FestivalsThe Bible says that Jesus died by being crucified by the Romans – that is, being nailed to a cross and left to die. The gospels quote a Roman soldier who watched Jesus die as saying ‘Surely this man was the Son of God.’ This film is based on that story. You can read about it in the Bible in Luke 23: 26-49.
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What unites Christians?
Christians come in all different shapes and sizes, but they do have one thing in common – they believe in Jesus Christ as somebody special who has changed their life. Hear some stories here.
What is the significance of Holy Week and Easter for Christians?
What is the significance of Holy Week and Easter for Christians?
Click here for additional teaching material and collective worship. Glossary to support the film series – John This is the same disciple who was eyewitness to all these things and wrote them down. And we all know that his eyewitness account is reliable and accurate. […]
What is the Resurrection?
What is the Resurrection?
It is on Easter Sunday that the fasting and sadness of Lent turns to joyful celebration as Christians celebrate the Resurrection and declare that death is defeated and Jesus is alive. Jesus had told the disciples before he was arrested that he would be crucified […]
What does the Bible say about the Easter Story?
What does the Bible say about the Easter Story?
The story of Jesus’ arrest, death, burial and resurrection is sometimes referred to as ‘The Easter Story’. It is a story that is told in all four of the Gospels; the books of the Bible which tell what happened in Jesus’ life. The films here […]
What makes this festival so special?
What makes this festival so special?
What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘Easter’? Bunnies? Hot cross buns? Gooey creme eggs? Easter is one of the most special times in the year for Christians – and very little of it has to do with chocolate! ‘Easter’ is a season […]
Why is the Resurrection so important to Christians today?
Why is the Resurrection so important to Christians today?
If the first question about the Resurrection – Jesus’ return from death – is ‘Did it happen?’, the second is ‘Does it really matter?’ Take a look at these films to find out how Christians have responded to that question.
What happens on Ash Wednesday?
What happens on Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the day after Shrove Tuesday and signals the start of Lent. It is called ‘Ash Wednesday’ because Lent is a time when people are sorry for the wrong things in their lives and ashes are used in the Bible as signs of […]
What do Christians believe about this important figure?
What do Christians believe about this important figure?
What does ‘Messiah’ mean? You may have heard the term ‘messiah’ in popular culture. The 18th century composer Handel wrote a choral work called The Messiah, featuring the famous ‘Hallelujah’ chorus. People often use the term ‘messiah complex’ to describe someone who acts like they […]
An introduction
An introduction
The Atonement – what is it? The Atonement is one of the biggest concepts in Christianity. It provides the answer to the question, why did Jesus die? A helpful way of thinking of the atonement is found in the word itself. Christians believe that humankind […]
What do Christians believe about earning God's approval?
What do Christians believe about earning God's approval?
Christians believe in an all-powerful God who created the world and provides for people. He is also described in the Bible as a judge who will one day bring ultimate justice to the world and everyone in it. So this begs the question: how do […]
Exploring ideas of sacrifice in the Old Testament
Exploring ideas of sacrifice in the Old Testament
One of the biggest questions about Jesus’ death is – why? If God can do anything, surely He could forgive people just by saying the word. Was it really necessary that Jesus died? If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. Theologians have been exploring […]
A modern parable
A modern parable
There once lived a rich man with a heart of gold. He had seen how more and more people were struggling to afford a home, and his heart broke to see the terrible problems this was causing them. But one bright morning it occurred to him that […]
What does this passage from John’s gospel suggest about Jesus?
What does this passage from John’s gospel suggest about Jesus?
John chapter 1 is very often known as ‘John’s Prologue’. A prologue is an opening or introduction to a bigger piece of work. In a play, the prologue is often a dramatic recitation given by the narrator that will help the audience know what to […]
What was remarkable about Jesus' arrival on earth 2000 years ago?
What was remarkable about Jesus' arrival on earth 2000 years ago?
