FORM TWO

CRE
TEACHING
NOTES
MR.SILA

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FORM TWO
SECTION 1.
CHAPTER ONE
LUKE’S GOSPEL
GOD MEETS US IN JESUS CHRIST
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES ABOUT THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the
concept of the Messiah in the Old and the New Testaments
2. Explain the role of John the Baptist as a link between the Old and the New Testament

Introduction
- Messiah means anointed.
- It refers to kings, priests and prophets in Israel who were chosen by God to serve
Him.
- A messiah is one called, anointed and appointed by God to serve Him in a special
way.
- A prophecy is a prediction of what will happen in future.
- Messianic prophecies are therefore predictions that were made by prophets about the
coming of a righteous king who would rule Israel according to the will of God.

Examples of Messianic prophecies

- To Abraham that through him many nations would be blessed.
- To David through Nathan that his kingdom would last forever
- To Isaiah that the messiah to be born will be known as Immanuel
- To Isaiah that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David
- Jeremiahs prophesy that the Messiah would rule with justice and righteousness.
- Micah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
- The psalmist prophecy that the Messiah would be betrayed but would be victorious by
conquering death.

Prophecies Concerning The Messiah In The Old Testament (2 Samuel 7:3-17; Isaiah
7:10-16, 9:1-7, 53, 61:1-2; Psalms 41:9, 110:1-2; Micah 5:2-5)
Prophet Nathan’s prophecy (2 Sam 7:3-17)
- God would ensure that the kingdom of
David lasts forever
- An heir from David’s lineage would
always be raised up to sit on the throne.
- The king would save the people of Israel
from their enemies
- God would always support such a king.

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 - God would keep the kingdom strong for
David’s son
- God would make David’s name great
and bless his descendants forever
- God would give Israel their own land

Isaiah’s prophecy ( Isaiah 7:10-16, 9:1-7, 61:1-2)

Isaiah prophesied that:
a. A virgin would conceive and bear a son
called Immanuel
b. The messiah will be called;
- Prince of peace.
- Mighty God.
- Wonderful counselor.
- Everlasting/ Eternal Father.
- Suffering servant.
- Righteous king.
- Immanuel.
c. He prophesied that the messiah would be:
- Filled with the Holy Spirit
- Anointed by God
- Preach to the poor the good news
- Liberate the captives
- Proclaim the year of the Lord.

The role of the Messiah according to prophet Isaiah.

- To bring / teach good news to the poor.
- To heal the broken hearted.
- To announce release / liberate the captives and offer freedom to those in prison.
- To proclaim the accepted year of the Lord.
- To save his people and defeat their enemies.
- To bring joy and gladness instead of grief /mourning.
- He would restore sight to the blind.

Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 23: 5-6)

- He would rule wisely/deal wisely.
- He would advocate/execute justice and righteousness.
- Judah will be secure.
- Would be called ‘The Lord is our righteousness’.
- He would be a descendant of David.
- He will reign as king.
- In His days, Israel will dwell securely/He would provide security/safety in Israel
- In His days Judah will be saved/bring salvation upon Judah.

Micah’s Prophecy. (Micah 5:1-5).

 Micah’s prophecy focuses on the town of Bethlehem, David’s birth place. It makes
the following observations about the messiah:
- The messianic king will come from Bethlehem.
- He will lead his people with the authority and strength of God.

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- He will bring the people of Israel peace to fulfill the promise God made to King
David (verse 2).
 Micah’s prophecy is the only one in the whole Old Testament where it is specifically
stated that “a ruler of Israel “would be born in Bethlehem.

The Psalmist’s Prophecy.(Psalms 41:9, 110: 1-2).

a. The messiah would use God’s authority
and strength to rule his people the Israelites.
b. The messiah would be betrayed by a
close associate.
c. A victorious king would conquer and
liberate the Israelites from their enemies.

The Suffering Servant of God (Isaiah 53)

- Prophet Isaiah prophesied about a suffering servant of Yahweh. The following are the
main ideas:
- The servant will succeed in his work and will be highly honored
- This success and honor will surprise many who have witnessed his suffering
- The servant is despised, rejected and ignored by those who are with him.
- He has nothing attractive; he is very ordinary and simple
- He is harshly treated, arrested, sentenced to death and killed.
- His body is buried with the bodies of rich men.
- He endures all that is done to him in humble silence
- He accepts the suffering which should have been received by others for their sins.
- Through his suffering, human beings are reconciled with God.
- It was the will of God that the servant should suffer.
- His death is a sacrifice to bring forgiveness of sins.

How Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant

- He bore the sins of human beings
- He delivered humanity by dying on the cross
- He submissively bore suffering and disgrace
- He was despised and rejected
- He was mocked and spat on
- He was pierced and wounded in the sides
- He was crucified with thieves
- He buried in a rich man’s tomb
- Through him, God’s everlasting kingdom was established
- He was innocent of sin and yet treated as a criminal
- Through his wounds many have been forgiven their sins.

The concept of the Messiah in the New Testament

- The Jews expected a political messiah to liberate them against foreign rule
- The messiah would rule with justice and righteousness as promised by the prophets of
the Old Testament
- Jesus is the promised messiah who came as a suffering servant
- Luke states that Jesus was a descendant of King David who was destined to rule
forever
- Jesus was born of a virgin in the city of David, Bethlehem.
- The angel of the Lord assured the shepherds that Jesus was the saviour of the world

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- Zachariah and Mary declared that the promised salvation had arrived through Jesus
Christ.
- The prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna recognized baby Jesus as the promised
messiah of Israel
- The disciples of Jesus recognized him as the Christ (Messiah) of God
- Jesus declared that his kingdom was not of this world/he was not a political leader/he
was a spiritual leader.
- Jesus referred to himself as the son of man as a sign of submission to suffering and
death in accordance with the will of God.
- Jesus is portrayed by Luke as the messiah for all people not just for the Jews /Jesus as
the saviour of all who believe in him, the poor, the rich, orphaned, Jews, gentiles,
oppressed, young, and old.

The Jewish expectations of the Messiah

- Expected a political leader to help them fight their enemies / save Israel/conquer the
enemies of Israel/be a military ruler
- Messiah expected to come in an extra-ordinary way / with cosmic signs like
earthquake, thunder.
- Rule from the throne of David/ a messiah from David's lineage.
- Lead Israel into political and economic prosperity
- Come after the return of Elijah
- They expected a messiah from a rich family/ be from a royal family.
- They expected a messiah who would uphold Judaism.
- They expected a messiah who would be stationed in Jerusalem and other nations of
the world would pay homage to him.
- He would be a perfect ruler through whom they would receive God's blessings, joy
and peace.
- He would bring judgement to all the enemies of Israel.
- He would be a ruler without sin and would not associate with the poor, sinners and
non-Jews or Gentiles.
- The messiah would establish an earthly kingdom.

How Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the
Messiah/ Old Testament concept of the messiah as fulfilled in the New Testament/
Incidences in Jesus life that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the messiah
(Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-23, 23:1-35, 24:50-51)
- Prophecies that he would be born in linage of David fulfilled when the Angel was sent
to Mary who was engaged to Joseph who came from David’s lineage
- Nathan’s prophecy that the messiah would establish an everlasting dynasty is fulfilled
when Angel Gabriel told Mary that the child to be born would reign over the house of
Jacob forever
- Isaiah’s prophecy of a virgin conception is fulfilled in Angel Gabriel’s message to
Mary that she was going to conceive by the power of the Holy spirit
- Isaiah’s prophecy that he will be called Immanuel is fulfilled in Angel’s message to
Joseph that Mary’s son would be called Emanuel
- Jesus was born in Bethlehem also the birth place of king David a fulfillment of
prophet Micah’s prophecy about a ruler of Israel whom God will raise up from the
town of Bethlehem
- Jesus was hailed as the messiah , descendent from David by the blind beggar of
Jericho-fulfillment of Nathan’s and Jeremiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would
come from the family of David
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- Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61:1 that the messiah would set the captives free e.t.c an
affirmation that He was the messiah that Isaiah had talked about.
- Isaiah’s prophecy about a messiah who would work miracles was fulfilled when Jesus
turned water into wine in Cana, raised the dead , cast out evil spirits etc
- Messiah would be betrayed by a close friend is fulfilled when Judas, one of this
disciple betrayed Jesus
- Isaiah’s prophecy about a suffering servant is fulfilled through the passion and death
of Jesus Christ

The suffering servant of God (Isa. 53)

- He bore the sins of human beings
- He delivered humanity by dying on the cross
- He submissively bore suffering and disgrace
- He was despised and rejected
- He was mocked and spat on
- He was pierced and wounded in the sides
- He was crucified with thieves
- He was buried in a rich man’s tomb
- Through Him, God’s everlasting Kingdom is established
- He was innocent of sin and yet treated as a criminal
- Through Jesus’ wounds, many have been forgiven their sins as Isaiah put it (Isa 53:5)

The role of John the Baptist ( Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6, Luke 7:20-35)
- John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah
- He was a link between the Old Testament and the New Testament
- He saw his role diminishing as that of Jesus was increasing.
- He ushered people to the messianic era.
- He acted as a forerunner/precursor of Jesus Christ
- He condemned King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife
- John the Baptist had all the characteristic of Prophet Elijah
- John bore witness to Jesus as the Messiah
- He condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and the Roman authorities for being
oppressive and immoral.
- He broke the period of prophetic silence that had lasted over 400 years between
Malachi and himself.

Ways in which Christians play the role of John the Baptist today
- By condemning social evils and injustices.
- By preaching the gospel/repentance.
- They warn people about God’s coming judgment.
- Baptizing those who repent their sins.
- Defending the rights of the poor.
- Announcing the second coming of Jesus.
- Denouncing hypocrisy among Christians.
- Stressing the need to be sincere in repentance.
- Urging people to practice charity/compassion.
- Condemning evil deeds by rulers/abuse of power.
- Accepting suffering for the sake of the gospel.
- Be authoritative /courageous in condemning evil deeds.
- Living exemplary lives/be role models.

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Ways in which John the Baptist was an outstanding prophet
- He was filled with the Holy spirit since birth
- His birth was foretold by an angel
- Had a prophetic ministry
- Invited people to baptism/ repentance
- He was in the spirit/ power of Elijah
- Led an austere life
- Denounced the Pharisees for their self sufficiency /castigates Herod for incest
- Announced the coming of the kingdom of God

The role of John Baptist as a link between the Old Testament and the New
Testament.
- The birth story of John echoes the birth stories of some Old Testament characters such
as Isaac and Samuel.
- John, like Isaac and Samuel was instrumental in the salvation history of Israel.
- John, like Samuel was destined to be a Nazarite from the beginning.
- John’s lifestyle is reminiscent of the figure of Prophet Elijah who was one of the
greatest Old Testament prophets.
- John had a special place among the Old Testament prophets because he saw with his
own naked eyes the messiah.
- The teaching of the New Testament and John the Baptist acted as a link to introduce
the messianic era in the New Testament.
- John introduced Jesus Christ to the people- Jesus’ coming had been foretold in the
Old Testament.
- John’s ministries prepared people’s hearts to receive the messiah.
- John is a man of two worlds as he sees the fulfillment of the Old Testament
prophecies and expectations in the new testament

Lessons Christians learn from the life and activities of John the Baptist.
- They learn the importance of repentance of sins.
- They are challenged to practice social justice by being honest and fair in their
dealings.
- To be ready to endure persecution, suffering and live a simple life of self denial.
- They learn the importance of sharing and helping the needy.
- The importance of avoiding corruption, immorality and hypocrisy.
- To be bold in pointing out evils
- Not to spare anybody for evils done.
- To have a total change of heart when they repent.
- Those in authority are warned against taking bribes and accusing people falsely.

Ways in which the life and activities of John the Baptist are relevant to Christian
today.
- The teachings of John the Baptist challenge Christians to be fair /honest / just in their
dealing with other people.
- Christians should endure hard life / persecution/suffering/live a simple life.
- John teaches Christians to avoid hypocrisy in their life / live a straight and righteous
life.
- Must avoid corruption/ immorality / hypocrisy the way John did.

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- It challenges Christians to know that you have to repent of sins in order to seek
forgiveness/be baptized.
- Christian businessmen should be honest in their dealings/should not over-charge on
their goods or sell sub-standard goods.
- Christian lawyers / judges should not be corrupt / take bribes / pervert the course of
justice.
- Christians who are rich should help the needy such as orphans, widows and the poor.
- Christians have to be firm, courageous and be able to speak the truth even to an extent
of dying for it.

CHAPTER TWO
THE INFANCY AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS (Luke 1, 2).
Specific objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to describe the infancy and early life of
Jesus

Occasions when the Angel of the Lord appeared with reference to the birth and
infancy story of Jesus.
- The angel informed Joseph of the coming birth of the child (Mathew 1:20) and
advised him to flee to Egypt.
- The angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, and is
accompanied by a choir or host of heavenly angels singing a hymn of praise to God
(Luke 2:9-14).
- The sixth month of Elizabeth pregnancy, Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in
Nazareth.
- He appeared to Joseph and told him not to leave Mary who was pregnant.
- While Joseph was in Egypt, the angel appeared and told him to go back to Nazareth
because the King had died.
- He appeared to the three wise men from the East and told them to use a different route
back home

The birth of John is announced. (Luke 1:5-25)

- Zechariah was performing his priestly duty at the temple.
- He had gone to burn incense inside the temple as the other worshippers were praying
outside.
- The Angel of God appeared to him standing at the right hand of the alter.
- He felt frightened and scared but the angel reassured him that he had good news.
- He told Zechariah that God had heard his prayers and would bless him with a son to
be named John.
- The child will be a joy of delight to Zechariah and many people would rejoice
because of his birth.
- The child would be great in the sight of God.
- He would never take wine and would be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- He will convert many people back to Christ.
- He will be the fore runner of Christ in the spirit of Elijah.
- Zechariah could not believe because he was too old to have children and his wife was
barren.
- The angel gave him a sign by making him dumb until the child was born.

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- The people who were outside were wondering why he had taken too long in the
temple and when he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he had a
vision.

What Angel Gabriel revealed about John the Baptist when he announced his birth
to Zachariah/ Message of Angel to Zachariah
- Told him not to be afraid
- That God had heard/answered his prayers
- His wife would bear him a child / son
- The child was to be called John
- Many would rejoice with John’s birth
- The child would be great before the Lord’s eyes
- The child will not take wine nor strong drink.
- John will be filled with Holy Spirit from birth.
- John will bring many back to God.
- He will go before the Lord like Elijah.
- He will bring the fathers and children together.
- He would get the Lord’s people ready for Him.

The mission of John the Baptist from the message of angel Gabriel to Zachariah
(Like 1:16-17)
- He would reconcile the Israelites to God
- He would go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah
- He would bring justice/turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just
- He would prepare people for the coming of the Messiah
- He would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children

Lessons Christians learn from the role of John the Baptist

- They should preach the message of repentance to the people
- They should bear fruits that befit repentance
- They should condemn immorality in the society
- They should preach about judgement that would be effected by Jesus
- They should practice charity
- They should be content with their pay
- They should be truthful about others
- They should be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire
- They should be honest in their dealings
- They should separate themselves from evil and do good

Why some Christians find it difficult to trust in God.

- Because of materialism / affluence.
- Little faith.
- False prophecies around them.
- Drug use/abuse gives them false security.
- Poor role models among Christian community.
- Influx of many churches bringing confusion.
- Effect of African culture and traditions.
- Devil worship and its effects on Christians.
- Abject poverty and suffering.
- Fear of persecution on the account of God.

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- Feelings that their answers are provided by academic knowledge/science and
technology.
- Leadership wrangles in the church.
- Hypocrisy.

