CRE Notes Form 1 - 4 

While he slept the Lord appeared to him and told him that:

But they will come out of this land with a lot of wealth and God will punish the nation that will enslave Israelites.

Then the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and promised to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan.

God himself passed through the sacrifices and bound himself to keep the promises.

f) Importance of the Covenant Between God and Abraham (Gen. 15: 1- 19)

This passed on to the descendants of Abraham.

g) Covenants in Modern Life and Their Importance

Modern covenants are

Covenants in Modern Life and Their Importance

(a) Marriage

(b) Baptism

(c) Oath of loyalty and

(d) Ordination of clergy

Marriage ceremony:

In marriage, the bride, bridegroom and their families come together. When the two families come together a relationship is developed.

They make an agreement and both sides are seriously involved in the ceremony, whether the marriage is civil or religious.

During the marriage ceremony the couple makes vows/promises to each other, before a priest/ pastor and the congregation.

Two officials witness these agreements. Rings are exchanged as a sign of a lasting relationship.

A certificate is given in some cases as a testimony (sign) of this agreement.

There is eating and drinking.

Baptism:

In a Christian baptism, a covenant is entered into between the believer and God. The believer makes vows before God.

The priest and the whole congregation witness this agreement.

In some churches, a card is issued to the person who has been baptized as a sign of Christian membership.

The baptized can now take the Holy Communion, which is a Christian Ceremony.

But when an infant is baptized, parents take the vows on behalf of the child.

Loyalty /oath:

Leaders in public service for example the president, ministers, Members of Parliament, and chief officers are sworn in before they take over their new responsibilities.

They swear (take an oath) and promise to carry out their duties firmly and without fear or favour.

Ordination of the clergy: Church leaders, nuns and priests take oaths and make vows to God and to the congregation in a ceremony attended by worshippers.

The importance of modern day covenants

• They bind different groups

• They act as a security

• They strengthen relationships

• They unite people together

• They create loyalty

• They create peace, harmony and bring a sense of permanence

h) The Testing of Abraham’s Faith (GEN. 22: 1 – 18)

God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to go and sacrifice his only son Isaac.

This was the son he loved so much.

He was to travel to Mount Moniah.

On reaching Mt. Moriah, he built an altar, and arranged wood on it.

He tied up his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood.

He lifted a knife to kill him.

“But the Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven.

Abraham! Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy…Do not do anything to him.

Now I know you that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” (v 11-12). Abraham had obedient reverence for God became he did not keep back his only son from God.

God provided a ram for sacrifice.

He named the mountain “the Lord provided” God was pleased with Abraham and promised him blessings, many descendants’ victory, and protection.

Activity

Read Genesis 12:1 – 9, 15:1 – 6, 17:23 – 24, 21:1 – 7, 22:1-19

Importance of Faith in Christian Life Today

1. A Christian today is acceptable to God through his faith in God through Jesus Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

2. A Christian can only serve God if he has faith in him. Faith enables a Christian to serve God.

3. Faith enables a Christian to accomplish what appears to be impossible.

4. Through faith, Christians are able to trust God to fulfill his promises to them.

5. Faith is the foundation of the Christians salvation.

6. Faith in God gives a Christian the power to overcome all temptations.

8. Christians should expect to have their faith tested just like Abraham was.

9. Faith enables Christians to patiently wait on God’s promises.

10. Christians through faith in God help the poor, make right decisions and are able to understand and know God better.

Jewish and African Practices of Circumcision

A. Importance of Circumcision to Abraham and His Descendants (Gen. 17: 1 – 16)

The rite of circumcision was started by Abraham and has been practiced by the Jews up to the present times.

In the Old Testament, it was important because:

(i) Through circumcision: God assured Abraham that he would fulfill His promises to him.

(ii) Circumcision was a sign that Abraham and his descendants had entered into a covenant with God. It was an outward sign of inner faith.

(iii) Circumcision was a mark of identity for the Jews.

(iv) It was a sign of obedience to God.

(v) It was an acceptance of God as the only true God and their willingness to remain faithful to him In the New Testament.

(vi) Circumcision doesn’t qualify one to be a child of God. One is accepted as a Christian without circumcision as long as they have faith in God.

(vii) A true descendant of Abraham is the Christian who truly believes in God and lives according to His will regardless of colour, race or creed.

b. Circumcision in African Communities

Circumcision is one of the rites of passage among the African people.

It marks the transition from one stage to another.

Many ethnic communities in Kenya still practice the rite of circumcision.

During circumcision ceremonies, prayers are offered to God for the well being of the initiates (those who are being circumcised) and the prosperity of the whole community.

Initiates learn secrets of their community and society.

They are taught myths, origin, religious beliefs, and sex education.

In some communities, initiates are given new names or ornaments to signify their new status.

C. Jewish and African Practices of Circumcision

Similarities In both Jewish and African communities, circumcision:

(a) is a mark of identity

(b) provided a sense of belonging

(c) was observed as a religious experience

(d) was compulsory

(e) was a tradition passed from one generation to another

(f) is a time for shedding blood

(g) was a time for offering prayers to God for the well being of the initiates

(h) was a time for giving gifts

(i) was a ceremony for initiation

(j) was a time for giving the initiates names

(k) took place in sacred places.

Differences In Jewish community,

i. Circumcision was a rite for boys while in African society it was for both boys and girls. But it was for boys in a few communities.

ii. Boys were circumcised when aged 8 days while in the African society; it was between 15 to 25 years old.

iii. Circumcision was for boy’s organ while in African societies several forms of initiation were done, for example, removal of teeth, and body piercing among others.

iv. Circumcision was a command from God while for the African communities it was in obedience to customary law where ancestors were invoked to protect the initiates.

Among the African societies

v. Circumcision was a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood while for the Jews it was not.

vi. The initiates were given specialized education while the Jews were not.

vii. The initiates were grouped into age groups, and were secluded from the community while among the Jews it was not so.

viii. The rite of circumcision according to seasons while the Jews once a child is born, they are circumcised on the 8th day.

ix. After circumcision, the initiates were allowed to marry, enter a warrior group, own property but for the Jews the initiate was still a child.

Revision questions

1.Explain why Abraham is referred to as the father of faith

2. Give five actions from the life of Abraham that shows his faith to God.

3. List some of the promises God gave to Abraham.

4. Compare and contrast the Jewish and traditional African practice of circumcision.

5. What is the importance of faith to Christians?.

6. State the elements of a covenant.

7. Give examples of covenants in the bible and the modern society.

8. Discuss the circumstances that led God to enter into a covenant relationship with Abraham.

Sinai Covenant

The Call of Moses

One day, Moses was looking after or tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law.

Jethro was a priest of Midian.

When Moses came to mount Horeb, the mountain of God, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.

Moses saw that although the bush was on fire, it was not burning.

Moses went over to the burning bush to look. God called him out within the bush… “Moses! Moses!” He replied, “Here I am”.

God then told Moses not to come closer and to take off his sandals for the place where he was standing was a holy ground.

God introduced himself as the God of his father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.

God then said he had seen the misery and sufferings of the Israelites in Egypt. He had heard their cry.

God had come down to rescue Israelites from the hand of Egyptians.

God was to take them to their home, the land of the Canaanites, a land flowing with milk and honey.

God told Moses that He was sending him to go to Pharaoh and bring out the Israelites, the people of God, from Egypt.

Moses resisted the call.

He asked God “Who am I, that is should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God promised to be with him.

God said to Moses… Say to the Israelites… the Lord.

The God of their fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob has sent me to you.

Moses was told to assemble the elders of Israel and inform them that God was going to deliver them from Egypt.

Moses was then to go to the king of Egypt with the elders.

He was to tell the king “the Lord, the God of the Hebrews has met with us.

(Exodus 3:1 – 22) God’s sign to Moses

Moses was given several signs by God In case the people of Israel did not believe in him.

a) First sign was his staff turning into a snake when he threw it down. When he touched the snake’s tail it turned into his staff.

b) Second sign was God asked Moses to put his hand inside his cloak and it was as white as a snow – leprous.

He was asked to put it back into his cloak and it was restored.

c) Moses further complained that he was a stammerer. God then appointed Aaron, his brother, as his spokesman.

Reasons Moses gave against the call

1. He felt unworthy of the call.

2. He wondered who he was to tell the Israelites that God had sent him.

3. Moses said that he was a stammerer so he let God choose a spokesperson.

Moses however heeded to the call and went back to Egypt together with his family.

God promised to be with him and perform signs before Pharaoh.

What does the name Moses mean?

It means drawn out of water.

What did Moses learn about God from his Calling?

Moses learnt that:

1. God is caring, merciful and concerned about the welfare of his people – Israelites.

2. God is transcendent – he is beyond human understanding. He cannot be limited to time and space.

3. God chooses whomever he wills to carry out his plans.

He chose Abraham an old man, a moon worshipper and now Moses, a murderer, a fugitive and a stammerer.

4. God expects total obedience and faith from those that He chooses.

5. God is powerful, eternal and omnipresent.

6. God is holy.

7. God is a God of history, which means He is concerned with His people’s welfare.

8. God is mysterious – He manifested Himself in the burning bush that was not being consumed.

How did God prepare Moses to be the future leader of Israelites?

1. His life was spared when he was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter

2. He was nursed by his own mother who taught him about Yahweh and his own true identity

3. Life in the wilderness hardened him to be bold and to persevere hardships

4. He learnt to be patient, keen, and responsible as a shepherd

5. He acquired leadership skills while living at pharaoh’s palace

6. He learnt literacy and numeracy skills (Educational skills) at the palace.

7. He was not a stranger to Pharaoh hence he could approach him freely.

The Ten Plagues Exodus 7:14-11:10

During the call of Moses at Mount Sinai, God gave Moses a rod with which he could perform mighty signs before the Israelites and before Pharaoh.

Aaron was to be his spokesman.

Moses and Aaron gathered the Israelite elders and leaders to tell them what God had said to them. After Moses had performed the miracles that God had showed him; the Israelite leaders believed him.

They then approached Pharaoh so that he may release the Israelites.

However instead of releasing the Israelites, Pharaoh became crueler.

He gave Israelites harder work.

When Pharaoh refused to release Israelites, God instructed Moses to bring ten plagues upon Egypt.

These plagues brought; great trouble and suffering to Israelites.

Ten plagues

1) The plague of blood (Exodus 7: 14 – 25)

Moses and Aaron used the rod. They struck the waters of the river as God instructed them.

All the water in the rivers, canals, and pools in Egypt turned into blood.

All the fish died and there was no water to drink.

This situation lasted for seven days. However Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. He did not release the Israelites.

2) The plague of frogs (Exodus 8:1 – 15)

God then sent Moses to tell Pharaoh that if he refused to release the Israelites the whole land would be covered with frogs.

At the command of Moses, Aaron held out the rod of Moses and frogs covered the whole land. On seeing this, Pharaoh pleaded with Moses and Aaron to pray to the Lord to get rid of the frogs and he would release them.

They prayed and all the frogs died.

Pharaoh, however, changed his mind and refused to release the Israelites.

3) Plague of gnats (Exodus 8:16 – 19)

The lord instructed Moses to tell Aaron to strike the ground and Aaron did so and all the dust in Egypt turned into gnats or small flies that bites.

The magicians of Egypt could perform the first two plagues.

They could not bring the plague of gnats.

Egyptians acknowledged that the presence of gnats or small flies that bites was God’s work.

But even with this information, Pharaoh still refused to release the Israelites.

4) Plague of flies (Exodus 8:20 – 32)

The Lord warned Pharaoh through Moses once more.

He was told that God would send swarms of flies to the Egyptian houses. The Israelites houses would be spared.

Even after bringing the plague of flies, Pharaoh’s heart hardened even more.

5) Death of cattle (Exodus 8:1 – 7)

A plague of disease befell the Egyptian cattle.

Not a single Israelites’ animal died. Pharaoh was not moved; and he refused to let Jews go home.

6) Plague of boils (Exodus 9:8 – 12)

Moses threw ashes into the air as God had instructed.

This produced boils, which became open sores on the skin of the Egyptians.

Unmoved by the suffering of his people, Pharaoh still refused to let the Israelites leave.

7) Plague of hail (Exodus 9:13 – 35)

Moses raised his rod and there was a hailstorm with lighting and thunder.

The people, animals and plants that were struck by the lightning died.

Pharaoh then promised to let the Israelites go but as soon as Moses prayed for the hailstorm to stop, pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites leave.

8) Plague of Locusts (Exodus 19:1 – 20)

Locusts covered the whole land and ate all the crops in the fields.

The locusts ate all that had not been destroyed by the hailstorm.

When Moses prayed to God, for locusts to leave; Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites leave.

9) Plague of darkness (Exodus 10: 21 – 29)

God then instructed Moses to stretch out his hand to heaven.

There was total darkness in Egypt for three days.

But there was light where the Israelites they were living. Pharaoh remained unmoved and would not release the Israelites out of Egypt.

10) Death of Egyptian first-born males (Exodus 11: 1 – 31).

After the plague of darkness, God sent Moses once more to Pharaoh.

He was told that this time even his family would be affected.

The Lord would kill all the first-born Egyptian sons and first-born male animals at midnight.

This plague occurred during the night of Passover.

Pharaoh was moved and allowed Israelites to leave Egypt.

What do the plagues tell us about God’s attributes?

GOD:

1. Empowers His people to perform miracles and to do His work

2. Is Almighty and more powerful than the Egyptian gods.

3. Is determined to fulfil His plans.

4. Is a God of justice. He protects the oppressed.

5. Gives everyone a chance to repent. Notice that each time Pharaoh promised to release the Israelites; God relieved the Egyptians from the plagues.

6. Fulfils His promises – He had promised Abraham to deliver his descendants from foreign lands.

7. Expects total obedience and faith.

8. Communicates His will through natural events.

9. Is caring and loving.

Passover (Exodus 12:1-30, 19, 20, 34)

The tenth plague is called the Passover. It happened on the fourteenth day of the month. The Israelites were to offer one-year-old lamb per family.

If a family was too small, they were to share the lamb with their neighbours.

If a lamb was not available, a one-year-old goat could also be used.

They were told to:

1. Slaughter the lamb/goat; smear some of the blood on the sides and tops of the door- frames of their houses.

2. Roast the meat and eat it with bitter herbs and unleavened bread (bread without yeast).

If there were any leftovers they were to burn them with fire.

3. Eat in a hurry while fully dressed and having packed their belongings.

They were told to borrow silver, clothings, jewellery, and gold from the Egyptians.

4. That on the same night, the ‘angel of death’ would kill every first born both males and animals in the houses without blood.

5. The angel of death would pass over the houses with blood sparing them. The blood was a sign to indicate this is a house of Israelites.

When the Lord sees the blood, He will pass over that house (V.13).

6. The Israelites were told to celebrate / commemorate from generation to generation the Passover as a festival to the Lord.

7. The Israelites were not allowed to come out of their houses on the night of Passover.

8. At midnight, the Lord struck down all firstborn in Egypt from Pharaoh’s household to the firstborn of the prisoners and firstborn of livestock.

9. There was loud wailing over Egypt. Every house had someone dead.

Significance of items used during the Passover

1) Roasted Meat

– this is the easiest method of preparing food since the Israelites were to leave in a short time.

2) Bitter herbs

– was a reminder of the suffering and hardships and slavery experienced in Egypt.

3) Eating while standing.

Deliverance was near, hence the need to leave in a hurry

4) Eating while fully dressed with their stuff at hand

.

This signified a quick deliverance; hence Israelites should be ready to leave Egypt at once.

5) Eating unleavened bread

– the bread was to be eaten and none left over hence there was no need to add yeast for preservation.

6) Collecting Jewellery

– God had promised Abraham that after slavery for four hundred and thirty years, his descendants shall be freed with great possessions.

7) Remaining indoors

– for security from death. Anyone outside was killed.

8) Blood on doorposts

– a sign for deliverance. The angel of death would pass over doors with blood.

The Exodus

Introduction

Exodus means movement of a large number of people.Crossing the Red Sea

During the night of the Passover, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them to leave, to go and worship their Lord.

All the Israelites, their flocks and herds were urged to leave in a hurry.

Pharaoh took his chariot army and followed the Israelites and found them camped by the Red Sea.

God led the Israelites over the desert towards the Red Sea.

Moses took the body (bones) of Joseph, as Joseph had requested the Israelites to do.

“When God rescues you, you must carry my body with you from this place” (Ex 13 vs. 19).

During the day the Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud (angel of God) to show them the way, and during the night the lord went in front in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel night and day.

This pillar of cloud led the Israelites by day and night.

The Egyptian army followed Israelites and caught up with them by the Red Sea where they had camped.

Moses asked the scared Israelites to move near the sea.

God told Moses to lift up his stick, and hold it over the sea.

The waters of the Red Sea divided and the Israelites crossed the sea on dry ground with walls of water on both sides.

The angel of God, and the pillar of cloud (who had been in front of the army of Israel) moved behind the Israelites and provided light to them as they cross.

The Egyptians army pursued Israelites.

The pillar of cloud made it dark for Egyptians who could not see where they were going.

Just before daylight, the Lord looked at the Egyptians from the pillar of cloud and fire and God threw the army of the Egyptians into confusion.

Moses was asked by the Lord to stretch out his hand. He did so and waters returned to its normal level drowning Egyptian army and their horses.

God protected the Israelites during the Exodus by:

1) Making them cross the red sea on dry ground.

2) Providing water in the wilderness.

3) Providing manna and quails.

4) Defeating Amalekites – their enemies.

5) Protecting them from snakes and diseases in the wilderness.

Provision of water in the wilderness

Israelites travelled in the desert for three days without water.

The water, which they found at Marah was bitter and could not be drunk.

They called the place ‘Marah’ meaning ‘bitter’.

This made them complain. Moses prayed to the Lord.

The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water and it became fit to drink.

God continued providing Israelites with water.

Again the Israelites lacked water and complained bitterly (Ex.17:1 – 9).

God instructed Moses to strike a rock and water came out of it. Moses called that place ‘Massah’ – which means ‘testing ‘and ‘Meribah’ – meaning ‘rebellion’. This was because the Israelites quarreled and tested God.

Provision of manna and quails (EX 16:1 – 35)

As the Israelites were travelling through the desert, they ran out of food.

They were hungry and complained to Moses.

Their complaints displeased the Lord for they often told Moses they wished he had let them die in Egypt instead of dying in the wilderness.

This showed that the Israelites did not trust God to provide for them.

In the morning, they were given Manna, which is a Hebrew word for the type of bread given to Israelites by God.

The bread looked like wafers or flakes and tasted like coriander seed.

In the evening, GOD provided Israelites with quail’s meat.

The provision of manna and quails (meat) lasted for 40 years.

On the 6th day of each week, God gave them food for two days one for the 6th day and the other for the 7th day (Sabbath).

Defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17: 8 – 16)

Challenges faced by the Israelites during the Exodus During the Exodus, the Israelites faced the challenge of the Amalekites.

These were desert Nomads who attacked the Israelites in the wilderness.

When the Amalekite army came against Israelites, Moses ordered Joshua to gather men and fight.

God promised to destroy the Amalekites forever.

During the battle, Moses held up his rod.

And each time he raised his hands with the rod, the Amalekites were defeated.

When he brought his hands down, the Israelites were defeated. Because of this, Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands until the Amalekites were defeated.

In the wilderness God protected the Israelites form snakebites.

He also used a cloud to protect the Israelites from the scorching heat during the day.

At night, the pillar of fire provided warmth to protect them from the harsh cold of the wilderness.

The importance of the exodus in the history of the Israelites

The exodus showed Israelites that:

1) God loves and tolerates His people.

2) God did not abandon the Israelites despite their lack of faith.

3) God gave the Israelites encouragement through his servant Moses.

4) It was the end of the oppression of Israelites in Egypt.

5) Moses was God’s chosen leader.

Making the Sinai Covenant (Exodus 19: 24 1 – The Sinai covenant)

God and Israelites.

God had specific instructions on how the Israelites were to prepare to make the new covenant.

Before making the covenant, God brought Israelites to the foot of Mt. Sinai and asked Moses to ask them if they were willing to make the covenant with HIM. GOD asked them to enter into a personal relationship as a community with HIM.

The Israelites agreed to make a covenant.

They agreed to obey all God’s comm ands.

God then promised to make them;

i His people

ii. A kingdom of priests

iii. A holy nation

God and Moses.

God wanted to confirm that Moses was His true prophet.

He therefore told Moses that He would come in a thick cloud to meet Israelites.

In preparation for God’s coming on Mt. Sinai

The Israelites were to:

I. Make themselves holy by washing their clothes (garments)

II. Mark the boundaries on the foot of the mountain to prevent any person or animal from climbing the mountain.

III. To abstain from sexual relations.

At Mt Sinai, God manifested His presence in the form of thunder, lightening, earthquake and a thick cloud of smoke that covered the whole mountain.

In addition, there was a loud trumpet blast that made the people tremble.

Moses climbed the mountain.

God gave Moses the Ten Commandments after sealing the covenant.

Sealing of the covenant. The Lord told Moses “Come up the mountain to me, you and Aaron, Nadab, Abibu and 70 of Israel leaders.

At a distance bow down in worship, and come alone to me.”

A ceremony was then prepared to seal the covenant. This is how it was sealed:

a. Moses built an altar at the foot of the mountain.

b. He set up twelve stones, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel.

c. He then sent young men to burn sacrifices to the Lord and sacrificed.

some cattle as fellowship offering and peace offerings to God (EX 24 vs. 5).

d. Moses took half the blood of animals and poured it in bowls; and the other half he threw against the altar (vs. 6).

He then took the book of the covenant, and read it aloud to the Israelites who responded by saying “all that the Lord has spoken we will do; and we shall be obedient”

e. Moses then took the blood in the bowls and sprinkled it over the people; saying “This is the blood that seals the covenant which the Lord made with you when he gave all these commands.”

Theophany. God’s presence manifested itself in several ways such as:

These were physical manifestations of God’s presence.

Breaking the Sinai Covenant (Exodus 32:1 – 35; 34:6 –8)

Israelites dishonored their pledge to obey God upon sealing the covenant; Moses went back to talk to God in the mountain.

He left Aaron in charge of Israelites’ affairs.

He stayed in the mountain for forty days.

The lord revealed His glory to Moses at Mt. Sinai and declared His character.

”The Lord the compassionate and glorious God, slow to anger and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin (Ex 34:6 – The Israelites urged Aaron to make them gods that they could see.

Aaron agreed.

He melted the rings of gold and moulded a bull calf god.

Israelites were happy and said “this is our god who took us out of Egypt”.

They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to it and indulged themselves in eating, drinking and sex.

By accepting a bull calf as their god, the Israelites expected bull calf of gold to give them the same strength and fertility like the Egyptian gods.

Through this act, they broke their covenant with God.

When Moses came down from the mountain, he found Israelites worshipping the gold bull calf.

He got annoyed. He threw down the stone tablets he was holding;

on which the 10 commandments were written.

Moses then took the golden calf, and burnt it into powder and mixed it with water.

He then made those worshipping the calf to drink the mixture.

Moses ordered those who had sinned to be killed.

Lesson Eight: Renewal of the Covenant (Exodus 34:1 – 14).

Learning outcomes.

After studying this lesson, describe conditions for the renewal of the covenant.

The renewal of the covenant came after Moses pleaded with God not to destroy the Israelites after they broke the covenant.

God spared the Israelites. God agreed to renew the covenant with the Israelites.

He gave them several conditions for its renewal.

Conditions for the renewal of the covenant

The Israelites were:

a) To obey God’s commandments

b) Not to make any treaty with those who lived in the land where they were going.

c) To break down their altar, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah (Idols).

Not to worship any other god and not to make idols for worship.

d) To keep the feast of unleavened bread (Passover).

e) Not to marry people form other tribes.

f) To rest on the Sabbath day.

g) To sacrifice and offer their best produce and animals to God.

God in turn promised to

a) Bless them. Protect and preserve the Israelites.

b) Make them prosper so much that the surrounding nations would enquire about their source of wealth and success.

With these conditions, the covenant between God and the Israelites was renewed.

From the making and renewal of the covenant, it is clear that:

(i) God expected the Israelites to obey and have faith in Him

(ii) God wanted a personal relationship with Israelites.

(iii) God is the only one to be worshipped.

(iv) God is powerful.

Lesson Nine: Worshiping God in the Wilderness

Learning outcomes.

After reading this lesson a. Explain God’s purpose in delivering the Israelites from Egypt

b. Describe features of worship

a. God’s purpose in delivering the Israelites from Egypt was to worship and offer sacrifices to Him in the wilderness.

He also intended to fulfil his promises to Abraham.

b. Features of worshipping God in the wilderness.

(i) The Israelites: Worshipped God through intermediaries.

These were the priests who came from the tribe of Levi.

(ii) The Israelites: Were guided in their worship and in daily living by the Ten Commandments and other ordinances.

(iii) The Ark of the Covenant was made in the wilderness. It was God’s dwelling place.

It was a special box put into the tabernacle. A tabernacle was a portable tent.

The ark symbolized the presence of God and the Israelites carried it wherever they went.

(iv) Offerings of farm products or agricultural produce were given to God.

These included among other farm products; vegetables, flour. Oil and fruits.

(v) Other offerings to God were drinks, and incense. The offerings could be burnt, baked, boiled or roasted.

(vi) There were several Sacrifices.

They included:

(vii) Festivals and feasts. Israelites observed several festivals and feasts.

These included:

It marked the celebration of the harvest of wheat.

It was celebrated during the season when the Israelites gathered the fruits from the Orchards.

Lesson Ten: the Ten Commandments (Exodus. 20: 1 – 17) Learning outcomes.

After reading this lesson, a. Recite the ten commandments

b. Apply the ten commandments in your life

c. Describe Israelites new understanding of the nature of God

d. Explain to yourself and others the nature of God

a. The Ten Commandments

While on Mount Sinai, God gave Moses Ten Commandments written on a stone tablet.

The first four commandments deal with relationship between man and God.

God said:

1. You shall have no other gods but me.

2. You shall not make yourself a graven image.

3. You shall not mention Gods’ name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

The last six commandments give man’s relationship with fellow human beings.

God said:

5. Honor you father and mother that your days may be long on earth.

6. You shall not kill.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s property.

These are my thoughts.

(1) Worshipping God

(2) Being faithful to God

(3) Resting

(4) respecting parental authority

(5) love humanity

(6) Be faithful to your wife or husband

(7) respect other people’s property

(8) be truthful always

(9) be satisfied with what God has given you.

b. Israelites understand the nature of god

The Israelites had a new and wider revelation about God.

Besides GOD being a caring, loving, and a provider,

they learnt that:

a. God is a jealous God.He does not allow the worship of others gods. He alone should be worshipped.

b. God does not condone evil. He punishes those who cause/engage in it.

c. God values a personal relationship with his people.

d. God wants people to live in harmony among them.

e. God forgives those who repent. He is loving, merciful and compassionate.

f. God is a healer – he healed Israelites in the wilderness when a snake attacked them.

g. God is a God of victory. He defeated the Amalekites, perizzites, and Hittites etc.

h. God is faithful and can be depended upon.

i. God is holy, slow to anger, powerful and just.

j. God demands obedience to His commands.

Revision questions

a. What are the qualities of Moses as a leader?

b (i). Describe the call of Moses (exodus 3:1-22)

(ii). Why was Moses hesitant to God’s call?

c (i). What is the significance of the items used for the Passover feast (similar to what is the meaning of the Passover meal)

(ii). Compare the lord’s supper to the Passover feast

d. Describe how the Sinai covenant was made

e. Describe the circumstances that lead to the breaking of the Sinai covenant.

f. How was the broken covenant renewed?

g. Describe how the Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness.

h. What is the relevance of the ten commandments?

i. What did the Israelites learn about god in the wilderness?

Topic Five: Leadership in Israel: David and Solomon Learning outcomes.By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

a. Explain the reasons for and against kingship in Israel.

b. State king Saul’s achievements, failures and lessons learnt from Saul.

c. Explain the importance of David as King of Israel and ancestor of Jesus Christ.

d. Describe the qualities of a good leader drawn from King David’s leadership.

e. State King Solomon’s achievements and failures.

f. Explain the importance of the temple in Israel.

Lesson One: Reasons for and Against Kingship in Israel Introduction

Yahweh remained the God of Israel and the sovereign ruler of his people.

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this lesson, you should

a. Define leadership.

b. Name Israel judges in Canaan.

Leadership refers to the manner in which a community’s way of life is ruled or controlled.

When Israelites settled in Canaan, Judges ruled them for the first 200 years.

Some of the judges were

(i) Othniel,

(ii) Ehud

(iii) Samson

(iv) Deborah

(v) Gideon

(vi) Shamgar

(vii). Samuel

(viii). Barak

Duties of judges

a. Leading Israelites to war against their enemies.

b. Settling disputes among the people.

c. Acting as religious leaders and leading Israelites in worship.

d. Offering sacrifices on behalf of the people.

e. Some of the judges acted as God’s prophets.

f. They anointed kings, for example Samuel anointed King David.

Demands for a King in Israel

After Israelites settled in Canaan, the Promised Land, they started demanding for an earthly king to rule over them.

These demands for a king ruler were brought about by:

i Samuel’s sons Joel and Abijah were corrupt and took bribes.

The sons of Samuel, who were judges,lacked his good leadership qualities.

ii The Israelites wanted a warrior king who could lead them to war against their enemies.

iii The Israelites wanted to be like the other nations around them who had kings.

iv The Israelites wanted a human leader whom they could see, approach, and talk to him face to face.

The Israelites wanted security, which could be provided by a stable political government ruled by law and order.

vi They wanted a government that had a regular army.

vii They also wanted an established law court system.

Reasons against Kingship in Israel (Samuel 8:10 – 20)

By demanding for a king, the Israelites were seen as rejecting Yahweh – their unseen ruler.

Two, there would be danger of hereditary kingship which would lead to oppression / dictatorship.

God told Samuel to give Israelites strict warnings against Kingship by explaining how the king would treat them.

A king would: -

(a) Recruit Israelites sons forcefully into the army.

(b) Grab peoples land.

(c) Force people to pay taxes to the government.

(d) Turn people into slaves.

(e) Introduce forced labour.

(f) Force their daughters to work for his wives, sons, and for the royal house in general.

The people of Israel were distinct from other nations.

Asking for a king meant rejecting God as their unseen king.

Further to this, Israel could become like other nations, which did not worship Yahweh.

Then the covenant with God and the people of Israel would cease.

Lesson Two: Achievements and Failures of King Saul (Israel 13:8 – 14; 15:7 – 25)

Learning outcomes. After reading about King Saul, you should

a. State his achievements

b. Identify his failures

c. Suggest lesson we can learn from his failures

Samuel was directed by God to choose and anoint Saul as the king of Israel.

Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin.

He became the first human king of the nation of Israel. He accomplished several things.

Successes of King Saul

1) He was anointed by God; as king to rule the Israelites.

2) He was chosen even though it was not God’s idea for a king over his people.

3) He was a great warrior. He led the Israelites to war and defeated their enemies.

Failures of King Saul

1) God told Saul through Samuel to destroy the Amalekites completely.

Saul however disobeyed God. He spared the king and the fat livestock.

He claimed to have spared the fat animals for sacrifice to God.

Because of this disobedience, God rejected Saul as king.

2) The Israelites were faced with many enemies.

The worst were the Philistines.

It was a custom for the king of Israel to enquire from God whether to go to the battle or not.

The priest/prophet gave permission to the king to go to war. When Saul was faced with the dilemma whether to fight or not, Samuel enquired from God.

Saul did not wait for permission to go to war from Samuel the priest.

He decided to bypass Samuel by offering a sacrifice to God before going to war.

This action displeased God because it was not his work to offer sacrifice to God.

It was the work of priests.

3) After God rejected Saul as the king of Israel, Samuel was guided by God to go to Bethlehem.

He was asked to go to the home of Jesse who had eight (8) sons.

In that home,God was to show Samuel the next king of Israel.

Samuel would then anoint the chosen son of Jesse.

Seven of Jesse’s sons were brought before Samuel one by one.

God told Samuel that he had not chosen any of them.

When David, a shepherd, was brought before Samuel God said to him ’this is the one – anoint him!” (1 Samuel 16:12).

David was anointed (poured oil on) as the next king of Israel.

However he had to wait until Saul died before he could take over kingship.

4) After Samuel anointed David to become the next king of Israel, Saul was jealous and plotted many times to kill him.

David was employed to serve Saul. He played the harp, lyre wherever an evil spirit possessed Saul.

5) When Samuel died; the Philistines gathered to fight Israel. Saul was filled with terror.

Saul enquired from God whether he should go to war, but did not get an answer.

Saul disobeyed God by asking a medium (witch) to consult the dead for him.

This act led to the death of Saul together with his son Jonathan in battle.

6) Saul was concerned with what people thought of him than pleasing God.

He wanted to please people and not God.

He was disobedient with God (1 Samuel 15:24)

Lessons, which Christians can learn from King Saul’s failures

1) Value of being patient.

2) Christian should obey God, follow His commands and not be afraid of people.

3) Christian should obey religious leaders placed over them by God.

4) Christian leaders should be humble.

5) It is against the teachings of God, against the will of God to consult the spirits of the dead through mediums.

7) Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

8) God desires sincere worship.

9) Political leaders should consult and listen to religious leaders.

10) Christians should not turn against their enemies or rivals.

They should not plot to have them destroyed and killed.

Lesson Three: Importance of David (1 Samuel 16: 1 – 23, 2 Samuel 6:1 – 15)

Learning outcomes. After reading about King David, you should

a. State his importance to God and the Israelites

b. Analyse achievements and failures of King David

c. Trace David lineage up to Jesus Christ

d. Narrate fulfillment of the promises to David in the New Testament

e. Give reasons why God rejected David’s offer to build him a temple

David took over kingship of Israel though some people resisted his rule.

At first he ruled the house of Judah.

Later on the other tribes rallied behind him.

Importance of King David

David became king after the death of Saul.

He ruled for over 40 years as king of Judah and Israel.

Achievements of David

1) He was a brilliant military commander.

2) He captured the old fortress of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his capital city.

3) He removed the ark of covenant from the house of Abinadab in Shiloh and brought it to Jerusalem.

4) He expressed great faith in God. Through his faith in God, he was able to kill Goliath, the great Philistine warrior.

5) He was a skilled musician and composed marry psalms that were used and are still being used in temple and church worship.

7) He expanded the geographical boundaries of Israel through conquests.

8) He was a great diplomat and established good political relations with the neighboring kings.

9) He was a shrewd administrator who chose wise elders and counselors to advice him.

10) God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom for David.

11) David ruled over Israel, administering law and justice to all people.

12) He took a census of the Israelites and used the information to

(a) recruit young men into military service and

(2) decide on the policy of taxation.

13) David had remarkable leadership qualities. He was kind. He spared mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson.

14) David was humble. He was ready to accept sins he had committed and repent e.g. he repented after committing adultery with Bathsheba.

David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 1 – 29, LK 1:26 – 33)

David intended to build a splendid temple for God in Jerusalem. He felt it was not fair for the Ark of the Covenant to continue dwelling in a tent while he himself lived in a magnificent palace.

To achieve this goal, David consulted Nathan, the prophet on whether to build the temple.

The prophet approved the idea.

But that night, Nathan received a revelation form God that stated that David was not to build a house (temple) for God.

David’s son would build the temple of God (2 Samuel 7:5 – 6). Prophet Nathan gave David God’s message to David.

The message was that

a) His son will build the temple

b) God would give David’s descendants a place to settle

c) God promised to raise up an heir from the house of David to sit on the throne

d) God promised to make David’s name great or famous among all other leaders of the earth.

Reasons why God rejected David’s offer to build him a temple

Here are some of the reasons:

a. David had been involved in a lot of wars with the Israelites’ enemies and had thus shed a lot of blood.

b. God was a God of the people and could not be confined to a house.

c. It was the will of God to establish the house of David (build David a house) rather than David builds a house for him (God). The human body is the temple of God. God dwells in the hearts of people.

d. David had grown old. God wanted him to rest.

e. God had planned that David’s son would build a house for him – a place to house the Ark of the Covenant.

King Solomon, David’s son built the temple and fulfilled.

God’s promises to David. Solomon’s rule was peaceful and prosperous.

The New Testament is a fulfillment of God’s promises to David

1) The gospel writers tell us that Jesus was born in the family of David (Luke 1:26 – 27)

2) The angel of God during the annunciation of the birth of Jesus said that He will be like his ancestor David (Luke 1:32 – 33)

3) Jesus was born in Bethlehem which was also the birthplace of David (Luke 2:4)

4) Bartimaeus the blind man of Jericho hailed Jesus as the son of David.

5) During his triumphal entry to Jerusalem, Jesus was hailed by the crowd as the messiah descended from David.

6) In his genealogy, saint Mathew says that Jesus was a descendant of David (Matt.1: 1)

Failures of King David.

Although David had many virtues:

1) He ordered Uriah to be placed at the battle forefront so that he can be killed.

