WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2008

Maelezo ya Majibu

In his reform, king Josiah first attacked the worship of Canaanite gods such as Baal and Ashera. He wanted to restore the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and eliminate all forms of idolatry from the land. This included destroying altars, idols, and shrines dedicated to these false gods.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The universal nature of God was demonstrated in the salvation of the people of Nineveh. In the Bible, the book of Jonah recounts how God sent the prophet Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, a great city known for its wickedness. Despite Jonah's initial reluctance, the people of Nineveh repented and turned to God, and God showed them mercy and did not destroy the city. This story demonstrates that God's salvation and mercy are not limited to one particular group of people, but are available to all who turn to Him.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the Epistle to Galatians, Christians are considered as children of God through faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians emphasized that salvation is not achieved through keeping the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. According to him, the law is only a means to show humanity their sinfulness and their need for a savior, which is Jesus Christ. Therefore, faith in Christ is the only way to be justified before God and become a child of God.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the Bible, God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because it was the day He rested from His work of creation. After creating the world and everything in it, God rested on the seventh day, and that's why it's called the Sabbath day. The act of resting on the seventh day set an example for us humans to follow, emphasizing the importance of taking time to rest and reflect.

Maelezo ya Majibu

When God called Moses to lead his people out of Egypt, Moses was hesitant and afraid. He felt unworthy of such a task, and he doubted that the people would listen to him. He was also concerned about his lack of eloquence and his ability to speak well. However, despite his doubts and fears, Moses eventually agreed to follow God's plan and to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

Maelezo ya Majibu

When Moses stayed away for too long on the mountain, the people of Israel made and worshipped an idol. The Israelites grew impatient and believed that Moses had abandoned them. So they asked Aaron to make them a god that would go before them. Aaron collected their gold earrings and made a golden calf, which they began to worship.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The miracle that shows Jesus' power over nature is walking on the sea. In this miracle, Jesus demonstrated his power over the physical laws of nature by walking on water. The miracle is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. It was performed when the disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and encountered a storm. Jesus walked towards them on the water and calmed the storm when he got into the boat. This miracle showed the disciples and the people around them that Jesus was not an ordinary man, but had divine power over nature.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, was unhappy with the high incidence of idleness among them. He commanded them to ensure that anyone who does not work must not eat, meaning that they should not tolerate laziness but instead encourage everyone to work diligently. This is based on the biblical principle of hard work and productivity, which is emphasized throughout the Bible. In essence, Paul was urging the Thessalonians to be responsible and productive members of society, and to avoid being a burden on others through idleness.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the book of Romans, Paul emphasizes that the righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. This means that individuals can be made right with God by putting their faith in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, rather than by trying to earn their own righteousness through good works or following the law. It is through faith in Jesus that believers are justified and reconciled to God, and are able to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to Matthew's Gospel, the disciples were sent out with the charge to go nowhere among the Gentiles nor enter any town of the Samaritans, but to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This meant that Jesus wanted the disciples to focus their ministry on the Jewish people and not to the Gentiles or Samaritans, who were considered outsiders to the Jewish faith. Jesus wanted the disciples to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God to their own people first, and then eventually to the Gentiles and the rest of the world. This charge was meant to emphasize the priority of the Jewish people in God's plan of salvation, and to prepare the way for the gospel to be preached to all nations in due time.