Factors hindering people from accepting salvation

- Influence from tradition/culture
- Little or lack of faith
- Poor role model from the saved
- Some churches don’t preach salvation
- Pursuit/influence to get worldly things
- Permissiveness in the society
- Influence from other religions
- Various philosophies / school of thoughts e.g. predeterminism

How a Christian couple should respond to childlessness.

- Pray to God to bless their marriage.
- Remain faithful to each other.
- Seek advice from experienced couples with children.
- Uphold the church doctrine on marriage.
- Adopt children.
- Be patient and less anxious
- They should accept their state
- They should consult medical experts for advice
- They should visit children’s homes to offer their services to those needy children
- Attend guidance and counseling sessions on family life education
- Read literature on childlessness as a way of getting a solution to their problems

Lessons Christians learn from the birth of John the Baptist

- Christians learn that children are from God
- They should be persistent in prayer
- They should have faith/trust in God
- They learn that doubting God’s message can lead to punishment
- Christians should serve God regardless of the circumstances they are in
- Christians should be patient
- Christians learn that God has a purpose for their lives

The birth of Jesus is announced (Luke 1:26-38).

- During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God
to Nazareth.
- He had a message for a young girl called Mary who was engaged to a man called
Joseph.
- When the angel appeared to Mary he greeted her, “Hail O favored one, the lord is
with you”.
- Mary was greatly troubled and wondered in her heart what kind of greeting this was.
- But the angel assured her not to be afraid because God had chosen her among all
women to become the mother of the messiah the son of the most high.
- She was going to conceive and bear a son whom she was to name Jesus.
- The angel Gabriel told Mary the role the child would play fulfilling the Old Testament
prophecies concerning the expected Messiah.

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Angel’s message to Mary.
- Mary has been favoured.
- Mary should not be afraid.
- She shall conceive and bear a son whom she shall call Jesus.
- Jesus would be great and would be called the son of the most high.
- He would be given the throne of his father David to rule forever.
- He was going to be an everlasting king and his kingdom would have no end.
- He was to save people from sin.
- Jesus conception was to be effected by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Elizabeth, her kinswoman was also expecting a child.

What Angel Gabriel revealed about Jesus when he announced His birth.
- He would be great – Jesus would be a prophet.
- He would be called the son of God / son of the most high.
- Jesus’ conception was going to be effected by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The lord God would make him a king and would give him the throne of his father
David.
- He would reign forever and his kingdom would have no end.
- He would be the promised messiah who would save people from sin.

Lessons that Christians learn from choosing Mary to be the mother of Jesus
- Christians should be ready to perform God’s work
- Christians should humble themselves just like Mary
- Christian should praise God/give glory for having blessed them.
- Christians should always be holy to be used by God in a special way.
- Christians should respect God’s messengers just like Mary
- Christians should acknowledge and appreciate the role of women in the society
- Christians should respect whoever is chosen by God to perform his work

Lessons Christians learn from the annunciation of the birth of John and Jesus
- God answers prayers of the righteous
- What is impossible with man is possible with God
- Believe in God even in difficult times
- God uses those with humble backgrounds to carry out his will
- God fulfills promises
- God fulfils both spiritual and physical needs of people as brought in the Angel’s
message

Purpose of betrothal before marriage

- Relationship between the two families is established
- The couple to be have the opportunity to learn one another and their families
- Offered the opportunity to check/ establish whether the two people are related
- Give the two families time to negotiate for dowry
- Gives the young men time to look for dowry or part of it
- Gives time for the two to learn about their responsibilities

Similarities between the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and that of
Jesus.
- In both, the message was delivered by Angel Gabriel.
- The message was delivered to righteous people.
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- In both cases the people involved had no children.
- In both cases, the people were filled with fear.
- Both were messages about the birth of a son.
- In both the name of the child was given by the angel.
- The message was doubted in both cases.
- In both cases, the child was to be born through divine intervention.
- In both cases a sign was given to ascertain the reality of the message.
- The mission of the child was spelt out in both cases.
- In both cases the children to be born would be great in the eyes of God.

Mary visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

- Mary entered Zechariah’s house
- She then greeted Elizabeth
- When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb
- Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Sprit
- Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud voice/cry
- Elizabeth then said ‘blessed are you among women’
- She then asked Mary why God had allowed the mother of the Lord to come to visit
her
- Elizabeth revealed that when Mary greeted her, the baby in her womb leaped with joy
- Elizabeth then blessed Mary
- Mary sang the Magnificat
- She then stayed with Elizabeth for three months then returned home

The main ideas in the Magnificat

- God comes to the help not of the rich and the powerful but of the poor and the simple.
- God humbles the proud and exalts the lowly
- 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 their oppressors.

The contents of the Mary’s Bible Magnificat

- Her soul magnifies the lord
- Her spirit rejoices in God her saviour
- The lord has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden
- All generations will call her blessed
- The mighty one has done great things for her
- The lord’s mercy is of those who fear him
- He has shown straight with his arm
- He has scattered the proud
- He has put down the mighty from them thrown and exalted those of low degree
- He has helped his servant Israel

Lessons Christian draw from the Magnificat about God/ the nature of God
- God is Holy
- God keeps his promises/fulfils his promises
- God hates those who are proud
- God uplifts those who are humble/poor in spirit/exalts the lowly

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- God shows compassion to those who fear him
- God satisfies those who are hungry for his knowledge
- God blesses those who are humble
- God is powerful/almighty
- God hears and answers the cry of those afflicted/oppressed
- God requires people to praise or glorify him/deserves praise
- God is the saviour/ God of salvation.
- God shows mercy to those who honour him.
- God is universal and eternal.

Ways in which Christians express their gratitude to God today.

- By building places of worship.
- By praying to God.
- By spreading the word of God.
- By giving offerings and tithes.
- By caring for the environment.
- By visiting the sick.
- Promoting peace in the society.
- By shunning evil.

Reasons why women have dominated church activities in Kenya

- They are better believers than the male counterparts
- It is in the church where full recognition has matured in Kenya/ condemn sensitivity
- This is because of their very nature of being accommodative of situations
- They are more loving/ caring
- When they sing the choir is enriched hence more believers
- They take time in their area of specialization
- Most of the church activities like choir/ bible reading / cleaning the church are
feminine
- They are less critical to issues in the church than men
- They receive consolation from the church which satisfy them
- During fellowship they really encourage one another

The birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1: 57-80).

- Elizabeth and Zechariah were very happy when they got a son
- John was circumcised after eight days in accordance with the Jewish customs.
- Elizabeth named the child John.
- Zechariah affirmed the name of their son in writing
- Zechariah was now able to speak
- He broke into a prophetic hymn called the Benedictus.

Events that took place after the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:57-67.)
- Elizabeth’s kinsmen and neighbours came to rejoice with her.
- The baby was circumcised on the eighth day.
- There was an argument about the name to be given to the baby.
- Elizabeth gave the name of the baby as John.
- They made signs to Zachariah enquiring what the baby’s name would be.
- Zachariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote the name of the baby as John.
- The people marveled.
- Zachariah began to talk again and praised God.
- The people demonstrated fear.
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- The people spread the news about the birth of John throughout Judea.
- The people testified that the hand of God was with the child.
- Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and testified about the child.

Activities that took place following the birth of John the Baptist
- Relatives and friends gathered at Elizabeth’s home.
- They celebrated the birth of a baby boy.
- There was giving of gifts and presents.
- On the eighth day the child was circumcised.
- There was an argument over the name John for the baby/The mother gave the name
John.
- Zachariah wrote down the name.
- Zachariah regained his speech.
- Zachariah praised God for what He had done.
- The baby was given the name John.
- Zachariah sang the Benedictus in praise of God.