2) Uriah was the husband of Bathsheba. David had committed adultery with her.

3) He took Bathsheba as his wife.

Lesson Four: Leadership of King David

Lesson outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should assess leadership qualities demonstrated by king David

David showed

1) Courage and bravery.

David was courageous and brave. Modern leaders should be ready to die with and for their subjects.

2) Gratitude

Thankful and grateful. David always thanked God for any success or favors he received.

Good leaders should be thankful and grateful to God as well as to their fellow human beings.

3) Loyalty.

David was loyal to God and to the Israelites. A good leader should be loyal, and never betray his people.

4) Justice.

David administered justice to all his subjects without favoring anyone. No tribalism or nepotism.

A leader should be fair to all (2 Samuel 8:15).

5) God – fearing

Having faith. David was God fearing. He expressed his total trust in God. Modern leaders need to emulate this quality.

6) Humility.

A leader should be a humble person. Though David had been appointed as the king, he continued to serve Saul until Saul died. He accepted his failures and asked for forgiveness.

7) Kind.

David was a kind leader. Leaders should be kind. David spared the life of Saul twice yet Saul wanted to kill him.

8)Wisdom.

David was careful when choosing legal advisors to assist him in his rule. He was also wise.

He reduced tribal jealousies by choosing Jerusalem; a neutral spot for administrative purposes.

9) Delegation

– A shrewd administrator. A good elder should be able to delegate duties. David delegated duties.

He involved others in advising, and administering

Lesson Five: Achievements and Failures of King Solomon (1 King 3 – 12)

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should:

a. Analyse achievements of king Solomon

b. State failures of king Solomon

After David died, his son Solomon became the next king.

Kingship in Israel was hereditary.

Solomon was chosen by David to be his successor.

He took over from David at a time of peace and security established by David.

Achievements

1) He made Israel rich by establishing trade with other countries

2) He was a good trader and a successful merchant. He traded in copper, horses, timber, silver and gold.

He established international trade with the neighboring countries.

For example, he traded with Tyre in cedar and pine logs.

3) He established a well equipped large army for Israel

4) He was a builder. He built a magnificent temple for God in line with God’s promise to David.

He also constructed other cities (Megiddo) and a palace for himself.

5) He is remembered for his amazing administrative skills.

He had 550 officials in charge of labour force.

6) He was a diplomatic ruler. He established friendly ties with his neighbours.

This ensured continued peace. For instance he married the daughters of the kings of Egypt, Moab,Eden and Sidon so as to establish strong ties with those nations.

7) He had great wisdom. He judged a difficult case between two women who were claiming ownership of the same child.

He composed many wise sayings known as the proverbs of Solomon. He also composed songs like Song of Solomon and Song of Songs and poems in Ecclesiastes.

9) He dedicated the temple of God with great rejoicing.

10) He brought the Ark of the Covenant to the temple of Jerusalem.

Failures of King Solomon

1) He married women from many foreign countries.

These actions made Solomon break the Torah as Israelites were not supposed to marry foreigners.

Through these marriages, idol worship started in Israel.

This was because he allowed his wives to worship their gods, build temples and altars for them.

This led to introduction of idolatry in Israel.

2) Solomon constructed his palace for 13 years. He then built God’s temple for 7 years.

This showed that he probably loved himself more than God.

3) He killed his own half brother Adonija on suspicion that he could be a rival to the throne.

4) Solomon lived lavishly, and expensively. He thus burdened the Israelites with high taxes.

5) He used forced labour. This was the same as enslaving the Israelites.

6) He worshipped idols. Solomon’s heart was turned to such other gods as Ashtoreth / ashitarte – goddess of Sidon and Molech – the god of the Ammonites. This was breaking God’s commandments.

7) He sold part of Israelite territory to the king of Tyre He used pagan skills when designing, decorating, and furnishing the temple.

9) He made treaties with other nations inspite of the fact that God had forbidden Israel from making treaties.

10) He was extravagant. He used a lot of state wealth to entertain and please his many wives and concubines.

Activity

. Many husbands in Kenya practice polygamy. I want you to find out from your neighbours what are the advantages and disadvantages of polygamy.

Then write a paper arguing either for polygamy or monogamy.

Lesson Six: Importance of the Temple in Israel

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should

a) Define a temple

b) State the importance of the temple to Israelites.

Definition of a temple

This is a building dedicated to the worship of God. Solomon built the temple as a fulfillment of the promises that God gave to David, that his son would build a house for him.

Importance and uses of a temple

1) It was a centre of worship. Prayers and sacrifices were offered to God from the temple.

2) It symbolized the presence of God among the Israelites.

3) The Ark of the Covenant was kept in the temple as a symbol of God’s presence among his people.

4) The temple acted as a symbol of unity in Israel. Every year all the Israelites had to go to Jerusalem to celebrate such feasts as the Passover, feast of tabernacles’ day of atonement. This led to the unity of the Israelites.

5) Dedication of children and purification were done in the temple.

6) It was a residence for the priest.

7) It was a business centre where people bought and sold animals needed for sacrifice.

The temple acted as a school to the scribes, rabbis and others who studied and interpreted the Mosaic Law.

9) The temple also acted as the judicial court of Israel. Judges worked from the temple.

10) It is where religious ceremonies like naming and circumcision of baby boys took place.

11) It was a house of prayer.

Revision questions

a. Explain the reasons against kingship in Israel 1 Sam 8: 10-20

b. Explain the importance of David as king of Israel

c. How did Jesus fulfil the prophecies of prophet Nathan as a descendant of David? (i.e. areas where Jesus is mentioned as coming from David)

d. What are the failures of king Solomon?

e. Which leadership qualities can modern leaders learn from David?

Topic Six: Loyalty to God – Elijah Lesson One: Effects of Idolatry in Israel Introduction

After the death of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into two countries. the southern kingdom called Judah ruled by King Rehoboam and the Northern kingdom called Israel led by King Jeroboam.

Other kings who ruled these two nations were King Abijah, King Asa of Judah, and king Nadab, Baasha, Elah,Zimri, Omri, and Ahab of Israel. During the time of Elijah king Ahab ruled – Israel.

Learning outcomes. After studying this lesson on idolatry, you should

a. State factors that led to spread of idolatry in Israel

b. Analyse religious schism between Judah and Israel

c. Describe King Ahab’s marriage to the Phoenician princess (Tyre)

d. Explain the failure to completely destroy temples, and places of worship

e. State effects of idolatry in Israel

a. Factors that led to spread of idolatry in Israel

When Israelites intermarried with other communities, they worshipped their gods.

The Bible makes it clear that

i There was a lot of influence by Canaanite religion

ii There was division /schism of Israel into 2 kingdoms

iii Ahab’s married the Phoenician princess

iv Israelites did not destroy all gods after settling in Canaan. Influence of the local Canaanite religion Idolatry is the worship of idols.

An idol is an image representing a god made using precious materials such as gold, bronze, stone, and hardwood images kept in the places of worship.

God had forbidden Israelites from bowing down to images and worshipping idols, intermarrying with non-Israelites, and making treaties.

When Israelites settled in Canaan, they forgot God’s commandments.

They intermarried and were greatly influenced by the local religion. Israelites changed from being pastoralist to farmers.

They therefore worshipped Baal the god of rain,agricultural fertility, and storms. Israelites worshipped Baal, for rain for their crops.

The Israelites were also attracted to the visible gods of Canaan as opposed to the invisible Yahweh.

This is how idolatry spread in Israel.

However some Israelites maintained worship of Yahweh only (monotheistic) while others worshipped Yahweh and Baal (syncretism).

Characteristics of the Canaanite religion.

Canaanite religion was:

1. Polytheistic.

They worshipped many gods.The Israelites religion was monotheistic. They worshipped Yahweh and no other God. They abandoned their religion and worshipped many gods like Canaanite.This influenced the Israelites.

2. A nature religion.

The gods were related with the forces of nature such as rain, sun, storms, drought,famine, wind, water and death.

3. Ensured continued fertility of land, people, animals

4. Based on many families of gods.

There was

a. EL – Chief god – who was their father, king, creator

b. Asherah – wife of El – the goddess of motherhood and fertility

c. Baal – also referred to as Baal Hadad, son of El and Asherah – the god of rain, agricultural fertility,storms

d. Astarte – wife of Baal -the goddess of war

e. Anat – sister of Baal – the goddess of war and love

f. Maat – the goddess of love

g. Mot – most feared. The god of drought, famine and death

5. Free and temple of prostitution. Israelites turned to temple prostitution.

Women who wanted to increase vitality of their husbands had sexual relations with the male priests in the Baal temples.

6. Had many places of worship. One could pray in the temple, under sacred trees, and on top of the hills among others.

7. Based on offerings and sacrifices of human beings.

Exercise. State differences between Israel and Canaanite religion.

b. Religious schism between Judah and Israel

Schism occurred among the Israelites because there were sharp differences within them.

These differences were religious, political and social. After the death of Solomon, the nation of Israel was split.

Rehoboam ruled one group while the other was ruled by Jeroboam.

Because of this split, Jeroboam could not go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple. He thus set up other places of worship one at Bethel, and another at Dan. Jeroboam also set up images to represent Yahweh.

Though he had no intention of Idol worship, it turned out to be so because he made his subjects to offer sacrifices to these golden calves, which he had designed as images representing Yahweh.

He also built places of worship on hilltops like the Canaanites.

He chose priests from other families in addition to the Levite Family.

Furthermore, he organised religious festivals and feasts in the month of his choice.

As it were, they coincided with the Canaanites calendars.

He then burnt incense at the altar of idols.

Jeroboam therefore started idol worship and gave room for idolatry.

Kings who succeeded him followed this idol worship.

c. King Ahab’s marriage to the Phoenician/Tyre princess

Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of the King Ethbaal of Sidon (Tyre) to strengthen ties with Tyre/Phoenicia.

Queen Jezebel was ambitious, and a strong follower of Baal religion.

Ahab allowed her to bring her gods to Israel.

She forced Israelites to worship Baal and not Yahweh.

She imported prophets of Baal and supported them using public treasury.

Ahab built a temple to Baal In Samaria.

He also put up an image of goddess – Asherah. d.

When Israelites settled in Canaan, they did not destroy temples, places of worship, idols, images that they found there.

As a result Canaanite’s religious practices influenced Israelites’ worship of Yahweh leading to idolatry.

The effects of idolatry harmed Israelites as:

1) Syncretism developed. This was a process of mixing beliefs andbpractices from different religions.

Israelites worshipped Yahweh and the gods of Canaan.

2) Former places of worship for the Canaanite gods were used as places of worship for Yahweh.

3) The Canaanite agricultural calendar was adopted by Israelites.

4) Names of the Canaanite gods were used for Yahweh. For example, EL was referred to as Yahweh.

5) Parents began naming their children after Baal.

6) Feasts and celebrations were changed to correspond with those of Canaanites when they celebrated their feasts.

7) King Ahab declared worship of Baal as the state religion.

8) Queen Jezebel ordered the destruction of the altars of Yahweh

9) Prophets of Yahweh were killed. Elijah went into hiding.

10) The 450 prophets of Baal were made the officials of the royal court in order to promote and protect Baal religion

11) Israel started to experience long droughts because Yahweh withdrew his blessings.

This made Israel worshippers of El

Lesson Two: Elijah’s Fight Against Corruption and False Religion in Israel

Learning outcomes. After studying Elijah, you should

a. Describe the contest at Mount Carmel

b. Explain how Elijah fought against corruption

c. Explain the relationship between Ahab and Naboth

d. Describe God’s sentence to Ahab.

e. Relate Elijah’s encounter with Yahweh at Mt. Horeb

f. Identify forms of corruption

a) The contest at Mount Carmel (1 King 18:17 – 46).

Carmel refers to the vineyard of the Lord.

King Ahab brought trouble to Israel because of worshipping the idols of Baal. Elijah told Ahab that the problemsIsrael was facing were due to worship of Baal, The decision.

Elijah requested king Ahab to call a meeting at Mt Carmel.

In attendance would be all Israelites, 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of the goddess Asherah who were supported by Queen Jezebel and Elijah.

Elijah told Israelites it was decision time.

They had to choose their God. Would it be Yahweh, the God of Israel or Baal the god of Jezebel of Phoenician/Tyre. If it was to be Baal, then they were told to follow him, if they select Yahweh as their God then they were to follow him (1kings 18 vs. 21).

The choice.

Elijah proposed a contest between him and Baal prophets.

He asked for two bulls one for him, the other for 450 prophets of Baal.

The contest was who can light fire? Yahweh or Baal? He proposed that Baal prophets and himself be given each a bullock.

Both shall cut the bull into pieces and put them on wood without lighting fire.

The Baal prophets shall pray to their god and Elijah shall pray to the Lord.

The one who sends fire to consume the sacrifices .. he is God. The people of Israel accepted Elijah’s proposal.

Actions.

The prophets of Baal prayed first because they were many. They took the bull, prepared it and prayed to Baal until noon (vs. 26).

They prayed louder, and cut themselves with knives and daggers; but there were no answer.

The prophets of Baal kept on ranting and raving until evening but there was no answer (vs. 29).

Elijah asked people to gather near him.

He prepared the altar of the Lord to repair work. He took 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel (who were named after the 12 sons of Jacob or Israel) and used them to rebuild the altar.

He then dug a trench around the altar.

This trench could hold 14 litres of water.

He placed the wood on the altar; cut the bull into pieces and laid them on the wood.

He asked for four barrels of water and poured it on the offering and wood.

He poured water on the altar three times until the water overflowed, run around the altar and filled the trenches.

Elijah then called on the Lord “O Lord, the God of Abraham, …prove now that you are the God of Israel and that am your servant and have done all this at your command” (vs. 29).

The Lord sent fire down and it burnt up the sacrifice, wood, stones, and dust and licked up the water that was in the trench. When people saw this, they proclaimed ‘The Lord, is God; the Lord alone is God”.

Elijah asked people to arrest the prophets of Baal, led them down to the river Kishon and killed them.

And after this there was rain in Israel (vs.40).

Lessons learnt from Mt. Carmel.

Israelites acknowledged that Yahweh is:

i Is their only God and that Baal was not God

ii Is powerful

iii Is a merciful God

iv Is a jealous God as He will have no other gods but him

v Is a God of justice who punishes idolaters and sinners

vi Answers prayer

vii Is a forgiving true God

viii Protects his servants

b) Elijah’s fight against corruption (1 Kings 21: 1 – 29)

Corruption is defined as dishonesty.

It’s a form of injustice when dealing with either an individual or the community for selfish gain and benefit.

In a corrupt society people in leadership or with wealth take advantage of the weak, and the poor.

The powerful exploit the poor and the powerless by denying them their rights. An example of corruption in Israel is the story of the Naboth’s Vineyard.

Naboth’s vineyard. Ahab wanted Naboth to either sell to him his vineyard or exchange it with another vineyard.

Naboth refused to sell his inheritance. Jezebel, on seeing that Ahab was sorrowful told him that she will get him Naboth’s vineyard.

Jezebel sent out letters in Ahab’s name to the elders of the city.

She found two witnesses who could bear witness that Naboth had blasphemed God and king Ahab. Witnesses testified that Naboth had blasphemed God. He was stoned to death.

God then sent Elijah to meet with Ahab as he went to possess the vineyard of Naboth.

God’s sentence to Ahab.

God pronounced to Ahab through Elijah that (1) dogs shall lick his own blood from the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth

(2) His sons shall be killed

(3) Dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel

(4) Evil shall be brought upon Ahab’s house.

This was because Ahab had broken these commandments:

Ahab allowed his wife to bear false witness against Naboth.

Elijah’s encounter with Yahweh at Mt. Horeb (Mr. Sinai) 1 Kings 19 After killing the prophets of Baal, Elijah was threatened by Jezebel.

She vowed to kill him.

Elijah ran away to the wilderness.

The angel of God fed him with a loaf of bread and a jar of water.

After eating and drinking Elijah walked to Mt. Sinai – the holy mountain of God.

He stayed there for 40 days and 40 nights. In the mountain God appeared to him.

There was a strong wind, an earthquake, a fire but the Lord was not in them. Then the lord spoke to Elijah in a still small voice.

God told Elijah “ return and anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and anoint Elisha as a prophet and your successor. Self-assessment question.

How can Christians help reduce corruption in Kenya?

Answer

First is to recognize the various forms of corruption like: tribalism,bribery, cheating in business, stealing, misuse of public funds, grabbing public land, robbery with violence and dishonesty Self-assessment question.

How can Christians fight corruption? Christians can fight corruption by:

a). Employing life skills

a) Applying their critical thinking.

This is the ability to make appropriate decisions; by weighing in the consequences of actions before taking decisions.

b) Creative thinking and being imaginative.

This is the ability to explore new ways of handling issues.

c) Decision making

which is the ability to make the right choices.

d)Assertiveness. This is the ability to express ones opinion with confidence.

e) Praying for the corrupt to change their behaviour.

f) Setting a good example by acting as a good role model.

g) Educating people on the evils of corruption.

h) Reporting those who are engaged in corrupt dealings / practices to the relevant authorities.

i) Obeying the laws of the society /country.

Voting for morally upright leaders.

Lesson Three: Reasons Why Elijah Faced Danger and Hostility as a Prophet of God

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you shall

a. Explain why Elijah, faced hostility

b. Show relevance of Elijah’s prophetic mission to Christianity today

It’s not easy for a person to oppose the government and its policies.

The person normally faces danger and hatred.

Elijah faced hostility from King Ahab, his wife Jezebel and the 450 prophets of Baal.

Elijah faced hostility because a. He pronounced a three years drought in Israel, which brought sufferings.

b. He put to death 450 prophets of Baal.

c. He boldly condemned king Ahab for taking away Naboth’s vineyard.

d. He preached at a time when there was idolatry, and Baal was the official religion in Israel.

e. He identified himself with Yahweh in the midst of prosecution of God’s prophets by Jezebel.

Relevance of Elijah’s prophetic mission to Christians today Lessons Christians learn from the life of Elijah

1) Elijah was courageous. Church leaders should remain courageous and condemn any form of social injustice.

2) Modern Christians learn to remain faithful to God through word and deed even if it would cost them their lives.

3) As God helped Elijah in difficult times he will also help the Christians hence they should not despair.

4) Elijah was a man of prayer Christians should pray to God always.

5) Christians should advocate for the rights of the poor and speak out against any form of oppression.

6) Christians should not give false evidence against their neighbours.

7) Christians should be persistent like Elijah was in their struggle against injustice.

God communicated with Elijah in a still small voice indicating his intimacy with the prophet.

This means that God is able to establish an intimate relationship with his faithful.

Review questions

a) Describe the qualities of Elijah that led to his achievements

b) What is schism and syncretism

c) What are some of the characteristics of Elijah that a modern Christian should strive to emulate?

d) What are the effects of idolatry in Israel today?

e) Describe Elijah’s fight against false religion in Israel

f) Describe Elijah’s fight against corruption 1 kings 21

g) What can Christians learn from the teachings of Elijah?

Topic Seven: Selected Aspects of African Religious Heritage. Introduction

All Traditional African Communities believe in a Supreme Being who is the origin and sustainer of all things:

He is the creator of the university and all that it contains.

All Africans agree that nobody has ever seen God.

Therefore, nobody can really describe Him, yet through their religious insights, Africans have formulated ideal about the nature of God.

These ideas concern His real being and His activities. “Traditional religion” refers to African culture that existed in the sub – Saharan Africa.

African traditional culture had no scriptures or texts because most of it was oral.

It was preserved and handed down from generation to generation-through oral traditions; ceremonies; rituals, and leading personalities.

Learning outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to

a) Explain and appreciate the African concept of God spirits and ancestors

b) Identify attributes of God

c) Explain the African understanding of the hierarchy of beings

d) Describe the role of God, spirits and ancestors

e) Explain the responsibilities of the living towards God, spirits and ancestors

f) Describe the traditional African way of worshipping God, venerating and communicating with the ancestors and spirits.

Lesson One: African Concept of God, Spirits and Ancestors

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should

a. Describe the African concept of his/her religion

b. State attributes of God

c. Draw a diagram showing hierarchy of beings

Africans believed in existence of a supreme being who lived in mountains, clouds and the sky. God was the creator of the universe.

In African traditions, religion was integrated in every aspect of life and daily activities.

For example, farming activities involved God, spirits and ancestors. People would pray to God,spirits ancestors so as to ask for blessings in order to have a good harvest.

Livestock keepers believed that fertility of their animals is a result of the blessings of God.

If God was appeased, animals would increase.

Natural phenomena such as thunder, lightning, rain; good harvest, and birth were linked to the Supreme Being and the invisible world.

If there were calamities such as drought, disease, famine, and death, it was an indication that God, spirits and ancestors were displeased with humankind. Many communities have invocations uttered through out the day Nature or Attributes of god God is described with many names, which are God’s attributes.

These are among others:

a) God is Good

– Nearly all-African communities describe God as being good to all people and things.

He gives rain, sunshine and life among many other gifts.

b) God is merciful.

The Akamba refer to God as “God of pity”, the‘merciful one’.

God shows mercy in times of danger, illness, difficulty or anxiety.

c) God is holy.

He is pure, holy and does not make mistakes. Yoruba call him God who is pure, without blemish.

The Kikuyu say God is “Possessor of whiteness” and the Bukusu – ‘master whitewash’. African traditions all approach God with reverence, fear, respect and honor.

For example when offering sacrifices, they would offer a one-colour animal either white, black, or brown and not a spotted animal.

d) God is powerful i.e.

Omnipotent. God is described as almighty. His power is expressed in natural occurrences like thunder, lighting, earthquakes, rains, and floods.

e) God is all knowing (Omniscient).

God knew all things; nothing can be hidden from him. He discerns hearts.

f) God is all present (Omnipresent).

He is present everywhere in the universe.

g) God is limitless.

God has no limit. He is both very far and very near, beyond and within.

h) God is transcendent.

God cannot be exhausted by human imagination. He is unexplainable, beyond human experience and understanding.

i) God is all understanding

j) God is self existent

.He made all things but he himself is not made. He exists on his own. Zulu explain that God is ‘he who is of himself.

k) God is a spirit He is invisible, and everlasting.

. Shilluk of Sudan refer to him as ‘great spirit’ ‘the formless spirit.

l) God is everlasting.

God is eternal, never changes, and never dies. The Yoruba call him ”the mighty immovable rock that never dies.

m) God is God created the creator .

The world Kikuyu call him “Mumbi”

n) God is just. Kikuyu refer to God as “Mugai” meaning “divider”. ‘One who shares out’.

God judges fairly, punishes those who do wrong and rewards the good with blessings.

o) God is the provider.

All communities acknowledge that God provides them with everything they have.

Africans built representation of the power of God.

They identified sites, places and things that represented the presence and power of God.

For example things like big trees, thick forest, high mountains, unique rock formations and large rivers and animals. In these places they built sites, and shrines.

Shrines were regarded as holy and people approached them with reverence Spirits.

They were believed to exist between God and human beings in the universe.

Spirits were diverse and created by God.

Some spirits were dead human beings. Spirits were divided into nature, sky, earth and human spirits that were either long dead (ghosts) or recently dead (ancestors).

There were different types of spirits. These were:

a. Divinities.

These are spirits created by God. They are close to God and act as his agents.

They are in charge of natural phenomena like the sun, moon and stars. They are intermediaries between God and ancestral spirits, human beings and other creatures.

They reveal God’s plans through diviners and mediums.

b. Human spirits / common spirits.

These are inferior to divinities but higher than human kind.

They are remains of human beings after their death. These spirits monitor human activities.

Human spirits have lost their names and are not longer remembered by the living.

They are believed to live in the under world, undergrounds, in thick bushes, forests, rivers, mountains, lakes, skies, and caves among other places.

These spirits can bring harm to the living if disrespected.

They appear to people in dreams or in form of shadows.

They can also enter or possess a person and cause abnormalities.

3. Ancestors / living dead

These are spirits of the recently dead. They are remembered by the living when children are named after them.

They are actively involved in the lives and activities of the living.

Their offerings (food or drink) are poured on the ground for them to receive.

Ancestors are in a period of transition between the living and the higher categories.

They are believed to know the problems of the living and therefore consulted constantly.

They are also associated with evil such as revenge for burying them without honor, or not following the instructions they gave before they died or failing to pour them libations.

When they are happy with the living, they are a source of blessings.

Ancestors who did evil things or committed suicide are forgotten and ignored.

Hierarchy of beings.

Hierarchy means the order or ranking from the highest to the lowest of created beings.

At the top is Divinities

Lesson Two: the Role of God, Spirits and Ancestors

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson: -

a. Write a description of God from an African perspective

God is the creator.

The Akamba community believed that God whom they called Mulungu created man and woman.

He then tossed them to the earth. The Luhya claim God created them from the black topsoil hence their skin complexion.

God is the source of life and giver of life.

Barren women pray to God to ask for children. Human beings depend on God for life, rain, air, and sunshine.

God is the provider.

He gave domestic animals to human beings for their use.

Domestic animals have many uses such as repayment of dowry, food, and sacrifices to God,payment of a fine by an offender.

Many wild animals are used in folk songs and tales to discourage cowardice, and laziness God is a protector of human beings from evil.

God is the giver of moral laws and a judge of people

God offers solutions to man’s problems through mediums, and prophets

God gives power to the specialists such as medicine men, women and priests.

God punishes people for wrong doing

Wild animals such as hyena are used in folk stories to discourage cowardice. Stories of tortoise illustrate the importance of being slow but sure.

Snakes in some communities such as the Luhya were not killed.

The community believed snakes were immortal ancestors coming to visit the living.

Plants were used as food for people and animals.

Trees were used for fuel and building materials. Some trees were used as sacred places of worship.

Non-living things such as the rain, rocks, and rivers had a religious importance.

Rain is seen as a blessing from God. When rain fails, diviner/rain maker was consulted.

Rocks, and mountains were believed to be dwelling places for the living, the dead and the spirits.

The spirits were viewed as neither good nor evil.

Human beings feared them.

Their roles were many.

They;

i Appeared in dreams especially to diviners, priests, medicine men and women, and rain makers to relay information.

ii Were consulted by religious specialists to find the cause of a problem in a given situation.

iii Were bad (naughty) spirits, which disturbed people. African communities believed that bad sprits could call out one’s name but on turning there’s no one. iv Were manipulated by some human beings to cause harm to others.

v Relayed God’s messages to human beings.

vi Sometimes possessed a person causing the person to be sent away from the village to the forest, or away from home.

vii Acted as intermediaries between humans,’ divinities and God.

Role of ancestors is to: -

1) Appear to families in dreams, and visions.

2) Give family instructions i.e. what should be done.

3) Rebuke those who fail to honor them and warn them of impending punishment.

4) Act as mediators between the living and God.

5) Enquire about family affairs as they considered as members of the family.

6) Request for sacrifice of an animal which is slaughtered for them

7) Cause illness or mental disturbance to members of a family if they are disregarded or disobeyed.

8) Preserve the culture of a community

9) Welcome those who die to the spirit world.

Lesson Three: Responsibility of the Living Towards God, Spirits, and Ancestors

Learning outcome. After studying this lesson, you should

a. State responsibilities of the living to God, spirits, and ancestors.

b. Explain the various forms of worship.

Responsibilities of living include

Human beings are expected to worship God, spirits and ancestors and show

(i) reverence and respect or veneration to God.

They are also expected to

(i) pray

(ii) sing and

(iii) dance.

Worship. This is our major responsibility as God expects us to meet and communicate with the spiritual world and God.

There are several ways of worshipping God.

These include among others:

(a) Sacrifices and offerings.

Sacrifices include shedding of blood of animals and birds.

Offerings are in the form of foodstuffs, milk, water and honey.

God was worshipped because He is recognized as the absolute owner of life and property.

We also worship God in order to

(i) invoke Him for special blessings

(ii) thank Him

(iii) express our personal fellowship and communion with God

(iv) avert or prevent evil.

Evils bring about epidemics, famine, floods, and drought.

(b) Singing and dancing.

Africans worshipped God through singing, dancing, clapping of hands,drumming, and use of musical instruments.

(c)Prayers, invocations and blessings.

Prayers were accompanied with sacrifices or offerings. Community leaders prayed to God, spirits and ancestors.

(d) Invocations are shortened form of prayers e.g.

“Help me oh God” ‘Oh great God”. These are prayers at the spur of the moment. They are few words full of meaning and calling for help form God.

(e) Formal blessings.

An elder or older person gave blessings. It is believed that the person blessing the other one is doing so on behalf of God.

(f) Venerations.

Africans treated their ancestors with great respect and honor.

They for example worshiped ancestors daily.

Worshipping included placing food or pouring libation of beer, milk, water and honey for the spirits.

As this act was done, they uttered words to accompany the offerings. Libations were done daily by some communities.

(g). Ancestors were honored by:

Communication with spirits

Diviners and mediums talk with ‘spirits”. To do so, they sit quietly in a place; singing, dancing and clapping their hands. As they dance, sit and sing, diviners lose their senses and get possessed by the spirit.

The spirits speak give them messages for individuals and communities.

Spirits communicate on issues such as

(i) lost property

(ii) revealing by name the enemy in the society

(iii) making demands on the living

(iv) giving advice

(v) giving warnings on impending danger and

(vi) making promises to bless a family or clan.

Spirits that possess mediums are not harmful.

There are bad evil spirits harmful to people whom they possess. Some evil spirits cut themselves; others throw themselves into a fire, river, and lake.

Revision questions

a) Explain African beliefs about god ( or qualities)

b) Describe the African understanding of the hierarchy of being

c) Describe the role of the ancestors to the living

d) What was the responsibility of the living towards God?

e) Describe the T.A. ways of worshipping God.

Topic Eight: African Moral and Cultural Values Learning Outcomes:By the end of the topic, you should be able to

a Explain the meaning of life and its wholeness in the traditional African society

b Explain the African concept of community and kingship system

c Outline the factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in the African communities

d Describe rites of passage and their role inculcating moral values in the traditional African society

e Explain the role of religious specialist and their relevance in modern society

f Explain the African moral values

g Discuss and evaluate continuity and change in the African understanding of leisure, dress, old age, widows, orphans, dowry, community, land, medicine, worship and property.

Lesson One: Meaning of Life and Its Wholeness in the Traditional African Society

Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to:-

1. Describe the meaning and wholeness of life in the traditional African society

2. Describe the African understanding of a community Life originates from God and it progress from one stage to another with a certain rhythm each person has to follow. Each stage of life is marked by rites of passage. Life is continuous and unending.

Each person is expected to value life and to be responsible. Life involves sharing.

It is immoral to be greedy and self centred. People are to be hospitable, warm and caring toward other people.

Unity and harmony are to be upheld.

Life is viewed as whole only if a person went through all the stages or rites of passage Life was propagated through bearing children.

Life cannot be divided into religious and secular.

Every element of life has a religious meaning.

Life is communal.

Life was celebrated at every stage.

Everyone depends on others. Labour was divided. There were duties for men, children and women.

In African traditional society, human life is precious.

Murder was condemned harshly.

Suicide was considered the worst thing anyone could do.

It was seen as a curse on the family.

If one died at childhood, it was regarded as abortion. Death did not mark the end of life.

Death is referred to as ‘saying goodbye to food”, “sleeping,” “going home”, “being called by the ancestors”.

African concept of a community

A community is a group of people who share a common language, religion, and culture and may live in the same geographical location.

This group of people or an ethnic group shares common interests and characteristics.

For example, African communities:

A clan is made up of people who have the same forefather.

A clan is composed of families.

A family is made up of members (living or dead) who are related by blood and marriage.

Family members therefore include the ancestors and the unborn.

Lesson Two: Kinship System in African Communities

Learning outcomes. After studying African kinship system in African communities, you should be able to:

a. Explain the importance of kinship system

b. Give factors that contribute to harmony and mutual responsibility

Kinship refers to the relationships between people. These can be by blood, marriage or adoption.

People that belong to the same kinship system are referred to as kin.

Importance of kinship system and ties

Kinship relationships were and still are important among African communities.

This is because these ties:

i Provided company. This ensured that people were not lonely.

ii Provided a sense of belonging which one of the human needs. We all want to belong.

iii Controlled social relationships between people related by blood or marriage.

iv Promoted mutual responsibility and help.

v Enhanced a sense of security which is a human need.

vi Regulated marital customs, rules and regulations.

vii Enabled people to live peacefully and in harmony.

viii Bind the community together enhancing social cohesion and loyalty to each other.

ix Facilitated care for the disadvantaged members of community.

x Ensured that all members of the community are have knowledge of community beliefs and practices.

xi Provided a peaceful way of settling disputes.

xii Provided mechanisms for proper inheritance of property for example land.

Factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in African communities.

These are many.

Some of them are

(i) rites of passage

(2) good morals

(3) participation in communal activities such as ceremonies, work, leisure activities and worship

(4) sharing of property and ideas

(5) division of labour. Tasks were distributed according to one’s age, gender and status. (6) rules/social norms regulated how people grew up; knowing what is wrong and right.

Good morals help people to live in peace and harmony.

Lesson Three: Rites of Passage

Learning outcomes. I expect you to read this lesson and

a. Name the main stages of human life

b. Explain the rite of circumcision in your community

c. Narrate initiation rituals

d. Discuss the importance of marriage in your community with peers

e. State the importance of funeral and burial rites.

In traditional African society, there were four main stages of life.

These were

(i) birth and

naming

(ii) initiation

(iii) marriage and

(iv) old age and death Birth and naming.

When a woman conceived, and pregnancy was visible, she was treated specially.

She wore charms to keep away evil eyes. She ate special food and avoided sexual relations.

The family and husband did not expect her to perform heavy task. When she was ready to deliver, mid wives helped in delivery.

After delivery, the placenta was seen as a sign of fertility hence it was buried in the fertile land such as a banana plantation.

Some communities preserved placenta while others threw it into a running stream. Birth The arrival of a baby and its sex was announced through ululations or shouts.

The placenta was disposed off ceremoniously. The mother was purified and baby protection rites were conducted. Once purified, a mother could wear charms to protect herself and the baby from malicious spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, and evil eyes.

Thanksgiving ceremonies were performed to show gratitude to God. The hair of the mother and child was shaved as a sign of purification and newness of life.

Naming

Naming of babies was carefully chosen. A baby could be named after either a season, weather, ancestors, place or time of delivery, occasion, experience of mother during delivery, significance events such as war, and drought, personality of the child, and names of heroes and gods.

A good example is the name ‘Were’ amongst the Luhya. Twins had special names.

Initiation

The second rite of passage.

There were different types of initiations such as circumcision for boys and clitorisdectomy for girls, excision of teeth and body marks.

Initiation rites were important and every individual was expected to go through them or be rendered an outcast. Initiation practices were seen as tests for courage and bravery.

They helped the communities when identifying future leaders and warriors.

Initiation was very important in communities where it was practiced. Initiation marked a transition from childhood to adulthood. In this transition, the initiate acquired new rights, new status in life, and privileges.

For example the new initiates were allowed to marry, own property, and inherit the father’s property.

In addition the initiates received specialized education.

They were taught how to behave as adults, warriors, future husbands and parents.

The education brought families, relatives and friends together.

This act strengthened kinship ties.

It also prepared the initiates to face the difficulties and challenges of adult life.

In addition, initiation helped to structure the community. Initiation was programmed to fit an age set; and it marked passage of specific time.

Thus each initiation ceremony was held regularly, normally between 16 – 21 years of age.

If you calculate, you can see that 16 to 21 years introduced a new age set or group of young people.

The age set held power for 16 to 21 years and handed over to the new generation. Initiation was therefore a mark of identity.

It gave the initiate a sense of belonging. It bonded the initiates together with the ancestors.

Initiation rituals are not popular today as they were in the past.

This is because many communities have undergone social and cultural changes because of modern education.

As a result some families take their sons to hospitals to be circumcised to prevent HIV/AIDs and to avoid infections because of unhygienic traditional initiation practices.

Other reasons are

(i) urbanization and migration,

(ii) individualization

(iii)Christians religious values.

These have made some communities abandon some rites e.g.

clitorisdectomy and

(iv) some countries have made girl’s circumcision illegal and an issue of human and health rights.

Attitude to birth and naming

There has been a change in attitude to birth and naming. This is because initiation is no longer a community but a family affair.

In addition, pregnant women attend antenatal clinics.

Majority of pregnant women give birth in hospitals and health centres.

Thus a doctor and not a midwife announce the sex of the baby. In modern society, the mother and child are no longer secluded.

Lastly most parents prefer western names for their babies.

Marriage was a requirement for all members of the community.

It was a source of status in the community. Since a leader had to be married.

Young men and women married after initiation. Marriage was a happy occasion and a source of wealth.

The father gave young initiates some animals for dowry. Fathers of girls received dowry payments, as bride price was mandatory.

It was given to the parents of the girl in form of

(a) Cows

(b) Goats

(c) Camels

(d) Jewellery

(e) Poultry.

The young men inherited the father’s property.

Importance of dowry.

Dowry unified the community. When young women were married, their parents lost their labour.