Maelezo ya Majibu

When Peter was in prison, the church prayed ceaselessly. In the book of Acts, chapter 12, it is recorded that Peter was arrested and put in prison by King Herod. The church, upon hearing this news, gathered together and began to pray for him. While they were praying, an angel of the Lord appeared and freed Peter from his chains, and he was able to escape the prison. The story highlights the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God even in difficult situations.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The first five disciples that Jesus called as recorded in the Synoptic gospels were Peter, Andrew, James, John and Levi.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The miracles of Jesus in St John's Gospel were referred to as "signs" of the manifestations of Jesus as the Messiah. They were not just miracles, but also had a deeper meaning and purpose. Each sign was intended to point people to the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. They showed his power and authority over nature, illness, death, and the spiritual realm. The signs were evidence that Jesus was sent by God, and those who saw and believed in them would have eternal life.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that was not part of the honour done to Joseph when Pharaoh made him ruler in Egypt is the correct answer. According to the question, the options are: - Joseph was made to address the people - the land of Goshen was given to Joseph - Joseph was dressed in garments of fine linen - a gold chain was put around Joseph's neck Therefore, we need to determine which option is not correct. The answer is "Joseph was made to address the people." The question did not mention that Joseph was made to address the people. The other options, such as giving Joseph the land of Goshen, dressing him in fine linen, and putting a gold chain around his neck, are mentioned in the Bible as part of the honour that Pharaoh gave to Joseph.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Jesus went to John at the river Jordan to receive baptism like others. John the Baptist was a preacher who baptized people in the river Jordan as a symbol of repentance for their sins. Jesus was sinless and did not need to repent, but he wanted to be baptized to identify with the people he came to save and to set an example for his followers. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Maelezo ya Majibu

When David spared the life of Saul the second time, he took away his spear and jar of water. This happened in the Bible, in the book of 1 Samuel 26:11, where David sneaked up on Saul while he was sleeping and took his spear and jar of water, but spared his life. The spear was likely a symbol of Saul's power and authority, and taking it away was a way for David to show that he had the opportunity to harm Saul, but chose not to.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Peter's general outlook towards Gentile converts was significantly changed by the conversion of Cornelius the centurion. Prior to this, Peter believed that Gentiles could not be part of the Christian faith unless they first became Jews. However, after his encounter with Cornelius and his household, Peter realized that the Holy Spirit was also present among the Gentiles and that they too could become followers of Jesus Christ. This event is recorded in the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible and is seen as a pivotal moment in the early Christian church's acceptance of Gentile converts.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Amos, a prophet in the Old Testament, declared that God hated the solemn feasts, songs, and sacrifices of the people of Israel because they were unjust and unrighteous. According to Amos, the people were engaging in these religious practices while simultaneously oppressing the poor and vulnerable members of society, engaging in corrupt business practices, and ignoring the commands of God. Therefore, God viewed their religious practices as empty and hypocritical, and their actions as unacceptable.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the Mosaic law, the only authority to declare a leper healed was the priest. Leprosy was a dreaded disease in ancient times, and people who had it were considered unclean and isolated from the community. The Mosaic law provided strict guidelines for dealing with leprosy, including how to diagnose it and how to declare someone healed. The priest was the only one who could examine a person with leprosy and pronounce them clean if they were healed. This was done through a series of rituals and sacrifices prescribed by the law. The role of the priest in this process was crucial, as they were responsible for maintaining the purity and well-being of the community.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The last words of Jesus according to Luke were "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." This was when Jesus was on the cross and it is recorded in Luke 23:46. Jesus was expressing his trust in God and his surrender of his life to him. This statement also shows Jesus' deep faith and relationship with God.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Paul considered himself unfit to be called an apostle because he persecuted the church. Before he became a Christian, he was known as Saul and he actively worked to persecute and imprison Christians. He believed that he had done many wrongs and was therefore unworthy of being called an apostle, a title given to those who were chosen by Jesus to spread the gospel message.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