The opening verses of John’s gospel is designed to paint the big picture of Jesus – who he was, what he came to do, and what it means for all people. Read the passage and comments below, and reflect on some of the questions for […]
The High Priest's view of Jesus
The High Priest's view of Jesus
In this modern retelling of a biblical story – the ‘high priest’ reflects back on the trial of Jesus. Who was Jesus? Was there reason to have him crucified? Were they right to have him killed? Was Jesus’ death the end or was there still […]
Why is Jesus' death so significant?
Why is Jesus' death so significant?
How can an event that happened 2000 years ago many miles way make a difference to anybody’s life today? RE:quest spoke to theologian Dr. Krish Kandiah about what makes Jesus’ death on the cross such an important part of Christian belief. To find out more […]
What can we learn from the story of the man who was released in the place of Jesus?
What can we learn from the story of the man who was released in the place of Jesus?
At the time that Jesus was arrested there was another man also being held. This man was Barabbas, a terrorist who had murdered a number of people in the uprising. It was a custom during the Passover for the governor to release one prisoner and […]
What do Christians believe about eternal life?
What do Christians believe about eternal life?
What happens to us after death has been the theme of many a book and film – it is a subject that has fascinated people from the beginning of time. Some people hope that heaven is a real place, where they’ll be reunited with loved […]
How and why do Christians pray?
How and why do Christians pray?
Do you know anyone who prays? Some people pray regularly but sometimes prayer isn’t something people give much throught to at all. People pray in many different ways for lots of reasons. Christians see prayer as an important part of their relationship with God, after all […]
How does meditation play a part in Christian worship?
How does meditation play a part in Christian worship?
Life can be full of noise and distractions and many people like to practice meditation as an opportunity to unwind or reflect. Perhaps one might go to a meditation class or listen to a meditation CD. Some people practise yoga or pilates which include elements of meditation to help calm and […]
What did Jesus teach about looking after others?
What did Jesus teach about looking after others?
Have you ever given money to charity? Maybe you’ve bought the Big Issue or given to someone busking in the street? Perhaps you chose to give in other ways? Jesus told a story about a rich man and a begger called Lazarus. In fact it’s […]
Why did Jesus teach using stories?
Why did Jesus teach using stories?
A parable is a story where one thing is used to illustrate another and they often have an unusual character or a surprising action. Jesus taught using parables to encourage people to think and respond and often used parables when people asked him a question. The […]
Learn what Jesus meant by Love your Enemies.
Learn what Jesus meant by Love your Enemies.
“You have to admit, love your enemies is a strange thing to say. I couldn’t quite believe it as I heard his words ripple through the crowd. What, even the Romans who have come to occupy our land? How are we supposed to love them? The […]
What did Jesus have to say about giving, praying and going without?
What did Jesus have to say about giving, praying and going without?
Have you ever raised money for charity? Maybe you have done a sponsored walk, worn a red nose or had your hair shaved off. Many people like to support charities. They make a big difference raising money for lots of worthy causes. In the past many people […]
What did Jesus say about adultery and divorce?
What did Jesus say about adultery and divorce?
Discussing relationship breakdown can be very emotive especially when unfaithfulness is involved. When Jesus tackled the issue of being unfaithful in marriage and marriage breakdown it’s important to have some understanding of the culture to which he was speaking. In the Old Testament if a man […]
What did Jesus say about making promises?
What did Jesus say about making promises?
“I swear to God”, “God only knows”, “It’s the God’s honest truth” ever heard phrases like this before? Jewish people made many promises by swearing oaths or making vows. It was a way of trying to persuade someone they were telling the truth, covering up a lie, or […]
What did Jesus say about money?
What did Jesus say about money?
Money, you can’t live with it and you can’t live without it. Money is a necessary part of life. We all need money and most of us would like at least a little extra money for those special treats. But when we become so focused […]
What should our attitude to the law be?
What should our attitude to the law be?
