Directions

1. Have students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions. You may have students answer them on their own or you may discuss them together as a class.
2. Have students work individually to complete the Persecution of a Disciple of Jesus activity. When complete, ask for student volunteers to share and discuss their responses.
3. Pray a decade of a Scriptural Rosary together using the Scriptural Rosary: The Second Sorrowful Mystery handout to reflect upon Jesus’ own persecution and suffering

Answer Key

Focus Questions

1. This week’s Gospel begins exactly where last week’s ended, with Jesus proclaiming that the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in Him.
2. They were amazed and spoke highly of Him.
3. Jesus said to them that no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
4. Jesus’ examples illustrate two examples of Old Testament prophets who did not bring their message to the Hebrew people, but instead went to the Gentiles (non-Jews). At this time in Jewish culture it was not acceptable to associate with Gentiles.
5. They were angry and chased Jesus out of town and were going to kill Him by throwing Him off a hill. 

Directions

1. Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along. Then discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
2. Read the reflection from Following Jesus aloud to your students. Then have them answer the questions or answer them together as a class. When finished, discuss student responses.

Answer Key

Focus Questions

1. Accept reasoned answers, which may include because those closest to us know us best.
2. Jesus came to speak God’s word. Unlike the prophets, Jesus doesn’t just speak for God, He is God.
3. They chased Him out of town and tried to kill Him.