Ways through which John is seen as coming from a poor background

- He led a life of a Nazarite
- He fed on grasshoppers and honey in the wilderness
- His teachings on sharing depicted that he lacked
- His preaching on justice and tax collectors indicated that he lacked
- His criticism of Herod and Herodias which earned his death showed he was poor
- He was very simple yet great

Why Christian parents should be careful with the names they give their children.
- Names have meaning-positive or negative
- Names come with character of a person
- Names provoke certain spirits
- Names give a person his/her identity in a particular community.
- Names define one’s sex/gender in the society
- Names define one’s faith in the society
- Certain names define certain personality

The main ideas in the Benedictus

- Describes God as a redeemer because He saved His people from sin
- God has brought salvation through Jesus from the house of David as He promised
through His prophets
- God fulfills the promises He made to Abraham through the prophets in the Old
Testament
- Zachariah outlines the mission of John as the prophet of the Most High
- John would go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him
- John’s duty would involve imparting the knowledge of salvation to the people
- John would call people to repentance and forgiveness in order to restore the right
relationship with God
- John would give light to those living in darkness and guide them into the path of
peace

Zechariah’s message about John the Baptist in the Benedictus. (Luke 1: 76-79)
- John will be the Prophet of the Most High.
- He will be the forerunner of the Messiah / He will prepare the way of the Messiah.
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- He will give knowledge of salvation to the people of God.
- John will give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
- He will direct God’s people to the tender mercy of God which will help them receive
forgiveness of sins.
- Zechariah announced the beginning of the messianic age.
- He expressed his feelings of joy, gratitude and praise.

What the Benedictus revealed about the mission of John the Baptist.
- He would be the Prophet of the most high.
- He shall prepare the way for the Lord/forerunner of the Messiah.
- He shall give people knowledge of salvation.
- He shall call people to repentance/preach about forgiveness of sin.
- He shall give light to those living in darkness and guide them into the path of peace
/righteousness.

Similarities between the Magnificat and the Benedictus

- Both are praise songs
- Both are poetic
- Both give reference to the Old Testament
- Both contain the mission of the children
- Both were sang by people who were filled with the Holy Spirit
- Both were sang by the parents of the children
- Both were sang by people who had had an encounter with the angel Gabriel

The mission of John the Baptist as prophesied by Zechariah in the Benedictus

- He would be the prophet of the Most High
- He would go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him
- His duty would involve imparting knowledge of salvation to the people
- He would call people to repentance and forgiveness in order to restore the right
relationship with God
- He would give light to those people living in darkness and guide them into the path of
peace
- He would tell of God’s mercy and care on human beings
- He would preach God’s love and justice on earth

Reasons why Christians sing in church.

- To praise God.
- To be entertained and relax in the mind.
- To strengthen their faith.
- To express feelings for God and ask him for their needs.
- To pass on spiritual teachings.
- To develop God-given talent of singing.
- To keep the members of the congregation alert during the service.
- To obey to the Biblical teaching (David sung Psalms to God)/ emulate biblical
examples.
- To attract more members to the church.

The birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:1-7)

- Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Augustus Caesar.
- A census had been ordered by the emperor to determine the payment of taxes and
those eligible for military recruitment.
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 - Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Joseph for people were
supposed to be counted from their original home areas.
- While in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have a child.
- There was no place available for all rooms were booked.
- The baby was born in a stable where Mary and Joseph had settled for the night.
- Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

Strange things that happened during the birth of Jesus

- An angel appeared to a group of shepherds and announced the good news of the birth
of the savior
- A great army of angels appeared singing songs of praise to God.
- The shepherds rushed to Bethlehem where the angel had told them they would find
the savior lying in a manger.
- They found Jesus as they had been told
- They praised and worshipped God.

Ways in which the birth of Jesus was extra-ordinary.

- His birth was announced by an angel.
- His birth had been foretold by God’s prophets.
- His birth was brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- He was born of a virgin.
- He was given a name before He was born.
- His birth was initiated by God.
- His mission was outlined even before He was born.

The visit of the Angel of the Lord to the Shepherds on the night Jesus was born.
(Lk.2:8-20)
- The shepherds were looking after their flocks in the field at night
- The angel appeared to them
- The glory of the lord shone around them
- They were filled with fear
- The angle reassured them/ told them not to fear
- He told them of the good news of the birth of Jesus
- They were told where to find baby Jesus
- The angels gave them a sign on how they would find Jesus
- There appeared a host of angels singing/ praising God
- The angels left them/ went back to heaven
- The shepherds went to Bethlehem where they found baby Jesus

Lessons Christians learn from the story of the shepherds during the birth of
Jesus Christ.
- That God visits all people even the despised in the society.
- God is Holy and needs to be praised and glorified.
- Jesus is the son of God.
- Jesus is the promised messiah.
- God reveals Himself to the humble.
- God uses Angels to deliver His messages to man.
- Christians should obey God when called and sent.
- Christians should go and announce the birth of Christ to those who do not know.

Lessons Christians learn from the shepherd’s response to the Angel’s message

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- God demands obedience from us
- We should respond positively to God’s message and be ready to serve him
- Christians should share the good news of the kingdom with others just like the angel
shared the news with the shepherds
- Christians should believe in God’s message and respond to it at once
- It is important to praise and glorify God
- We should serve God with all our wealth
- God speaks to us despite our status in life
- God reveals his message to man
- All are called to serve God
- God appears to people as they go about their daily activities/in ordinary ways.

Preparations made for the first coming of Jesus as recorded in St .Luke’s gospel.
- God sent angel Gabriel to Zachariah to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.
- God sent angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary.
- An angel appeared to the shepherds telling them to go to Bethlehem.
- John the Baptist urged people to repent and be baptized.

Ways in which church leaders prepare the way for the second coming of the
messiah
- Preaching the good news about Jesus.
- Calling people to repentance.
- Baptizing people in the name of Jesus.
- Observing the Ten Commandments.
- Pointing out evils in the society.
- Offering guidance and counseling.
- Advocating for human rights.
- Praying for the nation.

The dedication of Jesus. (Luke 2:21-40).

- Jesus was circumcised and named when he was eight days old
- Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple.
- A Jewish woman was considered unclean after giving birth.
- If she gave birth to a baby boy, she was unclean for seven days.
- After this, she had to undergo a purification ceremony which took place in the
temple.
- There was another custom by which parents had an obligation to dedicate their
first born to God.
- During the presentation of Jesus in the temple, two elderly righteous people
Simeon and Anna.
- The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had
seen the messiah.
- Simeon took the baby Jesus and gave thanks to God and praised God in a
hymn called Nunc Dimitis. He prophesied the following about Jesus:
- That Jesus was the son of God/the promised one
- He would bring salvation to all/Saviour of the world
- He would be the light of revelation to Gentiles/non Jews.
- He would liberate the Israelites from oppression.
- He would cause the rise and fall of many in Israel.
- He would face opposition and his mother would suffer greatly due to this.
- His birth would bring joy to many and glory and praise to God.
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- Anna the prophetess also made a prophecy in reference to Jesus as one who would
deliver God’s chosen people from oppression.

Lessons learnt from Simon’s prophecy

- God keeps His promises
- Jesus is the salvation that people were waiting for.
- Jesus’ salvation is universal
- All Christians are witnesses to the salvation of Christ
- By faith in Christ, we escape God’s Judgment
- We should be ready for ridicule and persecution in the name of Christ
- Christians learn to receive Christ with glory / Christ has brought glory to Christians.

The actions which took place during the presentation of Jesus in the temple
- Jesus parents offered a sacrifice of two doves for purification
- Simon took the child into his arms
- He praised God and gave thanks
- He prophesied Jesus mission
- Jesus parents marveled at Simon’s prophecy.
- Prophetess Anna thanked God and prayed for the child.
- Simon blessed the parents of Jesus.
- They were filled with the Holy Spirit.

How Jesus observed the religious practices of his people.