Ever listened to a lecture or a speech or even a sermon? What was it like? Did you enjoy it? When we read “The Sermon on the Mount” at first glance it can seem like a long sermon or lecture. And yet this was like no other […]
What did Jesus have to say about being blessed?
What did Jesus have to say about being blessed?
“Bless you” is a phrase that people often. But what does it really mean to be blessed? What does it mean to be a blessing to others? Jesus taught about this at the start of his public ministry when he addressed a crowd of people in […]
What did Jesus say about the way to live?
What did Jesus say about the way to live?
The teaching of Jesus that has come to be known as the Sermon on the Mount, is recorded in the gospel of Matthew and similar teaching can also be found in Luke’s gospel. Both gospel accounts have this teaching happening early in Jesus’ public ministry. It contains […]
What does it mean to love God and love your neighbour?
What does it mean to love God and love your neighbour?
Jesus was once asked ‘Teacher which is the greatest commandment in the law?’ Rather than pick one specific commandment Jesus summarised the whole Jewish law in two principles – ‘love God and love others.’ In both the Old and New Testaments, love along with such attributes as […]
Find out what happened when Jesus fed a large crowd of people.
Find out what happened when Jesus fed a large crowd of people.
The Bible says that miracles are signposts that point to who Jesus is. In this miracle Jesus fed a large crowd of people with just 5 loaves and 2 fish. […]
How should we treat other people?
How should we treat other people?
Parables are special stories that Jesus told to help teach us how we should live. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us how we should treat others. Click here for […]
The raising of Lazarus from the dead - as told by his sister.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead - as told by his sister.
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were amongst Jesus’ best friends. One day, however, when Lazarus needed Jesus the most – he seemed to be no where in sight. How would you feel if the man who had healed so many let your brother, his good friend, […]
How do Catholics remember Jesus' death?
How do Catholics remember Jesus' death?
What is the Lord’s Passion? What is remembered on Good Friday? Why do Catholics hold the service at 3pm? Watch this film to see how Catholics remember the events of Good Friday.
Who is God the Son?
Christians believe in the Trinity – that is, in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is important to realise that this does not mean that Christians believe in three gods – they do not. Christians believe in one God that has three parts. Christians […]
What do Christians believe happened when Jesus died?
What do Christians believe happened when Jesus died?
Is anyone perfect? Is it even worth trying to be perfect? What is sin? Is there any consequence to sin? What does it mean for us that Jesus died on the cross? Find out a Christian view about sin, the impact it has on us […]
Is it possible to know what God is like?
Is it possible to know what God is like?
There’s no denying Christmas holds a special place in many people’s hearts. But why? For some it may be the chance to party with friends and family. Others might cherish the opportunity to reflect on the important things in life, like being generous to others. […]
Discover more about the characters in the Christmas nativity.
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to raise God's son as your own?
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to raise God's son as your own?
This film is from the Relive Film series. Find more films from Relive at reliveresources.co.uk. Imagine being engaged to be married – you are excited and cannot wait for the wedding day to come around. Imagine then discovering that the lady you are planning to […]
How might Jesus’ example impact a Christian’s view of punishment?
How might Jesus’ example impact a Christian’s view of punishment?
For Christians, Jesus’ teaching and actions have a huge influence over their perspectives on ethical issues. In the case of punishment, Jesus is repeatedly shown to look beyond what people have done and offer mercy to them. One example is found in John’s gospel. In […]
Is Jesus for or against conflict?
Is Jesus for or against conflict?
For many Christians, the teaching and example of Jesus provides the most important basis for their ethical decisions. So what was his perspective on conflict? Jesus lived through tough political times. In the first century, Israel was occupied by the Romans – a strong and […]
What happened on Jesus' journey to the cross?
How do Christians celebrate harvest?
How do Christians celebrate harvest?
Harvest festivals have been celebrated since ancient times and although they are not part of the traditional church year, many churches now celebrate harvest some time in the autumn. Where does harvest come from? One tradition teaches that the harvest festival used to be celebrated […]
How do churches mark Maundy Thursday?
