Paper 1 topic 5

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
. Explore the different roles of prophets - as those who speak God's word
into society, as those who comment on social issues, as those who
occasionally look forward to a particular future. Extension activity: To
what extent was Jesus a prophet? 2. Read the prophecy of the suffering
servant. Linked to the previous topic, to what extent is Isaiah's prophecy
relevant to Jesus the Messiah?
1. **Roles of Prophets:**
- **Speakers of God's Word into Society:** Prophets are often seen as
individuals chosen by God to convey His messages to the people. They serve as
intermediaries between the divine and human realms, delivering God's instructions,
warnings, and guidance to the community. Their words are authoritative and carry
a spiritual weight that calls for obedience and repentance.

- **Commentators on Social Issues:** Prophets frequently address the social,

ethical, and moral issues prevalent in their societies. They critique injustice,
exploitation, and disobedience to God's laws. Their messages challenge
individuals, rulers, and the nation as a whole to align themselves with God's
principles and live righteously.

- **Forward-looking Visionaries:** Prophets also serve as visionaries,

foretelling future events or outcomes. They may predict the consequences of the
people's actions or announce future divine interventions. These prophecies often
contain both warnings of judgment for disobedience and promises of restoration
for those who repent.

**Extension Activity - Jesus as a Prophet:**

Jesus is often regarded as a prophet in addition to his other roles. Like the
prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus spoke God's word into society, addressing
issues of morality, justice, and righteousness. He also foretold future events,
including his own death and resurrection. However, Jesus is unique as he is not
only a prophet but also the Son of God and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

2. **Isaiah's Prophecy of the Suffering Servant and Jesus the Messiah:**

Isaiah 53, known as the prophecy of the Suffering Servant, is highly relevant to
the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. Many elements of this
prophecy align with the life, death, and purpose of Jesus Christ:

- **Suffering and Rejection:** Isaiah's description of the servant being despised,

rejected, and acquainted with suffering parallels the life of Jesus, especially during
his Passion.

- **Atonement for Sin:** The concept of the servant bearing the iniquities of
others and being wounded for transgressions strongly correlates with the Christian
belief in Jesus' sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins.

- **Silent Submission:** The image of the servant being silent before his
accusers, like a lamb led to the slaughter, is reminiscent of Jesus' demeanor during
his trial and crucifixion as described in the New Testament.

- **Victorious Outcome:** Despite the suffering, the prophecy also speaks of the
servant's ultimate victory and the redemption of many. This aligns with the
Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection and the salvation he brings to humanity.

In summary, Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant provides a powerful and

vivid description of the Messiah's redemptive mission, and many Christians see a
clear connection between this prophecy and the life of Jesus Christ.

Isiah 59:1-19
 1. Read the passage. What is the situation that Isaiah is commenting
on? What transformation is promised? 2. Discuss/brainstorm areas
of injustice in the world. How do Christians react to these? Do they
do enough? (1) 3. Debate whether Christians should think about
injustice around the world or just in their local communities,
1. **Situation and Transformation in Isaiah's Commentary:**
Isaiah is commenting on a situation of pervasive injustice, unrighteousness, and
moral decay within the community. The people's sins and transgressions have
created a barrier between them and God, leading to a lack of justice, truth, and
righteousness in society. The passage describes a people whose actions are marked
by violence, deceit, and the absence of ethical conduct. Despite waiting for justice
and deliverance, they find themselves in darkness and gloom.

The transformation promised in the passage is that God, seeing the lack of justice
and intervention, decides to act. His own arm brings victory, and righteousness is
upheld. God puts on garments of vengeance and wrath to repay according to the
deeds of the adversaries. The promise is one of divine intervention and the
restoration of justice and righteousness through the direct action of God.

2. **Injustice in the World and Christian Response:**

- *Areas of Injustice:* Christians recognize and respond to various areas of
injustice in the world, including poverty, inequality, discrimination, human rights
abuses, violence, and environmental degradation.

- *Christian Reaction:* Responses among Christians vary, but many are actively
engaged in addressing these issues. They may participate in humanitarian efforts,
advocate for policy changes, support social justice organizations, and engage in
mission work to alleviate suffering and promote justice.

- *Doing Enough (1):* The question of whether Christians are doing enough is
subjective and varies across individuals and communities. Many Christians are
actively involved in social justice initiatives, but challenges persist, and the
magnitude of global injustices may seem overwhelming.

3. **Debating the Scope of Christian Concern:**

- *Global vs. Local Focus:* Some argue that Christians should focus on
addressing injustice globally, as interconnectedness and globalization mean that
issues in one part of the world can have widespread effects. Others contend that
local communities should be the primary focus, as addressing problems at the
grassroots level can create a ripple effect.