Dowry payments compensated for this loss.

Men paid dowry as a sign of commitment to their wife and parents.

Importance of marriage

Marriage was sacred. It was and ordained by God. Marriage created new social relationships and expanded web of kinships.

During the marriage ceremonies the whole community rejoiced, and feasted together.

The newly married couple learnt new knowledge and skills.

The community and society respected the newly married couple.

Children born from this union propagated and ensured continuity of family, and the community.

Modern community and marriage.

There has been a change in attitude towards marriage.

As a result:

marriage is no longer seen as sacred and divorce is common. In addition, dowry has been commercialized, as it is no longer seen as important.

Some young men do not pay dowry.

In fact marriage is no longer seen as a sign of status Children were important in marriage.

Barren women were frowned upon.

Polygamy solved issues of

childlessness. Couples without children can now adopt them from the Child Welfare society.

Divorce. This was very rare.

It happened only if the girl

(i) was not a virgin

(ii) practiced witchcraft

(iii) and did not show respect towards her husband.

Old age and death.

This is the age of wisdom. Old people were respected. Grey hair was a sign of respect and wisdom.

In all culture, the elders were the custodians of the law,norms and regulations. Social and religious specialists were seers, rainmakers, priests, diviners, and medicine men among others

Death.

Old age is followed by death. It was seen as a transition into the spiritual life.

Besides old age, many cultures believed that death was due to either breaking of the traditional customs and taboos, curses, evil spirits, witchcraft, war, diseases and epidemics.

Burial rites were performed in many African communities. Disposing of the dead body. Several methods were used to dispose the body.

These were burials, leaving bodies in the forest, and throwing body to animals or placing the body in an abandoned house.

African communities believed that animals carried the spirit of the dead person to the next life.

Burial rites were performed by the bereaved. They buried the body with ones person belongings and tools.

Thus if a person was a great warrior, he was buried with a war coat. Celebrations accompanied funeral rites.

Funeral songs (dirges) were performed.

There was drinking and eating.

Importance of funeral and burial rites

Burial rites created a good relationship between the dead and the living.

They were therefore given to appease the world of spirits, express unity in the society, cleanse the remaining relatives and obey the customs of the community.

Rituals that were performed depended on the community.

Some of the rituals for the dead included.

a) Shaving of heads. Some mourners shaved their hair completely, while others shaved in a specific pattern.

b) Dancing and singing, and giving gifts to the bereaved family

c) Mourning

(d) Drum beating

(e) Horn blowing

(f) Grave side fires

Here are some questions to make you think about marriages

1. In your opinion, what has brought changes in modern marriages?

2. Explain why divorce is rising in Kenya and Africa.

3. What changes do we see in contemporary marriages?

4. What has brought about these changes?

5. What are the major causes of death in Kenya today?

Lesson Four: Religious Specialists and Their Relevance in Modern Society

Learning outcome. After studying this lesson,

1. Identify religious specialists

2. State the role of medicine men, priests, mediums, prophets, diviners, and seers

3. Describe roles of herbalists, elders, and rainmakers

4. Explain the role of religious specialists in your culture

Religious specialists include Medicine men / healers, Herbalists, Diviners, Mediums, Prophets / Seers, Rainmakers, Priests and Elders.

Religious specialists were given power by their parents who taught them religious duties.

Others received divine call through dreams and visions.

A few learnt from experts via apprenticeship.

This is learning by observing and practicing what one sees the master teacher doing.

Roles of the medicine women/men in the Community.

Medicine women/men are healers who were and are respected by the community. This is because they were and are able to:

1) Treat and heal the sick

2) Solve serious and complicated chronic illnesses

3) Give medicine in form of powder, herbs, minerals or liquid form and observed patients swallowing, drinking, sniffing, and applying on the skin.

4) Offer prayers and sacrifices to God.

5) Give charms to protect individual persons from evil spirits.

6) Perform specialized medical roles in some communities in spite of the fact that we have modern hospitals, counselors and psychologists.

Elders were and still are community leaders.

They were not religious specialists but the community gave elders duties, which made them close to religious leaders.

Herbalists and their relevance.

Herbalists were synonymous with witch doctors.

They cured people through herbs just like the medicine women/men. Communities’ belief:

that herbalists are witchdoctors and possess magical powers. Herbalists continue to be consulted as ‘witch doctors’ or “waganga”.

Today herbalists do religious tasks that were traditionally done by diviners.

Diviners were able to find hidden secrets and knowledge; reveal witches and thieves.

They communicated with spirits and enhanced the work of healers and medicine people.

They worked as medicine people and were healers of people.

They used magic powers and predicted future occurrences.

They used items such as pebbles, water, bones or gourds in divination.

They also warned of future calamities.

They were mediators between God, ancestors and the people. To be a diviner, one had to be trained.

There was a specialized curriculum prepared by diviners.

Relevance of diviners in modern society.

Diviners (‘witchdoctor’“mganga”)

are not popular today and are hardly consulted. But the unfortunate Kenyans consult them who:

need a job, promotion, and children.

This consultation is secret. Mediums were channels of communication between the living and the spirits of people’s ancestors.

The ancestor spirits possessed mediums and through them ancestors gave information and messages to their relatives.

Priests were religious leaders and functionaries.

They were intermediaries between people, ancestors,spirits and God. Their work was to make sacrifices and give offerings on behalf of the people.

They officiated during planting and harvesting rituals. They offered prayers and blessed the needy.

They cared for the shrines and poured libations to the ancestors.

They led the community in public worship.

They were political heads and judges.

Today, traditional priests are not relevant since most Kenyans follow several religious practices like Christianity, Hindus, Islam and many others.

But there are however, a few traditional priests who take care of community shrines.

Prophets / Seers predicted the future. They foretold events such as invasions, wars, drought, and epidemics.

They gave advice.

They also performed religious duties.

They could bless and curse.

Religious prophets are common today but traditional prophets are not common.

Rainmakers were responsible for bringing or withholding rain to a community.

They interpreted weather conditions.

They performed certain rituals like asking God for rains.

They were highly respected in the society.

Modern science has replaced rainmakers Meteorological departments have made the rainmakers redundant.

Elders were custodians of community values and secrets.

They acted as educators.

They gave punishment to offenders of social norms/rules. They acted as counselors and guided the youth on matters of sex and marriage. They helped in maintaining roles for important religious functions, such as rites of passage.

They were political leaders in the community.

They were negotiators and solved conflicts since they settled family disputes especially agreements concerning land.

They were custodians of the traditional values, customs and history of the people.

Relevance.

Elders are relevant in modern society.

They are referred to as village elders and are recognized by the government of Kenya.

Lesson Five: African Moral Values Introduction.

African communities were regulated by a strict code of laws and moral values.

In this lesson we shall study moral values, which regulated individual members of society as well as the community itself.

Learning outcomes.

After reading this lesson, you should

1. Give examples of cultural values

2. Define moral values

3. Identify forms of misconduct

3. State a punishment for each misconduct

What is a cultural value?

These are community practices and beliefs. Each community has cultural values that it accepts and upholds. These cultural values are laws, customs, and forms of behaviour, regulations, rules, observances and taboos.

The cultural values form a moral code, which regulates the community.

For example, if the culture, values private property, it will have laws that forbid theft of property.

These laws are cultural values. Cultural values influence the social order and peace.

God gives peace and harmony. God is seen as the giver and guardian of the law.

Disobedience was and still is regarded as evil, wrong and was and still is punishable by law.

What is a moral value?

Moral values are standards of behaviour towards others. They are based on what is valued by the community.

Moral values are also positive attitudes. Each community decided what is important to it and what is desirable for its members to practice and uphold.

The moral values that communities observed were many.

They included amongst others:

1. Hospitality and Love for self and others. This is the habit of welcoming all people, treating oneself and others well.

Members of the community were taught how to be hospitable to visitors, strangers and how to assist the needy.

2. Honesty. This is developing good habits like telling the truth, Loyalty, Respect, Co – operation with all.

3. Obedience to parents, elders, community leaders and elders. Cultural regulations were followed and adhered to leading.

4. Caring for others. This is being responsible to members of the community,

5. Developing social moral behaviour like Humility, Sharing, Responsibility, Chastity, Integrity, Tolerance,Perseverance, and Courtesy.

6. Working Hard. Do chores. These were according to sex, age and socialeconomic status.

7. Cooperation. Members cooperated and worked together with others. Moral values were learnt in the process of socialization.

Leisure activities helped in acquisition of moral values.

Learning moral values was a lifelong process. The most valued behaviour was obedience.

Children were to obey their parents; wives obey their husbands; community obeys their leaders, and elders.

Learning to obey was a life long process. An obedient person was respected and rewarded.

Misconducts. There were taboos that the community observed. Failure to obey community laws resulted in punishments.

The community did not allow stealing of livestock. Domestic animals were the most valued private property.

Individuals owned livestock while land ownership was communal.

There were many forms of punishment for stealing livestock and committing other crimes.

For example

a. Payment of heavy fines to replace stolen livestock

b. Being beaten in a sack

c. Thrown down a hill

d. Cast out of community. Thieves and murders built their homes at the outskirts of the community.

They were not allowed to interact anymore with the members of the community.

e. Being covered with dry banana leaves and then set on fire.

Lesson Six: Continuity and Change Introduction

Learning outcome. From this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Compare traditional and modern way of life

2. Trace property ownership in traditional and modern communities

3. Explain how money economy has affected the traditional way of life

4. State how communities can look after orphans, widows, and old people

Community. Formal education introduced the western way of life.

Employment and trade forced

Africans to leave their villages to look for employment and markets in towns.

These actions led to urbanization and pluralism.

As a result different communities came to towns and lived together.

1. Paid employment.

Workers were paid by money. The concept of money changed community life.

Individualism ownership of money replaced communalism.

2. Land used to be communal.

There was plenty of land for everyone. But changes were brought by modern life.

For example, health improved and people lived longer.

There were fewer deaths and population increased. With money, there was an expansion of trade.

Individuals started buying land with money instead of clearing forests.

Modern life changed the concept of land. Individual started owning land.

The colonial governments introduced policies about land ownership in different African countries.

In communities where education was accepted and money economy took over from livestock economy, communal land disappeared.

Parents did not have land for inheritance.

As a result, people moved and bought land away from their ancestral birthplaces. This resulted in both migrations and immigrations.

3. Property.

Traditionally property included land, cattle (Livestock), women/ wives, and children.

In African traditional culture, this property belonged to men or the first-born son in paternal societies.

In maternal communities, it belonged to wives and daughters.

Today property or wealth is in different forms such as money, buildings, vehicles, land, shares, stock, jewels, insurance, and others. Women, men and children own property.

Because of this, the status of a person is measured by:

property.

Dowry – Bride price / bride wealth

In African societies, bride price was very important.

It was given in various forms. For example cows, animals skin, and camels.

Today dowry is commercialized. It’s mainly in form of cash money.

This has made marriage costly for the poor.

Some young people are staying together without a formal wedding in church or in the community. Others do not want to pay dowry.

Young couples are living together in what is called – come – we – stay arrangements.

4. Health Medicine

In traditional society, Illness was caused by witchcraft, sorcery, bad omen, or curses. Diviners, herbalists, and healers treated the sick people.

Today bacterial, viruses, or environmental factors, cause illnesses. These are treated by nurses, and doctors; in hospitals and health centres. There is however a craze for herbalists.

The communities are consulting herbalists and are taking herbal tea, and medicine

5. Dress

Mode of dressing varied between countries.

It was dependent on the type of climate. African communities were clothes made from skins or hides, leaves of bananas and trees.

Women wore beads, and necklaces for decoration. Modern mode of dressing is a mixture of African, Asian and European wear.

There are clothes for men,women, and unisex. African and western ornaments are worn for beauty and style.

6. Worship.

Worship is an important activity in African communities. There are different forms of worship, which are done in various places. Those who were converted to Islam worship in Mosques.

Those converted to Hinduism worship in temples. Christians worship in churches.

The few traditional African communities continue to worship their ancestors in shrines.

These are very few. But a few groups are turning back to traditional worship and reviving worship of ancestors and spirits, and their traditional God. For example “Mungiki” a cult in Kenya, made up of young people, worship the traditional Ngai and practice traditional culture.

Traditional religions have many offerings such as foodstuffs and sacrifices such as goats, cows, sheep and chicken. Human sacrifice has been discarded. It is illegal, and it is murder.

In the news, we have heard of cases of body parts being stolen from a dead body in mortuary probably for religious rituals.

This is illegal and a criminal offence.

Modern offerings in most religious institutions consist of money.

7. Death

changes immediately the status of families. Mothers and fathers become widows and widowers. Children become orphans. Many parents, wives and husbands have died because of HIV /AIDS, road accidents, diseases and other modern calamities. They have left orphans, widows and widowers.

Orphans used to be looked after by grandmothers, brothers and uncles.

Today government, churches,charities, NGOs, well-wishers, and guardians, the elder sibling looks after orphans.

Some orphan sisters and brothers drop out of school to look after the rest. Some orphans have ended up in the streets because there is no one to look after them Widows.

Traditionally brothers inherited widows. However, widow inheritance is being discouraged to prevent HIV / AIDS.

But on the other hand, widows are encouraged to remarry as society has become individualistic and no longer assists community Widowers are not inherited and many of them remarry soon after the death of their wives.

8. Old age.

In traditional African communities, old people were respected.

But now old age is not respected.

The aged are seen as a burden to their children.

This is because the need medical care, food, and other forms of care to meet their needs.

Most of them are neglected and mistreated.

In traditional communities, children took care of their aged parents. Today some children care for their parents.

Fortunately, churches have set up homes for the aged.

An example is “Nyumba za wazee”.

A few old people can look after themselves since they have pension schemes, life insurance policies, income generating projects, investments and bank deposits. They can care for themselves.

Revision questions

a) What is the significance of the kingship system

b) Outline and explain factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in the traditional African society

c) What was the purpose of the bride wealth in the traditional African society?

d) Explain the role of medicine men in the African communities and their relevance today.

Study Activities

Read the Bible quotations given

Carry out role-plays e.g. the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham

Consult the aged to assist in the understanding of African traditional practices

Form one answers Topic: one

1.What is the importance of reading the Bible?

2. In society, people in schools, crusades, churches, lodgings, homes, and hospitals read the Bible.

3.In the government, the Bible is used for swearing in the Courts, Parliament and Cabinet when members of parliament are nominated to become ministers of the government.

4.The major divisions of the Bible are the old and the new testaments. Read 1.3.4. Above for more information.

2. What are the effects of Bible translation on African languages? The Effects of Bible translation into African languages

The translations increased and deepened people’s faith in God.

They also led to the establishment of schools.

The Gospel spread to local communities and many of them became Christians.

The missionaries and colonialists learnt African Languages. This led to the promotion of African languages.

This helped the African converts to judge when the missionaries were unfair or when they practiced inequality of races.

8. Why is the Bible referred to as (a) a Library and

(b) the Word of God

(a) The Bible is referred to as a Library because its:

1. Books are arranged in a series and in order.

2. A reference book

3. Is a book of literary works

4. Books were written under different situations and circumstances

5. Books are many

1. Inspiration is a process through which God took the initiative to prompt and enlighten the writers of the Bible its Godly influence.

Topic Two: Creation and the Fall of Man

1. Find answers on the differences between the two creation stories in lesson four

2. Traditional African view of creation is in lesson four. Africans’ view was that:

3. Human beings continue with the work of creation in lesson four

4. The origin of sin and evil read again lesson five

5. Consequences of sin in lesson five

When Adam and Eve sinned

7. God’s plan of salvation is lesson seven.

The lesson tells us that GOD saved human kind by providing:

8. Compare the biblical concept of sin and the African concept of evil. Similarities:

Thus sin does not end a relationship.

Differences

In Traditional African Community, a child is born free of evil.

9. Subdue the earth in genesis 1 verse 28

Topic Three: Faith and God’s Promises to Abraham.

Qn 1. Explain why Abraham is referred to as the Father of Faith

Faith is complete trust in somebody or something.

This is because he demonstrated faith in his life’s actions.

Qn 2. Give five (5) actions from the life of Abraham that shows his faith in God

Qn 3. List some of the promises God gave to Abraham.

Qn 4. Compare and contrast Jewish and Traditional African practice of circumcision

A. Similarities

Differences

African Communities do it in obedience to the customs and traditions of their duty.

These include:

Qn 5. What is the importance of faith to Christians?

Qn 6. State the elements of a covenant

Qn 7. Give examples of covenant in the bible and the modern society The Bible

Modern Society

• Baptism

• Marriage

• Oath of allegiance/loyalty

• Ordination

• The National Anthem binds all

• The loyalty pledge

• Employment contract

Qn 9. Discuss the circumstances that led God to enter into a covenant relationship with Abraham

Topic Four: Sinai Covenant.

Qn a. What are the qualities of Moses as a leader?

Qn b (i) Describe the call of Moses: Exodus 3: 1 – 22

because he was standing on holy ground.

Qn b (ii) Why was Moses hesitant to God’s call?

Qn c (i) what is the significance of the items used for the Passover feast (similar to what is the meaning of the Passover meal)?

Other Meanings:

Qn c (ii) Compare the Lord’s Supper to the Passover feast

Similarities:

Differences:

Qn d. Describe how the Sinai covenant was made

Note: All these happened after Moses had gone up the mountain and God had promised to make the Israelites the following if they obeyed him.

i. His people

ii. A kingdom of priests

iii. A holy nation

God manifested himself in the following forms: thunder, lightening, earthquake and a thick cloud that filled the mountain and a loud trumpet blast.

Qn e. Describe the circumstances that led to the breaking of the Sinai covenant

They forgot the saving power of God that had delivered them from Egypt.

He yielded to their demands to make and worship idols.

Qn f. How was the broken covenant renewed?

These were:

a) To obey God’s command.

b) Not to make treaties with other nations.

c) To tear down the altars of the gods of other nations and temples.

d) Not to worship idols.

e) Not to make images to represent God.

f) Not to marry foreign wives.

g) To keep and celebrate the three festivals namely, Passover, feast of weeks and the feast of in gathering.

h) To keep the Sabbath day holy.

i) Dedicate to God 1st born male children and animals.

a) Protect and preserve them

b) Bless them

c) Make them prosper

Qn g. Describe how the Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness

The Israelites showed their respect and love for God in the wilderness in the following ways: -

1) The Ark and the Tabernacle: The Ark was a wooden box where the Ten Commandments were kept.

They signified the presence of God. The tabernacle was a portable tent for meeting between God and the Israelites.

2) The Sabbath: They observed the Sabbath as a sacred day for resting and worshipping God.

3) Festivals: Celebrated many festivals as one way of worshipping God. E.g. Passover.

4) Altars – built them when there was need to worship God – meeting place between God and the people and sacrifice to God.

5) Observance of the Ten Commandments. These guided them on how to live with God and man.

6) Religious leaders: God chose priest from the tribe of Levi to organize worship.

Qn h. What is the relevance of the Ten Commandments to Christian today?

Qn i. What did the Israelites learn about God in the wilderness?

God valued a personal relationship – commandments given.

Topic Five: Leadership in Israel

Qn a. Explain the reasons against Kingship in Israel (1 Sam 8:10 – 20)

Daughters would work in his house.

Qn b. Explain the importance of David as King of Israel

Qn c. How did Jesus fulfil the prophecies of prophet Nathan as a descendant of David? (i.e. Areas where Jesus is mentioned as coming from David)

The Angel referred to Jesus as the King whose wisdom would last forever (Lk 1:26-33).

Qn d. What was the failure of King Solomon?

He failed to live according to the covenant way of life in the following ways.

i. He built his palace for 13 years but took only 7 years to build God’s temple. Shows he loved himself more the God.

ii. He used foreign designs and materials in the construction of the temple, ignoring God’s specifications on how to build it.

iii. He liaised pagan craftsmen from Tyre to design, decorate and furnish the temple.

Learn to delegate future as David did (2 Sam 20: 23 – 26)

Topic Six: Loyalty to God- Elijah.

Qn a. Qualities of Elijah that led to his achievements

• Elijah was fearless and courageous.

His courage helped him to face king Ahab and queen Jezebel and condemn them for their wickedness such as corruption and idolatry.

• He was faithful to God. Yahweh guided him in his dealings with Baal prophets and king Ahab.

• He lived a simple life. For example, he wore simple clothing made of carmel’s skin.

• He stood for the covenant at a time when the religion of Yahweh was in danger.

• He had the power of God in him and was able to control rain.

• He confirmed that Yahweh had authority over land and over the people.

b) Schism is sharp religious, social, political differences within a group or organization Syncretism is the process of mixing religious beliefs and practices.

c) Some characteristics of Elijah that a modern Christian should strive to emulate.

1) Courage

2) Faithfulness

3) Zealousness for God

4) Concern for the needy / poor

5) Provision of social justice

6) Patience

Qn d. What were the effects of idolatry in Israel?

Qn e. Describe Elijah’s fight against false religion in Israel

The one who could send is the true God.

Qn f. Describe Elijah’s fight against corruption – 1 Kings 21

The land belonged to God.

Elijah declared the following judgement on Ahab:

i. Dogs would lick Ahab’s blood at the same place where they had licked Naboth’s.

ii. Ahab’s dynasty would fall kike those of the Kings before him who had disobeyed God.

iii. All family members of Ahab would face violent deaths.

Qn g. What can Christian learn from the teachings of Elijah?

Topic Seven: Selected Aspects of African Religious Heritage

Question a: Explain African beliefs about God (or qualities)

Because of the transcendent nature, Africans found it impossible to represent him using physical representations.

They viewed him as being far yet too near them.

This is why large mountains, thick forest, unique rock formation were used as shrines.

Qb. Describe the African understanding of the Hierarchy of Beings

Hierarchy of Beings

Divinities

Qc. Describe the Role of the ancestors to the living

Qd. What was the responsibility of the living towards God?

Qe. Describe the Traditional African ways of worshipping God

Qf. What were the African ways of venerating and communicating with the spirits and ancestors?

Giving them proper burial ceremonies.

Topic Eight: African Moral and Cultural Values.

Qa. What is the significance of the kinship system?

The kinship system was important in the traditional African society because of the following factors.

This showed concern or the families or relatives they left behind.

Qb. Outline and explain factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in the Traditional African Society.

Qc. What was the purpose of bride wealth in the Traditional African Society?

Qd. Explain the role of medicine-men in the African Communities and their relevant today

1) Medicine men

2) Relevance of Modern Society

are used to make modern medicine.

Form Two God Meets Us in Jesus Christ St. Luke’s Gospel Introduction

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the life of Jesus Christ and his ministry in the four Gospel books.

We shall trace the life, and ministry of Jesus Christ as written by St Luke to Theophilus. St Luke was a medical doctor.

Topic One: Old Testament Prophesies About the Messiah Introduction: Read 2 Samuel 7:13, Isaiah 7:10-16

Messiah

The word Messiah is from a Hebrew word meshiach, which nmeans the anointed: thus a Messiah is one called, anointed and appointed by God to serve Him.

Prophecy:

A prophecy refers to a prediction of what will happen in future.

Messianic Prophecies:

These are those predictions that were made by the prophets to describe the coming of a righteous King who will rule Israel according to God’s will.

NOTE:

The Roman ruled the Israelites before the birth of Jesus. They hated the Roman leadership and longed for somebody of their own to lead them into victory over the Roman rule.

The prophet of Israel (the Old Testament) communicated a message that God would send a messiah to bring all people into a lasting relationship with Him.

The prophets who were sent had different ideas about the Messiah.

Their ideas about the Messiah were different from the Jewish expectations – whereby they hoped for political King to lead them into victory over the Roman rule.

But the prophets were talking about a religious one – to free them from sin.

Topic Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

a) Explain the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah.

b) Relate the concept of the Messiah in the Old and New testaments.

c) Explain the link between the Old and the New Testament.

d) Discuss the role of John the Baptist.

Lesson One. Old Testament Prophesies About the Coming of the Messiah.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to

describe prophesies of Nathan

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalmist prophecy (David) and Micah concerning the Messiah

(i) Nathan’s Prophecy (2 Samuel 7:3 – 17) and (Psalms 89: 20 – 38).

David proposed to build God a house.

Nathan, the prophet was given a message (an oracle) for David.

In this prophecy, God told Nathan to tell King David that:

God would establish the throne of his Kingdom forever.

David died. But God’s mercy shall not depart from the heir of David.

Hence the promise that the Kingdom of David, shall last forever referred to the messiah who was to come.

David is an ancestor of Christ.

(ii) Isaiah’s Prophecy – Isaiah 7: 10 – 16; 9: 1- 7; 61:1 –2; and 63.

In these readings, Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be:

Characteristics of the Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53

iii. Jeremiah’s Prophecy- Jeremiah 23: 5 – 6.

God promised to rise up a (branch) who shall:

What does the term a ‘righteous branch ‘means?

iv. Micah’s Prophesy, (Micah 5: 1 – 5).

Micah prophesied that:

v. The Psalmist Prophecy (Psalm 41:9 and 110:1 –2).

David spoke of

Summary

Nathan, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalmist prophecy (David) and Micah prophesied of a Messiah to come.

The Jews expected a Messiah who would be a political leader, a victorious ruler and a King. They expected a Messiah:

Revision questions

1) Describe the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning the Messiah

2) What does the term Messiah mean?

3) Highlight the Jewish expectations of the Messiah in the Old Testament?

4) Did Jesus Christ fulfill the O.T. prophecies concerning the Messiah? How?

5) Which prophets in the Old Testament prophesied about the expected Messiah?

Lesson Two. The Concept of the Messiah in the New Testament

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to

Explain the concept of the Messiah in the New Testament

The concept of messiah is found in Luke 1:26 – 38; 2:1-23; 23:1 – 35; 24:50 – 51.

The writer of Luke’s Gospel makes it clear that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah.

How did He do this? Well Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies because;

Nathan’s prophecy

Jesus was referred to as a‘Son of David’ (Luke 18:38)

Luke 2:29 – 32.

This was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.

Note that the Jews in the New Testament expected a messiah who would deliver them from the rule of the Romans.

Jews expected Jesus to be a political leader or king.

However, Peter called him ‘the Christ of God’ (Luke 9:20). Matthew called him King of the Jews in chapter (2 verse 2). Hence, Jesus came as a Spiritual Leader and King, and not as a political Leader / King.

Self-Assessment Questions

1. What does the name Emmanuel mean?

2. Explain the concept of the Messiah in the New Testament?

Lesson Three. Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist Introduction

The parents of John the Baptist were Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Zechariah’s name meant ‘God has remembered’.

Elizabeth’s name meant ‘God has sworn’. Learning outcome.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to describe the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus.

John the Baptist

1. The Annunciation – Read – Luke 1:5 – 25.

Zechariah was a priest. He and his wife Elizabeth were old, good and righteous people of God.

But they did not have a child. They were barren. But God gave them a child, John the Baptist.

His birth was announced to his father, Zechariah, when he was in the temple offering incense.

An Angel appeared to Zechariah and told him that his prayers had been heard.

His wife Elizabeth will bear a son.

The angel said the child would be called John, which means that ‘God is gracious’.

The child

Angel Gabriel told him that he shall be dumb until the fulfillment of the God’s words.

The Birth, Circumcision and Naming Of John the Baptist Elizabeth brought forth a son.

This brought great joy to her and Zachariah.

The cousins, and neighbours of Elizabeth wanted the Child to be named Zechariah after the father.

But Elizabeth insisted on the name John.

When Zechariah was asked to name the child, he wrote down the name John.

On the 8th day, the child was named John as the angel had said.

John was circumcised on the 8th day according to the Jewish traditions.

After naming his Child John, the mouth of Zechariah opened immediately and he started to speak.

He sung a song – referred to as Benedictus in Luke 1:67 – 79. As he sung the Benedictus,

Zechariah prophesied that God has:

Zechariah said this about his Child John:

(i) Calling men to forgiveness.

(ii) Showing men the light of salvation.

(iii) Guiding people into peace.

Lesson Four. The Role of John the Baptist

The role of John the Baptist is found in Isaiah 40: 3 – 5, Malachi 3:1, 4:5 – 6, and Luke 7: 20 – 35. 143

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to

describe the role of John the Baptist in the Gospel.

John the Baptist had an important role to play according to the Angel who announced his coming birth.

His role was to: .

John the Baptist was likened to Elijah.

Topic review questions

1. Outline the qualities of John as described by angel Gabriel to Zechariah.

2. Why was John referred to as the second Elijah?

3. What lessons do Christians learn from annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist?

4.describe the birth of John the Baptist.

Topic Two: the Infancy and Early Life of Jesus – Luke 1:26 – 38

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should:

a. Explain events leading to the birth of Jesus

b. Describe the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth

c. Describe the birth of Jesus

d. Explain the dedication of Jesus

e. Describe Jesus at the Temple

a. Angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus.

Angel Gabriel said that Mary would conceive and bear a child.

Angel Gabriel called Mary ‘ the highly favoured one’. Mary was an ordinary virgin girl in Galilee engaged to marry Joseph, a descendant of David.

The Angel said that Mary will bear

(i) A Son

(ii) called Jesus (which means God serves.

(iii) The child shall be great

(iv) He shall be called the son of the highest.

(v) He shall be given the throne of his father David

(vi) He shall reign forever

(vii) His kingdom will never end.

Read again and explain what angel Gabriel said concerning the child to be born to Mary?

b. Mary visits Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-56

Angel Gabriel had told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also going to have a child.

Mary went to visit her.

The child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped when Mary greeted Elizabeth.

The Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth that Mary is the mother of her Lord, the Messiah.

Mary answered Elizabeth by singing the hymn “The Protector” in Psalm 121:3, The Love of God. Psalm 103:17, 98:3.

The Magnificent. In this hymn Mary says:

Her soul magnifies the Lord.

The Lord has regarded the poor and those of low estate.

God’s mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

God humbles the proud and mighty, and exalts those of low estate (the lowly) God has filled the hungry and sent the rich away empty Through the magnificent, Mary, expresses her joy, gratitude and favour given to her and the world.

c. The birth of Jesus Christ. Luke.2: 1 – 20

The birth of Jesus took place in Bethlehem, in Judea, during the reign of Augustus Caesar, a Roman Emperor.

During that time, Rome was conducting a census of the people / citizens for the purpose of collecting taxes.

The census was ordered by the emperor to determine payment of taxes.

The method that Rome was using was counting. Joseph, of the house of David went to his hometown, called Bethlehem; for the census. Jesus was born during this time.

He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger because there was no accommodation in Bethlehem.

The first people to receive the news that a Savior was born were the shepherds.

An angel announced the birth of the Savior, Christ the lord, to the shepherds.

The shepherdswent to Bethlehem and saw the child Jesus. They spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child.

How was the annunciation of the birth of Jesus extraordinary?

d. The dedication of Jesus – Luke..2: 22 – 38

Like John the Baptist, Jesus was circumcised, and named on the 8th day. He was named Jesus which means ‘the savior’ or Yahweh or save’s.

Mary and Joseph observed the Jewish customs according to the Law of Moses.

For her purification and dedication of the child Jesus, Mary brought a pair of turtledoves as an offering.

The fist born males were dedicated to God as Holy.

Simeon took the child up in his arms for dedication and said that:

“The child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.

A Sword will pierce Mary’s soul on account of the child.” Prophet Anna also came to the temple and prophesied that the child shall bring deliverance.

e. Jesus at the Temple Luke 2:42 – 52

The parents of Jesus Mary and Joseph, went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of the Passover.

When Jesus was 12, he accompanied them to Jerusalem. After the feast the parents went home without realizing that their child, Jesus was not with them. But while on the way, they realized he was not amongest them.

They returned to Jerusalem, and looked for him for 3 days.

They found him sitting in the temple; listening and asking teachers questions.

All those who were in the temple were astonished by his wisdom and intelligence.

It is in the temple that Jesus is revealed, first as a true son of his people and also as light and salvation for all people. On being questioned by Mary and Joseph, Jesus answered thus:

”Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house, about my Father’s business?” This was an echo of Malachi 3:1 “the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple”.

Answer these questions

1 Trace occasions when angels appeared to people in the new testament.

2 How did Jesus follow the customs and traditions of the Jewish people?

Answers 1. Occasions when angels appeared to people in the New Testament.

(a) Angel appeared to Zechariah to announce birth of John the Baptist

(b) Angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.

(c) Angels appeared to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born.

(d) Angel appeared to Joseph in a dream warning him to flee to Egypt with the child and Mary.

2. How Jesus followed the customs and traditions of the Jewish people

(i) He was named on the 8th day

(ii) He was circumcised on the 8th day

(iii) His parents took him to the temple for the annual cerebrations of the.

Passover

(iv) He went to the synagogue

(v) In his dedication as a first male, his parents offered the sacrifices expected from them.

Topic Review Questions

1. Explain events leading to the birth of Jesus

b. Describe the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth

c. Describe the birth of Jesus

d. Explain the dedication of Jesus

e. Describe Jesus at the Temple

Topic Three. The Galilean Ministry – Luke 3-8

John the Baptist and Jesus Christ

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should:

a) Explain the teachings of John the Baptist.

b) Describe the baptism and temptation of Jesus and its relevance to Christians today.

c) Give reasons as to why Jesus was rejected at Nazareth.

d) Describe the first miracles of Jesus at Capernaum.

Lesson One. The Preaching of John the Baptist (Luke3: 1 – 20)

John the Baptist preached about

a. Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism means to dip in water’. Repentance means‘change of heart/mind, turning around.

Baptism was a symbol of repentance, which means a total change heart/mind, a confession of sins).

Baptism of water was a preparation of the baptism of fire and Holy Spirit by Jesus.

b. He warned people of God’s coming Judgment.

The religious leaders stressed outward observance of the law rather than inner righteousness. John the Baptist told them to bear fruits worthy of repentance.

He told them to live righteous lives and not as hypocrites (brood of vipers).

Religious leaders also assumed that since they were descendants of Abraham, God would not punish them.

He warned them that God could raise descendants of Abraham from stones.

c) He announced the coming of the Messiah as Judge. John the Baptist became famous that some thought he is the promised messiah.

He however pointed to a messiah who will not baptize with water but with the Holy Ghost and fire (Jesus Christ).

d) He preached on social justice. He taught, emphasized, advised:

e). He condemned King Herod’s immoral behaviour. King Herod had married Herodians – his own brother’s wife. Herod imprisoned John the Baptist and this led to his death (Luke 3 v.22).

What does the term social justice mean?

Find the answer in (d).

Summary of the teachings of John the Baptist

Relevance of the teachings of John the Baptist to Christians today The teachings challenge Christians to be fair, honest, and just in their dealings with other people.

Christians should avoid being hypocritical to one another.

Christians need to know that God will judge them for their wrongdoing. Hence Christian should repent their sins sincerely and seek forgiveness.

Christians should warn non-believers of the coming judgment.

They should preach against evils without fear; and avoid corruption, and sexual immorality.

Christians should live together in harmony.

Baptism was important to Christians.

Group Activity. Read Luke and find out how John the Baptist was killed, why and by whom

Lesson Two. The Baptism of Jesus and Its Relevance Today

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

a. Describe the baptism of Jesus Christ.

b. Give reasons why Jesus was baptized.

c. State relevance or the importance of the baptism of Jesus to Christians.

a. The baptism of Jesus Christ (Luke 3: 21 – 22)

When Jesus was around 30 years of age, He went to be baptized by John the Baptist.

Jesus was the last to be baptized.

Although he did not need to repent as He did not sin ; He nevertheless was baptized even though He was without sin.

When he was baptized, the heaven opened and the Holy Ghost descended on Him in the form of a dove.

At the same time, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased”.

b. Reasons why Jesus was baptized. He was baptized because:

a. Jesus wanted to show his approval of John’s Ministry of baptism.

b. Jesus accepted the work of redemption of human kind to be completed through suffering and death.

c. Jesus identified himself with the sinful humankind who needed redemption through baptism.

d. Jesus carried all the sins of humankind (baptized last).

e. He wanted to carry sins of people/humankind upon himself in order to bring about reconciliation between people and God.

f. God can confirm to the people that Jesus Christ was the messiah (Psalms 2:7).

g. It was an act of preparing those who were ready to receive the Messiah.

h. Baptism was a way of fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy.

c. Relevance or the Importance of the baptism of Jesus to Christians.

1) Christians practice baptism. They follow example of Jesus baptism.

There are many forms of baptism

such as full immersion in water, sprinkling of water on the forehead, partial immersion (head only) and passing under a flag.

2) Christians teach importance of baptism. It qualifies a new convert to become a member of Christian fellowship.

3) Through baptism, Christians receive the power of the Holy Ghost.

4) Through baptism, Christians identify themselves with Jesus Christ and all that he stands for.

5) Baptism unites Christians in the body of Christ.

6) Baptism is a symbol of death and resurrection. In some denominations, the baptized are given new names of other Christians and Jews.

7) Baptism signifies the forgiveness of sins.

Through baptism one is considered a child of God.

9) Baptism is a form of preparation for the kingdom of God.

10) Baptism is a sign of Christ’s forgiveness of sins.

