Israel and Judah share much in
common. There were differences, too. Using the Venn diagram, compare and contrast the lives of the
two kings as described in the lesson. Give FIVE or more similarities and also FIVE or more differences
(Note: You may use other references, but strictly no copy paste from the net.) {10 points}

ISRAEL JUDAH

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LEARNING TASK:

2. Who among the prophets of the Northern and Southern Kingdom inspired you to proclaim the
mission of God? Illustrate a symbol depicting the qualities of this prophet as discussed in the module
and write a brief explanation of how this prophet inspired you (3-5 sentences).

Name: Score:
Course/ Date:
Year:

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EVALUATION:

Name: Score:
Course/ Date:
Year:

Directions: read carefully each of the following questions and choose the correct answer from the
given choices.
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1. Which of the following is the result of Solomon’s infidelity?
a) Division of his kingdom
b) The fall of his kingdom
c) The death of his son
d) His son getting a smaller portion of the divided land

2. Despite his father’s infidelity, God still left two tribes for Rehoboam. What does this tell us about God’s
character?
a) He is true to His promise
b) He is a generous God
c) He is a forgiving God
d) He is a God who never abandons His children

3. Which does NOT pertain to the factors that led to the fall of Solomon’s Kingdom?
a) Rehoboam’s decision to double the burden that his father imposed to the people
b) Solomon’s infidelity
c) People’s hypocrisy
d) People worshipping strange gods

4. Due to the continuity of sin, especially among Solomon’s successors and their kingdoms, God will have to
intervene by sending the prophets whose mission is:
a) to be the speakers of God
b) to facilitate worship
c) to lead/serve God’s people
d) to predict or foretell the future

5. Prophets follow a certain structure in speaking for the Lord. They help people recognize their wrong deeds,
warn them about the consequences if they do not change their evil ways, and they support and encourage
them to be hopeful during times of hardships. These ultimately lead to:
a) Change of heart/ Metanoia
b) Freedom
c) Eternal life
d) Salvation

6. Hosea was to love Gomer the same way as ___________

a) God loved those who have rebelled against him
b) God loved the whole world even though the world rejected him
c) God loved the Israelites who have turned to other gods
d) God has sent rain on the just and the unjust

7. What did God command Hosea to do when his wife was loved by another?
a) Show her his love again
b) Cast her out
c) Bring her into his garden
d) Ask her to marry someone else

8. When the righteous are oppressed what does the prudent person do?
a) He speaks truth to power
b) He defends the fatherless and widows

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 c) He roars like a lion
d) He keeps quiet

9. What should the Israelites do in order that they may live?

a) Seek good, not evil
b) Promote justice
c) Refuse to take bribes
d) Speak truth to power

10. What is the main “function” of a prophet?

a) Mouth of God
b) To please people
c) Predict the Future
d) To condemn the people

Directions: Identify whether the item is true or false. If correct, write true on the space provided before
the number. Otherwise, write false.

_________ 1. The Ten Commandments were given in a treaty format since they are the basis for our right
relationship with God, and with others.
_________ 2. The 10 commandments are prohibitions and limitations of our freedom.
_________ 3. 7 stands for few if they refer to numbers and short span of time if about duration.
_________ 4. 40 years in the desert was their time for purification as God was molding them as His chosen
people to start His salvific plan for all people.
_________ 5. “Land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 12:5) means a very fertile land.
_________ 6. The Israelites camped in Gilgal on the eastern limits of Jericho after crossing the Jordan River.
_________ 7. The tribe of Levi was dedicated to the priesthood/priestly clan.
_________ 8. The Book of Judges tells the story of the Israelites before the death of Joshua
_________ 9. Samson was the last Judge though he was more of a prophet.
_________ 10. Gideon was known to be one who came from a least tribe/clan.
_________ 11. Deborah earned the name—Jerubbaal—for destroying the altar of Baal who was the god of
the Canaanites.
_________ 12. Pattern of Life of the Israelites during the Time of the Judges:
Unfaithfulness -- Disaster -- Saving – Repentance
_________ 13. Philistines is a modern term for the Canaanites.
_________ 14. The Philistines were the final migrants in Canaan
_________ 15. Solomon became the ruler of Israel after the death of his father Joshua.

REFERENCES:
Textbook/s:

Encountering Jesus in the Gospels (150 years of CICM in the Philippines) by CICM Philippines

Picture credits:

A portion of the Dead Sea Scroll: https://www.imj.org.il/en/wings/shrine-book/dead-sea-scrolls

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Beheading of John the Baptist, Caravaggio, 1608:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beheading_of_St_John_the_Baptist_(Caravaggio)

Herodians: https://reasonabletheology.org/many-herods-new-testament/

Jesus and the Sadducees: https://www.lookandlearn.com/blog/8472/jesus-is-questioned-by-the-sadducees/

Madonna and Child, Cima da Conegliano, 1496: https://www.wikiart.org/en/cima-da-conegliano/madonna-and-

child

Saint John: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John_the_Evangelist_(Domenichino)

Saint Luke: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guercino_-

_St_Luke_Displaying_a_Painting_of_the_Virgin_-_WGA10948.jpg

Saint Mark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark_(Mantegna)

Saint Matthew: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Inspiration_of_Saint_Matthew_by_Caravaggio.jpg

Sanhedrin: https://free.messianicbible.com/news/sanhedrin-judges-unesco-pope-francis-obama/

Scribes: https://historicroutes.net/scholar-partners/

Simon the Zealot: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194450092/saint_simon-the-apostle

The Pharisees and the Sadducees Come to Tempt Jesus, James Tissot, c. 1886-1894:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brooklyn_Museum_-
_The_Pharisees_and_the_Saduccees_Come_to_Tempt_Jesus_(Les_pharisiens_et_les_saduc
%C3%A9ens_viennent_pour_tenter_J%C3%A9sus)_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg

The Synagogue: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum

Zacchaeus: https://www.soulshepherding.org/look-into-jesus-eyes-with-a-wee-little-man/

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