- He was circumcised at 8 days old as was the custom of the Israelites
- He was named at 8 days as was the custom of the Israelites
- Jesus mother underwent purification after the birth of Jesus as required by the law.
(Lev. 12:6)
- Jesus was presented in the temple / dedicated to God as the first born of his parents as
required by law (Exodus 31:1)
- At the age of twelve, he attended the Passover feast in the temple of Jerusalem in the
company of his parents
- Jesus lived in Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them.( Exodus 20:12)
- After the healing of the ten lepers, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the
priest / offer sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. (Lev. 13:14)
- Jesus celebrated the Jewish religious festivals e.g. Passover, attended the synagogue
on the Sabbath day/ observed the Sabbath.
- Jesus appointed the twelve disciples to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Jesus kept the Jewish religious observance such as fasting / prayers.
- Jesus wore the prescribed tassels on his garments.( Deut 22:12)

What prophecies of Simeon and Ann revealed about the life of Jesus when his
parents
presented Him to the Temple for dedication.
- Jesus was the messiah
- He would bring salvation to Israel
- Jesus’ mission was universal.
- He would be light for the revelation to the Gentiles
- Jesus was going to suffer for the sake of human kind
- He would deliver the Israelites from oppression
- His mission was to reveal God to human beings
- The coming of Jesus would cause divisions among people in Israel
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- He would be a source of joy to many people
- He would glorify and praise God
- Jesus would restore Jerusalem back to its glory

The Mission and Ministry of Jesus as revealed during His presentation and
dedication in the Temple
- His ministry is universal
- To bring salvation to Israel
- To be the light for the revelation to the Gentiles
- Ministry of suffering for the sake of humankind
- Reveal God to human beings
- Would cause divisions among people of Israel
- Would bring glory and praise to God
- Would restore Jerusalem to her glory

Lessons Christians learn from the dedication of Jesus

- Christians should be righteous before God in order to experience Him in their lives
- Christians should thank God for blessing them
- Christians should trust/have faith in God
- Christians should reach out to all the people/preaching salvation to all people
- Christians should show compassion to the needy in the society
- Christians should be devoted in their worship to God regardless of the challenges they
face
- Christians should dedicate their children to God/fulfill church obligations

The boy Jesus at the temple (Luke 2:41-52)

- When Jesus was twelve years, he accompanied His parents to Jerusalem for the
Passover.
- The Passover celebrations took place in the Temple.
- After the celebrations, Mary and Joseph left for home without Jesus.
- They had no idea they had left Jesus behind, thinking He was with the relatives
- They searched for Him among relatives but could not find Him.
- They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the Temple on the third day.
- Jesus was sitting with the Jewish teachers listening to them and asking and answering
questions.
- Those present were astonished at how he asked and answered questions with wisdom.
- Mary asked Jesus why He had remained behind.
- Jesus asked why they were looking for Him as if they did not know he was in his
Father’s house.
- Jesus left with His parents to Nazareth in obedience.

The meaning “Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house”
- Jesus was already aware of his relationship with God
- Jesus was the son of the most-high God
- The first obligation that he had was the demand of his father
- The temple is God’s house.
- It was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi
- Family obligation was secondary

Why children sometimes conflict with their parents in Kenya today

- Indiscipline of the children
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- Age barrier or generation gap
- Money issues either abundant or lack of it.
- Parents being over strict with their children
- Children or parents abusing drugs and alcohol
- Absentee parents who don’t have time to know their children
- Children take much time in schools or colleges making them strangers to their
parents.
- Permissiveness in the society.
- Bad behaviour from parents being copied by the young thus losing respect and role
models.
- Pregnancy in girls while at school
- Criminal activities e.g. theft
- Suspension/expulsion from school

Lessons Christians learn about family relationships from the incident when Jesus
went to celebrate the Passover feast at the age of twelve
- Children should obey their parents
- Parents should teach their children about God
- Parents should allow their children to mix with others
- Parents should be concerned about their children
- Family ties should not be broken/live in unity
- God’s work should be given priority in a family
- There should be open communication between/among family members

What Christian parents can learn with reference to the two occasions when Jesus
was taken to the Temple
- Children belong to God / should dedicate them to him.
- Parents should listen carefully to what church leaders tell them about their children.
- Parents should follow the rules laid down by the churches to ensure their children are
accepted
- They should teach their children God’s word just like Jesus parents did.
- They should let their children accompany them to church.
- They should teach their children to respect church leaders.
- They should instill confidence in their children so that they can approach church
leaders for any questions/difficulties they may have.

Why children should take part in church activities.

- They are made in the image of God.
- They follow the example of Christ who went to the synagogue / temple.
- To prepare them for future roles as leaders.
- To teach them religious beliefs / practices.
- To lay a foundation for Christian morals at an early age.
- Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God belongs to them / he appreciated / blessed
children.
- For the continued growth of the church.
- To help develop / improve their talents.
- To give them an opportunity to socialize with others.
- To help them spend their leisure positively.

Why churches involve the youth in worship.

- To create in them an awareness of God.
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- To learn the true teachings of their church.
- To learn to obey/ respect God.
- To imitate the example of Christ/ Jesus.
- To give them a sense of belonging to the Christian community.
- To improve their talents
- To help them spent their leisure time positively.
- To help them socialize with others.
- To help them improve their morals.
- To prepare them for future leadership.

Ways in which parents develop their children’s spiritual life.

- By having the children baptized/participate in the sacramental life of the church.
- Leading righteous life for the child to copy/being good role models.
- Taking children to church for dedication/thanksgiving.
- By allowing them to interact with others e.g. during Sunday school.
- By praying to God to guide the child.
- By exposing the child to church activities.
- By condemning the child’s evil activities/correcting them.
- By offering counseling services on spiritual matters.
- Teaching them to read the Bible.

Ways in which Christians show respect to places of worship in Kenya today.

- Through code of dressing.
- Observing silence
- Putting off the mobile phones
- Places of worship are mainly reserved for worship
- The altar is treated as sacred.
- Social activities are not carried out in the places of worship.
- Order is maintained in places of worship.
- Constructing special places for worshiping God/ dedicating them.

Ways which show that Jesus came from a poor background from his early life up to
twelve years.
- His father was a carpenter.
- His mother was an ordinary village girl.
- He was born in a manger / cattle shed.
- He was born in a small town, Bethlehem.
- The first people to visit him were shepherds who were regarded lowly.
- He was received by Simeon and Anna who were simple.
- During his dedication, the parents offered turtle doves (for the poor).
- He grew in Nazareth, a town of low status.

Lessons Christians learn about the stories of the birth of Jesus

- Jesus is the son of God
- The birth of Jesus was God’s plan which fulfilled the prophesies
- Jesus was born to bring salvation to mankind
- God uses the humble and the weak to fulfill his obligations
- The birth of Jesus was in harmony with the Jewish traditional practices
- His birth was extra-ordinary and mysterious
- Messianic news was a joy to all even and unborn baby John leaped with joy
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- Christians should have faith in God even when the promises are seemingly not
attainable. Mary believed in the Angel’s message
- We should thank God in every situation. Mary thanked God through the magnificat
- God protects us. God protected baby Jesus when Herod wanted to kill him

How the early life of Jesus prepared him for his future task
- His birth was through God’s plan
- His birth was through God’s holy spirit
- He had parents who nurtured him/ taught him the language of the Jews
- He underwent the Jewish cultural rites that made him fit socially among the Jews
- The Holy spirit filled him / gave him intellect / wisdom to perform miracles
- Was born from a poor family a sign that he came for the poor and the needy
- He was sociable / humble / passionate which made him accepted by many
- He was baptized where he got power to overcome the devil
- He didn’t marry / was celibate gave him humble time to carry out God’s work
- God gave him maximum protection right from birth until his death

Jesus as a prophet of God

- He was sent to earth / called by God
- His life was influenced by God’s holy spirit
- He was a humble man/ faithful / trustworthy to God
- His message was from God
- He condemned the evils of the people of his time
- He underwent torture / trials/ sufferings like other prophets of God
- He was a man of great miracles
- He preached the gospel of repentance and salvation like the other prophets
- Like prophets of God , he called people for moral uprightness
- He lived a simple life free from earthly demands/ commitments
- Like most prophets , he didn’t marry
- Like most prophets , his prophecies came to pass/were true
- He stood for God’s will until his death.