Lesson Revision questions

a. What is the relevance of john the Baptist teaching to Christians today?

b. Give reasons why Jesus accepted to be baptized

c. Describe the baptism of Jesus

d. What is the significance of the baptism of Jesus to Christians today

Lesson Three. Temptations of Jesus: Relevance to Christians Today Learning Outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should

a. Narrate temptations of Jesus.

b. State relevance of the temptations of Jesus to modern Christians.

c. State lessons that Christians can learn from temptations of Jesus.

a. The temptations of Jesus (Luke 4:1 – 13). Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit returned from Jordan into the desert. Like Elijah, Moses, He ate and drunk nothing for 40 days and nights.

He was hungry after 40 days.

It is at this time of weakness when the devil tempted Him.

First temptation.

The devil told Jesus to proof that He was the Son of God by turning the stones to become bread.

Jesus however replied that it is written man does not live on bread alone to sustain him but on everything that the Lord says (Deut 8:3).

Satan was telling Jesus to use his Messianic power and Spirit to obtain material security for himself and his followers for selfish, materialistic purposes.

What can we learn from this temptation? Jesus was not seeking to establish a material paradise on earth.

Second temptation.

The devil led Jesus up to a high place (High Mountain) and showed Him in an instant all the Kingdoms of the world.

He told Him that he would give Him all their authority and splendor, if He bows and worships Satan.

Jesus replied… it is written worship the Lord your God and serve him only.

Do not worship other gods (Deut.6: 13-14).

Satan wanted Jesus to use Godly power and influence.

This was idolatry i.e. worshipping other gods.

What can we learn from this temptation?

Jesus did not come to seek a worldwide political military reign as many Jews expected Him to do.

Third Temptation.

The Devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple.

He told Jesus to throw Himself down if He was the Son of God for it is written that the Lord will command angels to guard him (Psalm 91:11 – 12). Jesus replied and said it is written, do not put the Lord your God to the test.

Satan wanted Jesus to presume on God’s good care by jumping from the roof of the temple.

What can we learn from this temptation? Jesus will not force belief in His Messiah ship through a spectacular sign.

Notice that the temptations came after Jesus’ Baptism, where he had solemnly accepted the opening of his public ministry and God confirmed it.

Therefore the temptations were a testing of his loyalty to God’s chosen way of life.

b. Relevance of Jesus temptations to Christians.

Jesus, though without sin was tempted.

His followers must expect to be tested in their faith.

Christians learn that it is not sinful to be tempted.

Since Jesus was tempted, he understands Christian’s difficulties when they are tempted.

Jesus is always ready to help Christians to cope with temptations.

Why do you think Christians are tempted?

Through temptations and trials, Christian’s faith in God is strengthened. Christians learn to refer to the Bible for guidance when tempted.

Jesus said that it is written… in reference to scripture.

Christians should seek the Holy Spirit to give them strength to fight any form of trials and temptations.

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit went to the wilderness and was tempted by the devil……………” In temptation, God does provide a way out.

Thus followers of Jesus Christ (Christians) should not be seekers of spectacular signs.

Lesson Four. Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth Learning Outcomes.

By the end of the lesson, you should

a. Describe rejection of Jesus at Nazareth

b. Suggest possible reasons for rejection

a. Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth (Luke 4:14 – 30).

After the temptation, Jesus went to Galilee, His home district to begin his ministry.

As a faithful Israelite,Jesus attended service in the synagogue every Sabbath day.

During that time, it was customary for visiting Rabbis (Teachers of the law) to be given the honor of reading from the law or to address the congregation.

When Jesus was given this opportunity, He opened the scroll and read from Isaiah 61: 1 – 3 …’The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his spirit.

He has chosen me and sent me.’

Luke writes in 4 18 “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor”.

On completion of the reading, Jesus told them that today this scripture has been fulfilled in their hearing.

From this reading Jesus referred to himself as the Messiah.

The people of Nazareth in indignation wanted to kill Jesus by throwing him over a cliff.

b. Possible Reasons for Rejection.

Jews of Nazareth rejected Jesus because one, they knew him as the son of Mary and Joseph. They did not know Him as the Son of God.

Two, Jesus did not fit into the idea of a political King that the Jews were expecting.

They were waiting for a King with an army and horses.

Three, Jesus preaching was seen as being against that of Pharisees,Scribes and Sadducees: the religious leaders at that time.

Four, Jesus pointed out evils of religious leaders. Five, a leader is never accepted at home especially in a superior or senior position.

Six, Jesus did not follow the general rules of the Mosaic Law.

These were fasting, healing and working on the Sabbath day.

Worse still Jesus associated Himself with Jewish outcasts such as sinners, and the sick.

Discussion question 1. What are the possible reasons for rejection of Jesus at Nazareth?

Answers

(i) He was known by people as son of Mary and Joseph.

(ii) He did not fit in the idea of a political king that Jews were expecting.

(iii) Often times one is not accepted at home and at a senior position.

(iv) He did not follow the general rules of the law of Moses.

(v) He associated with sinners, and outcasts.

Lesson Five. Healing at Capernaum

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson:

a. Describe Jesus’ healing at Capernaum

b. Explain healing of a man possessed with an evil spirit

c. Describe Jesus healing of Simon’s mother – in law

a. Jesus’ healing at Capernaum LK. 4:31 – 44

After his rejection in Nazareth and an attempt to throw him down a hill, Jesus went on to Capernaum.

Here he cast out demons (Luke 4: 40 – 41).

He was teaching people. He performed many miracles of healing. For example:

i. Healing a man possessed by an evil spirit.

A man was possessed by an unclean demon/spirit.

He was in the synagogue.

When he saw Jesus, the evil spirit shouted, “Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy one of God” (Luke 4:34). Jesus replied, “Be silent and come out of him.” The Demon threw the man down and came out without doing any harm.

The man was made whole.

ii. Jesus heals Simon’s mother – in law. After Jesus left the synagogue, he went to the house of Simon.

Peter’s mother in law. She had a fever, Jesus commanded the fever to leave and she was made whole immediately.

Which lessons do Christians learn from the healings at Capernaum There are many lessons. These are that

1) Jesus is the son of God.

2) Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God and destroy the kingdom of Satan.

3) Jesus has power over evil spirits / demons.

4) Jesus came to save human beings from the slavery of sin.

5) God cares for his people.

Lesson Six. The Calling of the First Disciples Luke 5: 1 – 11

Introduction:

A disciple is a learner, a student or a follower. Learners followed a master so as to learn about religious matters.

Disciples were followers of Christ.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to

describe the call of the first disciples.

Rabbis. These were teachers of law. They had special schools where they taught law.

In these schools,learning was by memorization and repetition what students heard from the rabbis.

The disciples of Jesus did not memorize. They learnt by observation. They were witnesses – and they spoke what they heard and described or explained what they saw.

Call of the first disciples

Jesus entered into Simon’s ship and started to teach people who were there. Later, He told Simon to “push off a little from the shore”. Jesus sat in the boat and taught the crowd.

After speaking, he told Simon, and his partners James and John; “Push the boat out further to the deep water…and let down your nets for a catch of fish”.

Simon told Jesus that they had toiled all night, and caught nothing.

But if you say so, I will let down the nets. Simon obeyed.

They let down the nets and caught a multitude of fish.

They called for assistance from other fishermen. When Simon Peter saw this, he told Jesus “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!” Jesus said to Simon “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will be catching people”.

On getting to the shore, Peter and his friends James and John sons of Zebedee forsook all and followed Jesus Thus the first disciples of Jesus were Simon Peter; James and John.

Lessons from the call of the first disciples

1) God can choose anybody to serve him regardless of his or her social status.

2) God still calls people to serve him in various capacities as evangelists, pastors and others.

3) Those called should repent their sins as Peter did.

4) Christians should trust in God – Simon Peter trusted Jesus and cast his nets even though they had.

caught no fish from the same spot.

5) God can intervene in people’s lives through miracles (miraculous catch of fish).

6) Christians should work together as a team. Fishermen worked together.

7) There is hope for those who follow Jesus. He told them ‘follow me and I will make you fishers of men’.

God reveals himself to people in everyday activities as Jesus revealed himself to Simon Peter, and his friends James and John through fishing.

9) Christian’s vocation may require renunciation of family ties and occupations or a change of life.

10) Those called to serve God are expected to be humble

Lesson Seven. Opposition in Galilee

Learning Outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should

a. Describe the Pharisees? Scribes? Sadducees.

b. Identify the differences between the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

c. Explain why Jesus faced opposition from Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes.

Jesus ministry consisted of teaching, healing and doing many miracles. Because of this work, Jesus faced opposition from the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes. These were Jewish religious leaders.

a. Opposition by Pharisees and Sadducees. Luke 5:12- 6:11

Why did Jewish religious leaders; the Pharisees? Scribes? Sadducees oppose Jesus?

There were many reasons for Jewish opposition to Jesus.

These were:

1) Jesus was becoming more famous than the religious leaders.

2) His claim to forgive sins. This was reserved only for God.

3) His association with tax collectors / publicans and sinners.

For example, Jesus ate with Levi.

4) His failure to observe the law of fasting.

Jesus disciples did not fast like the disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist.

5) Doing what religious leaders regarded as unlawful things on the Sabbath day. For example, a. Eating on Sabbath with unwashed hands (disciples).

b. Plucking corn on the Sabbath day.

c. Working. Jesus healed on the Sabbath day.

This was considered as work, which was unlawful.

Jesus healed a man with a paralyzed hand on the Sabbath day.

d. Touching the unclean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched a leper and healed him.

Religious leaders were not allowed to touch the unclean lepers.

e. Associating with tax collectors who were regarded as sinners because they were corrupt.

They collected more tax than the required amount. Jesus was supposed not to associate with them or support them in any way.

Who were the Pharisees? These were

Characteristics of Pharisees

a. They believed in the Law of Moses and accepted the first five books of the Bible as God inspired.

They insisted on strict observance of the law.

b. They upheld and insisted on the observance of the oral traditions of the elders.

c. They followed strictly 632 distinct rules and regulations broken down from the ten commandments.

d. They believed in the teachings of the prophets and other writings of the Old Testament.

e. They passed religious traditions of the Jews from generation to generation and regarded this as a duty or obligation.

f. They believed in the existence of angels and regarded them as intermediaries between God and human beings.

g. They believed in the existence of demons and Satan.

h. They believed in and waited for the Messiah of God to come.

i. The believed in the resurrection of the dead.

j. The believed in the judgment of God at the end of time for all human kind.

k. They were strong nationalists and political leaders who resisted all foreign influences and power.

Who were the Scribes?

The word Scribe means ‘a writer. The work of a scribe was to rewrite by hand – new manuscripts of the Jewish scriptures. The copied the word exactly as it was. The scribes were either Pharisees or Sadducees.

At the time of Jesus, majority of the Scribes were associated with the Pharisees. A scribe was also a ‘Rabbi’ – teacher. Some scribes managed schools called ‘Rabbinical Schools’.

In these schools, Jewish male youth learnt the Mosaic Law from the age of 13 years.

Scribes were represented in the Jewish religious council called the Sanhedrin. Sanhedrin was the Jewish Court of Justice, which tried those who committed religious sins.

Who were the Sadducees?

Sadducees were the wealthy people.

They were an influential group. These were the majority in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Court of Justice. The poor hated them. They were also members of the Jerusalem priesthood. The chief priests were mainly drawn from the Sadducees.

They believed in the divine authority of the Law of Moses and the Pentateuch’s first five Books of the bible.

They believed that Moses wrote the first 5 books of the Bible.

They regarded all the other books in the Old Testament as not divinely inspired. Hence they rejected them.

They rejected and did not believe in

(a) The resurrection of the dead

(b) Last judgment

(c) Coming of the Messiah

(d) Angels and demons and

(e) the oral traditions of the Pharisees.

They were enemies of the Pharisees particularly because of religious matters. However, they joined with the Pharisees and Scribes to oppose Jesus Christ.

Lesson Eight. The Sermon on the Plain (Luke. 6:12–16, 27– 49)

Review In the previous section, we learnt that Jesus chose His apostles. He came down the hill and stood on a level place.

He gave a sermon to those present.

This address is referred to as the sermon on the plain in Luke’s Gospel.

The people had come to hear Jesus’ word to receive healing and for Jesus to exercise unclean spirits from them.

In the sermon, Jesus talked of the characteristics of the new community.

All those who would listen to His word would be the “New Israel”.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to

(a) Name the12 disciples.

(b) Summarize the teachings of Jesus on true discipleship.

© Analyse the teachings of Jesus on the plain (sermon on the plain).

Selection of 12 disciples (Luke. 6:12 – 16)

Jesus went into a mountain to pray. In the morning, he called his disciples.

From them, he selected 12 disciples, whom he also called apostles. Apostle means one who is sent, a missionary.

The 12 disciples were:

(1) Simon Peter

(2) Andrew

(3) James

(4) John

(5) Phillip

(6) Bartholomew

(7) Mathew (Levi)

(8) Thomas

(9) James son of Alphaeus

(10) Simon who was called the Patriot

(11) Judas son of James and

(12) Judas Iscariot who became the traitor (Luke vs. 14-16)

Jesus teachings’ on true discipleship Jesus taught that a follower or disciple of Christ should:

(a) Have unshakeable faith.

(b) Be obedient to God’s word.

(c) Be self-critical/analytical/self-searching.

(d) Be kind, loyal, objective, fair, and generous.

(e) Accept others without discrimination.

(f) Be a disciple and show concern for others.

The Sermon on the plain (Luke 6: 17 – 49)

The Sermon on the plain is a lecture or lesson that Jesus gave to “ a large number of his disciples and a large crowd of people who had come from Judea, Jerusalem, tyre, and Sidon.

They came to listen to the sermon of Jesus and to be healed of diseases, evil sprits.

The purpose of the sermon was to teach the crowd the meaning of following Christ.

Jesus covered 6 beatitudes or topics in his sermon. These are.

1) Blessings and woes – beatitudes

(2) Love for enemies

(3) Judging others

(4) Giving to the needy

(5) A tree and its fruits

(6) Wise and foolish builders – hearing and doing the words of Jesus.

We shall now discuss each of these beatitudes in detail.

1. Blessings and woes. Jesus taught that:

(i) Blessed are the poor for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

(ii) Blessed are the hungry for they shall be filled.

(iii) Blessed are those who weep now for they shall laugh.

(iv) Blessed are those who men shall hate, reject, reproach for the sake of Christ’s for their great reward is kept in heaven.

(v) Woe to those who are rich, for they have already received their reward.

(vi) Woe to those who are full for they shall go hungry.

(vii) Woe to those who laugh now for they shall mourn and weep.

(viii) Woe to those whom people speak well, for ancestors said the same about the false prophets.

Those who accept to be followers of Christ are promised blessings while those who reject Christ are to suffer in future.

2. Love your enemies. Luke. 6: 27 – 36.

Love is often defined as a warm feeling / affection towards somebody or something.

Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies and do well to those who hate you.

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.

Do unto men as you expect them to do unto you.

Lend also to your enemies.

Love your enemies and do good to them. Lend and expect nothing back.

Be merciful.

From these teachings: true discipleship of Jesus Christ:

a) Entails unconditional love even for enemies.

b) Doing good without expecting any returns.

c) Praying for those who mistreat us.

d) Showing love to our enemies by exhibiting God’s love in us.

e) Is love; because those who love are children of the most high who is kind and merciful to the sinners.

(3) Judging others Luke. 6: 37– 42

Jesus taught his followers not to judge others lest they are also judged. They should not condemn others lest they are also condemned. He asked disciples to forgive others and they shall also be forgiven.

True discipleship requires acknowledging one’s shortcomings and avoiding criticism of others.

(4) Giving to the needy.

A true disciple should share what they have with the needy. Those who share shall be rewarded.

He also said that the blind couldn’t lead the blind. There is a master and a follower.

The disciple is not above his master.

(5) A tree and its fruits.

A healthy tree bears good fruits. A poor tree bears poor fruit. Neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruits.

A tree is known by its fruits. Followers of Christ are evident to others by their actions.

They are not hypocritical or fault finding.

(6) Wise and foolish builders.

A wise builder digs a deep foundation on a rock. When floods come, the house is able to stand.

A foolish builder builds his house upon the sand. Without a foundation, when floods come, the house falls and is ruined.

Wise builders are those who hear the word of God and do what is required.

Those who do not adhere to the teachings are the unwise builders.

True discipleship entails obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Relevance of the lessons of the Sermon on the Plain to Christian Life

Christians are urged to love even those that hate them. The challenges that followers of Christ.

encountered in the New Testament are not different from those that Christians experience today.

Christians should forgive others, share with the needy, avoid judging others, and follow the teachings of Christ.

Lesson Revision questions

1. Give the main teaching of Jesus on the sermon on the plain

2. What is the relevance of the (beatitudes) sermon on the plain to Christians today?

Lesson Nine. Jesus’ Works of Compassion

In this lesson, Jesus’ works of compassion is discussed.

These include the works of mercy for those in distress and pity for the suffering.

Jesus’ mission lays its foundation in these works of compassion, because He came to establish the kingdom of God by conquering all forms of suffering caused by Satan.

Compassion is a feeling of empathy for other people’s sufferings. It’s being merciful, showing concern and affection for others.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

a) Give examples of Jesus works of compassion

b) Narrate Jesus works of compassion

c) Give reasons why Jesus used parables

d) Identify categories of the miracles of Jesus

e) Give lessons learnt from each example in each category

a. Examples of Jesus works of compassion. There are many examples of compassion

i) Healing of the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1 – 10)

Centurion is an officer in charge of 100 men. Jesus healed the servant of a Roman soldier and a Gentile.

The Centurion showed love and concern for his servant. The centurion sent Jewish elders to Jesus with a request to heal his servant.

The leaders said ‘this man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue’ (Luke 7:5). Jesus agreed and went with the elders.

But before Jesus reached the centurion’s house, the centurion sent his friends to stop him from coming to his house.

He said that he was not worthy to have Jesus under his roof. He said that he was a man of authority. Hence Jesus could give an order and the servant would be healed.

On hearing this, Jesus declared to the crowd ‘ I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’.

When the men returned, they found the servant well.

Lessons Christians can learn from the healing of the centurion servant.

1. Faith in God is important for healing to occur.

2. We should confess our faith in Jesus. The centurion declared his faith in Jesus by saying he believed.

that Jesus could heal his servant by his word.

3. Christians should have compassion like Jesus. He took compassion on the servant and was ready to go and heal him.

4. Salvation was not for Jews alone, but for all who believed in Jesus.

Centurion was not a Jew but a gentile officer in the Roman army. But he had faith in Jesus healing.

5. Christians should love each other regardless of their background or social status – the centurion loved his servant dearly.

6. Christians should learn to relate well with all around them – the centurion related well with the Jewish elders and others.

7. Jesus has power to heal any form of sickness.

ii) The raising of the widows son – Luke 7:11 – 17.

A widow is a woman whose husband is dead.

The widow was of the city of Nain.

When Jesus neared the gates of the city, he saw the funeral procession of the widow’s son, the only son of his mother. Jesus had compassion on the widow and told her ‘ weep not’.

Jesus then touched the casket and said ‘young man I say unto you, arise’.

The dead sat up and began to speak.

All the people were filled with fear and glorified God, saying God has visited his people.

Lessons Christians learn from the raising of the widow’s son

1) Jesus has power over death

2) Jesus empathizes with the suffering

3) Acts of love should not be hindered by traditions – Jesus touched the casket even though Jewish traditions forbid it.

4) The Widow of Nain was a gentile. This is a sign that salvation was universal.

5) The crowd acknowledged Jesus’ lordship; Christians should acknowledge the lordship of Jesus.

What are the practices pertaining to the disposal of the dead in your culture? and community?

iii) Assurance to John the Baptist (Luke 7:20 – 30).

A question arose whether Jesus Christ was the Messiah. John the Baptist wanted to assure his disciples that Christ; was the expected messiah: and not him (John the Baptist).

He sent his disciples to Jesus to ask “if you are the one he said was going to come, or if we should expect someone else?” (Vs. 20).

Jesus told the disciples of John to go back and tell John of the miracles works they saw and heard.

Jesus then gave a testimony of John the Baptist as a prophet, whose life and missions is beyond that of ordinary prophets.

Jesus testified that John the Baptist; was the forerunner or messenger of Jesus Christ: as the prophets in the Old Testament had written.

The Pharisees and the publicans (teaches of the law) however rejected the testimony about John the Baptist. They had refused to be baptized by John.

Those baptized by John the Baptist, the tax collectors acknowledged the testimony of Jesus. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of law for their hypocrisy.

In what ways were the Pharisees and teaches of law hypocritical?

iv) The forgiveness of the sinful woman (Luke 7: 36 – 50)

Jesus was invited by one of the Pharisees called Simon to his house to dine with him. In that city, there was a sinful woman. She went to the house of Simon when she learnt that Jesus was in the Pharisees house.

She brought with her an alabaster jar full of perfume.

She stood behind Jesus. She was weeping and washing his feet with her fears. She then wiped the tears from the feet of Jesus with her hair, kissed his feet, and anointed them with oil (an alabaster box of ointment).

When Simon, the host saw this he said within himself, ‘if this man was a prophet, he would know who this woman is who is touching him” a sinful woman. Jesus told Simon a parable of a man who forgave two people that owed him money – one 500, the other 50. Jesus asked which of the two debtors would love him most.

Simon said the one that was forgiven much, Jesus then told Simon that when he came to his house, Simon did not give him water for his feet; neither did he welcome Jesus with a kiss; nor provide him with olive oil.

But the woman washed his feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair.

She also kissed his feet.

Jesus told the people that her sins, being many are forgiven for she loved much. Jesus turned to the woman and told her ‘thy sins are forgiven’.

‘Thy faith has saved thee, go in peace’.

The people who were eating with Jesus murmured. Who was Jesus? He forgives sins.

Lessons from the forgiveness of the sinful woman

1. The Jews believed that by associating with sinners, one becomes virtually defiled. Jesus however allowed the sinful woman to touch him.

2. By her actions, the woman acknowledged that she was a sinner, and repented. This was in contrast to the Pharisees who were self-righteous and therefore did not repent.

3. The Woman’s great love for Jesus led to her being forgiven of her sins.

4. Christians need to accept their sinful nature and seek forgiveness from God.

5. Faith in Jesus is necessary.

Summary.

Jesus is accepted women to be his followers unlike the Jewish customs which viewed women as lesser than men.

Other women that played a key role in the ministry of Jesus include Mary Magdalene, Joann Joanna and Susanna among many others.

Lesson Revision questions 1. What role do women play in the church ministry?

2. Narrate the story of the forgiveness of the sinful woman (Lk 7: 36, 8:3)

3. What lessons do you learn from the above story?

4. Describe the story of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Lk 7: 11- 17)

Answers

Women play many roles in the church ministry. Some of these are:

(i) Carrying out duties of pastors, bishops, and deacons

(ii) Management. Some are heads of the women groups

(iii) Leading in church service

(iv) Participating as church ushers, choir singers, and youth leaders

(v) Attending church. Women are part of the congregations

Lesson Ten. Jesus Teaching in Parables (Lk. 8: 4- 21)

Introduction

Jesus used parables to teach. A parable is a Greek word. It means comparing or ‘putting side by side’ in order to understand.

A parable is defined as a short story or description, which teaches something or answers some questions.

It is an allegory – an earthly story with a hidden or heavenly meaning.

a. Use of parables.

Jesus used parables in his teachings in order to explain unfamiliar messages in a language that his hearers could understand.

Other reasons were because Jesus wanted to:

1) Provoke critical thinking

2) Make the audience understand issues from a different point of view

3) Explain the nature of the kingdom of God by giving real life examples.

4) Explain the nature of God. The parables brought out the attributes of an invisible God. For example, the parable of the prodigal son who had been lost.

5) Attract the attention of his audiences so that they could listen and understand.

6) Make people understand how they should relate to one another. Read the parable of the good Samaritan.

7) Teach God’s love to mankind. The parable of the lost sheep, lost coin. Separate / identify those who were sincere in seeking the kingdom of God from the onlookers.

9) Challenge the imagination of his hearers since entry to God’s kingdom was a personal decision.

10) Make an indirect attack on his opponents like the Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees.

11) Teach his disciples that they should be persistent and never be discouraged.

12) Make his teachings interesting and easy to understand.

1. The parable of the sower Lk 8:4 – 15

Jesus told this parable to the crowd that followed him. He said that a farmer went out to sow corn.

He scattered seeds in the field. As he did so, some of them fell on the path, and they were trampled on and eaten by birds. Other seeds fell on the rock ground. When they germinated, they withered because they lacked moisture.

Some seed fell among thorns bushes.

They grew with bushes, which choked them as they grew.

Some other seeds fell on fertile soil.

They grew up in fertile soil and their yield was100 seed for each seed sown.

Meaning or interpretation of the parable

Jesus gave the meaning of the parable to his disciples.

He said that the seed is the word of God.

i. Seed that fell on the path represents people who hear the word of God, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so that they do not believe.

Such listeners are like the seeds that fell on the path.

They hear the word but soon after the devil takes away the message to stop them from believing and being saved.

ii. Seed that fell on the rocky ground are people who receive the word with joy but it does not stay with them.

They believe for a while but when faced with trials and temptations they stop believing and fall away.

iii. Seed that fell on the thorny bushes stands for people who receive the word.

However, they fail to follow their beliefs because of interference by life’s worries, riches and pressures of the world.

They fail to mature as believers. iv. Seed that fell on the good soil are those people with a noble and good heart.

They hear the word, and retain it in their hearts. Such people persevere and produce good harvest.

v. Interpretation. The different types of soil in this parable refer to different kinds of Hearts of people.

The farmer is Jesus, God or Preacher. We learn that:

2. The parable of a lamp under a bowl (Lk.8: 16 – 18).

Jesus taught that no one lights a lamp, then covers it with a bowl or hide it under a bed. When one lights a lamp, they put it on the lamp stand so as to illuminate a room and for people to see the light. For whatever is hidden or covered up shall be revealed.

In this parable Jesus is the light.

The disciples had a duty to pass on to others messages they had learnt from Jesus.

They should not keep messages to themselves.

Interpretation.

From this parable of a lamp under a bowl, we learn that:

i A Christian has a duty to share the knowledge of God with others.

ii One cannot be a Christian if this knowledge is hidden.

iii Those who do not share may loose their beliefs.

3. Jesus mother and brothers. Luke 8:19 – 21

The mother of Jesus and brothers came to see him. Someone told Jesus that they were there.

He told the crowd. “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey “.

Accepters and believers are the members of the family of Jesus.

Lesson Revision Questions

1. Give reasons why Jesus used parables.

2. Identify various methods used by Christians in spreading the gospel today.

3. Discuss the reasons why Jesus faced opposition fro the Jewish leaders.

Lesson Eleven: Mighty Works of Jesus

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson

a. Organise in categories miracles performed by Jesus.

b. Narrate each miracle.

c. Discuss the significance of the miracle and lessons to learn.

Jesus continued to do miracles; and teach. His work is referred to as the mighty works of Jesus in various books.

Miracles can be defined as acts of power whose purpose is to establish the kingdom of God.

Miracles can also mean extraordinary events that go against the laws of nature.

a. Categories / types of miracles

Jesus performed four types of miracles. These were:

1) Nature miracles – miracles that dealt with nature e.g. calming of the storm.

2) Raising of the dead e.g. Jairus daughter.

3) Healing miracles – healing Simon’s mother in law of fever, healing of the woman with the flow of blood.

4) Exorcism miracles – casting out of evil spirits e.g. the Gerasene demonic.

i) The calming of the storm.

One day, Jesus entered a boat with his disciples to go across Lake Galilee.

As they sailed Jesus was asleep in the ship.

Suddenly, there was a strong wind and the boat began to sink.

The disciples woke him up saying, “ Master, we are about to die”.

Jesus woke up and gave an order to the winds and the raging waters.

They obeyed and there was calm.

He then said to his disciples ‘where is your faith?’ Disciples were afraid and amazed and wondered, “Who is this man?” Winds and waves obey him.

This miracle teaches Christians to have faith and to depend on Jesus when they face raging temptations and persecutions. Jesus has power over nature.

ii) Jesus Heals a Man with demons (Lk8: 26 – 39)

Jesus and his disciples sailed to Gerasa town across Lake Galilee. On arrival a man who had demons in him for a long time met Jesus.

He lived naked in tombs, and wilderness.

On seeing Jesus, he cried out, threw himself down at the feet of Jesus and shouted; “Jesus son of the Most High God! What do you want with me?” ” I beseech thee, torment me not’. Jesus had ordered the demons to go out of him.

Jesus asked him “what is your name?” He replied Legion or Mob.

This was because the man had been possessed by many demons.

The demons begged Jesus not to send them into the deep but to let them go into some pigs (swine) that were feeding by.

Jesus allowed them and the devils went out of the man, into the pigs.

The herd ran down the cliff into the lake and drowned.

The herders run to the city and spread the news.

The multitude found the man sitting at the feet of Jesus clothed, and in his right mind.

The multitude asked Jesus to leave their country region.

The healed man wanted to follow Jesus but Jesus declined and told him to go and tell others of the great things that God had done for him.

The man went to town and told all “what Jesus had done for him”.

This miracle teaches Christians that:

1. The mission of Jesus’ was universal.

2. Jesus mission is to teach all the people irrespective of their race, tribe or geographical location.

The demon man was healed in a Gentile area. 3. Jesus has power over evil

4. Powers of evil (demons) are real

5. Human life is more valuable than man’s material things

6. The demons – evil spirits identified Jesus as the Son of the most High

7. Christians need to fight the power of evil

SAQ. What were the causes of mental illness and spirit possession in traditional African society and in modern society?

iii) Jairus daughter is raised. Lk.8: 40 – 42, 49 – 56

Jairus was an official in the local synagogue. He begged Jesus to come to his house and heal his only daughter who was 12 was dying.

iv) Woman with the flow of blood is Healed (Lk. 8:43 – 48)

When Jesus was on route to Jairus house, great crowds followed him and pressed him on either side.

Amongst them was a woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for 12 years.

She consulted doctors and spent all her savings on physicians. But she was not cured.

The society considered the woman unclean.

It blamed her for her illness.

She herself was embarrassed by her condition.

This woman walked behind Jesus and she touched the hem of the garment of Jesus.

Her bleeding stopped at once.

Jesus asked, who touched me? Everyone denied it. Peter replied the multitude was around Jesus and it was difficult to know who had touched him. Jesus persisted someone touched him.

The woman who had touched Jesus the woman came forward, and fell at his feet and confessed to all her sickness and explained why she touched Jesus and how she was healed at once. Jesus said to her “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace”.

Jairus daughter is raised. Lk.8: 40 – 42, 49 – 56

As Jesus was talking to her, Jairus was told that his little girl was dead.

“Don’t bother the teacher anymore.

Jesus told Jairus not to fear but to believe and she will be well.

When he got to the house he went into the room with Peter, John and James and the parents of the girl.

People around were weeping and wailing.

But Jesus told them not to weep.

She is not dead but asleep.

They scorned and laughed at him for saying that she is asleep because they knew she was dead.

Jesus took the girl by hand and called out “Get up, my child” – ‘little girl arise’. She immediately got up and Jesus ordered the parent to give her food.

He commanded them not to tell what had happened.

Teachings from these two miracles

The miracle of raising Jairus daughter teaches Christians that Jesus is compassionate and the author of life.

He has power over death, resurrection and life.

In the miracle of healing the Woman with the flow of blood:

a. Jesus made her healing public. This was probably because He wanted to acknowledge the woman’s faith in the public. Jesus made it clear that her faith made her whole.

b. Jesus wanted to challenge the cultural practices that kept women in bandage and could not participate in public life.

c. Jesus made her healing public so that the community can receive her back and shall not isolate her again.

From this miracle of healing this woman, Christians learn that one; Jesus is the healer.

He has power over all sicknesses even those without cure.

Two, Christians should have faith in Jesus Christ.

Lesson Revision Questions

1. Narrate the healing of the Gerasene demoniac Lk 8: 26-39

2. What lessons can Christians learn fro the healing of the demoniac man above?

3. What do the miracles of Jesus teach us about him?

4. Compare the raising of Jairus daughter and the healing of the woman with the flow of blood

Answers.

A comparison of the raising of Jairus daughter and the healing of the woman with flow of blood.

(i) Jairus daughter was 12 years old and the woman sick with the flow of blood had suffered for 12 years.

(ii) Jesus referred to both of them as daughter.

(iii) Their situation – death and flow of blood did not have a cure (iv) The public witnessed the miracle of the woman with the flow of blood.

(v) Jesus commanded Jairus to keep secret raising of his daughter.

Lesson Twelve. Commissioning of the Twelve Disciples Lk 9:1 – 10

Introduction.

Commission means to officially ask someone to do something.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

a Describe the commissioning of the twelve disciples.

b Explain the story of the feeding of the 5000.

c Describe the transfiguration of Jesus.

d Explain the teachings of Jesus on faith and humility.

a. The commissioning of the twelve disciples

The twelve disciples or followers accompanied Jesus wherever he went.

They were regarded as apostles.

An apostle comes from a Greek word ‘Apostols’ which means ‘send out’ one who is sent or a ‘missionary’.

The commissioning of the 12 disciples meant that they were given four main duties, power and authority to:

a) Exorcise or cast out demons

b) Cure diseases

c) Heal the sick

d) Preach the Kingdom of God and proclaim the arrival of God’s

Instructions.

They were told to:

i) Take nothing for the journey

ii) Initiate attack on the forces of evil

iii) Depend entirely on God to take care of them

iv) Take no stick, no beggars’ bag, no food, no money and not even an extra shirt for their journey

v) Whatever house they entered they were to stay there until they leave the town.

vi) If they were not welcomed, they were to leave that town and shake the dust off their feet as a warning to that city or town.

With these instructions, the disciples left and travelled to all villages preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere. King Herod was perplexed by the work of the disciples and he desired to see Jesus.

b. Feeding of the five thousand.

Please open your Bible and read Luke chapter 9. Verses 11-17)

After reading these verses, about feeding of the five thousand (5000) people we learn that

1. Jesus is concerned about people’s physical needs

2. Jesus demonstrated that he is the bread of life

3. Jesus has divine power

4. The Church has the duty of continuing to feed its followers both spiritually and physically.

5. The feeding of the 5000 people points to the Messianic banquet

6. Christians must learn to share whatever they have with one another

7. From this miracle, Jesus expected his disciples to appreciate their responsibility. Their work was not only to preach and heal but also feed the hungry.

Feeding was both physical and spiritual.

The personality of Jesus and his identity Lk. 9:18 – 27

When Jesus was alone with his disciples, he asked them who people say he is.

The disciples told him that some say he is John the Baptist, others say he is Elijah and others say he is one of the old prophets who have risen again.

Jesus asked them who they, disciples say he is.

Peter replied that he is Christ of God.

Jesus then told them not to tell people who he is for he Son of man has first to suffer many things be rejected by the elders chief, priests and scribes, be killed and be raised the third day.

Jesus announced to the disciples of his passion (great sufferings) Jesus is the Christ (anointed) of God – Messiah as well as the son of man.

A divine nature and a human nature.

Jesus went on ahead to tell his disciples that they should deny themselves (self – denial) take up their cross daily and be ready to lose their lives for Jesus.

However, great is the reward for the faithful.

Lesson Thrteen: the Transfiguration (Lk.9: 28 – 36)

Instructions. Read. Luke chapter 9, verse 28 to 36. Then answer revision questions that follow.

A brief summary from the Bible

Transfiguration is change or transformation of form or appearance.

Jesus was transformed in appearance when he took Peter, John and James to the mountain to pray.

During the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah came down from heaven to talk with Jesus about his coming death in Jerusalem.

Moses, Elijah and Jesus were in heavenly glory and glorious splendor. Peter, John and James were asleep.

When they woke up, they saw Jesus’ glory. They also saw Elijah and Moses with Jesus.

Peter suggested to Jesus that they build three tents for Jesus, Elijah and Moses.

As he spoke a cloud overshadowed them.

A voice from the cloud said ‘this is my son, whom I have chosen——– listen to him”.

The cloud left and the disciples found themselves with Jesus.

They kept what they saw and heard to themselves.

Significance and importance of transfiguration

a. The voice from heaven confirmed that Jesus is the Christ of God, or the Messiah.

b. Moses represented the Old Testament law. Jesus came to fulfil the Law of Moses. It showed that

Jesus was not against the Law of Moses.

c. Elijah represented the Old Testament Prophets. This meant that Jesus had fulfilled the Old Testament.

prophecies. He is above the prophets.

d. Jesus is above or greater than the law and the prophets.

e. Transfiguration was a way of preparing the disciples for the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Death is not the end of life (Moses and Elijah appeared to confirm this)

f. The transfiguration prepared and gave strength to Jesus for what lay ahead of him

g. Dazzling appearance showed the glory of Jesus

h. The transfiguration also shows the importance of encouraging each other.