In his letter to Philemon, Paul did not ask him to prepare a feast for him. Instead, Paul wrote to Philemon to appeal for mercy and forgiveness for his slave Onesimus, who had run away from him and had become a Christian under Paul's ministry. Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, not just as a slave. Although Paul did not directly ask Philemon to grant Onesimus freedom or allow him to become a servant of God, he hoped that Philemon would treat Onesimus with love and kindness. However, there is no mention of Paul asking Philemon to prepare a feast for him in the letter.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Asa is a good example of parental responsibility. Asa was a king of Judah and was described as someone who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign altars and high places, commanded Judah to seek the Lord, and made religious reforms. He also removed his mother from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable image for the worship of Asherah. Asa's actions show that he was responsible not only for his own actions but also for the actions of those under his authority, including his family.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Jeremiah saw a ray of hope for Israel if they would repent and return to God. Despite their unfaithfulness, Jeremiah urged them to turn away from their sins and turn back to God, who was ready to forgive and restore them. This is the main message of the book of Jeremiah - that despite the people's disobedience, God was still willing to show them mercy and grace if they would only turn to Him with sincere repentance.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The Jewish party that was bitterly opposed to the disciples for preaching the Resurrection of Jesus was the Sadducees. The Sadducees were a sect of Judaism that were wealthy, powerful, and influential in the Temple in Jerusalem. They rejected the resurrection of the dead and believed in a very literal interpretation of the Torah. When the disciples began preaching the resurrection of Jesus, the Sadducees saw this as a threat to their authority and power, as well as a challenge to their beliefs. They arrested and persecuted the disciples in an attempt to stop the spread of this new belief.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The sin that reigns in our mortal bodies makes us obey our passions. In the Christian Bible, in the book of Romans, Paul speaks of the struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit. He explains that sin has a power over our bodies, making us obey the desires and passions of our flesh, rather than the commands of God. This can lead to actions that go against God's will and harm ourselves and others. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome this sinful nature and live according to God's will.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The concept of forgiveness is related to the act of pardoning someone for a wrongdoing or offense. It involves letting go of negative feelings such as anger, resentment or revenge towards the person who has wronged us. Forgiveness is often associated with concepts such as reconciliation, restoration, and peace. However, it is not related to wealth or financial compensation, which are separate from the act of forgiveness. Therefore, the answer is "wealth".

Maelezo ya Majibu

The miracles of Jesus recorded in John's gospel are called "signs". This is because they were not just supernatural occurrences, but they had a deeper meaning and purpose. Each sign was meant to reveal Jesus' divine nature and identity, and to point to the salvation that he offers to all who believe in him. Some examples of these signs include turning water into wine, healing the sick, and raising Lazarus from the dead.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The statement "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God" is from the beatitudes in the Bible, specifically Matthew 5:9. It means that people who actively seek to bring peace and harmony to conflicts are blessed and considered to be the children of God. In other words, those who promote peace are in alignment with God's values and character, and will be recognized as such.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Christ demonstrated humility by taking the form of a servant. In Philippians 2:6-8, it says that although Jesus was God, He did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Instead, He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Jesus demonstrated humility in several ways, but taking on the form of a servant is perhaps the most profound example. Despite being the Son of God, He willingly submitted Himself to serve others, and ultimately sacrificed His life for the redemption of humanity. This act of humility is the ultimate example of selflessness and servanthood, and inspires us to follow in His footsteps by putting the needs of others before our own.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The correct answer is: Joseph of Arimathea did not remove Jesus' body immediately after he yielded up his spirit on the cross. According to the Gospel accounts in Matthew 27:50-61, Mark 15:37-47, Luke 23:44-56, and John 19:28-42, after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook, the rocks were split, and the curtain of the temple was torn into two from top to bottom. Also, the tombs of the saints were opened, and some of them were raised to life and appeared to many. However, the Gospel accounts state that Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for permission to remove Jesus' body for burial. This did not happen immediately after Jesus died, but rather later in the day, after the Sabbath had begun. Joseph, along with Nicodemus, another follower of Jesus, prepared Jesus' body for burial and placed it in a tomb.

Maelezo ya Majibu

God led the Israelites in the wilderness during the day in the form of a cloud. According to the Old Testament book of Exodus, after the Israelites had escaped from slavery in Egypt, God appeared to them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. The cloud represented God's presence among the people, and it would move ahead of them as they journeyed, indicating the direction they should go. When the cloud stopped, the people would stop and set up camp until the cloud moved again. This way, God provided constant guidance and protection for the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. The cloud was also a symbol of God's power and authority, and it was a visible reminder to the Israelites of the covenant relationship they had with God. The cloud would remain with the Israelites throughout their journey, until they finally reached the Promised Land.

Maelezo ya Majibu

In the book of Romans, Paul taught that without the law, there can be no transgression. This means that if there are no rules or laws guiding human behavior, there can be no violation or breaking of those laws. The law defines what is right and wrong, and when people act outside of its boundaries, they have transgressed or sinned. Therefore, in the absence of the law, there can be no sin or transgression.