How do churches mark Maundy Thursday?
Even if a church does not hold a specific Maundy Thursday service, the Last Supper is remembered regularly in the majority of Christian churches through the communion service or shared meal. these can be held as often as once a week by some. A Maundy […]
What is remembered on Ascension Day?
What is remembered on Ascension Day?
Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection – when he came back to life after being crucified. But the gospel story does not end there. The next chapter comes on the day known as ‘Ascension Day’. It is the day when Christians believe Jesus returned […]
What makes Christmas so special?
What makes Christmas so special?
Christmas is probably the most popular of all Christian festivals. From the beginning of September shops and restaurants are getting ready for the ‘Christmas rush.’ Most schools will put on Christmas plays, in towns Christmas lights decorate the streets and Christmas trees can be seen everywhere. […]
What do we learn about Christmas in the Bible?
What do we learn about Christmas in the Bible?
Christmas is an important time for Christians. It is the time when they remember God coming to earth in the form of a baby (this is known as the incarnation). In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as ‘Immanuel,’ which means ‘God with us.’ The […]
How did the Church begin?
How did the Church begin?
The early Christian Church began in Jerusalem and the surrounding area and grew out of the Jewish tradition. Jesus and his disciples were all Jews. The first Christians therefore did not meet in separate churches but continued to meet in the local Jewish synagogues. St […]
Is the Bible racist?
Is the Bible racist?
Jesus was a victim of both religious and racial discrimination. Israel was under occupation by the Roman Empire, causing tension and animosity on both sides. There was hatred between the Jews and their neighbours of mixed race, the Samaritans (i.e. people from a region called […]
What do Christians remember on Good Friday?
What do Christians remember on Good Friday?
Good Friday is the Friday of Holy Week, the Friday before Easter Day. It is thought that the name Good Friday is an altered form of God’s Friday. But many people say that ‘Good’ Friday is an appropriate name: on this special day, God showed […]
How do Christians remember Jesus' death on Good Friday?
How do Christians remember Jesus' death on Good Friday?
Good Friday is both a time of sadness and a time of thankfulness. Sadness as Christians remember the suffering that Jesus endured but thankfulness as they think about how he suffered and died as a sign of God’s love for all people. Some Christians will […]
What do Christians celebrate at Pentecost?
What do Christians celebrate at Pentecost?
Before Jesus returned back to heaven he set out for the disciples the work he now expected them to do: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name […]
What is All Saints Day?
What is All Saints Day?
All Saints Day is when Christians celebrate the lives of Saints – or Christians whose example is inspirational or important. They think about the good things that they said and did. All Saints Day falls on 1st November, and is a ‘Holy Day of Obligation’ […]
What happens on Remembrance Sunday?
What happens on Remembrance Sunday?
What is Remembrance Sunday? On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the fighting of the First World War stopped. It was known as the Great War, because of the size and scale of it. Over 16 million people […]
What is remembered on Palm Sunday?
What is remembered on Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week – a celebration of the final week of Jesus’ life on earth. On Palm Sunday, Christians remember the time when Jesus went into Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city, riding on the back of a donkey. This occasion is […]
How much of what Jesus said do you know?
How much of what Jesus said do you know?
What did Jesus say while He was here on earth? Test your knowledge of what Jesus said about a range of different subjects…
What happened to Jesus' body?
What happened to Jesus' body?
After Jesus was crucified, his body was placed in a cave and a large rock was rolled in front of the entrance. Roman guards were ordered to stand and keep watch over it to ensure that the body wasn’t stolen. However, after three days, Christians […]
What did Jesus teach about the importance of forgiving?
What did Jesus teach about the importance of forgiving?
Jesus taught people using stories called ‘Parables’. The Unforgiving Servant is a parable about forgiveness. Watch the film here and think for yourself: Are there things that you would forgive and things that you wouldn’t forgive? Should we forgive other people? When you do things […]
What happens during Lent?