5.0 Revision questions

a. Explain the teachings of John the Baptist

b. Describe the baptism and temptation of Jesus and its relevance to Christians today.

c. Give reasons as to why Jesus was rejected at Nazareth

d. Describe the first miracles of Jesus at Capernaum

e. Narrate and dramatize the temptations of Jesus from the gospel according to St Luke,

f. Identify five occasions when Jesus was tempted

g. Explain ways in which Christians can be tempted today

h. Outline ways in which Christians can overcome temptations in the contemporary world

i. Identify lessons that Christians can learn from the temptations of Jesus?

j. What is the role of the clergy in Kenya?

k. How does the church participate in the upkeep of the clergy?

l. Define and describe the transfiguration of Jesus

Topic Four: the Journey to Jerusalem – Luke Ch. 9-18 Introduction

As Jesus travelled to Jerusalem, He prepared His disciples for the life they were to lead after He leaves them.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of the topic, you should be able to

a Identify duties and privileges and cost of a disciple.

b Describe the teachings of Jesus on prayer, hypocrisy, wealth and watchfulness’.

c Describe parables Jesus used to teach about prayer, hypocrisy, wealth and watchfulness.

Lesson One. Duties, Privileges and Cost of Discipleship

Lesson Outcomes. When you read this lesson, you should:

1. Explain discipleship

2. List duties given to disciples by Jesus Christ

3. Explain relevance of Christian discipleship to modern Church Jesus’ teaching on faith and humility

A brief summary from the Bible. Read (Luke 9: 37 – 50) for details. After the transfiguration, Jesus used two incidents to teach his disciples about faith and humility. One incident was the healing of a boy possessed by an evil spirit (Luke 9: 37 –43). Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit out of the boy and the boy was healed.

Jesus told His disciples that their lack of faith was the reason why they did not cure the boy.

Jesus informed his disciples that faith in him was important when carrying out his work.

Jesus’ teaching on His Work

The next question was ….. who is to work for Jesus? All Christians can work for Jesus even believers who are gentiles. Read (Luke 9 vs. 49 – 50). Jesus told his disciples not to forbid others from carrying out his work for whoever is not against Him is for Him.

This means that whoever had faith; even the Gentiles could carry out Jesus work.

Jesus’ teaching on His followers

Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem.

As He travelled, men volunteered to follow him wherever he was going. Jesus replied that foxes have holes, birds of the air have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.

Jesus had no earthly home.

His mission on earth was only for a time.

A man requested to follow Jesus but asked permission to bury his father. Jesus told him to let the dead bury their dead. Disciples of Jesus have to leave their families in order to do His Work.

Mission of the 72 men. Read Luke 10:1 – 24

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus sent out 72 disciples on a mission to promote the Gospel of the Kingdom of God through preaching and service.

The 72 disciples were sent in 2s in order to encourage or help each other.

The 72 were given instructions. Jesus told them that He has given them power over demons, serpents, scorpion.

They have power over all the powers of Satan.

When disciples returned, they reported that demons obeyed them.

In Luke 10 verse 20, Jesus asked the 72 to rejoice not because demons flee but because their names are written in heaven.

Out of the many followers, Jesus chose 12 apostles who learnt from Jesus and became His witnesses.

Jesus’ teaching on the greatest disciple

Read (Luke 9: 46- 48). The disciples asked themselves– who is the greatest amongst disciples amongst the 12 disciples? In response Jesus took a child by His side and said to the disciples.

Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me, as well as the one who sent me.

For the one who is least amongst you shall be the greatest in Heaven. Lessons from this example.

Jesus explained that His disciples needed values of humility and simplicity.

These virtues were needed to carry out the work of discipleship.

Teaching about Discipleship

1. True followers of Jesus Christ must

a. Be ready to detach themselves from families and material possessions.

b. Be ready to face rejections because not all people will accept them or their message.

c. Be ready to serve.

d. Be ready to cater for people’s physical needs.

e. Be self – less.

f. Not be hypocrites and should accept hospitality whenever it is given.

g. Be able to exercise self-evaluation.

2. Duties of a disciple were:

a) To preach the good news of salvation to other people and be ready to suffer for the sake of Christ.

b) Obey God’s commandments and follow teachings of Jesus.

c) To help the needy spiritually and with material needs.

d) To teach others about the Kingdom of God.

e) To heal the sick.

f) To cast out demons.

g) Be prepared to suffer for the sake of the gospel.

h) Being loyal to Jesus and faithful to the gospel.

i) Commitment and loyalty

3. Privileges of a disciple

a) One becomes a member of the Kingdom of God.

b) They get an assurance of eternal life.

c) They receive joy of winning other people to follow Jesus.

d) They receive peace, and blessings of God.

How are these teachings relevant to modern church leaders and members?

Modern church leaders have a duty to continue preaching God’s word to all people.

They should serve God in several ministries such as visiting the sick, caring for orphans, the destitute, widows, widowers, and the aged.

They should also be ready to suffer and even face rejection for the sake of the Christ.

Exercise

1. What are the characteristics of a true follower of Christ?

2. State the privileges of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

3. Why did Jesus choose the 12 disciples?

Lesson Two: a Committed Follower of Christ

Read Luke 10: 25-37, and Luke 11: 1-13

a. The parable of the Good Samaritan

A teacher of law asked Jesus questions in order to tempt him. One was “ what must I do to receive eternal life? (Read Luke 10: 25 to 28). Jesus replied with a question.

What do the scriptures say? He replied and Jesus told him to do as the scripture say. .

He asked another question. Who is my neighbour? (Luke 10 v 29). Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

In this parable, the righteous people among the Jews, Levites and priests, did not help the injured man.

A Samaritan whom Jews considered unclean and sinners helped him.

After narrating this parable Jesus asked the lawyer, who of the 3 travelers was a good neighbour? The lawyer said the Samaritan.

Lessons learnt from the parable of the Good Samaritan

In the above parable, Jesus stressed that a follower of Jesus should be:

(1) Committed

(2) Show love of God by loving people in need and their neighbours. A neighbour is anybody who requires assistance or help regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, colour or gender.

Jesus wants his followers to show love and concern to all people regardless of their background.

A neighbour uses his/her resources selflessly to help the needy. A neighbour is also compassionate, kind, and generous to the needy.

Jesus Visit to Martha and Mary (Read Luke 10: 38 – 42)

Martha welcomed Jesus in her home where she lived with her sister Mary.

While Martha prepared food, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching. Martha complained.

She was doing all the work while Mary sat listening to Jesus teaching.

Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the right choice to listen to

His teaching. Lessons we can learn from Jesus Visit to Martha and Mary

1. A committed follower of Jesus is one who creates time to study and listen to God’s word.

2. A follower of Christ should ensure that their commitment to God is not overshadowed by daily duties,worries and responsibilities.

3. Jesus visit to Mary and Martha was also to teach disciples on the characteristics of a true disciple.

Revision exercise

1. From the teachings of Jesus, on the parable of the good Samaritan; who do you think is a committed follower of Jesus?

Lesson Three. Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer (Read Luke 11:1 – 13)

Prayer is communication with God. It is talking with God. People pray to God all the time. For example,people pray to God when:

1. They are in problems and in happiness;

2. Seeking healing and wealth,

3. Giving thanks to God,

4. Identifying the needs to be met, and asking for favors from God

5. Repenting and confessing their sins

6. Thanking God

There are many forms or types of prayers. These are:

1. Intercessory prayer

Praying for the needs of others.

2. Prayer for repentance

For forgiveness of sins.

3. Thanksgiving prayer

Giving thanks to God for what he has done.

4. Worship prayer

Prayers to worship God.

5. Praise prayers

to praise God, Honor God.

6. Supplication and petition prayer

whereby an individual makes their needs known to God and asks for divine intervention.

Jesus prayed often during his life’s Ministry.

The disciples asked him to show them how to pray. Jesus responded by teaching them the Lords Prayer.

“Our Father who art in Heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth asIt is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us Lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil”

a) Our Father who art in heaven

The disciples were told to address God as ‘Our father’. God is to be seen and addressed as a Father.

b) Hallowed be thy name

The name of God should be respected and revered.

c) Thy Kingdom come

In Prayer, Christians/disciples are to pray that the rulership of God reign amongst them.

d) Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Christians to obey the will of God.

e) Give us this day our daily bread

Christians to pray for their needs.

f. Forgive us our trespasses

we ask for forgiveness of our sins and those of others.

g. Jesus taught that one should be persistent in prayer

If a man goes to his friend at midnight and asks for bread to give to his visitor, the friend will open the door and give his friend all that he needs.

This is because his friend was persistent in knocking on the door.

In conclusion, if prayers are to be effective, one must have faith and be persistent.

Believe that God shall answer prayers.

A committed follower of Jesus should pray at all times.

In prayer, one should acknowledge that God is the Father and that all prayers should be addressed to him.

Two, one should have faith that God answers prayers.

Therefore we should be persistent in prayer.

Reasons why Christians should pray

Revision exercise

1. What did Jesus teach about prayer?

2. What is the importance of prayer?

Lesson Four: Use of God’s Power to Overcome Evil. Read Luke 11:14 – 28

Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Narrate Jesus teaching about demons

2. Explain why the sign of Jonah was important

3. Describe how God’s power overcomes evil

a. Jesus and Beelzebub. (Read Luke 11: 14 to 28)

Jesus drove out a mute demon. The possessed man began to talk. The crowd said that Jesus was casting out demons using the power of Beelzebub (the price of demons).

Beelzebul was an evil spirit. However Jesus replied “Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other will not last very long and a family divided against itself will fall.

Jesus said it is by the power of God that drives out demons.

Lessons learnt

i. Satan cannot fight against himself therefore Jesus cannot be an agent of Beelzebub / Satan.

ii. Gods Kingdom and that of Satan were two separate Kingdoms and could not co exist.

iii. The destruction of Satan’s power meant that the Kingdom of God was in Israel and it was powerful.

God’s power destroyed Satan’s kingdom. It is impossible to be neutral in the battle between Christ and Satan. One has to belong to either Christ or Satan.

iv. Jesus has power to drive out demons.

v. Demons occupy people. They bring disabilities and diseases.

What makes people to be insane? Mentally sick

b. The sign of Jonah. (Read Luke 11: 29 – 32)

After Jesus drove out the dumb spirit, Jews demanded performance of greater miracles.

They wanted Jesus to prove that he was their expected messiah. Jesus said that Jonah was a great miracle.

But Jesus was greater miracle than that of Jonah, and King Solomon. King Solomon was full of wisdom. He was so great that Queen of Sheba came to listen to his wisdom. Jesus like Jonah had brought a message of judgment.

Jesus is greater than Jonah or Solomon.

If Jews refuse to receive and listen to Jesus, the Gentiles like Queen of Sheba, will bear testimony against the Jews and receive God’s salvation.

c. The light of the body. Read Luke: 11: 33 – 36

Jesus taught that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl. A lamp is placed where all can see its light. He said that the human eye is the lamp or the light of the body.

Jesus asked the listeners to make sure that “the light in you is not darkness” (vs. 35). What is the main message in this story?

Lesson Five: Jesus Teaching on Hypocrisy, Wealth, Watchfulness and Readiness Introduction

Hypocrisy

is being dishonest and insincere or pretending to someone else or people. What did Jesus teach about hypocrisy?

Learning outcomes. After reading these verses in Luke:

1. State what Jesus taught on hypocrisy

2. Explain value of wealth

3. Discuss how modern Christians can be watchful and ready for the coming of Jesus Christ

a. Hypocrisy. Read Luke 12: 1- 12

A Pharisee invited Jesus to his house for a meal. When Jesus did not wash before eating the meal, the Pharisee was surprised. Jesus told him “.. you Pharisees clean the outside of your cup and plate, but inside you are full violence and evil”, greed and wickedness (vs. 39).

Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

They were concerned with outward appearances and traditions such as ceremonial washing of cups, hands, and dishes but not the souls of people.

They loved the outward show and public recognition. Pharisees tithed, “but neglected justice and love of God” (vs. 42). They imposed rules and regulations for people to follow, yet they themselves did not practice what they preached. They refused to confess their sins but pointed out sins in others.

They hinder others from entering the kingdom of God.

They had failed to make people understand the true interpretation of the law.

They were like unmarked graves – dead to people yet the people trusted them.

After this teaching, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose Jesus fiercely.

What do we learn from Jesus teachings? Followers of Jesus should be

1. Sincere and upright (honest);

(2) obey God’s commands;

(3), live to please God but not other people;

(4) confess publicly their loyalty to God and

(5) love God without fear and

(6) be dependent on the Holy Spirit

b. The Parable of the Rich Fool. (Read Luke 12:13 to 21).

Someone wanted justice. His brother had refused to share with him his father’s wealth.

He wanted Jesus to order his brother to divide their father’s inheritance between him.

In response, Jesus answered him with the parable of the rich fool. A rich man expected a good harvest of his crops.

He thought he did not have storage for the crop he expected to harvest.

The man said to himself. i will demolish my granaries and stores, then build bigger ones to store all my corn, and other goods. He expected to have enough food to last him a lifetime.

Then he can enjoy his wealth; eating, drinking and making merry.

But God told him that his life would be demanded from him that same night. What will happen to his wealth, as he was not rich in God’s sight?

Lessons to learn

i Followers of Jesus should not put their trust in material wealth but in God

ii Life consists of food, other material wealth and trust in God

iii Whoever seeks God’s kingdom, will receive material blessings from God

iv Jesus did not condemn material possessions but rather the attitude towards material possessions.

v Jesus condemned attachment to material wealth instead of trust in God who controls our lives.

c. Watchfulness, Readiness, and Instructions. (Read Luke 12: 35 – 59)

Jesus told his disciples to be:

i Watchful and ready for the return of the Son of Man i.e. Jesus.

ii Faithful servants so that when Jesus returns, he will find them ready and acting responsibly

iii Watchful of possible divisions in families

iv Royal to Christ

v Ready for the coming of the Son of Man. He will come at unexpected time; like a thief who comes when the owner of the house is not aware.

vi Observing things of the kingdom of God, which were present in the person of Jesus.

vii Like good servants, and watch over the affairs of the master.

viii Be decision makers and follow the teachings of Jesus without being watched.

Review questions

1. In What Ways Were the Pharisees Hypocritical? Lesson Six: the Kingdom of God

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to

1. Explain the teachings of Jesus about the kingdom of God

4. Narrate the parables of

a. The unfaithful fig tree

b. The mustard seed

c. Parable of the feast

d. Parable of the great feast

e. Parable of the lost sheep and the lost son

The Kingdom of God

Kingdom of God refers to rule of God, or God’s authority on people’s lives and the world He created.

The kingdom of God was present in Jesus. It is now and in the future reality.

The teachings, and miracles of Jesus were a manifestation of the Kingdom of God. For anyone to enter God’s kingdom, one has to repent and ask for forgiveness.

The Kingdom of God continues to grow and spread through the work of the Church.

Those who accept the teachings of Jesus Christ about God’s Kingdom are members of the Kingdom of God. Now to enter the Kingdom of God, one has to repent and not judge others.

Read Luke 13:1-5. Luke has explained the kingdom of God and outlined who will enter it.

The Kingdom of God has unfruitful fig tree (Read Luke, 13: 6 – 9).

A farmer had a fig tree that was unproductive for 3 years. He ordered the gardener to cut it down.

The gardener requested for the fig tree to be given another chance. He promised to dig around the fig tree and add fertilizer. If it bears fruits well, it can survive, if it doesn’t bear fruit, then it should be cut down.

Lessons learnt from the parable

The unproductive fig tree represents followers of Jesus who are unproductive because they do not follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. God gives people chances to repent just like the fig tree was given a second chance to bear fruit. Jesus is the gardener who pleads for people before God.

The followers of Jesus are expected to be fruitful.

What are the figs used for?

a. Parable of the mustard seed. Read Luke, 13:18 – 19

Jesus likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is very small. When a mustard seed is planted, it grows fast to become a big tree. It is difficult to control its growth. When mature, the fig tree attracts many birds, which feed on its seeds.

Lesson learnt from the parable.

The Kingdom of God

b. Parable of the Yeast. Read Luke, 13: 20 – 21

The Kingdom of God is like yeast. Yeast makes dough rise and the bread big.

The Kingdom of God grows secretly and slowly just like the dough rises without being noticed. It is only God who knows how a kingdom grows.

The Kingdom of God grows as a small unit that eventually grows, spreads and reaches out to many people in many nations.

c. The narrow door. Read Luke, 13: 22 – 30

As Jesus was teaching in towns and villages, a person asked him whether a few people would be saved.

Jesus replied that his followers should make every effort to go through the narrow door as it leads to the Kingdom of God. The narrow door will not remain open forever.

Lesson learnt from the parable

d. Jesus heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath. Luke, 13:10 – 12

Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on Sabbath. Jesus healed a woman who had an evil spirit, which had bent her back (Hunch back) for 18 years. Jesus saw her and told her “woman, you are free from your illness!” She was made straight and immediately glorified God.

The official of the synagogue was annoyed that Jesus was healing on a Sabbath.

He and others were hostile to Jesus for healing/working on the Sabbath.

Jesus told him, you hypocrite.

You feed and look after your animals on the Sabbath day.

Jesus emphasized that human life is more important than animal life or even observing the Sabbath.

Lessons learnt from the parable

Jesus came to set people free from the bondage of sickness and Satan.

Jesus work of liberation is continuous.

It has to be performed even on a Sabbath day because human life is more important than animal life or even observing the Sabbath.

e. Jesus’ Love for Jerusalem.

(Read Luke13: 31 – 35)

As Jesus continued with his teachings, he reached Jerusalem. Pharisees informed him that Herod wanted to kill him. His response was ‘go and tell that fox ” I will continue healing the sick and casting out demons.

Jesus however, lamented over Jerusalem for rejecting God’s messengers.

God would abandon Jerusalem for rejecting Jesus. Jerusalem was the site of Jesus death.

It would eventually acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah who brings salvation to Israel and to the rest of the world.

f. Man with dropsy (swollen legs and arms) healed (Read Luke 14:1 – 6).

Jesus was invited to the house of the leading Pharisees for a meal on a Sabbath.

A man with dropsy (swollen legs and arms) came to Jesus for healing. The Pharisees watched Jesus closely to see what he would do. Jesus asked the Pharisees “ does our Law allow healing on the Sabbath or not?” They kept quiet.

Jesus healed the man who then left. Jesus asked the Pharisees, would they save their son or an ox if it fell in a well on a Sabbath.

They kept quiet.

g. Humility and Hospitality. (Read Luke 14: 7 – 14)

Jesus was in the house of a leading Pharisees and observed that some of the invited guests were choosing the best places to sit at the table. He taught the disciples how to be humble.

He said, when invited for a meal, let the owner give you a seat of honor that is reserved for important and honorable guests. Read verse 11. Jesus advised his host to invite the poor, cripples, and the blind who cannot invite you, as they have nothing to give back for generosity.

Lessons learnt from the parable

Jesus is teaching about humility and hospitality. Those who are humble shall be elevated.

Those who elevate themselves shall be humbled.

Followers of Jesus should extend invitations to the poor and the underprivileged in the society.

The Kingdom of God belongs to the humble people.

c. The parable of the Great Feast. Read Luke, 14: 15 – 24.

A man said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God” (verse 15).

In response Jesus told him that a man made a great feast and invited many friends and colleagues to the feast.

The invited guests failed to come and a servant was sent to inform them that the feast was ready.

All the invited guests gave personal excuses explaining why they could not come.

The master was angry and asked the servant to invite the poor, crippled, lame, the blind and anyone willing to come to the feast.

Lessons learnt from the parable

God has invited all people to the great feast of the Kingdom of God.

Those who honor his invitation will be blessed. Those who reject the invitation will be excluded from the feast.

Jesus explained that the Kingdom of God is like a great feast open to all Jews and Gentiles.

To enter the Kingdom of God, one has to make a personal decision because following Jesus means sacrificing activities that we consider important to us.

d. The Cost of Being a Disciple Read Luke 14: 25 – 33

True discipleship means loving Jesus more than ones family. This is a great sacrifice to detach oneself from the family.

A disciple must be ready to suffer for the sake of following Jesus.

Following Jesus requires skills of careful thinking, planning and detailed preparations. Jesus compared true discipleship to the planning required when building a tower or engaging in a military operation.

Lessons / teachings learnt from the parable

True discipleship means making great sacrifices, “none of you can be my disciple unless you give up everything you have” (verse 33). Jesus disciples are expected to do careful planning before deciding to follow him because they are required to love God more than anyone else even their relatives and friends.

e. The parable of the Lost Sheep Read Luke, 15:1 – 7

Pharisees and teachers of law complained to Jesus because Jesus was teaching ordinary people such as tax collectors, and outcasts considered sinners by them. Jesus told the Pharisees and teachers of law the parable of the lost sheep.

He told them that if a shepherd with 100 sheep lost one of them, what action would he take? Wouldn’t he leave the 99 sheep and go out to look for the lost sheep? And on finding it, wouldn’t the shepherd celebrate with friends and neighbours? Jesus said that God celebrates if “over one sinner who repents than over 99 respectable people who do not need to repent.”

Lessons / teachings learnt from the parable

iii God is a shepherd and takes care of all his people.

iv He does not want any of his people to be lost.

v God searches for those lost in sin until he finds them.

vi When one sinner repents, God is overjoyed and rejoices.

vii God is the good shepherd who has come to seek and save the lost.

f. Parable of the Lost Coin. Read Luke, 15: 8 – 10

If a woman losses one of her ten silver coins, she searches until she finds it.

And if it is found, she invites her friends and neighbours to celebrate.

Lessons learnt from the parable

God and the angels in heaven search make every effort to seek the lost sinner until they find them.

Jesus lights the world, looking for sinners who are lost because they are precious in God’s sight.

g. Parable of the Lost Son (prodigal son) Read Luke 15:11 – 32

Jesus then told the story of a father who had two sons. The younger was given his share of inheritance he had requested.

He went to foreign lands and wasted his inheritance.

He became poor and decided to return home and ask his father to forgive him and employ him as a servant.

His father kissed him and celebrated his return. The father announced to his guests that the son who was lost is now found. – - The one who was dead is now live. The elder son was angry and unhappy because his father had never held a celebration for him, inspite of his hard work and obedience.

His father told him “my son you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours”. We are just celebrating the return of the lost son.

Lessons learnt from the parable

a. A person dies spiritually if they sin

b. God loves all people including sinners

c. God is ready to forgive every sinner who repents

d. There is no sin that God cannot give

e. Jesus taught that both the righteous and unrighteous require God’s forgiveness

f. There is joy and happiness in heaven when one sinner repents.

g. Christians should confess their sins and acknowledge that Jesus saves repentant sinners h. God accepts unconditionally any sinner who comes back to him in repentance.

i. Confession of sins is a condition for entering the Kingdom of God.

A Great Feast for All Who Are Prepared Luke 14: 1 – 35 Saq.

What are the qualities of those who belong to the kingdom of God?

Answer. Qualities of people who belong to the Kingdom of God Those who belong to the Kingdom of God:

i. Obey God’s commandments

ii. Accept God’s rule in their lives

iii Show God’s love to others

iv Are ready to make sacrifices so as to be followers of Jesus

v Read God’s word and preach to others

vi Confess their sins and seek forgiveness of their sins through repentance.

Review questions

1. Give an explanation of the term Kingdom of God

2. What did Jesus teach about the kingdom of God?

3. What lessons do Christians learn from the parables of the lost son?

Answer

1. The term Kingdom of God means the role of God or God’s authority in people’s lives and the world.

Lesson Seven: Teachings on Wealth and Poverty. LK 16:1 – 32

Learning Outcomes. By the end of the topic, you should be able to:

a) Explain the teachings of Jesus on wealth, and poverty

b) Narrate the teachings of Jesus on repentance

Introduction

While wealth is possession of material things such as money or occupation of a high social economic status, poverty is the opposite.

It is lack of basic needs such as water, education, food, shelter, clothing, and health.

When teaching about wealth, Jesus taught using two parables.

These were:

(1) parable of the shrewd manager

(2) parable of the rich man and Lazarus Parable of the shrewd manager Read Luke, 16: 1 – 18

When the shrewd manager realized that his master was going to sack him due to his dishonesty, he asked the debtors to change the amounts they owed their master to smaller amounts.

He did this to make friends with a few people who would give him a place to stay after he was sacked.

The master praised the shrewd manager and did not sack him.

The shrewd manager is praised not because of his dishonesty but because he acted promptly and with great presence of mind in a moment of crisis.

Jesus is encouraging his disciples and followers to make prompt (quick, appropriate, timely) decisions.

They should use wealth to serve God. It should not be allowed to take the place of God. Followers of Jesus should be honest in small and big things.

The Rich Man and Lazarus. Read Luke, 16: 19 – 31.

A rich man lived in luxury. At his gates was a poor man, called Lazarus whose body was covered by sores.

The rich man did not feed Lazarus. He ate food remains together with the rich man’s dogs.

When rich man died, he went to hell. When Lazarus died, he went to heaven and sat at Abraham/s bosom. When in hell, the rich man was tormented while Lazarus was at peace.

Lessons to learn from this parable.

The rich isn’t condemned for being rich but because of his altitude towards Lazarus. He used his wealth for self-gratification and not for service to the needy.

The wealthy should realize that it is God who gives wealth and he should be given honor. Riches can hinder the wealthy from inheriting eternal life, especially if they put their trust in riches instead of God who is the source of all wealth and blessings.

Revision exercise

1. From the parable of the rich fool what can Christians learn about the use of wealth?

2. Narrate the parable of the shrewd manager

Lesson Eight. Jesus Teaching on Forgiveness Read Luke 17: 1 – 4

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you shall

Explain the power of Christian faith. Sin. Read Luke 17: 1-4.

Jesus taught his disciples to forgive offenders who repent. Those who sin should seek forgiveness.

If they offend 7 times in a day, forgive them 7 times. Followers of Jesus need faith to forgive others.

The power of faith. Read Luke, 17: 5 – 11.

Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in God. It is absolute truthfulness and trust in everything that comes from God.

The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith.

Followers of Jesus should have faith.

Faith has no measure. Faith as big as a mustard seed can empower Christians to perform miracles that serve God.

Faith is necessary.

With faith, Christians can forgive others and be servants of God.

Disciples should have faith.

Christians understand that they owe everything to God.

Jesus heals ten lepers. Read Luke, 17:11- 19

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he met ten lepers.

They requested Jesus to heal them.

Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. On the way, they were healed. One of them, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus for healing him. The Samaritans and the Jews did not associate.

Jesus told the Samaritan that his faith has made him whole.

Faith is necessary for healing any disease.

Leprosy is a disease that leads to loss of fingers, toes and other parts of the body.

It was a dreadful skin disease, which Jews feared. Lepers were isolated from other people.

They lived dejected lives.

The coming of the kingdom. Read Luke 17: 20 – 37

The Pharisee demanded to know when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus replied that the kingdom of God was within those who had accepted Jesus and his teachings.

Those who wanted had received the kingdom.

Faith is necessary to discover the power of God’s kingdom.

The coming of the son of man, i.e. Jesus will bring the kingdom to reality.

The coming of the son of man is also referred to as the day of the Lord

Day of Judgment. Read Luke, 21: 27- 28.

Those who obey Jesus will be saved but those who reject him will be punished.

Lessons to learn. God expects Christians to have faith in him. Christians should have faith in Jesus so that they can inherit eternal life. Faith is needed to strengthen Christians.

Faith is important in the life of a Christian until Jesus returns, i.e. the second coming.

Revision exercise

1. What did Jesus teach on forgiveness

Lesson Nine. Persistence in Prayer, Read Luke, 18:1 – 14

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson

Discuss the values of persistence in prayer.

To teach about persistence in prayer, Jesus used two parables.

These were the parables of: the widow and a corrupt judge and examples of prayer by a Pharisee and a tax collector.

a. The widow and the unjust judge. Read Luke, 18: 1 – 9

Jesus had already taught the disciples how to pray. He now tells them that they ought to pray and not faint.

He gives a parable to explain his point.

A widow went to a corrupt judge to have her adversaries judged.

The judge was corrupt and ignored her.

He however gave in to her demands since she was persistent and wearing him down.

The judge helped her because of her persistence and courage.

Lessons learnt from the parable

Followers of Jesus should pray with courage and be persistent in prayer. God hears and answers prayers.

Christians should pray without ceasing and with faith and trust that their prayers will be answered.

b. Parable of the Pharisee, and tax collector, Read Luke, 18:9 – 14

A Pharisee and tax collector went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee offered a long prayer focusing on his achievements.

The tax collector (publican) did not have much to say except asking for mercy, as he was a sinner.

Followers of Jesus should acknowledge they are sinners and seek forgiveness.

They should approach God in humility and avoid spiritual pride, and selfrighteousness.

Revision exercise

1. State the parable of the widow and the unjust judge Lesson Ten. The Way to Salvation, Read Luke, 18: 15 – 19: 1 – 27. Introduction:

The word ‘salvation’ refers to the act of saving or being saved from sin.

Those who have received salvation area assured of eternal life.

To receive salvation a person must acknowledge that he is a sinner and repent their sins.

In this way, they receive forgiveness and are reconciled to God.

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should

a. State the meaning of salvation

b. Discuss characteristics of salvation

c. Give examples of those who will enter the Kingdom of God.

d. Explain how Jesus predicted his death

Introduction

Salvation means being saved from a life-threatening situation. In Christianity, salvation refers to the process of being delivered from sin and its consequences.

Those who are saved are assured of eternal life. Jesus taught about salvation using children to illustrate his message.

This is what happened.

Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them.

The disciples scolded them.

Jesus asked the children to come to him and he blessed them.

Jesus taught his disciples that they must be humble like children in order to enter the kingdom of God.

The road to salvation is by being simple, humble, and trusting like little children.

The kingdom of God belongs to those who humble themselves like the little children.

The rich man. Read Luke, 18:18 – 30

The entry into the kingdom of God was further explained through the story of the rich man.

The rich man came to Jesus wanting to know how he could inherit eternal life and be saved.

Jesus reminded him of the importance of keeping the commandments.

The young man responded that he had observed the commandments since he was young.

Jesus told him there is one thing remaining to do; sell everything he has, and give it to the poor, and then follow Jesus.

The rich man was very sorrowful for he was very wealthy.

Wealth can hinder the rich from receiving salvation.

Jesus acknowledged the sacrifice made by his disciples.

He emphasized that disciples shall receive salvation in the present and in life to come.

Salvation is a gift from God.

Salvation is received; by those who accept to follow Jesus.

Trusting in wealth can be a hindrance to salvation.

The rich may find it difficult to inherit eternal life.

Jesus predicts his death, a 3rd time. Read Luke, 18: 31 – 34.

Jesus predicted his death a three times. First was after asking his disciples who they say he was.

The second time was after transfiguration when his face was set towards Jerusalem.

The third prediction shall be in Jerusalem (Luke 18:31-34).

Jesus told the disciples that previous prophecies would be fulfilled in Jerusalem.

His death was going to take place in Jerusalem according to the writings of the prophets.

It was going to be a painful death.

He shall be beaten, mocked, spit upon and put to death.

But on the third day, he shall rise again.

The disciples did not understand what Jesus was telling them.

Jesus had to die so that those who believed in him may receive eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus gives Christians hope of eternal life.

Jesus heals a blood beggar. Read Luke, 18: 35 – 43

As Jesus neared Jericho, a blind man sat by the roadside begging. When he heard the multitude pass by, he inquired what was going on and he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

He then cried out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” The crowds rebuked him but he cried out louder to Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus asked him what he wanted. He said he wanted to see.

Jesus told him to receive his sight for his faith had made him whole.

The beggar was joyful and he followed Jesus rejoicing. Lessons learnt.

Christians should have faith in Jesus. They should also be persistent and make specific requests.

Lesson Thirteen: Jesus and Zacchaeus Lk 19:1 – 9 Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson,

a. Narrate events leading to salvation of Zacchaeus

b. Explain meanings of the story of the man who gave gold coins to his servants

Zacchaeus was short. His profession was a tax collector. He was rich. He wanted to be saved.

When Jesus was passing by Jericho, he wanted to see Jesus. He couldn’t because he was short.

He ran and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. When Jesus came to the place where Zacchaeus was, he looked up and said “Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today” (verse 5).

Jesus then went with Zacchaeus to his house. When people saw this they grumbled, and murmured.

They said that Jesus was going to a house of a sinner.

Jesus told them that salvation has come to the house of Zacchaeus, a son of Abraham … the Son of man came to seek and save the lost.

There is no sin that God cannot forgive, even that of a tax collector.

Zacchaeus told Jesus that he was going to give to the poor half of his wealth and whatever he took from any man and woman wrongfully, he will restore four times.

From this salvation, we learn that the rich should share their wealth with the needy.

The Parable of the Gold Coins: Luke, 19: 11 – 27.

A certain nobleman went to a far country. Before he left he called his ten servants and gave each a gold coin (ten pounds in total). He told them to trade with the coins until he returns.

When he returned, he called the servants to report profits they had made.

The first servant said that one-pound coin had made profit of 10 pounds (gold coins). He made the manager of ten cities.

The second servant had traded and gained 5 pounds.

He was made the manager of 5 cities.

The third one had hidden the pound. He did not trade.

He accused the master of being mean, and cruel.

He returned the pound, which was given to the servant with 10 pounds.

Lessons to learn.

This parable was about the kingdom of God. God expects us to use opportunities he has given to us for his work.

Each one of us shall account for the use of the abilities and skills that God gave to us – students, workers, and other professionals.

To receive eternal life, Christians should repent and be obedient to God’s instructions.

Revision questions

1. What did Jesus teach by using the example of little children?

5. Give an account of how Jesus healed the blind beggar

6. Explain the relevance of Jesus’ teachings on salvation to Christians

Topic Five: the Jerusalem Ministry. Luke, 19: 28 – 21: 38 Lesson Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should:

a. Describe the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

b. Narrate events in the cleansing of the temple

c. Discuss Jesus’ teachings about eschatology

Lesson One: the Triumphant Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem Lk 19:28 – 40

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you should

a. Explain why Jesus rode on a young colt into Jerusalem

b. Discuss why Jesus wept over Jerusalem

b. Describe what Jesus did when he went to the temple

a. The triumphant approach to Jerusalem. Luke 19: 28- 40.

Jesus death had to happen in Jerusalem. Hence Jesus went to Jerusalem. He sent two disciples to a place where there was a colt (young donkey) that no person had ever ridden.

They took it to Jesus. They threw their garments on the colt, and Jesus sat on it.

As Jesus rode, people spread their clothes on the road. As Jesus neared Jerusalem, a “large crowd of his disciples began to” praise God (vs37).

The crowd said ‘blessed be the king who comes in the name of the lord’.

The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke the disciples.

Jesus told them if the disciples kept quiet the stones would start shouting.

Jesus made his entry into Jerusalem in a royal (kingly) procession.

He was Israel’s humble king who came with peace and not a political leader.

He rode on a donkey – a symbol of peace.

This was unlike the political kings who rode on the horses during that time.

b. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. Read, Luke 41- 44.

When Jesus was near Jerusalem he wept.

He then foretold the coming destruction of Jerusalem due to its rejection of the messiah.

The rejoicing of his triumphant entry to Jerusalem turned to mourning as he foretold the destruction of Jerusalem by Romans in 70 A.D.

c. Jesus goes to the temple. Read Luke 19:45 – 48.

Jesus went to Jerusalem temple and evicted traders. He told them that the house of God is a house of prayer not a den of thieves.

Jeremiah spoke these same words during his temple sermon.

The chief priests and scribes began planning how to kill Jesus.

Lesson Two. Pharisees, Scribes Question Jesus. Luke 20 1-47

Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -

1. Describe the question about the authority of Jesus

2. Describe the parable of the tenants in the vineyard

3. Describe the question about paying taxes

4. Describe the question about resurrection

5. Describe Jesus’ teachings against the teachers of law

6. Describe the parable of the widow’s offering

a. The question about Jesus’ authority. Read Luke, 20:1 – 8.

The Jewish leaders wanted to know from Jesus by whose authority he was doing all the things he was doing. In response Jesus asked them “did John’s right to baptize come from God or from human beings?” (Vs4).

They discussed among themselves and decided not answer.

Jesus told them “neither will I tell you”. In response to his authority being questioned he told a parable.

b. The parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard.

Read the parable in Luke, 20: 9 – 18. The tenants refused to pay the owner of the vineyard his share of the harvest.

They threw out the servants he sent to collect his share of the harvest.

When he sent his son, they killed him so that they can own the vineyard. Jesus asked the people… “What will the owner of the vineyard do to the tenants?”

c. The Question about paying taxes. Read Luke 20:19-28

Pharisees, and scribes (teachers of the law) and chief priests planned to arrest Jesus but they were afraid of the people.

They sent spies to trick Jesus by asking this question -” …is it against our law for us to pay taxes to the Roman Empire, or not? Jesus used the currency and told them “pay the Emperor Caesar what belongs to him and pay God what belongs to God.” (Verse 25) This was a tricky question.

