Identity of Jesus-Did Jesus really exist?

L.O-To explore evidence of Jesus’ existence.

How do we know the band One Direction exist?

How do you know Jesus existed?

Evidence for Jesus...

We know Jesus existed because of the Bible. However, there is also

additional historical evidence that Jesus existed. This evidence

confirms that Jesus was a real person who lived, worked and died

two thousand years ago in first-century Palestine.

Found in 1961 in a

ruined theatre in Caesarea

Cornelius Tacticus: Non Christian SourceTacticus was a loyal Roman suspicious of

the Christians. He wrote of Christ as a teacher who was crucified by Pilate when

Tiberius was Emperor. This fits in with what is found in the New Testament.

‘Nero punished with the utmost

refinement and cruelty a class hated for their

abominations who are commonly

called Christians. Christus from whom

their name is derived was

executed at the hands of procurator Pontius Pilate in the region of Tiberius.’

Flavius Josephus: Non Christian Source

‘At this time there was a wise man who was called

Christ. Piolet condemned him to be crucified. And those that had

become his disciples did not

abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days

after his crucifixion and that he was

alive.’

This symbol is known as the Ichthus. It was used by Christians in the early church as a secret symbol. One person drew it in the sand and the other would add an eye if they were Christian. It

has been found engraved on walls and tombs.

In your group you will look at evidence from 5 sources about Jesus existing… Cornelius Tactitus.

Tranquilius Suetonius. The Talmud. Flavius Josephus. The Gospels.

You must mind-map/bullet point/record your information on the plain piece of paper. You cannot have more than 3 sentences!

You will then elect a ‘teacher’. This teacher will go around and teach the other groups about your piece of information.

When the ‘teacher’ of your group comes back, you must tell them everything you have learnt.

Fact File* 2 billion people today follow Jesus* 30percent of the worlds population believe in Jesus* Christianity is the largest religion in the world.

QUESTIONS

1) Why is it helpful to have the accounts of Josephus and

Tacticus? (2marks)

2) Jesus clearly was and still is a very important man. Write an

investigative report using all the evidence you have learned

about the existence of Jesus. (8marks)

3) If you could speak to any of the people who have written about Jesus what questions

would you ask them and why? (4marks)