What happens during Lent?
Lent is a special time in the Church’s calendar that takes place each spring in the run up to Easter. It begins in either late February or early March with Ash Wednesday. Lent lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) and ends the day before […]
What happened at Jesus' baptism?
What happened at Jesus' baptism?
Baptism was already popular in the time of Jesus. It demonstrated a person’s commitment to living God’s way rather than their own. Jesus had a cousin called John who baptised people. He was known as John the Baptist. John was a preacher. He told people […]
What did Jesus teach about prayer?
What did Jesus teach about prayer?
Prayer is important for Christians, as they believe it is one of the main ways through which our relationship with God can grow deeper. Just as we grow closer to our friends when we spend time with them, so Christians believe that in spending time […]
What did Jesus teach about having faith?
What did Jesus teach about having faith?
The dictionary states that the definition of faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Jesus had absolute faith in God the Father and encourages people to have the same faith. One day Jesus’ disciples asked him to increase their faith but he […]
Perhaps the clue to what a Christian is can be found in the name. The word ‘Christian’ is actually a nickname – it literally means ‘little Christ’. It was a nickname given to men and women in the first century who went about talking about […]
What do the Gospels tell us?
What do the Gospels tell us?
What do we know about Jesus? How do we know about his life and work? What are the key features of Jesus’ life?
Why do Christians worship him?
Why do Christians worship him?
Jesus spent 3 years meeting and teaching people. When he died he left a devoted group of a few hundred followers. Today, 2 billion people worldwide call themselves Christians. What makes Jesus so central to Christians’ lives today? For many, he is seen in the […]
Why do people choose to follow Jesus in the 21st century?
Why do people choose to follow Jesus in the 21st century?
It’s easy to think of Jesus as somebody who lives in history books. But Jesus is really important to Christians– not just as somebody who said and did amazing things 2000 years ago but as somebody who is a friend to them today. Most Christians […]
What do Christians believe happened on Easter Sunday?
What do Christians believe happened on Easter Sunday?
What happened on Good Friday is important to Christians. But Jesus’ death on Good Friday isn’t the end of the story. Christians believe that Jesus did not stay dead, but came back to life three days later on Easter Sunday. This is known as the […]
What do Christians mean by the word 'sin'?
What do Christians mean by the word 'sin'?
Christians often talk about Jesus’ death as a way of bringing forgiveness for sin. But what is sin? Play the game and then read the explanation below. To play the game: The aim of the game is to fire a cannon ball from one side […]
What do Christians believe about why Jesus died?
What do Christians believe about why Jesus died?
Jesus died by being crucified. ‘Crucifixion’ means nailed to a cross. The cross was then lifted up outside the city walls (in Jesus’ case, Jerusalem) so everybody could see it. The people on the cross were then left to die in the hot sun. It […]
Is the idea that Jesus came back to life too much to believe?
Is the idea that Jesus came back to life too much to believe?
Would you believe that a dead person could come back to life? It would be understandable to doubt it. One of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, has gone down in history as the one who doubted the reports of Jesus’ resurrection. This film is based on that […]
What happened on the first Easter Sunday?
What happened on the first Easter Sunday?
The gospels say that Jesus didn’t stay dead. Lots of witnesses saw Jesus die on a cross on Friday – but by the Sunday there were rumours that the tomb was empty and that he had appeared to some of his followers – Mary Magdalene […]
What happened to Jesus' disciples after he was arrested?
What happened to Jesus' disciples after he was arrested?
On the night before Jesus died – the night of his arrest – Jesus’ disciples ran away, scared for their lives. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends, but even he let Jesus down. During the Last Supper, which happened only hours before his arrest, […]
How did Jesus liven up a wedding party?
How did Jesus liven up a wedding party?