Jesus here teachers people to obey the rules of the land and to obey God’s rules.

d. The Question about Resurrection

The Sadducees who did not believe in resurrection tempted Jesus with another question.

They wanted to know this. When resurrection comes, who shall be the husband to a woman who was married to the first brother and inherited as a widow by the other six brothers? Jesus told them the men and women who shall be worthy of resurrection shall not marry.

They shall be like angels and cannot die (verse 34 to 38).

e. Jesus warns against the Teachers of the law

Jesus warned his disciples. Be careful and guard yourselves against teachers of the law, the scribes. They were hypocritical.

They wore long robes, said long prayers, looked for positions of honor and exploited the widows.

f. The Widow’s Offering. Luke, 21: 1- 4

When people were giving offerings in the temple, a widow gave “two little copper coins”. Jesus said the poor widow had given all she had.

Likewise Christians should give to God not to be seen but from their hearts.

It is not the quantity of the gift that matters but the attitude of the giver.

Lesson Three: the Teachings of Jesus About Eschatology LK. 21: 5 – 38

Eschatology is from two Greek words, ‘eschatus’ and ‘logos’. Eschatus means end, Logos means study.

Eschatology means the study of the end times or in CRE the last days of Jesus.

For biblical information, read Luke 21:5-38 and Mathew 24: 1 – 36 and Mark 13:1-31.

Learning outcomes. After this lesson, you should:

a. Identify signs of end times

b. State uses of the temple during the time of Jesus

c. Discuss ways in which Christians can apply the parable of the fig tree

d. State relevance of Jesus’ teachings on eschatology

a. Signs of the end times. Jesus gave many signs that will inform

Christians that end of the time has come.

These were to happen at different times.

The signs were:

a) Destruction of the temple of Jerusalem by invading armies which shall surrounded it

b) Hatred of disciples and Christians because they were followers of Christ

c) Rejection of disciples by families because they were followers of Christ

d) Betrayal of the followers of Christ

e) Prosecution and imprisonment of Christians.

f) Many false messiahs. People would come claiming to be the Messiah, the Son God

g) Wars as nation rise against nations

h) Eruption of natural calamities such as plagues, earthquakes, famines, great fear among people.

i) Disruption in the sky and seas. Fall of strange heavenly beings from the sky and rise of seas.

j) Natural calamities such as earthquakes, plagues, famines bringing despair and distress in all nations.

k) The times shall be announced by signs in the stars, moon, sun and sea l) Appear of the ‘Son of man ‘ in power and glory at the end of times.

b. Uses of the temple during the time of Jesus

During the time of Jesus, the temple was used for

(a) Child dedication

(b) Circumcision

(c) Purification

(d) Trading and business centre

(e) Worshiping and prayer

(f) a place for celebrating festivals such as the Passover and other major feasts

(g) a learning centre or school for religious purposes.

For example disciples of the scribes learnt law in the temple.

The destruction of the temple symbolized the birth of Christianity.

From that time Christians became the new temple of God.

c. The parable of the fig tree Lk.21: 29 – 33

Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to explain more about the end times.

Appearance of leaves in the fig tree and other trees inform us that summer will soon come. When Christians see signs of the end times, they should know that the kingdom of God is about to come. Jesus told disciples to be watchful, alert, and praying for strength to endure the coming tribulations. See the previous teachings on watchfulness and readiness. Christians are to watch out and be ready for the end times.

d. Relevance of Jesus’ teachings on eschatology

These teachings assure and continue to tell Christians these messages from Jesus:

a) There is life after death

b) Christ will return to receive the faithful

c) Christians are to be watchful, prayerful, and hopeful despite trials and tribulations

d) Christians are assured of God’s protection from evil.

e) Christians should prepare for the coming of Christ by leading a righteous life

f) Do not lose hope

g) Do not be pre occupied with the cares of this would for they never end

h) Preach and spread the word of God

i) Obey God’s commandment

j) Help the needy

Revision questions

a. Describe Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem according to Luke chapter 19:29- 30

b. What does the manner of Jesus entry into Jerusalem reveal about the nature of his kingdom?

c. What lessons can Christians learn from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem

d. State and explain why Jesus wept over Jerusalem

e. Explain the cleansing of the temple

f. Give reasons why Jesus cleansed the temple of Jerusalem

g. What lessons can Christians learn from the cleansing of the temple?

h. Explain Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish leaders

i. Describe the parable of the tenants in the vineyard

j. Explain the relevance of the parable of the of tenants in the vineyard

k. Explain the question about paying taxes

l. Explain the question about the resurrection

m. What is eschatology?

n. What will happen at the end of the world (eschatology) according to Jesus’ teaching in Luke’s gospel 21; 5-38

o. How do Christians prepare for the second coming of Christ?

Topic Six: the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Lk. 22 – 24

Passion is a strong feeling of love, hate or anger. Passion of Jesus is the great sufferings of Jesus, which was a deep emotional anguish.

Learning outcomes By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

(a) Discuss the events of the Lord’s supper

(b) State relevance of the Lord’s supper to Christians today

(c) Describe the events that took place at mount Olives

(d) Describe the events that took place between the arrest and burial of Jesus

(e) Relate the relevance of the sufferings and death of Jesus to Christians today

(f) Explain the importance of resurrection of Jesus to Christians

(g) Describe the resurrection of Jesus – the evidence of his resurrection

(h) Narrate the ascension of Jesus

The plot against Jesus

The Jewish religious leaders were determined to ensure that Jesus was either arrested or killed (Lk.22: 1 – 6)

They were helped by Satan who entered into Judas Iscariot one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

Judas decided to betray Jesus. He communed with the Jewish leaders who agreed to pay him money to betray Jesus.

He searched for a way to betray Jesus without knowledge of Jesus.

He forgot who was Jesus.

Judas agreed to betray Jesus probably because:

a. He belonged to the party of Zealots who wanted political changes

b. He was probably frustrated by Jesus’ approach to the Kingdom of God which was establishing a peaceful spiritual kingdom

c. He expected Jesus to establish a political kingdom

d. He was greedy for money

e. Satan entered him

Lesson One: the Lords Suppers/ the Last Supper. LK 22: 7 – 13

The last supper was the lost Passover meal that Jesus took before his arrest. Passover is celebrated in obedience to God’s command to Moses.

It is a remembrance of Israel’s deliverance by God from slavery in Egypt.

a. The Passover meal

Preparations for the Passover, Read Luke 22: 7 – 23.

Peter and John were sent by Jesus to go and prepare the Passover meal. They were to do so in a house in the city. They were taken to the house by, a man who was carrying a vessel of water.

They were given a big furnished upper room upstairs.

They prepared the Passover meal as instructed by Jesus.

Passover meal

During the meal with the 12 disciples / apostles Jesus told them that this was going to be his last meal with them before his death.

He took a cup of wine gave thanks to God and said “Take this and share it among yourselves.

I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.” The cup of wine was his blood that he was going to shed for them.

Wine therefore symbolized the blood of Jesus, shed for the purification of humankind and forgiveness of sins.

This blood is the New Testament and covenant with Christians.

After drinking of wine, He “took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God “ and shared it and told them that the piece of bread represented his body which is “given for them”.

He presented his death as a sacrifice whose blood sealed the new covenant.

His death replaced the sacrifices of the Old law, those of animals, which sealed the Sinai covenant.

The new covenant will be for all people including Gentiles.

This is to fulfil God’s promise of salvation for all people.

Jesus and disciples ate Passover together so that henceforth Christians would eat the meal together in remembrance of Jesus. Passover was initially taken to remind them of the deliverance from Egypt.

But during the last supper, Jesus gave the Passover a new meaning.

As they ate, Jesus foretold of his betrayal by one of his disciple. SAQ.

i. Which items were used to celebrate the Passover in the Old Testament?

ii. What items do modern Christians use to celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

Comparisons of the Lord’s Supper and the Passover

(a) The Passover commemorates the divine act of redemption of the Jews from their bondage in Egypt while the Last Supper commemorates the deliverance of human kind from sin.

(b) The Passover feast reminded the Israelites that they were free, redeemed people while the Lords Suppers is to remind Christians of their forgiveness of sins.

The death of Jesus set Christians free from sins.

(c) Passover was followed by the Old covenant of Mount Sinai.

The Lords suppers is a new covenant based on the death of Jesus for sins of humankind

(d) Passover (Old testament) was sealed by the blood of Lambs while

New Covenant (Lords suppers) is sealed by the blood of Jesus on the cross.

(e) Items for celebrating in Passover (old testament) are different from the cup of wine and pieces of bread used by Jesus to celebrate his last supper with the disciples.

Relevance of the Lord’s Supper today

Christians celebrate the Lords supper. This celebration is called the Eucharist, the Lords suppers, or Lords meal.

Christians celebrate it as an act of repentance; through which they receive assurance of forgiveness of their sins.

The presence of Jesus becomes a reality when Christians share bread and wine.

Bread and wine are symbols of heavenly feast, which Christians will partake in God’s kingdom. The Lords supper is also a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God.

It is a time for rededication to Christ and self-renewal.

Through the celebration of the Lords supper, Christians anticipate the second coming of Jesus and the establishment of Gods Kingdom.

It is also a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus and reflect on God’s love for humankind.

b. The Argument about Greatness. Read Luke, 22: 24 – 30

A question arose among the disciples. They wanted to know who among them was the greatest? Jesus told them that they do not belong to the world system of authority given on the basis of wealth and fame.

The authority among the disciples will be determined on the basis of their service to others.

The greatest is the servant. Jesus likened himself to a servant hence disciples are called to serve.

By sharing in trials and sufferings of Jesus, the disciples will share in his ruling power over the new Israel.

Leadership in church should be understood in terms of service – being a servant of people. In the community of Christians, all people who are followers of Jesus are all equal.

SAQ. In your opinion, which are the signs of greatness in the world?

c. Jesus Predicts Peters’ Denial. Read Luke, 22: 31 – 38

Jesus told peter that Satan had received permission to test or tempt all the disciples but Jesus had prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail. Jesus told Peter that he shall deny Jesus three times before the cock crows.

Jesus was telling his disciples that they will encounter hostility in their evangelism hence they should be prepared for suffering and opposition because of Him as Isaiah 53:12 says ‘he shared the fate of evil men.’

Jesus death was imminent inevitable. The disciples were expected to be strong.

Lesson Two: Prayer, Arrest of Jesus and Denial by Peter Learning Outcomes. By the end of this lesson, you shall:

a. Narrate the events that took place at Mount of Olives

b. Describe the arrest of Jesus

c. Discuss Peter’s denial of Jesus

d. Describe the arrest of Jesus

a. Prayer on the Mount of Olives. Read Luke. 22: 39 – 46

After celebrating the last supper, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples to pray to resist temptation.

Jesus went ahead of his disciples, knelt down and prayed.

Jesus left them to pray by himself. He said” Father if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me.

Not my will, however, but your will to be done” (42). An angel came to strengthen him. He prayed earnestly, in agony and turmoil great than the physical pain.

He sweated great drops of blood. After praying, Jesus found his disciples asleep “worn out by their grief” vs. 45). Jesus asked them to wake up and pray to avoid temptation.

Significance

The disciples fell asleep. This was a sign of moral and physical exhaustion. Jesus expressed inner struggle about the fulfillment of his messianic mission. He prayed for God’s help.

Christians should always pray to avoid temptation and seek God’s help.

b. Betrayal and arrest of Jesus. Read Luke, 22: 47 – 53

Jesus was arrested by: the chief priest, elders, officers of the temple guard, and a crowd of people as he talked to his disciples.

He was taken to the house of the high priest.

Judas had identified Jesus with a kiss.

Jesus asked Judas” him “Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of man?” Jewish religious leaders had come to arrest Jesus as they arrested other criminals.

Jesus told his disciples not to resist his arrest.

He rejected armed resistance refusing the role of a political messiah. Peter followed him from a distance.

c. Peters Denies Jesus. Read Luke, 22: 54 – 65

After Jesus was arrested he was taken to the house of the High Priest.

As Peter sat warming himself with others, a maid identified Peter. She said, “This man too was with Jesus.

Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. After the third denial, the cock crowed just as Jesus predicted.

Jesus turned and looked at Peter who remembered the words of Jesus.

“Peter went out and wept bitterly” (Vs. 62). Weeping was a sign of repentance

Lesson Three: the Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus Lesson Outcomes. By the end of this lesson. You should

a. Describe trials of Jesus by the various authorities

b. Explain the importance of the judgement by Pilate

c. Narrate events leading to crucifixion of Jesus

a. Trials of Jesus by the various authorities

i. Trial by the Sanhedrin Lk.22: 66 – 71

After being taken to the house of the High Priest, the next morning Jesus was taken to the Jewish religious council or court; called the Sanhedrin.

They all asked him if he was the messiah. Jesus told they wouldn’t believe whatever he says. But “ the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of Almighty God.” (Vs. 69).

Jesus told them he was the Son of God. The Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy, a sin punishable by death.

ii. Trial before Pilate. Read Luke 23: 1 – 5

The second court was the Roman court. The judge was Pilate, the Roman Governor.

In this court the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of:

They could not accuse him of blasphemy before Pilate since this offence was not acceptable under the Roman law.

Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king, Jesus replied, “ So you say”. (vs.3). Pilate found no fault with Jesus so he sent him to Herod.

iii. Trial by Herod. Read Luke, 23: 6 – 12

Herod was in Jerusalem. When Jesus was brought before him, he expected Jesus to perform miracles to impress him.

He asked Jesus many questions and Jesus kept quiet. Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus, and ridiculed him.

They put on him royal clothes; then sent Jesus back to Pilate.

iv. Jesus is sentenced to Death. Read Luke 23: 13 – 25

Jesus was brought back to Pilate a second time. Pilate repeated that Jesus was not guilty (innocent) of any crime.

Pilate offered to have Jesus beaten and then released.

The crowds, leaders and chief priests gave their judgement. “Kill him!” and release Barabbas, who was a rioter and a murderer.

Pilate did not find Jesus guilty.

But he did what they wanted.

He released Barabbas and “ handed Jesus over for them to do as they wished” (vs. 25).

v. The crucifixion of Jesus. Read Luke 22: 26-43

Jesus was led away to be crucified.

Solders forced Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross for Jesus. Women followed Jesus and weeping. Jesus told them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children.

Jesus was then crucified at a place called Golgotha (place of skull) or Calvary together with two male criminal; one on His right and the other on His Left.

Jesus asked God to forgive them (persecutors) for they did not know what they were doing.

The Jewish leaders, said “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah whom God has chosen” (vs. 35); Solders mocked Jesus and said “Save yourself if you are the king of Jews” and one criminal hanged with Jesus mocked Jesus and told Him “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and me”.

The other thief rebuked him saying they deserved the punishment for their deeds but Jesus had done nothing.

This thief repented and told Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King”. Jesus told him that he would be in paradise with Jesus on that day (vs. 42 – 43).

On top of the cross, Jews wrote, “This is the King of the Jews” (vs. 38).

Lesson Four: Death of Jesus. Read Luke. 23: 44 – 50 Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson,

a. Describe the death of Jesus

b. Narrate the burial of Jesus

c. State relevance of the suffering and death of Jesus to Christian life today

a. The death of Jesus.

There was darkness from 12 o’clock until thee o’clock. The veil/curtain of the temple tore into two.

Jesus cried out with a loud voice “ Father, into they hands I commit my spirit”. At this shout Jesus died.

The Roman centurion saw and praised God. He declared, “Certainly this was an innocent man”. The multitude that watched the crucifixion and death went home beating their breasts, a sign of repentance.

The women, who knew Jesus from Galilee, stood at a distance watching all these things.

b. The burial of Jesus. Read Luke 23: 50 – 56.

Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea sought permission from Pilate to bury the body of Jesus.

He was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God, a likely secret disciple of Jesus.

He was a good and honorable man.

The body of Jesus was laid in a sepulchre (Tomb) where nobody had ever been laid.

Jesus’ burial in Joseph’s tomb fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that the suffering servant of Yahweh was buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9)

The Galilean women and Joseph saw where the body of Jesus was laid.

They went home, and prepared spices to use to wash Jesus’ body. They rested on the Sabbath.

c. Relevance of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ to Christian life today

Christians today should practice or do the following activities.

i. Pray in times of sorrow, pain, trials and temptations.

iii They should not give up when rejected.

iv They should be aware of hypocrites and traitors amongst them.

v They should be willing to suffer for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

vi They should be ready to fight for a just cause.

vii They should never condemn the innocent.

viii They should go through their suffering bravely.

ix They should know and accept suffering as a part of the Christian calling.

x They should not be afraid of rejection by people

xi They should be encouraged that Jesus suffered for them.

d. In which ways can Christians prepare for their death?

Death is inevitable. Hence, Christians should at all times: live a holy life, repent sins, forgive those who have wronged them, make a will, accept death as inevitable, and read the word of God.

Lesson Five: the Resurrection of Jesus. Read Luke 24: 1 – 53

a. The Resurrection. Resurrection refers to the event of Jesus rising from the dead

After the Sabbath day, on Sunday morning; Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome (Joanna) and other women, went to the tomb with the spices they has prepared.

They found the entrance open. The stone covering the tomb was rolled away. The tomb was empty.

The body of Jesus was not in the tomb.

Suddenly, two men, who were angels, appeared dresses in dazzling and shining clothes.

They said “ Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. ”

The women went and told the 11 disciples, who did not believe them.

Peter ran to the tomb and found it empty.

Women were the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This is significant as they (women) were empowered to become witnesses of Christ as evangelists beyond the Jewish culture.

b. Witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus

The disciples en route to Emmaus Two disciples were traveling to Emmaus, which was 11 km from Jerusalem discussing Jesus suffering, death and the empty tomb. Jesus met them but their eyes were blinded and they did not recognize him.

The disciples explained to Jesus the events that had taken place and how they had hoped that Jesus would liberate Israel from the Roman rule.

Jesus explained to them the scriptures concerning the messiah.

When they got to Emmaus, they invited him to dine with them for it was evening.

When Jesus, “took the bread and said the blessings; then he broke the bread and gave it to them”, the disciples recognized Jesus but he vanished out of their sight (vs. 30-31). They returned to Jerusalem and told the 11 disciples that jesus has risen.

c. Jesus appears to his Disciples. Read Luke 24: 36 – 49.

As the two disciples explained the event that happened on the journey to Emmaus, Jesus came and said to them ‘Peace be with you’ (vs. 36).

Disciples were terrified and frightened. He asked them to look and touch his hands, and feet.

He was not a ghost. He has flesh and bones unlike ghosts, which do not have.

He explained to the apostles his mission, which was prophesied by prophets, and written in the Law of Moses, and Psalms (v.44).

He commissioned the disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins and be his witnesses.

He also promised to send them the promise of the father (Holy Spirit)

SAQ. What was the nature of the resurrected body of Jesus?

d. The ascension of Jesus, Luke, 24: 50 – 53

From Jerusalem, Jesus took his disciples to Bethany, a town outside Jerusalem. He lifted his hands and blessed them.

As he blessed them, he was lifted up and carried to heaven The disciples worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

They continued to go to the temple to praise and give thanks to God.

The disciples were now confident about their mission and who Jesus was.

e. The importance of the resurrection of Jesus to Christian

Resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith. Christianity is based on the fact that Jesus resurrected and was taken up to heaven. Further to this:

1. Resurrection proved that Jesus is the Son of God.

2. Through resurrection, Christians have hope of eternal life

3. Through resurrections, Christians are assured of a new life in Christ

4. Sin and death were conquered by resurrection, giving hope of victory to Christians over death and sin.

5. Resurrection is a fulfillment of the writings of the prophets. It fulfilled Old Testament prophesies by Moses, Elijah, Elisha and others.

6. It is a proof that there is life after death.

7. Through resurrection, man was reconciled to God.

8. Jesus has power over death, over Satan and his Kingdom of darkness.

9. It led to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Revision questions

a. Give the different names used in reference to the lord’s supper by Christians in different churches.

b. Describe the institution of the lord’s supper.

c, State the Christian teaching about the lord’s supper

d. What is the meaning of the lord’s supper to Christians?

e. Compare the Passover feast with the practice of the lord’s supper

f. Describe the prayer on mount olives

g. Describe the betrayal and arrest of Jesus

h. State the reasons that made Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus

i. Describe the trial of Jesus under the following headings:-

the council of Sanhedrin, the trial before Pilate, the trial before Herod and Pilate’s judgement.

j. Why do you think Pilate agreed to have Jesus crucified?

k. Identify and explain the lessons that Christians learn from the actions of Pilate during the trial of Jesus

l. Actions taken by the Jewish leaders to ensure that Jesus was put to death

m. Explain the crucifixion of Jesus

n. Describe the death of Jesus

o. The burial of Jesus

p. Define the term resurrection

q. Describe the four witnesses of the risen Christ

r. Describe Jesus’ appearance to the disciples

s. Describe the ascension of Jesus

t. Give five evidences from the bible to show that Jesus rose from the dead

u. Explain the significance of passion, death and the resurrection of Christ

v. What is the significance of Jesus resurrection to Christians today

w. Explain five importance of eulogy of death of the society.

Revision question and answers

Old Testament Prophesies About the Coming of the Messiah

Lesson one:

1. The prophecy of Jeremiah about the Messiah

a) He shall be a descendant of David

b) He shall be a king

c) He shall prosper

d) He shall execute judgment and justice

e) He shall ensure Judah/Israel is safe and lives in peace

f) He shall be called the lord our righteousness

2. Meaning of Messiah mean?

Messiah is a Hebrew word ‘Meshiach’ which means ‘the anointed one’. It is equivalent to ‘Christ’, a Greek word, which also means the ‘Anointed one’.

A Messiah is therefore someone called, anointed and appointed by God to serve Him in a special way.

In the Old Testament, the Priests and Kings were the only people who were anointed.

When a person is anointed oil is poured on them.

The anointed person was set aside from the rest of the people in order to serve God and His people. Examples of anointed people are Aaron (Priest) and King David. In addition, God himself anointed Prophets: for example, Samuel, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Nathan among others.

3. Jewish expectations of the Messiah in the Old Testament

The messiah shall be a political leader, a victorious ruler, a king to lead people to a time of great power and prosperity, a king in whose reign there shall be no sorrow or injustice nor fear, a king to rule forever

4. How Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophetic of the messiah

a) He was born from the lineage of David

b) He was born of Mary, a virgin as foretold by Isaiah

c) The messiah was called Immanuel (Jesus) Isaiah prophecy

d) He was born in Bethlehem – Micah’s prophecy

e) He was referred to as “son of David” – Nathan/Jeremiah/s prophesies

f) He suffered – suffering servant prophecy by Isaiah

5. Prophets in the Old Testament who prophesied about the expected Messiah Isaiah, Nathan, Jeremiah, Micah and psalmist prophecy.

Answers.

Qn 1. The qualities of john as described by angel Gabriel

a. He would be a prophet of god

b. He would prepare the way for the messiah

c. He would bring joy to Zachariah and others

d. He would be a nazarite

e. He would call people to repentance

Qn 2. Why john was referred to as the second Elijah

• Like Elijah john had also lived in the wilderness

• John was also filled with the holy spirit and proclaimed god’s message to the people

• He also met opposition from the king just like Elijah

• He was beheaded and Elijah was threatened with death by jezebel

• He stood firmly for the covenant way of life

• He was a great prophet of his time

• He led a simple life and faced many problems like hunger just like Elijah

Qn 3. What lessons do Christians learn from annunciation of the birth of john the Baptist?

• God answers prayers however long it may take

• Christians should not doubt God’s messages

• We should be persistent, faithful and patient in prayers

• Christians should be devoted to God in prayer

• Children are a gift from God and a source of joy to their parents

• God has a purpose for every child’s life

Qn 4. Describe the birth of john the Baptist

• Elizabeth was very happy and so was Zachariah

• John was circumcised after eight days in accordance with the Jewish customs

• Elizabeth named the child john

• Zachariah affirmed the name of their son in writing

• They were surprised at the name because it was not in Zechariah’s lineage

• Zechariah was now able to talk

• He broke into a hymn called the Benedictus

• Zechariah expressed his feelings of joy, gratitude and praise

• Zechariah told of the mission of his son.

Topic Two: Infancy and Early Life of Jesus

Qn 1. What lessons can Christians learn from the annunciation of the birth of Jesus Christ?

• God exalts the humble and rejects the proud

• Christians should humbly accept god’s plan for their lives

• God has a purpose for the life of every one

• Nothing is impossible with god

• God wanted Jesus Christ to be part of the human family for him to identify with the human race

Qn2. describe Mary’s visit to Elizabeth

• Mary went to visit Elizabeth after angel Gabriel told her that Elizabeth was expecting a baby

• Mary greeted Elizabeth and the baby in the Elizabeth’s womb leapt with joy

• The spirit also revealed that Mary was the most blessed of all women

• Mary sang a song known as the magnificent

Qn3. identify the main ideas in the magnificent

• Mary thanks god for

• Being good to her

• His goodness and love for all human beings

• Fulfilling his promises to the people

• Delivering the oppressed from the oppressors

Qn 4. Describe the dedication ceremony during the infancy of Jesus

• The parents of Jesus offered the purification sacrifices according to the law of Moses

• Simon was moved by the holy spirit and took Jesus into his arm and praised God

• Simon prophesied about the mission of Jesus

• Prophetess Ann thanked God for sending Jesus who would bring redemption

• The things Simon and Anne said about their child amazed the parents of Jesus.

Topic Two: the Galilean Ministry

Qn a. What is the relevance of John the Baptist teachings to Christians today?

• Christians should not fear to condemn the evils in the society

• Christians should commit their lives wholly to the work of God

• Christians should accept their role with humility and preach the gospel

• Christians should be ready to proclaim the gospel even harsh environment for the people to know God

• Christians should share their resources with the less fortunate

• Christians should be contended with their pay and thus not accept bribes

• Christians should learn to be truthful in their work environment

• Christians should pronounce the consequences of judgement to those willing to repent

Qn b. Give reasons why Jesus accepted to be baptized

• To be identified as the messiah

• To identify himself with the sinful human kind

• To receive the Holy Spirit

• For God to manifest the trinity

• It was a cleansing ritual

• To acknowledge the work of John the Baptist

• He saw it as a way of fulfilling the old testament prophesies about the Messiah

• It was his final acceptance of the work of salvation

Qn c. describe the baptism of Jesus

• When all the people were baptized Jesus was also baptized

• He was baptized by John the Baptist in river Jordan at a place called Bethbora

• Jesus was praying when the heavens opened

• The holy spirit descended from heaven upon him inform of a dove

• A voice came from heaven saying “ thou art my beloved son with thee I am well pleased

Qn d. what is the significance of the baptism of Jesus to Christians today?

• Christians get new names that symbolizes new life in Christ

• Christians receive the Holy Spirit who gives them guidance in their lives

• Christians identify themselves with Jesus and the church

• Water is symbolically used as a cleanser as it wipes away one’s sins and gives a new life

• Christians are brought together as members of the church of Christ

• During baptism Christians receive the Holy Spirit who guides them in their lives

• The old self dies and becomes a new person as a Christian

• It is the first step of being accepted into the Christian brotherhood

Lesson Three: Temptations

Qn a. describe the temptations of Jesus

• Satan told Jesus to turn stones into bread

• Jesus answered that man does not live on bread alone

• Satan then took Jesus to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world.

Satan promised to give Jesus everything if Jesus worshipped him • Jesus answered that one should worship God and serve him alone

• Hastily, satin took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. He asked Jesus to throw himself down since God would send his angles to ensure that he did not get hurt.

Jesus answered that no one should tempt God.

Qn b. from the gospel of St. Luke, identify five occasions when Jesus was tempted

• In the wilderness

• When he healed a dumb man the commanded a sign

• Jesus was tempted to arbitrate between two brothers

• When the rich young ruler called Jesus a good teacher

• When he was asked whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar

• In the garden of Gethsemane, he was tempted to escape the cup of suffering

• During his trial he was asked whether he was the Messiah

• During crucifixion he was spat on but did not fight back

• On the cross one of the thieves wanted him to deliver them

• He was questioned by the Sadducees about resurrection

Qn c. Outline ways in which Christians can overcome temptations in the contemporary world

• They should depend on Jesus

• They should be well versed with the scripture so that they can refer to the bible

• They should seek guidance and counseling

• They should attend bible classes for the right interpretation of the bible

• They should have faith or believe in God to help them during trials

• They should avoid bad company

• The should take part in active leisure

• They should avoid circumstances that can lead them to sin

• They should resist Satan

Qn d. Explain ways in which Christians can be tempted

• To give a bribe in order to get a job

• To engage in irresponsible sexual behaviour due to peer pressure

• To steal money entrusted to them

• To cheat in examinations

• To take drugs/alcohol

• To exploit those who serve under them in their places of work

• To keep excess change from a shopkeeper or tout

• To show off

Qn e. What lessons can Christians learn fro the temptations of Jesus?

• Since Jesus was tempted, he fully understands our difficulties

• God does not tempt us beyond our strength

• Through temptations we will also be tempted

• Through temptations and trials our faith is strengthened

• When we are tempted we should turn to the bible for guidance

• We should seek the holy spirit who enabled Jesus to conquer evil

Lesson Eight: Thesermon on the Plain:

1. Give the main teachings of Jesus on the sermon on the plain The sermon on the plain consisted of five main parts namely:

Blessings (Lk 6: 20 – 26) and woes

These are also referred to as the beatitudes. Here, Jesus had a message for the poor, the rich, those who hunger and those who are full, those who weep and those who laugh.

His concern is to show the social differences and mystery of Christian suffering.

Persecution seems to be a common phenomenon for followers of Christ.

The poor are those who cannot meet their basic needs and Luke depicts them as hungry and weeping.

The disciples are included in the poor because they have given up everything. But Jesus gives hope.

Jesus warns the rich against using their economic points to oppress the poor.

They have an opportunity, however to belong to the Kingdom by using their riches to help the needy.

Love of Enemies: (6:27-37)

Followers of Jesus are supposed to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you”.

Judging Others (6:37-43)

Disciples are expected to acknowledge their own shortcomings before they can condemn the faults in others.

Failure to recognize one’s fault is a hindrance to becoming a member of the Kingdom of God.

Evidence to Good Discipleship

The proof of a person’s goodness is seen in his deeds. The true nature of a person cannot be hidden because what they do and say will reveal their nature.

Hearing and Doing (6: 47-49)

It is not enough for His followers to proclaim Christ as Lord. They must also do what He tells them.

Q2. What is the relevance of the (beatitudes) sermon on the plain to Christians today?

The teachings on blessings and woes tell us that the goal of a person should be to inherit the Kingdom of God.

Christians should love their enemies as Jesus loved them sinful as they were.

Human beings are self-centered. It is easier to see other people’s mistakes than our own Christian should examine them before passing judgement on others.

By so doing we appreciate that we are all sinners who should seek forgiveness from God and we should always appreciate others however sinful they may be.

Be steadfast in faith and do good all the time.

Lession 9: Jesus’ Works of Compassion

Q2 Narrate the story of the forgiveness of the sinful woman (Lk 7:36-8:3)

Q3. What lessons do Christians learn from the above story?

Q4. Describe the story of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Lk 7:11- 17)

Lesson 10: Jesus’ Teaching – What Is the Importance of Parables?

1. Give reasons why Jesus used parables

• To attract the attention of his listeners

• To help his listeners understand better

• To separate the serious people from the on lookers

• To enrich his teachings

• To avoid direct confrontation with his enemies

• It was a common way of teaching those days

• To teach about God’s mercy to sinners

• To make people think critically out issues concerning God’s kingdom

• To relate patent issues with those of the future kingdom positively

Qn 2. Identify various methods used by Christians in spreading the gospel today

• Preaching

• Teaching

• Being role models

• Holding crusades

• Organizing seminars and conferences

• Electronic mechanisms e.g. sms and emails

• Print media e.g. posters and magazines

• Door to door evangelism

• Through demonstration and role play

• Through the mass media e.g. radios and TVs

• Through Christian music e.g. cassettes and C.Ds

Qn 3. Discuss the reasons why Jesus faced opposition from the Jewish leaders

• His popularity

• His interpretation of the Sabbath

• His failure to observe the law of fasting

• He associated with tax collectors

• He claimed to be the messiah

• He out rightly condemned them

• Teaching with authority

• His claims to forgive sins.

. Lesson 11: Mighty Works of Jesus

Q1 Narrate the healing of the Gerasene demoniac – Lk 8:26-39.

Q2. What lesson can Christian learn from the healing of the demoniac man above?

But with Jesus’ help they will overcome it.

Q3. What do the miracle of Jesus teach us about Him?

Lesson 12: Commissioning of the Twelve Disciples (Lk 1:1-10)

Q1. What is the role of the clergy in Kenya?

Q2. How does the church participate in the upkeep of the clergy?

Lesson 13: the Transfiguration

Q2. Describe the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-37)

Q3. What is the significance of the transfiguration of Jesus (Lk 9:28-37)?

Topic Four: the Journey to Jerusalem

Lesson 1: Duties, Privileges and Cost of Discipleship

Q1. What are the characteristics of a true follower of Jesus?

Q2. State the privileges of being a disciple of Jesus

Q3 Why did Jesus choose the 12 disciples?

A Commited Follower of Jesus Lk 10:25 11:1-13

(Note: Not the parable of the Samaritans)

Q1. From the teaching of Jesus on the parable of the Good Samaritan, who do you think is a committed follower of Jesus?

to experience their suffering.

Lesson 3: Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer

Q1. What did Jesus teach about prayer?

Qs 1 & 2 are out of topic.

Lesson 5: Jesus’ Teachings on Hypocrisy, Wealth, Watchfulness and Readiness

Q1. Hypocrisy – In what areas were the Pharisees hypocritical?

The Pharisees were too strict on this, which was not important. He told them to pay attention to issues of charity than external appearance.

Lesson 5: Jesus’ Teachings on Hypocrisy, Wealth,Watchfulness and Readiness Read Lk: 11:13-34 : Parable of the rich fool

Q1. From the parable of the rich fool, what can Christians learn about the use of wealth?

Q2. Narrate the parable of the shrewd manager

He called the manager and asked him for a full account of how the property was being managed.

Lession 8: Teaching on Forgiveness

What were the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness?

Persistent in Prayer

Q1. State the parable of the widow and the unjust judge 18: 1-8

Lesson 10: the Way to Salvation Lk 18: 15 – 19

Q1: What did Jesus teach by using the example of little children?

Q2. Give an account of how Jesus healed the blind beggar (18:35-43)

Q3. Explain the relevance of Jesus’ teaching on salvation to Christians

Topic Five: the Jerusalem Ministry

Qn a. describe Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem according to Luke chapter 19: 29-30

• After his journey from Galilee ended, Jesus approached Jerusalem passing through Bethaphage, Bethany and the mount olives

• He sent two of his disciples to a village to get him a donkey on which nobody had ridden

• He gave the disciples instructions that if the owner of the donkey demanded to know why they were untying it, they were to respond, “ The lord has need for it”

• When they got the donkey, they threw their garments on it and helped Jesus to sit on it

• As Jesus rode along, they spread their garments on the road

• The crowds following him rejoiced and praised God for all the wonderful work Jesus had done this included: teaching, healing and feeding the hungry

• The crowds sang, “ Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest”. By singing, the crowds acclaimed Jesus as king.

• The Pharisees objected to the crowds singing and asked Jesus to silence them

• Jesus responded that if his followers were silent, “ the very stones would cry out”. Insensitive than stones not to know what was happening, that is, the Messiah has come

Qn b. what does the manner of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem reveal about the nature of the kingdom of God?

• Jesus was a descendant of David, prophesied Messiah and son of God

• Jesus is a triumphant, victorious yet a humble king. A donkey is a symbol of humility and peace. So he came to establish a peaceful kingdom

• Jesus wanted to proclaim the coming of his kingdom but not as an earthly/ military leader, thus leading them to lay their garments for him to step on. In doing this, they were acknowledging Jesus as Jerusalem’s promised king

• Jesus was greeted as a king the same way the kings of Israel were greeted with acclamation and joy

• By riding on a donkey, Jesus fulfilled the prophesy of Zechariah which says, the king is coming riding on a donkey triumphant, humble and victorious

• Christianity is not propagated through violent means but peace

Qn c. what lessons can Christians learn fro Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem?

• Christians learn that they should be prepared to receive Jesus into their lives like the crowd which escorted him to Jerusalem

• Christians also learn that they should emulate Jesus and be channels of peace in their communities

• They also learn that they should expect opposition and resistance as they witness to Christ.

They should not give up hope

• Christians learn that they should be humble like Jesus in their service to others

• Christians should thank and praise God for his intervention in their lives by sending Jesus

• They should be bold in their witnessing to Christ like the crowds that followed Jesus to Jerusalem and declared him king

Qn d. state and explain why Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

• When Jesus came close to the city of Jerusalem he wept over it saying, “ If you only knew what is needed for peace! But now you cannot see it! The time will come when your enemies will surround you with barricades block you and close in on you from every side.