Maelezo ya Majibu

The land, the sea and vegetation were created on the third day. According to the biblical account in Genesis, on the first day, God created light; on the second day, He created the sky; and on the third day, He created the land, separated the waters and brought forth vegetation. So, the third day was a crucial day of creation, as it marked the emergence of the first living things on Earth, and the establishment of the foundation of the environment that would sustain life.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

God provided water for the Israelites by asking Moses to strike the rock at the wilderness of Rephidim. When the Israelites complained to Moses that they were thirsty and wanted water to drink, God instructed him to strike a rock with his staff, and water gushed out from the rock for the people to drink. This event is recorded in the book of Exodus, chapter 17, in the Bible.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The fate that would befall those who do not receive the gospel of Jesus according to Christian belief would be condemnation by God. In Christianity, it is believed that salvation and eternal life can only be attained by accepting Jesus Christ as one's Lord and Savior. Those who do not accept Jesus are believed to be separated from God and face eternal punishment in hell after death. This concept is often referred to as the doctrine of hell, which is a fundamental belief in Christianity. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is condemnation by God.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Paul considered himself unfit to be called an apostle because he persecuted the church. In his own words, he considered himself to be the least of the apostles and not even fit to be called an apostle because he had persecuted the church of God. However, he later found forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ and became a key figure in spreading the gospel and establishing churches throughout the Mediterranean region.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Paul said in Galatians that before faith came, we were confined under the law. This means that before we believed in Christ, we were bound by the rules and regulations of the Mosaic Law, and we were not able to attain righteousness by following the law. However, with the coming of faith, we were set free from the constraints of the law and could attain righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Christian baptism is a religious sacrament that symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It involves being fully immersed in water, representing the washing away of sins and the start of a new life in Christ. One of the results of Christian baptism is walking in the newness of life, which means that the baptized person is no longer bound by their old ways but has a fresh start in following Christ. The other options mentioned, such as fulfilling all righteousness, the ability to move fast, and yielding one's life to prayer, are not directly related to the result of Christian baptism.

Maelezo ya Majibu

According to the Bible, King Solomon was granted wisdom by God and the first instance where he applied this wisdom was at Gibeon. At Gibeon, Solomon had the opportunity to offer a sacrifice to God and he requested for wisdom from God instead of wealth or power. He then demonstrated his wisdom by judging a dispute between two women who both claimed to be the mother of the same child. He suggested cutting the child in half, with each woman receiving an equal portion, but the real mother begged Solomon to give the baby to the other woman rather than harm it. This showed Solomon's ability to discern the truth and make fair judgments, which are key components of wisdom.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Peter enjoined humility because the humble shall "be blessed". This means that those who have humility will be favored by God and will receive blessings from Him. Humility involves having a modest and unassuming view of one's own importance, and being willing to put the needs of others before oneself. This virtue is highly valued in the Christian faith, and Peter emphasized its importance by highlighting the blessings that come with it.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Gomer's attitude towards her loving husband symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness to God. In the book of Hosea, Gomer is depicted as a promiscuous wife who repeatedly cheats on her devoted husband, Hosea. Despite her infidelity, Hosea continues to love and forgive her, just as God continues to love and forgive the unfaithful nation of Israel. In the same way that Gomer's unfaithfulness to her loving husband represents Israel's unfaithfulness to God, Hosea's faithful love and forgiveness towards Gomer symbolizes God's love and forgiveness towards Israel. God's love for His people is so great that even when they repeatedly turn away from Him and chase after other gods, He still loves them and seeks to restore them to Himself. Ultimately, the story of Hosea and Gomer serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast love and faithfulness towards His people, even in the face of their unfaithfulness and disobedience. It also highlights the importance of repentance and turning back to God in order to receive His mercy and forgiveness.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

When the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, an evil spirit from God tormented him. Saul's disobedience and rejection of God led to God removing His Spirit from him, and as a result, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. This torment affected his mental state and made him unpredictable, which caused him to make poor decisions.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) How James proved that "faith apart from works is dead" (James 2:14-26)

James raised the question, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" He then proved his point in several ways:

• The example of the needy brother: If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
• The challenge of demonstration: Someone may claim, "You have faith and I have works." James answered, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Faith that cannot be seen in action is worthless.
• The faith of demons: "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe, and shudder." Mere intellectual belief without obedience is no better than the belief of demons.
• The example of Abraham: Abraham was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works. Thus the Scripture was fulfilled, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
• The example of Rahab: Likewise Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way.