CHAPTER THREE
JOHN THE BAPTIST AND JESUS
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Outline the teachings of John the Baptist
2. Describe the baptism and temptations of Jesus in the wilderness
3. Explain the relevance of the baptism and the temptations of Jesus to Christians today

Introduction
- John was commissioned by God while in the wilderness to start His work
- He went through Jordan and the surrounding region proclaiming the Kingdom of God
- His appearance in the wilderness was to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy about a voice crying
in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3)

Reasons why John the Baptist lived in the wilderness.

- To enhance his spiritual growth since he was the prophet of God.
- Desert experience gave him a chance to focus on God’s message.

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- He wanted an opportunity to reflect on the political, social and economic weakness
that he noticed in the society.
- To enable God to empower him to preach.
- To have his life as a perfect example on how people can live in spirit without
interference of worldly pleasures.
- To taste suffering in order to prepare himself for God’s mission.
- It had been prophesied that he would be a Nazarite.
- He had the spirit of Elijah who lived in the desert.

The preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-20).

- He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John made it clear
that the baptism was only a symbol of repentance.
- He warned people about God’s coming judgment. John the Baptist warned his
listeners against God’s judgment. He was specifically addressing the Jewish religious
leaders who were hypocritical in their ritual demands of the Mosaic Law.
- He announced the coming of the messiah as a judge. Like a farmer winnowing grain
or felling trees, the messiah will bring the judgment of God upon those Jews who
have ignored God’s law.
- He preached social justice.

Lessons Christians learn from the preaching of John the Baptist

- Christians need to repent in readiness for forgiveness
- Christians should practice charity and show concern for the poor by sharing with them
what they have
- Christians should fight against all forms of social injustice like corruption and
extortion without fear
- Christians should be baptized as this is an outward proclamation of an inner change of
heart
- Christians are taught to prepare for the coming of God’s Kingdom

Groups of people who were prepared by John the Baptist.

- Jews – John urged them to repent and live according to God’s law. He warned them
of the coming judgment and informed them that the Messiah will baptize them with
fire and Holy Spirit.
- Rich – they were encouraged to share with the poor
- Soldiers – John told them not to rob or terrorize anyone.
- Tax collectors – John told them not to take more than required.
- Herod / leader. John rebuked him for his immoral behavior.

He taught the following to the different people who came to him for advice:
- Those who have should share with those who do not have
- He emphasized the need for fairness and honesty in their dealings.
- Soldiers were advised not to abuse their power by robbing and accusing others falsely
- He condemned King Herod’s immoral behavior including marrying his own brother’s
wife Herodias.

The teachings of John the Baptist in the wilderness

- He told the people to repent their sins and be baptized
- He condemned Jewish leaders for being hypocritical
- He warned that God’s judgment was at hand for all sinners

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- He told the people that being Abraham’s descendant alone did not make one righteous
with God
- They should ensure that the needy are catered for by sharing
- Tax collectors should be honest in their dealing
- Soldiers should not accuse others falsely
- He condemned the immoral behavior of King Herod
- He told the people that he was not the Messiah

Ways in which John the Baptist prepared the way for the messiah
- He baptized Jesus in River Jordan
- He advised people to live holy lives and do what is right
- He called people to repentance and warned them of God’s impending judgement
- He acknowledged that Jesus was greater than him
- He introduced Jesus to the crowd
- He introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God and Saviour of humankind
- He prepared people for the teachings of Jesus by pointing out their evil ways
- He introduced his disciples to Jesus and even handed them over to Him
- He made it clear to people that Jesus had come to start a new era of God’s Kingdom
- He stressed charity and justice and told the rich to be ready to share with the poor

Teachings of John the Baptist about the messiah

- Messiah is God’s prophet
- He is greater than John the Baptist/cannot untie His lace
- He is the son of God / the Christ
- Would baptize with fire and the holy spirit
- He would pass judgment to the unrepentant
- He is righteous hence needs no repentance
- Would reinforce God’s laws
- Will separate the righteous from sinners
- Shall exalt/ reward the repentant to eternity
- Will bring God’s salvation to humanity

Lessons that Christians can learn from John’s teachings

- Christians should be fair, honest and just in their dealings with other people.
- Christians should avoid being hypocritical in their society.
- Christians should know that God will judge us for our wrongdoing.
- Christians should repent their sins sincerely and seek for forgiveness and be
baptized.
- Christians should avoid corruption, immorality and hypocrisy at all levels in the
society.
- Christians should practice charity and show concern for the poor
- Christians should seek for baptism as this is an outward proclamation of an inner
change of heart

Problems church leaders encounter as they evangelize

- Lack of money or resources to meet their needs
- Lack of acceptance by some Christians due to education, age, tribe
- Lack of housing for themselves
- People might expect too much from them.
- Some members may refuse to co-operate with them
- Might work in geographical hostile environment

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- Might suffer stress and depression from personal or congregational problems for fear
of exposing their weakness
- Too much demand on their time and service by members
- Might not know how to deal with different groups in the church e.g. the youth,
women

Lessons Christians learn from the life of John the Baptist.

- Christians should be courageous in their work, John did not fear to condemn King
Herod.
- They should be honest like John who revealed the hypocrisy in the lives of Israelites.
- They should be ready to suffer just as John was jailed for the sake of the Gospel.
- Christians should have faith. John had a strong conviction that the Messiah would be
coming very soon.
- John obeyed God by proclaiming His message. Christians should also obey God.
- Christians should be ready to lead a life of self-denial. John lived in the wilderness.
- Christians should be ready to serve God. John served God by baptizing people and
preaching the gospel.
- John was humble as he acknowledged the greatness of Jesus. Christians should be
humble.

How Zachariah’s hopes for John were fulfilled

- The prophet John was born
- John was a great prophet
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- His mission was of reconciliation
- He came before the Lord
- The reproach was taken away
- John taught people in readiness of salvation
- Light had shone.

Ways in which the government is contributing to the evangelization process in

Kenya
- Guaranteeing freedom of worship in its constitution
- Providing a peaceful environment by maintaining law and order
- Providing of infrastructure for ease of accessibility
- Allowing Christian Religious Education to be taught in Kenyan schools
- Training and employing teachers of Christian Religious Education
- Providing financial assistance in the construction of churches, schools and hospitals
- Allowing government institutions to be used as venues for seminars and workshops
for churches
- Setting aside land for church construction
- Permitting evangelists from other countries to come and preach in Kenya
- Inviting Christian leaders to come and pray at political/official functions
- Allowing the use of state owned media to popularize church activities

The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22)

- John the Baptist baptized all the people.
- Jesus was also baptized
- Jesus was praying

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- The heavens opened
- The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus
- A voice came from heaven
- Jesus was described as the beloved son of God whom God was pleased with.

Significance of the voice from heaven

- It confirmed that Jesus is the son of God
- It showed that God approved of Jesus’ mission.
- The voice affirmed that Jesus was the promised messiah and people should follow
him.

Significance of the Holy Spirit

- The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus for the messianic work he was to do.
- The Holy Spirit would give Jesus courage and guidance in the work he was about to
start.

Why Jesus was baptized yet he was not a sinner

- Jesus wanted to confirm and show his approval of John’s ministry.
- He saw it as God’s plan for saving human kind.
- It was the last act of preparing those who were ready to receive the messiah.
- It was a way of fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about the messiah.
- He wanted to identify himself with the sinful mankind.
- It meant His final acceptance of the work of salvation which was to be completed
through His suffering.
- Baptism provided an opportunity for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
- Baptism introduced Jesus to the people.