They will completely destroy you and the people within your walls, not a single stone will they leave in its place because you did not recognize the time when God came to save you”.

• According to Luke, all song and rejoicing stopped suddenly when Jesus was deeply distressed at the sight of Jerusalem

• Jesus knew that Jerusalem (the city of peace) would reject his final appeal and by so doing would bring judgement down on itself. The destruction of the city is viewed as the consequence of its rejection of Jesus.

They cannot see when the true peace comes in the person of Jesus.

The coming destruction is a symbol of God’s judgement on lack of trust. The tears of Jerusalem are the tears of tragedy.

• The heart of the tragedy is that Jerusalem did not recognize the time when God came to save them.

• Now Jesus says that Jerusalem was not ready to receive him as their savior and this would lead to her ruin.

• Just like the Babylonians were God’s instrument of destruction of Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah, so will the Romans be instruments of destruction of Jerusalem.

• Jerusalem was completely destroyed by the Roman armies in the year A.D 70

Qn e. Explain the cleansing of the temple.

• While in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple where he found people buying and selling

• He drove them out and overturned their tables saying that they had turned his father’s house into a den of robbers

• Here Luke uses this incidence to show how Jerusalem was still unprepared for the day of God’s visit

• Jesus carried out a symbolic act by driving out those who were buying and selling in the temple

• Jesus used the words of Jeremiah who too attacked the in his time for turning the temple into a hideout for thieves

• According to Jesus the temple will no longer give them the sense of security because it will be destroyed

• Although the temple will be destroyed, a new one will be built.

This is the Christian community, which will be a house o prayer for all nations.

The new temple will not be limited to Jesus alone but to all people

• In short Jesus is the Messiah. He exposed the unrighteousness of public life in Jerusalem by attacking the merchants in the temple

Qn f. Give reasons why Jesus cleansed the temple of Jerusalem

• The temple authorities had allowed a market in the court of the gentiles where the everyday money issued by the Roman government could be exchanged for the special temple coins which had to be used for paying the temple tax

• In the same place they could also buy the animals needed for sacrifice. This animals had to be certified as acceptable

• But both the changing of money and the certifying of animals gave ample opportunity for making exorbitant profits

• Jesus made his protest because all this trading was hiding for the real purpose of the temple and prevented Israel from being a light to the gentiles. For this reason, the temple would be destroyed because it was no longer serving as “ a house of prayer”.

Qn g. what lessons can Christians learn from the cleansing of the temple?

• Christians learn that they should respect the house of God and use it appropriately

• Christian leaders should avoid exploiting members through asking for excessive contributions

• Christians should pay more attention to inward righteousness than external observance of rituals

• Christians should have more courage like Jesus to condemn evil practices by leaders in the church and society

• Christians should be exemplary with their life styles so as to win others to the kingdom

• Finally the cleansing of the temple by Jesus provides valuable lesson to Christians who are called upon to be Christ’s ambassadors.

There are many incidents where churches have been subjected to disrespect and dishonor and this discourages many people from knowing God.

Christians should also avoid leadership wrangles, corruption, sexual abuse, gossip and many others that have caused churches to split

Qn h. explain Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish leaders

• In a series of conflicts in and around the temple between Jesus and the official leaders of the Jewish nation, the public ministry of Jesus came to its close

• After the cleansing the temple, he daily dominated the temple area teaching large crowds.

His popularity grew steadily and the leaders felt the threat against their own position.

They could not allow this to go on but they were afraid to arrest Jesus.

In the end they tried to trap him into making statements which would either get him into trouble with the Roman authorities or discredit him before the people.

• First Jesus was challenged about his authority.

The Jewish religious leaders wondered whose authority Jesus used.

They wanted to know which Rabii taught him or to which Jewish religious groups he belonged to i.e. the Pharisees or the Sadducees

• If Jesus proclaimed himself as the Messiah he could be accused before the Roman authorities for rebellion.

• If he refused to make his claim the crowds would soon leave him alone.

• But Jesus skillfully defeated his adversaries.

He invited them to answer their own question. “ Tell me, did John’s right to baptize come from God or human beings?”

• Whatever answer they gave to Jesus’ question about John the Baptist would apply in even stronger measures to their own question about Jesus

• But they had never supported John and they could no now admit that his right to baptize came from God.

• If they did they would also have to accept Jesus whom John had announced.

Neither could they say John was a prophet for that would bring trouble from the people who held John in high self-esteem

Qn i. Describe the parable of the tenants in the vineyard

• After the question of Jesus’ authority, Jesus challenged the Jewish leaders by telling them the parable of the wicked tenants.

He said that there was once a man who planted a vineyard, let it to the tenants and then left home for a long time

• When the time came to gather the grapes, he sent a slave to the tenants to receive from them his share of the harvest but the tenants beat the slaves and sent him back without a thing.

The same treatment was given to the second and the third slave

• The owner decided to send his own son whom they killed.

He therefore decided to come by himself, killed the tenants and handed over the vineyard to other men

• When the people heard this they said, “surely not” but Jesus explained to them “the stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.

And every one who falls on the stone will be cut to pieces and if that stone falls on someone, it will crush him to dust

• In this parable, the vineyard represents God’s kingdom, Israel.

The servants are the prophets sent to Israel and they are rejected.

The son here represents Jesus and the owner is God who will bring judgement on Israel

• The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone this shows that Jesus saw himself as the rejected but most important.

He makes a new foundation of Israel for both Jews and Gentiles.

On hearing this, the Pharisees wanted to seize Jesus but were afraid of the people

Qn j. what is the relevance of the parable of the tenants?

• Over the centuries the situation has not changed. Jesus is still rejected by nations and by men.

• What happened to Jesus happened as he foretold those who follow him.

• Church history reveals many examples of men rejected by political and religious leaders and by the people their time and who have later been seen as the key man in the revelation of God’s purpose

• As Christians we should also pray for strength and guidance from God to be able to deal with rejection

• As Christians we should not fear rejection but stand firm for the truth

• Christians should also seek pastoral counseling fro the church leaders and other Christians. When we endure persecution we may be finally proved right

Qn k. the question about paying taxes

• The teachers of law and the chief priest, after falling to arrest Jesus bribed some spies to ask whether it was right for them to pay taxes to Caesar or not

• The Israelites were compelled to pay taxes to the Romans who controlled them

• Many resented this because according to them payment of taxes using coins which had some emperors image was a violation of the Jewish law which forbade the use of images

• If Jesus would tell them to pay, the people would be against him for supporting Roman rule over them

• Many resented this because according to them people would be against him for supporting Roman rule over them

• If he told them not to pay, they would accuse him to the Roman authorities

• Jesus knew their trick and wanted his questioners to make their own decision about the issue

• According to him it was right for the Roman government to exert the tax payments without demeaning God’s authority

• In other words, by having the silver coin in their possession, the Jews accepted Roman authority

• They had a duty to pay tax to the emperor because they enjoyed the benefit of the Roman rule

• At the same time they had a duty to be loyal to God. A person’s loyalty should not be owed to the state or Caesar

Qn l. explain the question about resurrection

• The Sadducees raised the question concerning marriage an resurrection or life after death

• They asked Jesus whose wife a woman would be in the resurrection when she married seven brothers who had died without bearing children.

• The question was meant or designed to make Jesus look foolish thus to shame him. This would undermine the popular support that we had prevented action against Jesus

• In his response, Jesus made the following observations

• He does not accept the assumption that marriage continues after resurrection

• Quoting from exodus a book that the Sadducees accepted, Jesus confirms that there is life after death

• The resurrection life is different from earthly life

• It is a new existence where those who resurrect, live with God as his children in eternity

Qn m. what is eschatology?

• The term eschatology is derived from two Greek words ’Eschatus’ and ‘Lagos’, which means end and study respectively

• Eschatology therefore is the study of the last things such as death, judgement, life after death and the end of the world

• Jesus talked about the end of the world to his disciples just before he was arrested

Qn n. what will happen at the end of the world (eschatology) according to Jesus’ teaching in Luke’s gospel 21: 5-38?

• Jesus taught hi disciples about the end times in the temple of Jerusalem

• In his speech, he talked about what will happen to the city of Jerusalem and the world at the end of time

• Jerusalem was going to be destroyed because of her refusal to recognize and accept the Messiah

• Jesus told the disciples of the signs that would accompany the end of the world

• People come claiming to be Jesus the Messiah, the son of God

• There will be wars between nations

• Natural calamities like earthquakes, famines and plagues will occur

• Strange heavenly beings will come from the sky

• There will be disruption in the sky and in the sea

• All nations will be in despair

• People will faint from fear as they witness these signs

• At the end of all these, the son of man will appear in power and glory

• Jesus’ teaching of the end times was meant to provide encouragement to the disciples in difficult times

• They were expected to have hope

Qn o. how do Christians prepare for the second coming of Christ?

• Christians should prepare for the second coming of Christ by not losing hope in the face of trials and tribulations because the kingdom of God with its promises of a new life will definitely come

• They prepare for his second coming by leading a righteous life. They are to avoid too much feasting and drinking

• They should prepare by being watchful through prayers so that God will give them courage and strength to stand firm in their faith

• They should prepare by preaching the word of God to those who have not heard it

• They should prepare by being obedient to God’s commandments

• They should prepare by helping the needy

• They should prepare by preaching and evangelizing and converting others

Topic Six: the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ The Lord’s Supper

Qn a. give the different names used in reference to the Lord’s Supper by Christians in different churches

• The holy Eucharist

• The mass

• The lord’s table or the table of the lord

• The Holy Communion

• The Last Supper

• The breaking of bread

• The sacrament

Qn b. describe the institution of the Lord’s Supper

• Jesus was at the last supper with his disciples the night he was betrayed

• In the room which had been arranged by Jesus. He told his disciples how much he had longed to eat the Passover meal with them before he suffered death

• He took a piece of bread and gave thanks to God and broke it. He gave it to them saying, “ this is my body which is given for you. So do this in memory of me”

• He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God and said “ take this and share it among yourselves”

• He also gave them a cup of wine after supper saying “ this cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood which is poured out for you

Qn c. state the Christian teachings about the Lord’s Supper

• The Last Supper was inaugurated by Jesus

• It’s celebration of the crucified and rise Christ

• The Lord’s Supper is a gift from God

• It is a sacrifice of praise and thanks giving

• It is the church’s effective proclamation of God’s mighty works acts and promises

• It is a sign of the unity of the church or the believers

• It is a new paschal meal of the church. The meal, which by visible signs communicates God’s love in Jesus Christ. It is the sacrament of Christ’s real presence

• The bread is a symbol of the body of Christ which was crucified

• The wine or cup is a symbol of his blood, which was shed. It is the blood of the new covenant

• It is a fore state of Christ’s passion and of the final kingdom. It is symbolic of the heavenly banquet

• It is central to Christian worship. (Eucharist)

Qn d. what is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper to Christians?

• The sacramental meal communicates God’s love in Christ

• The washing of the disciples feet by Jesus signifies humble service to and love for one another

• They proclaim the lord’s death until his second coming

• They share in the body of Christ

• The unity of Christians is evidenced

• The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus which was crucified on the cross for the sins of human kind and for the healing of their diseases

• The wine symbolizes the blood of Jesus which was shed for forgiveness of sins

• The wine also symbolizes the sealing of a new covenant

• The partaking of the Lord’s Supper strengthens the faith of believers in that, Christ’s presence is felt and in this way they constantly keep in touch with him

• The lord’s supper enhances a personal relationship between the individual believer ad Christ

• It is thanksgiving to God for everything accomplished in creation, redemption and sanctification

• Through the Holy Communion, Christians offer themselves as a holy and living sacrifice. They rededicate and renew themselves. Those who share in the sacred meal declare their loyalty to Christ

• The Lord’s Supper is an act of repentance. The partakers receive reassurance of the forgiveness of sins and are assured of salvation

• The bread and the wine which represents the body and blood of Jesus become the final sacrifice replacing all O.T sacrifices that were offered for the salvation of the human race

Qn f. Prayer on mount olives

• After celebrating the last supper, Jesus and his disciples went to mount olives

• He knelt down and prayed and asked his disciples to join him

• In response, God sent an angel from heaven to encourage him

• Jesus prayed in agony until his sweat was like drops of blood

• This sweat which was like blood was an indication of the struggle and agony he went through to accept the will of his father

• Though Jesus suffered agony and turmoil, he approached it with great courage and composure

• His suffering was even greater for it involved more than physical pain. It meant bearing the sin of the world

• So he prayed to God, his father to give him strength for his coming mission

• When he went back to his disciples, he found them asleep a sign of moral and physical exhaustion or maybe it was an indication that they were in sorrow because Jesus had told them he was about to be crucified

• In conclusion, we can say that Jesus expressed an inner struggle about the fulfillment of his Messianic mission. So he prayed to God to help him bear the suffering. Prayer was very important in Jesus’ ministry

Qn g. describe the betrayal and arrest of Jesus

• When Jesus came down from Mt. Olives he met a multitude of people

• Judas Iscariot appeared accompanied by a large crowd, the chief priest, elders and the temple guards who had ordered to arrest Jesus

• Judas Iscariot came forth and kissed Jesus. This was a sign identifying Jesus as the man they were looking for. That kiss was the betrayal

• When the disciples noticed what was happening one of them used his sword to cut off the ear of a high priest’s slave

• In other words Jesus stopped his disciples from resisting his arrest

• By rejecting armed assistance, Jesus was refusing the role of a political Messiah

• Jesus was arrested and taken to the house of the chief priest Annas

Qn h. state the reasons that made Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus

• He lacked moral courage to stand by Jesus during his moment

• He could have been an informer of the Jewish religious leaders

• He was overcome by the power of evil

• He was disappointed by Jesus’ teaching on spiritual kingdom rather than fulfilling the Jewish expectation of a political Messiah who could liberate them from the Roman rule

• He was a mercenary motivated by greed for money

• He had little faith in Jesus or lost his trust in Jesus Christ

• He was not loyal to the master

• He was a northerner who felt foreign and thus was jealous against other disciples

• He was a zealot who believed in war rather than peace

The council of Sanhedrin

• Jesus was brought to the Sanhedrin council early in the morning following his arrest

• The council of elders asked him if he was the Messiah

• Jesus responded by speaking of the son of the man coming in triumph

• The Sanhedrin accused him of the sin of blasphemy for allegedly claiming to be the son of God

• He was condemned to die for alleged blasphemy

• In the Jewish law, blasphemy was punishable by death The trial before Pilate

• Since the Sanhedrin could not carry out the death sentence, they took Jesus to the Roman governor Pilate

• They accused Jesus of inciting the people to revolt, forbidding payment of taxes and claiming to be a king in rebellion to Roman authority

• They could not accuse Jesus of blasphemy. This charge would not be accepted under Roman law

• However, by taking Jesus to Pilate, the Jewish religious leaders wanted the Roman authority to take responsibility for Jesus’ death

The trial before Herod

• Jesus’ ministry works had mesmerized Herod. So when Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee, he handed him over to Herod who was the district officer of Galilee and happened to be in Jerusalem at that time

• The trial of Jesus before Herod (only mentioned in St. Luke’s gospel) is not really a trial because king Herod only wanted to satisfy his curiosity about Jesus

• He joined the soldiers in mocking Jesus

• Jesus refused to answer Herod’s questions and he consequently sent Jesus back to Pilate

• Interestingly the mockery by Herod and his soldiers as another step in the public ridicule of Jesus. It will continue as he hangs on the cross

Pilate’s judgement

• Jesus was brought to Pilate a second time

• Pilate reiterated that he found Jesus not guilty of any crime

• The chief priests prevailed upon Pilate who passed a sentence of death on Jesus to die by crucifixion.

This was the punishment of high treason according to the Roman law

• The Jewish leaders asked that Barnabas a criminal be released instead of Jesus

• It was customary for a convicted person to be released during the Passover

• So the Jewish leaders and not the Jewish people or Pilate were responsible for Jesus’ death

• Jesus was killed because of the blind hatred of the Jewish leaders

Qn j. why do you think Pilate agreed to have Jesus crucified?

• He was afraid of a Jew revolt. It was his duty to maintain peace in his territory in accordance with the expectations of the Roman emperor. If he had released Jesus, the Jew would have caused a disturbance

• He did not want to be disloyal to the Roman emperor after learning that Jesus had been accused of treason. Disloyalty could have resulted in losing favor with the emperor and consequently his job

• He washed his hands. This means that he was absolving himself of the guilt of having Jesus crucified.

This is because he had learnt from the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the Son of God.

His wife had also cautioned him about Jesus’ innocence. Pilate himself had found no evidence to convict Jesus

Qn k. identify and explain the lessons that Christians learn from the actions of Pilate during the trial of Jesus

• Jesus is the king of the Jews

• Jesus is without sin. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus and he sent him to Herod

• Pilate gave in to their demands on the grounds of treason- Christians should refrain from giving false witness

• Pilate was afraid of a revolt. It was his duty to maintain peace as a Roman officer. Christians learn that they should not be compromised by worldly standards

• Christians should stand firm for the truth because the truth will always prevail

• Christians should strive not to loose favour with God. They should desire to please God rather than man

• Pilate washed his hands he learnt that Jesus is truly the son of God (innocent)

• Great evil can happen when the truth is at the mercy of political pressure

• Christians should take time before making decisions

• Resisting the truth leaves a person without purpose or direction

Qn l. actions taken by the Jewish leaders to ensure that Jesus was put to death

• They paid Judas Iscariot to betray him

• They bought false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy before Sanhedrin/ blasphemy was punishable by stoning to death

• They hurriedly tried Jesus at night before people knew what was happening

• They framed treason charge against Jesus when he appeared before Pilate/ treason carried a death sentence

• They employed armed temple guards and armored soldiers to deal with those who would fight for Jesus

• They blackmailed Pilate to have Jesus crucified

• They organized a mob to shout for the death of Jesus and release of Barnabas

• They crucified him dead when they got permission from Pilate

Qn m. explain the crucifixion of Jesus

• Jesus was given the cross beam to carry to his crucifixion site

• Simon of Cyrene helped him carry it

• A group of women followed Jesus and wept over his plight

• Jesus asked them to weep over themselves and their children

• He talked about the impending destruction coming over Jerusalem

• Jesus eventually arrived at Golgotha and was nailed on the cross

• Two criminals were crucified on either of his sides

• After his crucifixion, the soldiers cast lots to divide his garments. This action fulfilled psalms 22: 18,

Jesus is the righteous Messiah who suffers unjustly and is mocked by people as he cries to God

• The soldiers, Jewish leaders and one of the thieves mocked Jesus for claiming to be the royal Messiah

• Jesus is mocked with the challenge to save himself

• One of the criminals crucified with Jesus usually referred to as the repentant thief acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and admitted the justness of his own condemnation

• Above Jesus it was written, “ this is the king of Jews”

• Jesus forgave his killers and all those who had accused him falsely. He promised one of the thieves hanging on the cross a place in paradise

Qn n. describe the death of Jesus

• The death of Jesus was preceded by extra ordinary happenings

• Darkness covered the land for three hours

• The curtain in the temple tore into two

• Jesus died after crying “ father into thy hands I commit my spirit”

• On seeing Jesus die, the Roman centurion who was present testified to Jesus’ innocence. As he recognized Jesus’ lordship

• In his death, Jesus showed total commitment to God’s will

Qn o. the burial of Jesus

• Joseph of Arimathea, a rich and righteous member of the Sanhedrin asked Pilate to allow him bury Jesus

• Joseph could have been a secret disciple of Jesus

• Jesus’ burial in Joseph’s grave fulfilled Isaiah’s prophesy concerning the suffering servant of Yahweh who was buried in a rich man’s tomb

• A group of women followed Joseph and saw where he buried Jesus

• They went back home to prepare spices with which to wash Jesus’ body after the Sabbath

• Jesus was indeed a king judged by the way he was buried

The Resurrection:

Qn p. define the term resurrection

The term resurrection refers to the event of Jesus rising from the dead.

This event took place on the third day i.e. the Sunday morning after Jesus was crucified on Friday afternoon

Qn q. the witnesses of the risen Christ

The testimony of the repentant thief

• He rebuked his unrepentant companion

• He recognized his own sinful condition

• He declared Jesus to be sinless

• He professed in Jesus’ true Messiah-ship and Lordship

• He recognized that Jesus would live and exercise his saving power after he died

The testimony of Joseph of Arimathea

• Joseph of Arimathea was a secret disciple of Christ

• He witnessed to the lordship of Jesus Christ after his death by his actions

• He did this by seeking permission from Pilate to bury the body of Jesus

• By giving Jesus this royal burial he was witnessing to the truth that Jesus

was king

Testimony of the holy woman

• On the day after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus went to the tomb planning to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper burial

• On arrival, they found the stone covering the tomb had been rolled away

• The tomb was also empty

• Two men in dazzling clothes confirmed that Jesus had risen as he had prophesied. The two men were angles

• When the women learnt of Jesus’ resurrection, they broke the news to the apostils and all the others.

The apostles rejected the women’s testimony

The testimony of disciples on their way to Emmaus

• Jesus appeared to the disciples who were on their way to Emmaus

• They were discussing Jesus’ suffering, death and the empty tomb

• They regarded Jesus’ death as a tragedy, for they had hoped he would liberate the Jews from the Roman rule

• Jesus explained to the scriptures, which say the messiah would suffer to reach his glory.

• They invited Jesus to dine with them

• Jesus shared the Holy Eucharist with them before they recognized whom he was at the breaking of the bread

• The disciples at Emmaus thus became the second witnesses to the risen Christ.

The effect of this testimony is that the disciples went and told the eleven apostles about their encounter with the risen Christ

Qn r. the appearance of Jesus to the disciples

• As the disciples narrated their encounter with Jesus to the eleven apostles, Jesus appeared to them

• Jesus asked them to confirm that he had risen by touching his body

• He explained to the apostles his mission through telling them the prophesies about him in the law of Moses, prophets and psalms

• Jesus brought his disciples to be witnesses by proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sins

• He tested some cooked fish

• He promised that he was going to be with them through the power of the Holy Spirit

The Ascension of Jesus Qn s. Describe the ascension of Jesus

• From Jerusalem Jesus led his disciples to Bethany

• He raised his hands blessed the disciples and lifted to heaven

• The disciples returned and witnessed Jesus’ ascension with joy

• They continued to go to the temple to pray to God waiting for the holy spirit that Jesus had promised them

• From this incidence where Jesus blessed the disciples, we learn that the disciples became confident about their mission. This earlier disbelief and blindness to who Jesus was now overcome

Qn t. Give five evidences from the bible that show that Jesus Christ rose from the dead

• The tomb was empty

• Assurance of the angle to the women that Jesus had risen

• Thomas witnessed the resurrection by feeling the scars on Jesus’ hands

• The women who had gone to the tomb had found it empty

• The disciples witnessed his resurrection when he appeared to the two disciples at Emmaus

• Jesus shared a meal with his disciples after his resurrection in Jerusalem

• Jesus walked with the disciples up to Bethany prior to his ascension

Qn t. explain the significance of passion, death and the resurrection of Jesus to Christian life

• The passion deed and resurrection refers to seven incidences namely, Jesus’ last supper, suffering in the garden, suffering before Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod; mocking by the soldiers, death on the cross, resurrection and ascension

• Those events are of great significance to the modern Christians. First they proof that Jesus was indeed the son of God and the Messiah

• The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fulfillment of the old testament prophesies and Psalms

• The resurrection resulted in the rapid spread of the church. The spread of the church is as a result of the risen Christ and the influence of the Holy Spirit

• The resurrection is thus the basis/ the central idea or foundation in the Christian faith and missionary activity;

if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless and you believing it is useless

• The passion, death and resurrection reveal the power of God to those who believe in him.

They also prove that Jesus who was God’s triumphant envoy is alive and Christians are assured living again after the physical death

• The raising of Jesus from the dead proved that Jesus was not only man but lord over human life so that Christians share in his life on earth by believing in him and living according to the fruits of the holy spirit

• The resurrection of Jesus is a source of inspiration and confidence in Christians. It also points to the fact that Jesus was a man of his word i.e. he fore told the resurrection and it came to pass.

His resurrection was a real fact because he showed his disciples the crucifixion marks

• All that happened during the passion, death and resurrection of Christ was just a completion of God’s revelation through Christ

• They also point to the power and glory of God in which those who believe share in the hope of their own resurrection in the second coming of Jesus

Qn v. the significance of Jesus’ resurrection to Christians today

• It is the foundation of the Christian faith and hope which their belief would be useless

• Christian faith would be in vain (futile) if Jesus had not resurrected

• Through resurrection Christians have confidence and hope in God because the one they believe in has been exalted and sits at the right hand of God almighty

• Through the resurrection, Christians are given hope of eternal life

• The resurrection of Jesus led to the coming of the holy spirit which helps Christians to live according to the teachings of Christ, preach the gospel and speak boldly against the evils in the society

• The resurrection give meaning to baptism in that one dies in sin and is raised with Christ to new life

• The resurrection confirms the divinity of Jesus as the true son of God

• The resurrection gives Christians courage to face death because they have hope of resurrecting at his second return

• It is remembered by Christians during the Eucharist

Qn w. explain five importance of Eulogy of death in the society today

• It enables mourners to know the cause or nature of death

• It enables the mourners to forgive the dead person incase of any grudge between them and the dead person

• It enables the mourners to ask for forgiveness from the dead person

• It enables the mourners know the wish or last words of the deceased before he/ she died

• Mourners have an opportunity to declare what they owe or are owed by the dead

• It enables mourners to know the contribution of work of the dead to the society

• It provides the mourners with an opportunity to know the nature or character of the dead and his/her social life

• It enables mourners to know the background or life history of the deceased e.g. education.

Form Three

Selected Teachings From the New and the Old Testaments

Topic One: Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to: -

a) Discuss what Jesus taught about the role and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

b) Describe the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in Christianity today.

c) Identify the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

d) Interpret the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost.

Lesson One: Teachings of Jesus on the Role of the

Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-26, 16: 5-15, and Acts 1: 7- 8

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is the third person in the trinity.

There is the power of Christ, the power of God, and the Holy Spirit who gives gifts such as prophecy and healing.

The Holy Spirit is mentioned several times in the Bible;

(1) during creation in Genesis,

(2) at the annunciation of the birth of Jesus,

(3) at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus,

(4) during baptism,

(5) revelation of Jesus in the temple

(6) Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit during his mission or ministry, after resurrection and before ascension.

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson: a. State the role of Holy Spirit in the church and in Christian lives today.

b. Enumerate the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

c. Analyse the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church and Christians today.

d. Give the role of love in church and in Christian lives today

a. The role of Holy Spirit in Church and in Christian lives today.

Read John 14:15-26 and John 16: 5-15, Acts 1: 7- 8 The Holy Spirit has many roles in the church and in Christian lives today.

These roles are to:

b. Paul teaching about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14.

Spiritual gifts are extra-ordinary favors, talents, abilities, and dispositions given to Christians by God for the benefit of all believers.

The gifts are used for the service of others and not for self-glorification and gratification.

The message of Peter on the day of the Pentecost

Peter told the disciple that what was happening was the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.

- He said that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God.

- He said that the suffering and death of Jesus was according to God’s plans.

Death was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1. Gift of wisdom:

– having deep understanding of issues- ‘seeing far’, being perceptive

2. Gift of knowledge:

– ability to understand the basic facts about Jesus, His mission and knowledge about spiritual issues.

3. The gift of faith:

– refers to the confidence in God’s help. It is deep trust in God.

4. The Gift of healing:

– ability, and power to heal all forms of sickness by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ.

5. The gift of performing miracles:

– gift of healing miracles, creative miracles for example, dead legs becoming alive.

6. The gift of preaching

7. The gift of prophecy:

– the ability to interpret God’s word. The ability to foresee what will happen in the future as revealed by God.

8. The gift of distinguishing spirits or discernment:

– the ability to know whether a spiritual gift is from God, the Holy Spirit or from the evil spirit.

9. The gift of speaking in tongues.

The ability to utter, speak in a tongue, language unknown to the believer.

Tongues are used when addressing God for self-edifications. It is personal growth.

10. The gift of interpretation of tongues:

– the ability to understand and interpret the messages of those speaking in tongues.

11. The gift of love. (Read 1 Corinthians 13)

Paul stressed that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be demonstrated with love.

He stressed that love, a fruit of the Holy Spirit is supreme over other spiritual gifts possessed by Christians.

It’s the greatest of all. Speaking in tongues, preaching, and martyrdom without love is useless.

Components of Love Love is patient, kind, not jealous or boastful, not arrogant or rude, is not ill mannered or selfish, and does not insist on its own way.

It is not disrespectful. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in truth. It bears all things.

Love believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love is eternal. Love never fails.

The other gifts are temporary but love, faith and hope are eternal.

c. Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church and Christians today

Gifts of the Holy Spirit have been manifested in churches today.

We see this manifestation through people possessing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

For example, leaders in church have displayed the gift of wisdom.

Preachers, and Christian’s ministers have been casting out demons and performing healing.

There are reported cases of interpretation of tongues and gift of prophecy in churches today.

When Christians display the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues the Holy Spirit is manifested.

Other manifestations of the Holy Spirit are:

d. Criteria for Discerning the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Christians who have the Holy Spirit and are guided by Jesus have certain characteristics.

These are:

They do not practice idolatry, and sorcery.

They do not have in their hearts and minds hatred, and jealously or any other negative feelings and actions.

e. The fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

Paul taught that the fruit of the spirit are: Love, Joy, Patience, Long suffering, Goodness or Generosity, Faith and faithfulness, Peace, Meekness and kindness, gentleness, selfcontrol and temperance.

Answer these questions after reading – John 14:15-26 and John 16: 5- 15, ACTS 1: 7- 8 and 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14.

1. What is the role of the Holy Spirit among Christians? (Read a)

2. Discuss the gifts of the Holy Spirit

3. Write a talk about the Holy Spirit

4. Define love?

5. Describe the different types of love

6. Why do Christians need the Holy Spirit today?

7. State the role of love in church and in Christian lives today.

8. How has the gift of the Holy Spirit been manifested in Christian lives?

9. Which activities show that the Holy Spirit is working among Christian in Kenya.

10. How have the gifts of the Holy Spirit been misused in the church today?

Answers are also in the text. Read sections with answers

1. The role of the holy spirit

An advocate, a counsellor and a comforter.

He would remind and introduce the disciples to the deeper meaning of the word of Jesus Christ.

To reveal the myth and mysteries of God.

He would affirm the right of Jesus as the Son of God.

He would reveal the glory of Jesus’ death.

He would enable the disciples to discern and expose the secret heart of sinful men.

2. The gift of the Holy Spirit has been misused today by pride and public manifestation of the gift as a way of show off.

Some Christians have misused the gift of Holy Sprit of prophecy by prophesying for money.

Lesson Two. Peter’s Message on the Day of Pentecost.

Read Acts 2: 14-41

Introduction

Jews commemorate Pentecost day. This is the day that God gave Moses his laws on mount Sinai.

It is also referred to as the festival of weeks.

Pentecost day was celebrated 50 days after the Passover.

It was compulsory for all Jews.

On this day, Jews brought offering, the first fruits of harvest, to the temple in Jerusalem.

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson You should be able: -

1. Describe Pentecost day.

2. Narrate Peters’ Message.

3. Explain the relevance of the Pentecostal Experience

a. Pentecost a day

On the Pentecostal day, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem awaiting the promise of the Holy Spirit.

And as promised, the Holy Spirit came in the form of a strong wind, and tongues of fire.

The Holy Spirit rested on the head of each disciple.

The disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

They spoke in new tongues.

Some of the observers mistook this experience.

They thought that the disciples were drunk with wine.

Peter stood up to explain what was happening and defend the disciples.

He told those who saw the experience that the disciples were not drunk. It was in the morning.

b. Peter’s Message. Read Joel 2: 28 – 32

Peter told the onlookers that; what was happening is fulfillment of Joel’s prophesies about the outpouring of Gods spirit.

He said that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God.

This was proved by the miracles that Jesus performed.

He emphasized that the suffering and death of Jesus was according to God’s plans.

Jesus is a descendant of David.

Death and the resurrection of Jesus fulfilled prophesies in the Old Testament.

God raised Jesus from the dead.

He taught that Jesus had both the nature of God and Man.

The apostles are the living witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus has been exalted and sits on the right hand of God where He is Lord and Judge.

They holy Spirit is a gift from Jesus Peter then invited the listeners to repentance so that they could be forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Three thousand souls accepted salvation message and were added to the fellowship of the disciples.

c. After the Holy Spirit infilling.

The disciples sold their possessions and goods and assisted the needy. They did many wonders and signs.

They continued to live in unity, worshiping God, fellowshipping together, and breaking the bread.

d. Lessons Christians learn from Leadership of Peter. Christians should be:

1. Courageous and stand up for Jesus Christ all the times.

2. Ready to spread the Gospel of Christ.

3. Win new converts to Jesus by inviting them to repentance.

4. Have faith in the risen Christ.

5. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit like Peter and those in church leadership should take their roles seriously.

e. Relevance of the Pentecostal Experience

Speaking in diverse tongues signified that Christianity is a universal religion.

It pointed out the importance of all languages when communicating to God. There were no specific languages for speaking with God, as it was when Latin was the language of literacy and Christianity.

Christians should be bold in their preaching.

They should not be afraid as they have the counsel and helper, the Holy Spirit.

Christians should understand that God chooses anyone as a leader, preacher, and witness of Christ.

Pentecostal experience signifies that Christians need to receive and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Revision questions

a) Explain the meaning of the Pentecost

b) Describe the manifestations of the holy spirit on the day of the Pentecost (Acts 2: 1-40)(or narrate the events that took place on the day of the Pentecost)

c) Write down five teachings about Jesus from Peter’s speech on the day of the Pentecost.

d) What were the qualities of peter that made him a successful leader of the apostolic church?

e) What lessons can Christians learn from the events of the day of the Pentecost?

f) State the teachings of Jesus on the holy spirit (John 14:14-26) (acts 1:7- 8)

g) What is the role of the holy spirit according to Jesus?

h) What is the role of the holy spirit in the believers or the church or Christians?

i) Outline the fruits of the holy spirit

j) State the criteria for discerning the spiritual gifts

k) List down the gifts of the holy spirit

l) Explain why Paul taught that love is the greatest of all spiritual gifts

m) Explain how the Holy spirit is manifested in the church today

n) State ways in which the gifts of the holy spirit are being abused in the church today.

Topic Two: the Unity of Believers Learning outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

a) Explain teaching in selected New Testament texts of the unity of believers.

b) Identify the metaphors used to describe unity of believers.

c) Identify the causes of disunity in the early and modern church.

Lesson One: Teachings of the Unity of Believers in Selected New Testament Texts

Unity of believers refers to oneness of those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Learning outcomes. By the end of this lesson you should be able to: -

i. Describe activities of early Christians.

ii. Describe characteristics of the people of God.

iii. Explain the meanings of these symbolic expressions.

- The body of Christ

- The Vine and the Branches

- The Church / Assembly of God

- The Bride

a. Early Christians

The early Christians in Jerusalem demonstrated their unity by.

The showed oneness and unity as believers.

They expressed their oneness using various terms, images, metaphors and symbols.

They regarded themselves as the people of God, the church and an Assembly of God.

When they celebrated the last supper, eating of bread was a symbol of the body of Christ.

They saw themselves as belonging to one tree with the vine and branches.

As followers of Christ, the early Church saw itself as the Bride of Christ.

b. Discussion of Symbolic Expressions

i. The people of God

Read 1 Peter 2: 9-10. Peter has outlined the characteristics of the people of God.

He says that the people of God are Believers in God: through faith in Jesus Christ.

The ‘Chosen race’, ‘a royal priesthood’, a holy nation’ ‘a chosen people’ Those who stand out from the rest because they live a holy and righteous life.

Form a Holy nation chosen to proclaim the works of God.

Not just the descendants of Abraham but people who follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.

ii. The body of Christ

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and Ephesians’ 4:1-12.

The Holy Spirit is the one who brings Christians together as one body of Christ to serve the church.

Christians are given gifts for the purpose of sharing the body of Christ.

Jesus Christ is the head of the church.

And just as the body has many parts, playing different roles, so has the Church.

Every member of the church plays a vital role because different members have different spiritual gifts and callings.

Some are Apostles, Teachers, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Miracle performers, Administrators and those who show mercy to others and encourage (exhort) others.

All church activities should be directed to the welfare of the church, just as the function of each part of the body is necessary for the well being of the whole body.

To have a united body, members should be meek, and patient in order to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

For a church to be united, or to be considered as one body, Christians should have faith in God the father, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Holy Spirit and have faith in God through Jesus Christ.

iii. The Vine and the Branches Read John 15:1-10

The vine represents Jesus. Vine tree was a tree that bore grapes.

The vine tree was a symbol of prosperity and peace.

Jesus is the vine and the Father is the vine dresser.

Christians/ believers are the branches.

They are expected to produce good fruits by remaining faithful and united in Christ.

Faithful branches bear fruit like good Christians while unfruitful branches are like unfruitful Christians.