James concluded, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." Genuine faith always shows itself in good deeds.

(b) Two deeds of faith

• Providing food, clothing and help to the poor and needy.
• Obeying God's command even at great personal cost, as Abraham did in offering Isaac, or showing hospitality and protection to God's servants, as Rahab did.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) The teaching of James on effective prayer (James 5:13-18)

James taught that prayer is the proper response to every situation of life. He said, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." His teaching on effective prayer includes the following:

• Prayer in sickness: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
• Confession and mutual prayer: "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Prayer should be accompanied by a clean and forgiving heart.
• The power of righteous prayer: "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Effective prayer must come from a righteous life and be offered fervently and in faith.
• The example of Elijah: Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the earth bore its fruit. This shows that the fervent prayer of an ordinary but righteous person can achieve great results.

(b) Four causes of unanswered prayers

• Unconfessed sin and an unclean heart, which separate a person from God.
• Lack of faith, doubting when one prays.
• Wrong or selfish motives, asking in order to spend it on one's own pleasures.
• An unforgiving spirit, disobedience, or hypocrisy which hinders fellowship with God.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) Jonah's flight from the presence of God to Tarshish (Jonah 1:1-17)

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and boarded it to go with them, running away from his assigned mission.

But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest, so that the ship threatened to break up. The frightened mariners each cried to his own god and threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. Meanwhile Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and lay fast asleep. The captain came and rebuked him, "What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call on your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish."

The sailors cast lots to know on whose account the trouble had come, and the lot fell on Jonah. They questioned him, and he confessed, "I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." He admitted he was fleeing from the LORD's presence, and the men were greatly afraid. He told them, "Take me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you." The men first tried hard to row back to land but could not, for the sea grew more violent. Then they prayed to the LORD not to hold them guilty of innocent blood, and threw Jonah into the sea, and the sea ceased its raging. The men feared the LORD greatly, offered a sacrifice, and made vows. And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he was in its belly three days and three nights.

(b) Two moral lessons from his flight

• No one can escape or hide from the presence and purpose of God; disobedience only brings trouble.
• Disobedience to God can endanger not only oneself but also innocent others, as the sailors were placed in danger by Jonah's flight.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) How Jesus demonstrated humility, from Paul's epistle to the Philippians (Philippians 2:5-11)

Paul urged the Philippians to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, and then described how Jesus demonstrated perfect humility:

• Though He existed in the form of God and was equal with God, He did not count that equality with God as a thing to be grasped or clung to for His own advantage.
• Instead He emptied Himself, laying aside His divine glory and taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
• Being found in human form, He further humbled Himself by becoming obedient, submitting fully to the will of God.
• His obedience went to the uttermost, even to death, and not an ordinary death but the shameful death on a cross.

Because of this humble self-abasement, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Thus Jesus showed that the path to true exaltation is through humble obedience and self-giving.

(b) Two ways one can exhibit this virtue

• By putting the interests and needs of others before one's own and serving others without seeking personal glory.
• By being obedient and submissive to God's will, and by accepting lowly positions or suffering when necessary without pride.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) The death of the first child born to David by Uriah's wife (2 Samuel 12:15-23)

After David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle, the prophet Nathan rebuked him and declared that, because he had despised the LORD, the child born to him would surely die. David confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD," and Nathan told him the LORD had put away his sin so that he would not die, but that the child would die.

The LORD then struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and it became very sick. David pleaded with God for the child; he fasted, went in and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his house stood beside him to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor would he eat food with them. On the seventh day the child died. His servants were afraid to tell him, saying, "While the child was still alive we spoke to him and he would not listen; how then can we say the child is dead? He may do himself harm."