According to the Gospel of John, this was the very first miracle – or ‘sign’ as John calls them – which Jesus did. Jesus, his mother and his disciples were all guests at a wedding in Cana, in Galilee. At the reception, the wine runs […]
What did Jesus do in the middle of a raging storm?
What did Jesus do in the middle of a raging storm?
The Gospel writers were keen to show that Jesus had power over nature. One time Jesus and the disciples were in a boat on the Lake of Galilee late one night. A storm began. It was so strong that the boat they were in was […]
What did Jesus do in the face of death?
What did Jesus do in the face of death?
The gospels include stories of Jesus bringing people back to life. Two of these are the raising of Jairus’ daughter and of his friend Lazarus. The story of Jairus’ daughter begins when Jesus is met by a large crowd on the side of Lake Galilee. […]
What happened when Jesus met people who were unwell?
What happened when Jesus met people who were unwell?
The stories about Jesus tell us that he healed many different people with all kinds of problems. The blind, the deaf, those who could not speak and those with diseases all found healing by Jesus’ touch or his command. But Jesus is also seen to […]
How did Jesus treat people who were hungry?
How did Jesus treat people who were hungry?
Miracles are often seen as signs by the Gospel writers to explain what sort of God Christians believe in and how Jesus his Son shows that. This story shows that Jesus can supply the basic needs we have – in John’s version of the story, […]
Jesus brings a girl back to life
Jesus brings a girl back to life
There are several stories in the gospels of Jesus bringing people back to life. In one story, Jesus heals a 12-year-old girl who has died. You can read about it Mark 5: 21-43 or watch a version of the story here.
When Christians talk about a miracle, they mean an event that is not ‘normal’ – that is, one that should not be able to happen according to the laws of nature. The Gospels describe 35 miracles that Jesus performed. Over half of these 35 stories […]
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
The parables were stories Jesus used which enabled him to explain his teachings in a way he knew that the people would remember. They were also a means in which he could teach tough principles that were central to the Christian faith. One of these […]
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
‘The Lost Son’ is the third of a group of Jesus’ parables about the idea of losing and finding. In the first one, a shepherd has a hundred sheep and then goes looking for one who wanders off. In the second one, a woman who […]
‘The Lost (or Prodigal) Son’ is a very famous parable. It is the last of three parables Jesus tells about ‘lost’ things – first a sheep, then a coin, then finally a child. In the parable, the father represents God. The son represents the people […]
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
We all have people that we find difficult to love, those we would rather not know or cannot ever say anything good about. Jesus is asked a question “Who is my neighbour?” – that is, whom am I responsible for? He does not give a […]
One of the most famous parables of Jesus is known as ‘The Good Samaritan’. Samaritans were a group of people living next door to the Jews. (The Jews were the first people to hear Jesus’ story.) The Jews and the Samaritans were enemies and avoided […]
What is a parable?
What is a parable?
A parable is an imaginary story used to teach people a moral lesson (for example, how to treat people in need) or a spiritual lesson (for example, what God is like). In some ways, stories help people to understand things better. But Jesus also said […]
What did Jesus teach about money and giving?
What did Jesus teach about money and giving?
Money. It can do wonderful things and change lives for the better. Equally, it can be a cause of stress, arguments and leave our lives in a mess. Having too much can make you greedy for more, having too little can make you desperate. The […]
What do Christians believe about Jesus' life and ministry?
What do Christians believe about Jesus' life and ministry?
Jesus’ family Perhaps one of the most famous stories about Jesus is his birth: God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was […]
What do we know about Jesus?
What do we know about Jesus?
Did Jesus really exist? Yes. The New Testament part of the Bible tells us about who Jesus was, what he did, and why. But other writings by people who weren’t Christians also talk about a man named Jesus. Roman and Jewish historians such as Josephus […]
What are the big events that happen during the year?
What are the big events that happen during the year?
Our calendar year is divided into four seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each season has its special characteristics, colours and associations. For example Autumn is often associated with harvest, and the orange and yellow leaves that blow around in the blustery wind. It […]
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