Reasons why Christians undergo baptism today

- It empowers one to become a member of the Christian community.
- Through baptism, Christians identify themselves with Jesus Christ and all that he
stands for.
- Through baptism, Christians receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Baptism unites Christians as members of the body of Christ
- It is a symbol of death and resurrection.
- Through baptism, one becomes a child of God.
- Baptism prepares Christians for the kingdom of God.
- Baptism effects complete forgiveness of sins.

Relevance of Jesus baptism to Christians

- They receive forgiveness of sins through baptism
- It brings unity among them
- It is a sign that a Christian has died and resurrected to a new life in Christ
- It is a sign of a new beginning with Christ evidenced by the taking of new names
- They identify with Christ
- Those who are baptized receive the power of the holy Spirit which gives them
guidance in their new lives

Similarities between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus Christ.
- Both preached the message of salvation / they preached the Good News.
- Both preached about social justice / they condemned social injustices.
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- Both advised people to repent their sins in order to attain salvation.
- Both condemned hypocrisy in the Jewish society.
- Both predicted what would happen in the future / they foretold the future / both were
prophets.
- Both encountered opposition from the Jewish leaders.
- Both died for what they stood for.
- Both fulfilled what was prophesied in the Old Testament / their ministry had been
prophesied in the Old Testament.

Differences between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus Christ.
- John the Baptist preached mainly in the wilderness/desert of Judah while Jesus
preached in the synagogues/home/cities/towns/temple.
- John the Baptist called people to repentance while Jesus forgave/died for their sins.
- John the Baptist baptized with water but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit
- John the Baptist was a recluse while Jesus mixed freely with the people.
- The emphasis of John the Baptist preaching was in the promised Messiah, while that
of Jesus was about the Kingdom of God.
- John the Baptist message was direct whereas Jesus preached in parables.
- While John the Baptist’s disciples fasted, the disciples of Jesus ate and drank.
- John the Baptist did not perform miracles but Jesus ministry was full of
signs/wonders.
- John the Baptist was the fore runner/prepared the way while Jesus fulfilled/was the
Messiah.

Similarities between the role of Jesus and that of John the Baptist.
- Both called sinners to repent
- Both proclaimed judgment on sinners
- Both faced political leaders courageously
- Both led exemplary lives
- Both taught about the nature of God
- Both condemned evil ways of the people
- Both played the role of prophets.

The Temptations of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)

- The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he prayed and fasted for forty
days and nights.
- In the wilderness Jesus was tempted by the devil in three ways;
- The devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread if indeed he was the son of God.
- Jesus answered that man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes
from the mouth of the Lord.
- The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdom of the world
and promised to give it Him with all its wealth if only Jesus would bow down and
worship him.
- Jesus refused to yield to this temptation by quoting again the book of Deuteronomy
that says:
“Thou shall fear the Lord your God and you shall serve him and swear by his
name”. (Deuteronomy 6:13.)

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- The devil took Jesus to the roof of the temple and told him to jump down if he was the
son of God because God would command his angels to hold him and prevent him
from falling.
- Jesus refuted the devil’s statement by quoting from the book of Deuteronomy which
warns against putting God to the test.

Reasons why Jesus was tempted

- To show that God’s power is never to be misused
- To show that God should never be put to test
- The miracles Jesus was to perform in His ministry were to glorify God and not to
meet His personal needs
- The experience taught Him to accomplish His mission even though through suffering
- To show that Jesus was not to seek worldly power nor recognition
- To test His faith
- To identify with the sinful mankind
- O undo Adam’s succumbing to temptations

How the baptism of Jesus prepared Him for temptations in the wilderness.
- During His Baptism Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit who descended upon Him
like a dove. This symbolized the peaceful nature of His future mission. Jesus did not
use force to defeat the devil in the wilderness.
- The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to overcome temptation and guided Him to know
God’s will. It was God’s will that He alone be worshipped.
- The voice from heaven confirmed that Jesus was truly the son of God therefore He
had to obey his father not the devil.
- When Jesus accepted to be baptized He identified Himself with the needs of sinners.
He was therefore ready to experience the trials that human beings go through such as
the temptations to amass wealth and misuse power.
- After baptism Jesus saw the need to reconcile human beings to God by defeating evil
forces that separate people from God.
- “If you are truly the son of God” this temptation revealed to Jesus about His divine
sonship and mission.

Occasions in St Luke’s gospel when Jesus was tempted.

- Tempted in the wilderness by Satan before He started His public Ministry.
- Tempted in Nazareth when people asked him to perform miracles He had performed
in Capernaum.
- He was tempted by two sons of Zebedee when they asked Him to destroy by divine
fire the unwelcoming Samaritan villagers (Luke 9:51-56).
- The Pharisees tempted Jesus on the issue of tax payment to Caesar.
- During the transfiguration when Peter requested the construction of the three tents/
thus trying to stop Jesus mission to save man.
- When he predicted his coming suffering and death and Peter objected.
- He was tempted at the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest when He asked God
“Remove this cup from me”.
- By the soldiers during the trials when they asked Him to prophesy who had hit Him.
- He was tempted while on the cross by the people and even one of the thieves crucified
with Him told Him to save Himself from the cross.
- When he healed a dump man, they demanded a sign
- Was tempted to arbitrate between two brothers
- When the rich young ruler called Jesus a good teacher.
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- When his parents wanted to see him he refused
- During the trial he was asked whether he was the messiah
- He was questioned by the Sadducees about the resurrection.

What Christians learn about Jesus from his temptations

- Jesus is human
- Jesus has power over Satan / devil / evil
- Jesus had complete faith in his father.
- Jesus was well versed / knowledgeable in Jewish scriptures.
- Jesus mission was to destroy/ overcome Satan’s kingdom/ save mankind.
- Jesus was ready for his mission
- Jesus was a humble messiah
- Jesus is divine /son of God
- Jesus was obedient to his father.

The Importance of temptations in a Christian life.

- Temptations help in strengthening Christian faith.

- Through temptations Christians are able to develop/ acquire the virtue of endurance.
- Enables the Christians to seek assistance from God.
- It is not wrong to be tempted because even Jesus himself was tempted.
- Through temptations Christians are able to learn about the evil ways/plans of the
Devil.
- Christians get united in Christ and so unity is promoted.
- Continued temptation enables the Christians to pray / seek God’s advice and develop
resistance.

Relevance of Jesus’ temptations to Christians today

- Christians learn that it is not wrong to be tempted since Jesus was also tempted.
- Christians are assured that Jesus understands their situations when they are faced with
temptations.
- Christians learn that they should seek the help of the Holy Spirit when they are
tempted.
- Christians learn that they should turn to the bible for help when they are tempted.
- Christians learn that they should not worship anyone else except God.
- Christians learn that through temptations and trials, their faith is strengthened.
- Christians learn that God cannot tempt them beyond their strength.
- Christians learn that power and authority cannot lead one to the kingdom of God.
- Christians learn that the devil targets one after committing oneself to God just as Jesus
had gone to pray and fast.

SECTION II
CHAPTER FOUR
THE GALILEAN MINISTRY (Luke 4:14-9:50)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain why Jesus was rejected at Nazareth
2. Describe Jesus healing at Capernaum
3. Describe the call of the first disciples

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4. Explain why Jesus faced opposition from the Pharisees and Scribes

Jesus begins his work in Galilee.

- Jesus started His work in Galilee, His own home district
- His teaching and works brought conflicts between Him and His disciples and the
religious leaders.

Jesus rejection at Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)

- One Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth, his own village.
- He was given the book of Prophet Isaiah where he stood up to read.
- After reading the passage, Jesus commented that the scripture had been fulfilled
that day in their hearing
- When the people realized that Jesus was claiming to be the messiah, they became
hostile to him.
- Jesus responded by telling them that a prophet is never accepted by his own
people.
- He went on to give an example of non-Israelites who had received God’s favor
during Prophet Elijah and Elisha’s time.
- This made the listeners even more hostile that they even tried to kill him by
throwing him down a cliff.

Messianic mission of Jesus as summarized in Isaiah 61:1-3.