But David perceived from their whispering that the child was dead and asked, "Is the child dead?" They answered, "He is dead." Then David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, changed his clothes, went into the house of the LORD and worshipped. He then returned home and asked for food and ate. His servants were surprised and asked why he had fasted and wept while the child was alive but rose and ate when it died. David answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

(b) Three lessons from the episode

• Sin has consequences, and even a forgiven sinner may still bear the results of his wrongdoing.
• Genuine repentance and submission to the will of God bring peace and acceptance, as seen in David's worship after the child's death.
• Fervent prayer and fasting are proper while there is hope, but one must humbly accept God's final decision and not despair.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15:1-10)

The tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to hear Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." In reply Jesus told these two parables.

The lost sheep: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost." Jesus added, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

The lost coin: "What woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost." Jesus concluded, "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

(b) Two ways these parables are significant

• They reveal the seeking love of God, who actively goes after the lost sinner and does not wait passively, showing that every individual is precious to Him.
• They teach that there is great joy in heaven over the repentance and recovery of even one sinner, and they answer the critics by justifying Jesus' welcome of tax collectors and sinners.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12)

Writing to the Corinthian church, Paul did not want them to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. His teaching may be outlined as follows:

• One source of all gifts: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; varieties of service, but the same Lord; varieties of working, but the same God who works all in all. Every gift is given by the one Holy Spirit.
• Gifts are for the common good: To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all, not for private boasting.
• The variety of gifts: To one is given the utterance of wisdom, to another the utterance of knowledge, to another faith, to another gifts of healing, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
• The Spirit distributes as He wills: All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He chooses. No one can claim credit for the gift he possesses.
• The analogy of the body: Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members, though many, form one body, so it is with Christ. The church is the body of Christ, and believers are members of it. By one Spirit all were baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.
• Every member is necessary: The foot cannot say it does not belong because it is not the hand; the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." God has arranged the members, each with its function, so there should be no division. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one is honoured, all rejoice together.
• Order and appointment in the church: God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various kinds of tongues. Not all have the same gift, and believers should earnestly desire the higher gifts.

Paul then pointed them to a still more excellent way, the way of love, which surpasses all the gifts (leading into 1 Corinthians 13).

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) Joseph's first encounter with Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-45)

After two full years, Pharaoh had two troubling dreams. In the first, seven fat cows came up out of the Nile and were devoured by seven thin and ugly cows. In the second, seven plump ears of grain were swallowed up by seven thin ears blasted by the east wind. Pharaoh was troubled in the morning and called all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but none could interpret the dreams.

Then the chief butler remembered Joseph, who had rightly interpreted his own dream and that of the baker while they were in prison. He told Pharaoh about the young Hebrew. Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought out of the dungeon. He shaved, changed his clothes, and came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said, "I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; but I have heard that you can understand a dream and interpret it." Joseph humbly answered, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favourable answer."

Pharaoh recounted the two dreams. Joseph explained that both dreams were one and the same, revealing what God was about to do. The seven fat cows and seven good ears were seven years of great plenty, and the seven thin cows and blasted ears were seven years of severe famine that would follow and consume the land. The dream was doubled because the matter was fixed by God and would come to pass soon. Joseph then advised Pharaoh to appoint a discreet and wise man over the land, and to set overseers to gather one-fifth of the produce during the years of plenty and store it as a reserve against the years of famine.

The advice pleased Pharaoh and his servants. Pharaoh said, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?" He then set Joseph over all the land of Egypt, gave him his signet ring, clothed him in fine linen, put a gold chain about his neck, and made him second only to himself. He gave him the name Zaphenath-paneah and Asenath as wife.

(b) Three qualities of Joseph that earned him Pharaoh's favour

• Humility and godliness: He gave all glory to God, saying the interpretation was from God and not from himself.
• Wisdom and discernment: He not only interpreted the dreams but offered a wise plan to save Egypt from the coming famine.
• Intelligence and administrative ability: Pharaoh recognised him as discreet and wise, a man in whom was the Spirit of God, fit to govern.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) Luke's account of the healing of the demoniac (Luke 8:26-39)

Jesus and His disciples sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, opposite Galilee. As Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the city met Him who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes and lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus he cried out, fell down before Him, and shouted with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. The demon had often seized him, and though he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilderness.

Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He answered, "Legion," for many demons had entered him. They begged Jesus not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside, and the demons begged Him to let them enter the pigs. He gave them permission. The demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

When the herdsmen saw it, they fled and told the people in the city and countryside. The people came out and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told how the demoniac had been healed. Then all the people of the region asked Jesus to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear, and He got into the boat to return. The man who was healed begged to go with Him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

(b) Two reasons the evil spirits were sent into the swine

• The demons themselves begged Jesus to allow them to enter the pigs rather than be sent into the abyss, and He granted their request.
• It served as visible proof that the man had truly been delivered and that the demons were real and destructive, since the drowning of the herd demonstrated the power that had held the man captive.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) The trial of Jesus before the high priest (Mark 14:53-65; cf. Matthew 26:57-68)

After His arrest in Gethsemane, Jesus was led away to the high priest, where all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes were assembled. The chief priests and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they found none. Many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and testified falsely, "We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another not made with hands," yet even about this their witness did not agree.

Then the high priest stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus answered, "I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." At this the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?" They all condemned Him as deserving death. Then some began to spit on Him, to cover His face, to strike Him, and to say, "Prophesy!" and the guards received Him with blows.

(b) Peter's behaviour during this period (Mark 14:54, 66-72)

Peter had followed Jesus at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest, and sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire. While he was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest saw him and said, "You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus." But Peter denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you mean," and he went out into the gateway. The servant girl saw him again and said to the bystanders, "This man is one of them," but again he denied it. After a little while the bystanders said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak." Immediately the cock crowed a second time. Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times," and he broke down and wept bitterly.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) How Lazarus was raised from death (John 11:1-44)

Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, fell sick. The sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." When Jesus heard it He said, "This illness does not lead to death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Though He loved the family, He stayed two more days where He was. Then He told the disciples, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." When they misunderstood, He said plainly, "Lazarus has died; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe."

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Martha met Him and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus assured her, "Your brother will rise again," and declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." Mary also came weeping, and when Jesus saw her and the Jews weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled, and Jesus wept.

They came to the tomb, a cave with a stone lying against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha objected that there would already be a stench after four days. Jesus reminded her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Jesus lifted up His eyes and prayed, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." Then He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with grave-clothes and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said, "Unbind him, and let him go." As a result many of the Jews who had come with Mary believed in Him.

(b) Two lessons the story teaches Christians

• Jesus has power over death; He is the resurrection and the life, and faith in Him gives hope of eternal life.
• God's delays are not denials; what seems like too late for man is an opportunity for God to display His glory, so believers should trust Him even in the face of death and disappointment.

Maelezo ya Majibu

(a) Saul's battle with the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-13; cf. 1 Samuel 28)

The Philistines gathered their armies to fight against Israel, and Israel encamped at Gilboa. When Saul saw the great Philistine host, he was afraid and his heart trembled. Because the LORD did not answer him by dreams, by Urim or by prophets, Saul disguised himself and went to the witch of Endor, seeking a word through the medium. Through her, Samuel announced that the LORD had departed from him and become his enemy, that the kingdom would be given to David, and that on the next day Saul and his sons would be with him, and Israel would fall to the Philistines.

In the battle on Mount Gilboa the Philistines fought fiercely against Israel. The men of Israel fled before them and fell slain on the mountain. The Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons and killed Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers found him and wounded him severely. Saul said to his armour-bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through and make sport of me." But his armour-bearer was too afraid, so Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. When the armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons and his armour-bearer, all on the same day.

When the Israelites on the other side of the valley saw that the army had fled and Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and occupied them. The next day the Philistines found the bodies, cut off Saul's head, stripped his armour, and fastened his body and those of his sons to the wall of Beth-shan. But the men of Jabesh-gilead came by night, took down the bodies, burned them, buried the bones under a tamarisk tree, and fasted seven days.

(b) Two reasons the outcome could be blamed on Saul

• Saul had persistently disobeyed God, so that the LORD rejected him and departed from him, leaving him without divine guidance in battle.
• Instead of trusting and seeking God properly, Saul consulted a medium at Endor, a forbidden practice, showing his lack of faith and further sealing his doom.