Christians should remain united to Christ who is the vine so as to bear fruits.

The teachings of Jesus purify the Christians.

The dead branches of the Vine trees are cut off and the livings ones are trimmed or pruned.

This is done so that the vines may produce high yields. Likewise unfaithful Christians, believers are rebuked and corrected so as to bear high yields.

iv. The Church or Assembly of God. Read Ephesians 5: 21 – 32

Church is a Greek word “““ekklesia””, which means people. People who belong to the Lord.

Assembly of God is the coming together of people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds who recognize lordship of Jesus.

The church is likened to the relationship between a husband and a wife.

Christians (the church) are expected to be united with Christ just as a husband and wife are united in marriage.

Just as husbands and wives are expected to love one another, so too, are Christians called upon to express love to one another and to love God.

A husband is the head of a family; Jesus is also the head of the church.

v. The Bride. Read 2 Corinthian 11: 2, and Revelations 21: 1 – 12

In the Old Testament, God calls Israel a bride.

In the New Testament, Christians are referred to as “a bride’ in the New Jerusalem’.

God or Jesus Christ is the bridegroom. Christians are reminded that the life on earth is a temporary home.

Their real home is in heaven, the Holy city of God.

Just as a bride is expected to be faithful to her husband, so are Christians expected to be faithful to God by observing the covenant way of life.

Deviation from the covenant was portrayed as adultery.

John, who wrote the book of revelations, sees a vision of a new heaven and a new earth in which faithful Christians will be rewarded.

Christ will come to take His bride to eternity to live there forever.

The relationship between Christians and Jesus/ God is like a marriage.

It is a covenant.

It is a relationship where the church (bride) is expected to submit to God.

Jesus died for the church, a show of His or God’s love.

Likewise Christians should be committed in their relationship to God.

SAQ. 1. Discuss in twos who is a bride and what takes place in a wedding.

2. Discuss the significance of the symbols used to express the unity of the believers.

These are “The people of God”, “The body of Christ”, “The vine and the branches” “The church or assembly of God” and “The bride”.

Lesson Two: Causes of Disunity in the Early Church

The early church experienced some challenges, which led to divisions among the early disciples and Christians.

Learning Outcomes. After reading this lesson,

i Identify causes of disunity in the early church

ii State causes of disunity in the modern church

iii Compare the causes of disunity in the early and modern church

iv Suggest possible solutions to disunity in modern church

a. Causes of Disunity in the Early Church

After Jesus ascended to his Father and left the Holy Spirit to look after his followers, the disciples established congregations or communities to spread the Word of God.

As believers of Christ met and prayed together, there were disagreements and divisions brought about by several factors and issues.

These were:

Disputes, among early Christians; concerning leadership of the Church.

Christians wanted different leaders:

Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ.

Paul told them that Christ couldn’t be divided (1 Corinthians 1:10 -21).

Sexual immorality was another cause of disunity in the early church.

Some Christians were doing or having irresponsible sexual behaviours.

These were incest, fornication, and prostitution.

Paul condemned such behaviours and told Christians to stop sinning and honor God with their bodies.

The body of a Christian is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthian 5: 1-13, 6:12 – 20).

Christians settling disputes in civil courts.

Paul advised they ought to talk over issues among themselves and agree to solve problems on their own (1 Corinthians 6).

Dispute over marriage and divorce. Some Christians were opposed to marriage. Others were encouraging divorce.

Paul addressed these issues in 1 Corinthian, chapter 71-16. Paul advised Christians that it was okay to marry or not to marry.

But marriage was needed to stop immorality.

Eating of meat offered to idols.

Some Christians were eating meat offered to idols while others were against it.

Paul advised Christians not to eat anything that will cause their faith to weaken or fail. (1 Corinthians 8 and10: 14 – 20.

There were disputes about dressing during worship. Should women cover their head during worship?

Should women shave hair? Should men wear long hair? (1 Corinthian 11:1-16).

Some Christians were overeating and over drinking during the Holy Communion – misuse of the Lord’s Supper, (1 Corinthians 11:17 – 33).

Misuses of spiritual gift especially the gift of speaking in tongues.

Paul taught that all gifts are equal (1 Corinthians 12).

There was a misunderstanding about the resurrection of the body and the dead.

Some were saying there is no resurrection.

Paul preached that if there is no resurrection then their preaching was in vain as they were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15).

b. Causes of disunity among believers and church in Kenya today

Leadership differences. Some Christians are struggling for power.

This has led to formation of splinter groups, divisions and enmity between these groups.

Cultural differences. Christians are divided by their African cultural beliefs from their backgrounds.

This culture is merged with Christianity and Western cultural practices forming a unique mixture of beliefs.

Some Christians are permissive, while others are conservative. This has led to disunity, for example in the areas of dressing.

Discrimination. There is inequality within the church between the rich and the poor, the whites and blacks.

Some Christians are viewed as more spiritual than others, on basis of the tribe, gender, wealth and social status among others. Misuse of freedom of worship.

Christians are starting sprinter churches, probably because they want to control church finances without supervision by the wider church.

To justify their departure, they spread propaganda against the ‘mother’ church, and other churches in order to attract followers.

The more followers a church has the more tithe it collects.

Misuse of church funds.

Some church leaders and followers misuse church funds.

Differences in the practice of baptism

Arrogance and pride by some Christians.

Sins: sexual immorality in the church, divorce and marriage issues.

Some Christian denominations reject the human nature of the person of Jesus Christ; that Christ had both a human and divine nature e.g. Nomiya church.

SAQ. Can you think of factors that led to disunity among Christians in the early church that you have noted in the Kenyan church?

c. Reasons why Christians should work in Unity.

Christians face many problems and they therefore need to work together in unity to:

Promote oneness of Christians in Jesus Christ.

Promote the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Achieve effective evangelism or ministry.

Adopt a common attitude to the integration of African culture in worship.

Prevent the formation of sprinter groups and cults.

Reduce the internal wrangling.

Have a common stand in dealing with issues affecting the society.

d. Possible Solutions to disunity The church should settle issues that divide its members by Christians:

Learning to appreciate and respect the practices and belief of other Christian’s denominations.

Having or forming a common goal Striving to be guided by the principle of love in solving problems facing them.

Observing the teachings of disciples, prophets, apostles, God, laws of Moses, Jesus and the Bible.

Avoiding doing anything to their fellow Christians that would cause suffering and disharmony.

Activities that the early church did in order to remain united were that they:

Ate bread together.

Held fellowships together.

Shared with the needy.

Prayed together for each other In the current worldwide Church, there is disunity amongst believers or Christians.

The most common ones are due.

Leadership differences and wrangles for power.

Cultural differences amongst Christians.

Some Christians are permissive while others are conservative.

Differences in the interpretation of the Bible.

Misuse of church funds.

Pride and arrogance.

Revision questions

a. Write down terms used in the new testament to refer to believers in Christ.

b. Identify five causes of disunity in the church today.

c. Identify factors which cause disunity among the Christians today.

d. Discuss reasons why members of Christian families in Kenya find it difficult to harmoniously live together.

e. Explain how the church strengthens family relationships today

Topic Three. Teachings From Selected Old Testament Prophets Introduction

This chapter introduces one to the work of prophets in the Old Testament. In Form One, some prophets were taught e.g. Moses, Elijah, Nathan and Samuel.

Traditional African prophets were also taught.

In Form Three, we compare true and false prophets and the Traditional African prophets.

Learning outcomes. By the end of the topic, you should be able to:

a. Define a prophet, and prophecy

b. Identify categories of prophets

c. Explain the importance of prophets in Israel.

d. Describe the characteristics of prophets.

e. Explain how prophetic messages were written.

f. Compare the relationship between prophesies in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Lesson One: Prophets

Learning outcomes. After reading this lesson, you should be able to: -

1. Give a correct definition of a prophet, and prophecy

2. List prophets in categories

a. Definitions of a prophet, and prophecy

The word prophet comes from a Hebrew word “Rabii’ meaning ‘one who is called or one who announces God’s message.

A prophet is also referred to as a seer.

A prophet is a person sent by God to teach and give people messages about things to come in future from God.

Prophets received divine messages from God and communicated them to the people.

A prophet

Is therefore a person who foretells events as revealed to him or her by God. Examples of prophets include Samuel, Elijah, Jeremiah and prophetesses (female prophet) Deborah, and Huidah.

Prophecy

Is a statement, a message of something that is going to happen in the future.

The action of giving future messages is called prophecy.

b. Categories of prophets

There were many categories of prophets. These were:

a) Major Prophets.

These were Prophet’s whose messages covered a long period of time.

Their messages were long and detailed. For example Prophet Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

b) Minor prophets.

There are 12 books of the Minor Prophets examples They are called minor because their messages are short, brief and do not contain detailed information.

The Minor Prophets are Amos, and Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

c) Canonical prophets the term canon means law.

Canonical prophets are law prophets.

The individual utterances of these prophets are laws. Both minor and major prophets are canonical prophets.

d) The early prophets

Are Moses, Nathan Elijah, and Elisha. These prophets belonged to guilds schools.

Their prophecies are not recorded under their names.

Their prophecies are written in books, which do not bear their names.

e) Cultic prophets

like Hannah (N.T.) served in the places of worship. They assisted the priest officiating worship.

f) Professional / court prophets like Samuel, Micah, and Gad lived together in the temple and in groups.

They earned their living through their work. They did not work elsewhere.

g) False prophets

Are pretenders to speak in the name of Yahweh but God did not call them.

They spoke lies in accordance with the messages people wanted to hear.

c. Characteristics of true prophets

There were two (2) major categories of prophets in the Old Testament,

(1) true prophets and

(2) false prophets.

True prophets

are those whose prophecies occurred and were fulfilled.

Prophesies of false prophets did not occur.

True prophets distinguished themselves from false prophets and ordinary people.

They experienced God dramatically when He called them and in their ministry.

They were God’s spokesmen and women.

They responded in faith to their call.

God gave them specific tasks in their commission and God’s assurance and support in their ministry.

They urged people to repent and turn back to God.

In their messages, they taught that God demands sincere worship and not elaborate rituals.

They understood God and taught about God righteousness, goodness, mercifulness, and loving care.

They condemned evil in the society and proclaimed God’s judgment and punishment to those who failed to keep the covenant.

They spoke with authority and acted with courage. They upheld God as a universal God for all nations.

They talked of a remnant that shall remain after punishment or those that have continued to worship God sincerely.

Their utterances were true because they were fulfilled.

They spent a lot of their time in prayers.

They prayed regularly. At such times they withdrew from people in order to have a quiet time to seek God.

All the true prophets received opposition from their audiences and they were ready to suffer for telling God’s word.

d. The Characteristics of false prophets.

Some of the prophecy of false prophets contradicted prophesies of the true prophets.

False prophets followed their own imaginations, and gave false hopes. They told people what they wanted to hear.

They had no personal knowledge of God.

Hence, their prophecies were not in line with the divine revelations.

They used evil forces such as magic, and divinations to call upon the spirits of the dead.

They were paid for prophesy and benefits materially from their clients.

They served Baal and were mainly immoral.

They committed crime.

Review questions

How can we know true and false prophets today?

Lesson Two: Importance of Prophets in Israel Introduction Learning outcomes. After reading this lesson, you should:

Lesson Two: Importance of Prophets in Israel

Introduction

1. Describe the work of prophets in Israel

2. Explain how God communicated with prophets and Israelites

3. Analyse the content of the Prophetic messages

1. Work of prophets in Israel

Prophets kept Israelites in communication with God. They communicated God’s will to the people of Israel.

They foretold God’s judgments and punishment for sinners. They condemned the behaviour of the rich towards the poor.

Through their messages, people reformed their lives since they condemned all forms of social evils and ritual sins.

They contributed to the writing of their messages leading to the compilation of the Bible.

Prophets guided and gave people hope.

They taught people the laws of God.

They warned people of dangers to come.

They condemned idolatry and stressed the worship of one true God, Yahweh.

They anointed the Kings in Israel.

Kings consulted the prophets before any major undertaking such as war among others.

They acted as conscience of kings.

They advised them and challenged Kings when they went wrong.

2. God’s communication with prophets and Israelites

God communicated to Prophets through visions, voices that were audible and clear, events, prayers, dreams, signs, ordinary things, and words which came to their minds with great power.

Writing messages of the prophets

The canonical prophets as mentioned earlier had their works and prophecies recorded under their names.

Canonical prophets are referred to as writing prophets. It’s possible that some prophets wrote down their own prophecies.

They wrote what God spoke to them as He dictated.

An example is Jeremiah who wrote what he was told …’Get a scroll and write on it everything that I have told you about Israel, Judah and all nations. (Jeremiah 36:2, Isaiah 30:8).

Two, the prophet’s message were probably written by other people.

These were their assistant, secretary, scribe, and disciples or followers as the prophet prophesied.

Thirdly some of the prophetic messages could have been preserved as oral traditions and later written as books.

A good example is 2 Kings.

e. Content of the Prophetic messages

Prophetic messages contained lessons from God to Israel. For example, the:

i. Prophetic sayings were and still are oracles or poetic passages spoken by God himself through prophets.

The prophecies were addressed to different nations. They carried specific teachings to the people, for example predicting future occurrences.

ii. Narratives in the first person give an account of the prophet’s testimony.

They spoke of their experiences with God, and responses to the call of God. They tell us about prophet’s impelling compulsion to speak God’s word.

The narratives are written in the first person.

They have a format ‘ The Lord said to me… The year that King Uzziah died, I was the Lord…”

iii. Narratives in the third 3rd person have messages written by a third party, i.e. not the prophet but another person.

For example, “Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, thus says the Lord: “Do not be afraid of the words.” (Isaiah 37:6).

The message recounts the prophets’ personal life, and political background.

Lesson Three: Prophesies in the Old Testament, New

Testament and African Traditional Society

Introduction

The Israelites and the African traditional societies as well as other world communities had prophets who foretold the future.

Among the Israelites, there were prophets chosen by God and false prophets who told messages which communities wanted to hear.

Among the African traditional communities, there were wise men and women who prophesied about the future.

In this lesson, we shall compare these prophecies and learn what was similar and different about these them.

The Old Testament prophecies are compared with those from the African traditional society and the New Testament Learning outcomes.

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

a. State relationships between Prophesies in the Old Testament New Testament and the African Traditional Society

b. Discuss the similarities between prophets in the African traditional society and the Old Testament.

c. Identify differences between prophets in the African traditional society and the Old Testament.

a. Relationships between Prophesies

Several Old Testament (O.T.) prophecies were and are fulfilled in both the old and New Testament (N.T) in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Law of Moses is used in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

However Jesus gave the law a deeper meaning.

The teachings and prophecies of the prophets provided the foundation for the message in the New Testament.

The prophecies of Prophet Nathan to King David that God would raise up an offspring from the lineage of David was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the expected messiah.

Jesus disciples in the New Testament referred a lot to messages in the Old Testament.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament are based in the Old Testament prophecies. They are therefore similar to each other because New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament.

The New Testament is the new covenant spoken of by Prophet Jeremiah and other Prophets like Isaiah, Micah, and Nathan.

Their prophecies about Messiah are fulfilled in the New Testament.

b. Similarities between prophets in the African traditional society and the Old Testament.

In both traditions, prophets:

They explained why they were going to occur.

c. Differences (O.T.) between prophets in the African traditional society and the Old Testament.

The Old Testament prophets had a personal relationship with God. They communicated God’s messages to Israelites.

The prophets in the African traditional society communicated and received messages from the ancestor spirits.

Old Testament prophets were God’s mouthpieces.

They began their prophesy with ‘thus saith the lord’…. While the prophets in the African traditional society predicted what would happen to individuals, and communities.

The authority of prophets in the Old Testament came from God while the authority of prophets in the African traditional society came from their ancestors’ spirits.

In the Old Testament prophets were called directly by God while in some African traditional communities the prophetic office was hereditary.

The African traditional prophets dealt with family and local community issues while Old Testament prophets dealt with national issues, and crises.

African traditional prophets were diviners while Old Testament prophets consulted God.

d. Relevance of Old Testament prophets to Christians today

Christian should be ready to be messengers of God. The call to be a Christian has a prophetic role.

Some Christians are called to the office of a prophet and should prophecy for the glory of God and for the common good of the people.

As God’s spokes person one should always stand for the truth.

Christian should proclaim God’s will even if the message is not pleasant to the people.

Once appointed as a prophet, one should pass the messages to who ever they are sent to without fear or favour.

God’s messengers should always condemn the social political economic evils in the society.

As God’s messengers Christians should live exemplary lives.

They should stand for what they preach and should expect persecutions because of their works as God’s messengers.

They should be ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel.

Christians should pray to God to give them guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to be able to handle hardships in their lives.

They should provide hope for the people in times of suffering.

Christians should realize that God calls both men and women to His service. They should be ready to obey Gods’ prophetic call and not run away e.g. Jonah.

They should be concerned and take care of the welfare of the poor community members.

Revision questions

1. Define the terms prophet and prophecy

2. List five categories of true prophets

3. State the difference between true and false prophets

4. In what ways were God’s prophets called?

5. Outline the similarities and differences between the old testament prophets and the traditional African ones.

6. What is the relevance of prophets to Christians today?

Topic Four: Prophet Amos Introduction

Amos is one of the prophets God sent to Israel to warn the people because of their evil life.

Politically, the Nation of Israel had become rich. There grew classer, the rich and the poor.

The rich started oppressing the poor.

Socially, there was still the rich – poor gap.

The rich exploited the poor.

Merchants sold bad food, expensive and used false measurer.

Religiously, the Israelites had turned away from God and were worshiping false gods.

Syncretism was practiced.

Priests were paid and God’s prophets were rejected. It is in this situation that Amos was called.

He is called through visions.

Amos is one of the canonical or writing prophets.

The book of Amos is a temptation of oracles spoken by the prophet on different occasions.

Note that after the death of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was split into two and rules by Rehoboam and Jeroboam.

The northern Kingdom; called Judah was ruled by Rehoboam and was inhabited by two tribes.

The southern kingdom called Israel was ruled by Jeroboam and was inhabited by 10 tribes.

Amos came from Judah and prophesied in Israel.

Topic Learning Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

a) Analyse Prophet Amos work in Israel

b) Describe the call of Amos

c) Explain the teaching of Amos

d) Relate relevance of Amos teaching to Christianity today

Lesson One: Prophet Amos work in Israel Read Amos 1:1 Learning outcomes. After reading this lesson, you should:

1. Describe the call of Amos

2. Describe the socio, political and economic situation in Israel during the time of Prophet Amos

3. Explain religious situation in Israel

1. The call of Amos (Amos 1:1,3:8,7:10 – 15)

Prophet Amos was born in a village called Tekoa in Judah, the southern kingdom. Before his call, Amos was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees.

He was not a professional prophet.

But God called him to be a prophet. He received his call in form of a vision around 758 BC.

Amos responded to God’s call with obedience.

He felt a deep compulsion to prophesy (Amos 3:8). God directed him to give his message to the people of Israel, the northern kingdom (Amos 7:15).

He was asked to speak the will of Yahweh.

He was also to fore tell punishment if Israelites did not repent their sins.

His message was opposed, and challenged by Amaziah the priest of Bethel.

2. Religion.

Israelites worshipped Yahweh and other gods. Idolatry was also present.

This form of worship is called Syncretism .

There was religious hypocrisy. Like today, there was an emphasis on external observances of religious practices and less concern for internal observances.

The priests were paid for religious work.

Those who couldn’t pay did not have religious ceremonies.

They were offered at the expense of the poor.

The prophets of God were rejected.

3. Social – economic – political situation.

When Amos prophesied, King Jeroboam ruled Israel, the northern kingdom while King Uzziah ruled Judah.

Amos was sent to prophesy to the people of Israel in the northern kingdom.

He concentrated his work mainly in Bethel and Samaria – the capital city of Israel and the main centres of worship.

When Amos started his prophesy, there was peace and prosper in Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms were wealthy. However, the wealth did not reach the poor.

This was because the wealth and power were in the hands of the king, his family, his officials, and wealthy merchants.

As a result, Israel citizens were divided into two classes; the rich and the poor.

Unfortunately, the rich people owned big luxurious houses.

They drunk wine, and used the most expensive perfumes.

They acquired their wealth at the expense of the poor.

They oppressed and exploited the poor.

The merchants of trade for example, were dishonest in their trade businesses.

They sold bad wheat to unsuspecting customers and overcharged customers by measuring with false scales.

Because of the inflated prices, the poor borrowed money from the rich at high interest rates to buy basic things like food.

Hence, there was massive bribery and corruption in society and law courts.

As a result the poor lacked basic necessities or needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

It was at this time when God sent Amos to give prophesy to Israel.

SAQ. How did the rich oppress the poor in Israel?

Lesson Two: Visions of Amos Read Amos 7: 1 – 9, 8:1 – 3. 9:1 – 4)

Vision is a picture we have in our mind. It is a future to come. Amos was shown many visions by God.

Lesson outcomes. After reading these verses in Amos you should be able to: -

1. Analyse all the visions and

2. State the message of each vision

3. Summaries things that God condemned through Amos

1. The vision of the locusts (Amos 7:1 – 3 )

Amos saw a swarm of locusts being sent by God to destroy all plants and food crops in the land.

The locusts were, a sign of disaster, which God was going to send to Israel as a punishment for their disobedience.

Amos cried to God to forgive the people. God heard and changed his mind.

2. The vision of a great fire (Amos 7:4 – 6)

Amos saw a vision of a supernatural fire that burnt up the land.

He asked God to forgive the people and God listened. The punishment was stopped.

3. The vision of a crooked wall/ the plumb line (Amos 7:7 – 9)

Amos saw the Lord standing beside the wall checked it with a plumb line.

The wall represented the Israelites.

They stopped observing the laws of their covenant with God. God found Israelites disobeying the covenant.

God promised to destroy holy places of Israel..

4. The vision of a basket of ripe fruits (Amos 8:1 – 3)

In this vision, Amos saw a basket of ripe fruits. Fruits are harvested at the end of the summer.

This meant that Israel was ripe for punishment for her refusal to turn to God.

Amos did not pray for forgiveness.

God would no longer withhold His judgment. Time for repentance was over.

5. The vision of the destruction of the altar. Read Amos 9:1 – 4.

Amos saw the Lord standing by the altar.

The Lord ordered the destruction of the temple.

The shrines of Dan and Bethel were destroyed because they were the centres of idolatry. No one would escape punishment no matter where they hide.

Summary of issues that God pointed out to Israel through Prophet Amos

a. Lack of social justice There was lack of social justice and responsibility by the king of Israel. Social justice means dealing with other people fairly.

It implies showing concern for the needs of others.

b. Lack of responsibility.

This refers to the rulers and people of Israel being accountable for their actions.

In modern life, it is doing ones duty and fulfilling ones obligation to God and others.

c. Practice of hypocritical religion in Israel.

The Israelites were insincere in their worship.

They made empty sacrifices.

They worshipped idols as well as God. They profaned the name of God (Yahweh).

They made idols of Baal and offered sacrifices to them.

They worshipped other gods. This is syncretism and God does not allow worship of any other God but himself.

d. God’s judgment against Israel and other nations.

God promised to destroy Israel and leave a remnant of them for restoration.

e. Oppressions of the poor by the rich

God condemned King Jeroboam rule of Israel because of the oppression of the poor, government corruption and bribery of king’s officials.

These officials sold the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals (shoes) i.e. its like practising slavery.

The rich trampled on the poor, despised them and placed no value on the poor.

The poor gave their garments as security for loan.

This was contrary to God’s commandments.

The garment was supposed to be returned back to the owner before sunset.

The Samaritan women were ‘fat like the well fed cows of Bashan’ led luxurious lives and were very unkind to the poor.

The rich took an excessive share of the harvest from the farmers. Rulers loved luxury and were arrogant.

They loved material things and showed pride in material possessions.

They used expensive perfumes.

f. Corruption and bribery.

The judges were corrupt. They accepted bribes. There was a conspiracy between the rich and the judges against the poor.

g. Pride in materials possessions

The capital city of Israel was Samaria. It was built on a mountain called Bethel, which was also a place of worship.

There was prosperity in the land.

The Israelites prided themselves in their riches and materials possessions. Amos told them God would destroy their wealth.

h. Dishonesty.

This is telling lies, cheating or using unjust means to get certain things.

The wealthy merchants waited impatiently for the end of the holy days so that they could engage in lucrative businesses.

They cheated the poor by using false scales. They sold bad wheat to the poor.

They mixed good and bad grains and sold them to unsuspecting people.

i. Sexual immorality

Sexual immorality was prevalent or common in Israel. For example a father and son would have sex with the same girl.

There was temple (cultic) prostitution. There was dishonesty; sexual immorality.

This sexual behaviour made the temple unholy.

j. Drunkenness

They Israelites spent time drinking when the poor lacked the basic needs.

They engaged in excessive drinking of wine.

They even forced the Nazarites to drink wine. They accepted drunkenness.

k. Profaning the name of the God

Israelites did not respect the name of God.

They committed sin. They forced Nazirites to drink wine; forcing it down their throats yet they knew that Nazirites were people set aside and chosen by God to serve God.

This act showed contempt of God’s commands. Nazirites were not supposed to drink wine or cut their hair.

Israelites did this to show their contempt of the Lord.

l. Hypocritical Religion and Idolatry in Israel

Hypocrisy is pretending to be something different from the person one is.

It is also saying one thing, and doing another thing.

For example, Israelites did a lot of religious rites according to the laws of Moses and yet majority of them were unjust, corrupt and oppressed the poor.

They observed the external religious activities while their hearts were corrupt and insincere.

Amos condemned Israelites for this hypocrisy, characterized by insincere worship, and mixture of religious beliefs leading to diverse practices of religion i.e. syncretism.

This is a combination or mixture of Israelites’ monotheism (Yahwehism) and worship of idols and other gods especially Baal, the gods of their neighbours.

m. Empty sacrifices

The Israelites made elaborative offerings and sacrifices.

Yet God was interested only in sincere worship and free will offerings and not mere sacrifices, and tithes.

‘Take away from me the noise of your songs’ (Amos 5:21 – 23).

Lesson Three. God’s Judgment Against Israel and Other Nations Read Amos chapter 1 and 2

Learning outcomes. After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

a. State the sins committed by Israel and other nations

b. Identify how God punished Israel and other nations

i) Israel.

She committed several crimes, which were condemned by Prophet Amos. Read lesson two again before you go on and list down crimes that were pointed out by Amos.

Okay, you have seen that Israel committed crimes of injustice, disobedience to God, breaking their covenant with God, idolatry, hypocrisy among other sins mentioned above.

Israel was punished for these crimes.

Punishments were severe. Israelites would be exiled forcibly and painfully.

Earthquakes, famines, fires, oppression from foreign kings, epidemics and divine silence, would destroy their kingdom and holy places.

ii) Syria.

Its capital was Damascus. Syria committed war crimes. The soldiers were excessively cruel in times of war.

They murdered their prisoners brutally. For this cruelty, their punishment was to be severe.

Their palaces would be destroyed by fire and the people would be exiled in Kir.

iii) Gaza and philistines.

Their crime was capturing other people and selling them into slavery. For this sin, God’s punishment was destruction of their city by divine fire.

It would burn down the wall of Gaza city and destroy it.

God would have no more association with them.

iv) Tyre.

Their Crime was violation of a treaty of friendship they had made.

They broke it by capturing a “whole nation into exile in the land of Edom”.

The punishment was …God would send fire to destroy city of Tyre and its fortress (Amos 1:9-10).

v. Edom.

Her people were descendants of Esau. Yet Edom was ruthless to the Israelite to whom they were closely related.

For this crime of ruthlessness, the punishment was … God would destroy them by fire.

vi) Ammon

committed crime of brutal killings. The people of Ammon attacked and killed their neighbours.

They “ripped open pregnant woman in Gilead” (vs. 13).

God’s punishment was destruction of the fortress and wall of the city of Rabbah by fire. “Their king and his officers will go into exile: (vs. 15).

vii) Moab.

The people of Moab; their crime was mishandling the body of the king of Edom.

They burned his bones to ashes. God’s punishment was destruction of the city of Kerioth by divine fire.

The people, their rulers and leaders would be killed in battle.

viii) Judah.

Their crimes were

(1) failure to obey God’s commands and

(2) despising god’s teaching.

ix) Samaria, Egypt and Ashdod.

Their crime was dishonesty and “filling their mansions with things taken by crime and violence” (Amos 3:10). Women of Samaria committed the crime of drunkenness, oppressing the weak and poor.

The punishment for all these countries is destruction of their land, mansions and army.

But a remnant will not go to captivity, and shall not be destroyed.

Amos said the remnants are like … 2 legs, or a piece of an ear of a sheep rescued from the mouth of a lion (Amos 3:12).

x) Amaziah the priest of Bethel.

He strongly opposed Amos and told him to go back and prophesy in Judah.

Amos told Amaziah God sent him to Israel. His punishment for opposing God’s messenger was..

Amaziah’s wife would be a harlot, his children will die in the war, his land will be given to others, and Amaziah will die in a foreign land (Amos 7: 14-17).

Lessons to learn from God’s judgment of Israel and other nations

The Assyrians attacked Israel, occupied their land and exiled others.

God is

(a) universal,

(b) God hates sin

(c) God is concerned about the welfare of his people

(d) God is merciful and spares a remnant.

xi. Israel’s election (Amos 2:9 – 11, 3:1 – 2, 9:7

Election: is an act of choosing a person or group of people for a purpose or action.

Israel’s election refers to God’s choice of the Israelites out of the entire human kind to be his people.

God chose them to serve him, be a Holy nation and to be the light of the world.

God made a covenant with the Israelites.

In the covenant they agreed to live a holy life. In return, God looked after them.

He led them out of Egypt to the wilderness and finally to Canaan.

God chose His prophets from the Israelites and raised Nazirites.

Despite God’s favour, the Israelites rebelled and sinned against God.

And although Israelites were reminded that God cared for other nations equally and are to be punished if they disobeyed God; and that they were neither superior, nor better than other nations, they disobeyed God several times.

xii. The day of the lord

Amos taught that the day of the lord would be a day of severe judgment for sins.

. It is not a time of happiness, joy or victory. It is a day of darkness, terror, disaster, gloom, wailing, flooding, mourning, defeat, punishment, famine for food and God’s word.

xiii. The Remnant and Restoration.

Remnant means a small number of survivors.

These are the Israelites who will remain after the entire nation is punished.

They are also those who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.

Restoration is an act of reinstating things / persons to their former state or position.

Amos informed the Israelites that God was still looking after them, and waiting for their repentance.

The nation of Israel would not be destroyed completely.

God would preserve the few righteous ones.

He would raise the fallen dynasty of David.

People would be restored back to their land to rebuild their cities.

There was to be a great harvest and grapes shall overflow.

xiv. Duty of Christians.

Christians are the selected people of God.

As the chosen ones, they should one, live holy lives and two, use their position to serve God and others.

Three, Christians have a moral responsibility to spread God’s word, four, care for the needy and five, be the light of the world.

xv. The Day of the lord. Read Amos 5:18-20, 6:3-5, 8:7-13.

in the Old Testament, the day of the Lord is the day that Yahweh would make Israel victorious against other nations.

On this day the Israelite believed that God would establish his rule over and with Israel.

The day of the Lord was also believed to be the day when Israel would be prosperous, would have favour with God, and the just would triumph over the wicked.

In the New Testament, the day of the lord is also the Day of Judgment (Parousia).

It is the day of the second coming of Christ.

On that day, everyone will be judged. Christians believe that it is the day that Christ will come for His bride (the church).

Those who had obeyed the laws of God shall be received by Christ and given the reward of the eternal life. On that day, God’s kingdom shall be established and Christ will reign forever.

xvi. Relevance of Amos teachings to Christians today.

The messages of the prophecy of Amos are relevant to Christians today. This is because God is universal.

He chose Israel but still punished her for her disobedience, and sins just as He punished other nations like Syria and Gaza.

The message that God hates hypocrisy is very clear.

Thus Christians should truthful and practice what they preach.

They must worship God in sincerity. Other messages are:

Justice.

Christians should be just / fair in dealing with others.

Self – Indulgence.

Christians should not pursue luxury and selfindulgence when others lack the basic needs.

Bribery.

Christians should condemn bribery and corruption, and uphold justice.

Punishment.

Christians should bear in mind that God will punish every evil.

Wealth.

When Israel became wealthy, they departed from the covenant with God.

Christians should share their wealth with the needy and acquire their wealth justly

Hypocritical religion.

Amos taught about hypocrisy in religion. This was for example offering empty sacrifices.

Christians have to learn to be sincere, to be concerned about their internal well being and soul more than outward observances of religion.

Drunkenness. Christians should not engage in activities that can divert their faith from God.

If that happens, they should learn to be Repentant.

Revision exercise

1. List the visions that Amos saw

2. Explain the evils that Amos condemned in his teachings

3. Give reasons why prophet Amos condemned idol worship in Israel

4. List evils in the society today that Amos would condemn

Topic Five. Prophet Jeremiah

Introduction.

Israel had not taken heed to Amos’ prophecies. This was especially on idolatry. So, God sent another prophet to continue with the same work. Jeremiah was therefore appointed as a prophet.

Jeremiah is one of the Old Testament Major Prophets. He was called to a prophet at around 627 B.C.

He was called as a young man, probably 20 years old. He prophesied in the southern kingdom- Judah, for a period of 40 years.

His prophetic ministry took place before and during the exile of Judah.

Learning Outcomes. By the end of this topic, you should be able to: -

a Describe the political, Social, and religious background of prophet Jeremiah.

b Describe the personal life and call of Jeremiah.

c Explain the evils condemned by Jeremiah.

d Explain the contents of the temple sermon.

e Highlight the relevance of Jeremiah’s teaching on evils, false prophets and Christians today.

Lesson One: the Call Jeremiah

Learning outcomes. After reading this lesson, you should be able to: -

i. Describe the situation of the people of Judah

ii. Identify religious, political and socio classes of Judah

iii. Describe the call of Jeremiah

iv. Explain lessons that modern Christians can learn from the call of Jeremiah.

a. The Kingdom of Judah

Social background The people of Judah were divided into three social classes. At the top were the (i) Aristocrats.

These were the ruling class, which consisted of the king, his family, royal officials, princesses, priests, and professional prophets.

This class of the rich oppressed the poor.

Below them was the class (ii) of technical professional such as stonecutters, carpenters, builders, masons, blacksmiths, masons, and others craftsmen (2 Kings 12:12). Below them was class (iii) made up of poor people such as slaves, widows, orphans, and foreigners. All these poor people were mistreated.

In terms of ethics, there was moral degradation.

They committed adultery, prostitution, murder, false witness, and corruption.

Religions background.

The Kings and people of Judah worshipped idols.

They practiced human sacrifice, divination and magic, and listened to false prophecies.

They abandoned their covenant with God and their way of life and practiced syncretism, which is worshipping God and other false gods like Baal.

King Josiah tried to restore true worship by carrying out several reforms.

Prophetess Huldah prophesied that Judah would be punished after Josiah’s death since he humbled before Yahweh.

Political Background.

Prophet Jeremiah lived in the 7th century BC and prophesied when Judah was ruled by King Josiah, and later his sons Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah; and king Jehoiachin.

Judah was conquered and ruled by Assyrians who were conquered by Egyptians who ruled Judah up to 605 BC. Egyptians; were conquered by Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar. This was according to the prophecies of Jeremiah.

b. The Call of Jeremiah. Read Jer 1: 19.

Jeremiah’s father was a priest called Hilkiah.

He was born in the territory of Benjamin; at a place called Anathoth, He was well educated.

Jeremiah was called to be a prophet in 627 B.C during the reign of King Josiah.

He received his call in form of a dialogue with Yahweh. God told him that he had appointed him to be his messenger; even before he was formed in his mother’s womb, God had selected him to be a prophet.

Jeremiah said he was too young and did not know how to speak.

Jeremiah was forewarned of the hostility he would encounter in his prophetic career. God told him that He would protect him and not to fear.

God touched Jeremiah’s mouth. This symbolized that God is the one who shall put words in his mouth.

Jeremiah responded to God’s call in faith and obedience.

He was given a message that God was going to bring judgment upon the Kingdom of Judah.

God promised to make him a fortified city, an iron pillar and bronze wall for protection. He was commanded by God not to marry, neither have children and not to attend social gatherings, weddings, and funerals. His mission made him isolated and lonely.

As a result, his own family and relatives rejected him and plotted to kill him. But he had few friends like Ebed- melech, Ahikam who helped him to get out of a pit.

Jeremiah was persecuted by; the kings of Judah. Priests including priest Pashhur opposed him, and false prophets like Hannaniah.

He prophesied that God shall punish wicked Kings, priests, and ordinary people.

He suffered spiritually and emotionally. At the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C, the army officers of Nebuchadnezzar released him from prison.

He went to Egypt where he died at an old age and as a faithful servant of God.

His life was symbolic to the people of Judah. During his call, Jeremiah saw two visions.