- *Biblical Perspective:* Christians may debate this issue based on biblical

teachings. Scriptures often emphasize caring for the oppressed and needy, and
some argue that this mandate extends globally. Others may emphasize the
importance of caring for one's immediate neighbors and community.

- *Practical Considerations:* Practical limitations, such as resources and

capacity, may influence the scope of Christian involvement. Some argue that
effective change begins at the local level, while others stress the need for
coordinated global efforts.

In conclusion, Christians grapple with the tension between addressing injustice on

a global scale and focusing on local communities. The debate involves theological,
ethical, and practical considerations, and Christians may find various ways to
contribute to justice and righteousness based on their convictions and resources.

Jonah 1-4
1. Understand the background of Jonah and the key themes.
2. Map out the text of the book of Jonah. (F)
3. Discuss whether or not Jonah recounts an actual event. To what extent
does it matter?
4. What does the book of Jonah teach about God and humanity?
5. Learners discuss whether Jonah has any relevance to Christians today
and explain their final judgment to a partner. 1. Discuss the extent to
which the world needs prophets like Isaiah and Jonah nowadays. 2.
Explore the idea of Christian prophets. Use local examples or the
internet to source ideas. (I) 3. Leamers reach a judgment about the
relevance of modern prophets in Christianity today. (F) Allocate some
time during the course to apply the findings from these texts to the
themes that run through the whole paper, the portrayal of the nature of
God in the texts, the relationship between God and his people based on
the texts, the relevance of these texts for Christian belief and practice
today. (F)(1)?
1. **Background of Jonah and Key Themes:**
- Jonah is a prophet called by God to deliver a message of repentance to the city
of Nineveh, which is known for its wickedness.
- Key Themes: God's sovereignty, human disobedience, divine mercy,
repentance, and the universality of God's concern for all people.

2. **Mapping Out the Text of Jonah:**

- **Chapter 1:** Jonah's attempt to flee from God's command, the storm at sea,
Jonah thrown overboard, swallowed by a large fish.
- **Chapter 2:** Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish.
- **Chapter 3:** Jonah's second call to go to Nineveh, Nineveh's repentance,
God's mercy.
- **Chapter 4:** Jonah's displeasure at God's mercy, the lesson of the plant and
Jonah's anger.

3. **Historicity of Jonah's Account:**

 - Scholars and theologians hold diverse views on whether Jonah's account is
historical or allegorical.
- Regardless of the historical accuracy, the book teaches profound spiritual truths
about God, human disobedience, and divine mercy.
- The theological and moral lessons are significant regardless of the historical
nature of the events.

4. **Lessons from the Book of Jonah about God and Humanity:**

- God is sovereign and merciful, even to those considered enemies.
- Human disobedience and attempts to flee from God's call are met with divine
intervention and correction.
- God's desire for repentance and the salvation of all people is evident in His
dealings with Nineveh.

5. **Relevance of Jonah to Christians Today:**

- The book emphasizes the universality of God's mercy and the need for
repentance, which remains relevant in Christian theology.
- Christians can relate to Jonah's struggles with obedience and understanding the
depth of God's compassion.
- The call to share God's message of repentance and salvation with all people is a
universal Christian mission.

6. **Prophets Like Isaiah and Jonah Today:**

- The world still needs prophets who speak God's truth into society, addressing
issues of injustice, immorality, and the need for repentance.
- Prophets serve as a moral compass, challenging individuals and societies to
align with God's principles.
- Christians may consider modern-day prophets as individuals advocating for
justice, compassion, and spiritual revival.
7. **Christian Prophets Today:**
- Examples of Christian prophets may include pastors, social justice activists, and
individuals speaking out against societal injustices.
- Christian prophets can emerge in various fields, addressing moral and ethical
concerns, advocating for the marginalized, and promoting righteousness.

8. **Relevance of Modern Prophets in Christianity Today:**

- Learners can discuss the ongoing relevance of modern prophets in addressing
contemporary challenges.
- Considerations may include the role of prophetic voices in combating injustice,
promoting ethical behavior, and fostering spiritual awakening.
- The discussion can delve into how Christians perceive and respond to modern
prophetic voices.

9. **Application to Overall Paper Themes:**

- Learners can apply the findings from these texts to themes such as the portrayal
of God, the relationship between God and His people, and the relevance of these
texts for contemporary Christian belief and practice.
- Discussion can explore how the lessons from Isaiah and Jonah contribute to a
holistic understanding of the Christian faith and its implications for daily life.

**Note:** (F) indicates a group discussion, (I) indicates an individual activity, and
(1) indicates a potential essay or written reflection on the relevance of modern
prophets in Christianity.