- Jesus had been appointed by God and was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- He was to preach the Good News to the poor in spirit who longed for the word of
God.
- Jesus came to liberate the captives of sin/He would forgive those who were looked
down upon as sinners.
- He would bring light to those in spiritual darkness/those who did not know the word
of God would be taught.
- Jesus would set free those who were politically, spiritually oppressed.
- Jesus would usher in a new era by establishing the Kingdom of God on earth.
- The messiah would bring salvation to the people.

Reasons why Jesus was rejected at Nazareth

- He failed to perform the miracles that he had performed in Capernaum
- He told the people that prophets are ignored in their own country
- He compared them unfavorably with the gentiles.
- He claimed that the prophecy had been fulfilled that day - He was the promised
Messiah.
- He condemned their forefathers for killing the prophets.
- The people were surprised for they knew him as the son of Joseph - the carpenter.
- He condemned their unfaithfulness.

Reasons why some church Ministers are unpopular.

- Some are lovers of money/wealth.
- Some come with unorthodox teachings contrary to the Doctrines of their
church/concepts.
- Their teaching is boring.
- Act as poor role models.
- Some practice nepotism/Tribalism/Ethnicity.
- Gender discrimination.
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- Some squander church offerings/finances.
- Others live in luxury at the expense of the poor in the church.
- Their background.

Ways in which Christians are persecuted today

- They are at times locked in custody
- They have been silenced through threats from powerful people
- They have been denied public audience
- They have been scorned upon by non-believers
- Their message is rejected as untrue
- They are challenged by marvels of science
- They face opposition from other religions
- Some have been exiled because of their ideologies that may not agree with those in
political power
- They have been discriminated upon in the job market in some countries

Jesus heals in Capernaum ( Luke 4:31-44) .

Jesus healed the following people in Capernaum:
- A man with an evil spirit
- Simon’s mother in-law
- Many sick people who were brought to him at the end of the Sabbath.

Jesus healed a man with an evil spirit (verse 31-37)

- Jesus taught people at Capernaum in Galilee on the Sabbath
- People were amazed at the way he taught
- There was a man who had an evil spirit in the synagogue
- He screamed out in a loud voice demanding to know if Jesus had come to destroy
them.
- The demon also confessed that he knew Jesus as God’s messenger
- Jesus ordered the spirit to be quiet and come out of the man
- The man was thrown down by the power of the spirit without causing him any harm
- The people got astonished and questioned the source of Jesus authority
- The report about Jesus miracles and teachings spread everywhere in the region

Jesus healed Simon’s mother in-law (verse 38-39)

- Jesus went to Simon’s house.
- Simon’s mother in-law was suffering from a fever and Jesus was asked to heal her.
- Jesus commanded the fever to leave her and she was healed immediately.

Jesus heals the sick (verse 40-41)

- In the evening, Jesus healed people suffering from various diseases and demon
possession who were brought to him
- They were impressed by Jesus’ authority and power and wanted to keep Him in their
own area.
- However, Jesus made it clear that the Good News of God’s Kingdom is meant for all
people.

Lessons Christians can learn from Jesus’ healing in Capernaum.

- Jesus came to save human beings from the slavery of sin and therefore Christians
should turn to Him for total healing.
- Faith and prayer are necessary for healing ( James 5:14-15a)
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- Jesus has power over evil spirits and demons. (Col 2:15)
- Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God and destroy the kingdom of Satan.
- Jesus is the son of God, the Messiah promised by God.

The call of the first disciples (Luke 5:1-11)

- Jesus called the first disciples on the shores of Lake Gennesaret
- A large crowd had gathered to listen to the word of God.
- Jesus climbed into Simon Peter’s boat and sat in it preaching to the people.
- After preaching, he asked Peter and his companions to cast their nets into the water.
- Peter was reluctant to do so since they had been fishing the whole night and had not
caught any fish.
- Peter and his companions however obeyed and were surprised at the big catch of fish.
- Peter perceived this as a miracle and he recognized Jesus as Lord and repented his
sins.
- Jesus called them to follow him and become ‘fishers of men’.
- The fishermen left everything and followed Jesus.

Why Jesus chose/called the twelve disciples

- To give him company during his public ministry
- To reveal to them the nature of his Messiahship which was misunderstood by the
people.
- So that they can witness to others after his departure/ to continue with his work
- Symbolically it revealed the reunion of a new Israel that had twelve tribes
- To show that his mission targeted people of varied backgrounds
- To assist him in the day to day activities of his mission
- To be a role model around whom the kingdom of God would be built.

Lessons Christians can learn from the call of the first disciples.
- Christians should have faith in God. Simon Peter trusted in Jesus’ command to cast
the net in the deep sea although he knew that they tried the whole night and caught
nothing.
- Christians should repent their sins. Simon Peter knelt before Jesus and acknowledged
his sinful state.
- Christians should work together as a team. Simon Peter, his brother Andrew and the
two brothers, James and John were in fishing partnership before Jesus called them.
- There is hope for those who follow Jesus. Jesus told Peter not to be afraid.
- Christians should be diligent in their work as the fishermen were.
- God reveals himself to people in their daily activities. Jesus revealed himself to the
disciples as they went about their activities.
- Those who are called by God should be humble. Christians need to humble
themselves before God by realizing their sinfulness.
- Christians should be ready to leave everything and do the will of God. The disciples
left everything to follow Jesus.
- God still calls people today to serve Him in various capacities
- God can choose anybody to serve Him regardless of their status in society

The healing of the paralytic man (Lk 5: 18- 26)

- One day when Jesus was teaching is a house among his audience were scribes and
Pharisees

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- Some people brought to him a man who was paralyzed , but finding no way to bring
him in because of the crowd , they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed
thought the tiles , into the midst before Jesus
- When Jesus saw the great faith of those who brought him, told the paralytic “ your
sins are forgiven my friend”
- The Pharisees who heard him grumbled, saying. it was only God who could forgive
sins
- To prove to the Pharisees and scribes that he had divine power to forgive sins, he
challenged them, `is it easier to say your sins are forgiven you or to say get up and
walk?’
- Jesus then ordered the paralytic to rise up, pick up his bed and go home.
- Immediately the paralytic rose up and departed to his house glorifying God
- The people were amazed and they glorified God and were filled with fear.

JESUS FACES OPPOSITION ( Luke 5:12 – 6:11)

Characteristics of the different groups that opposed Jesus
The Pharisees
- They believed in the existence of demons and Satan.
- They believed in and waited for the messiah of God.
- They believed in the resurrection of the dead.
- They believed in God’s judgment of all human kind at the end of time.
- They were strong nationalists
- They believed in the existence of angels.
- They believed in the teachings of the prophets and other writings of the Old
Testament.
- They followed strictly some 632 distinct rules and regulations broken down from the
Ten Commandments.
- They believed in the Law of Moses and accepted the first five books of the bible as
God inspired.
- They upheld the oral traditions of the elders.
- They passed the religious traditions of the Jews from generation to generation.

Why Pharisees were called hypocrites by Jesus

- They considered themselves self righteous
- They looked down upon others
- They were proud/ they exalted themselves too much
- They misapplied the law of Moses
- They observed the law for their own personal gains
- They always sought to find faults in the life of Jesus
- They followed rules made by men opposed to God’s rules
- They over emphasized the outward cleanliness as opposed to inward purity
- They had bad influence on the people
- They misled God’s people

The Scribes
- They were also known as ‘Rabbi’
- They were experts in the content and application of the law.
- They were represented in the Jewish religious council called the Sanhedrin.

The Sadducees
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- They were a consumptive group / sect who accepted the Mosaic law (Torah)
- They rejected their own traditions of elders.
- Most of them were priests from wealthy families.
- They did not believe in angels, demons etc.
- They did not believe in resurrection of the body.
- They did not believe in judgment.
- They did not believe in the messiah.
- They supported the Roman rule.
- Some of them were members of the Sanhedrin.

Jesus response to the Sadducees question on resurrection. (Luke. 20: 27-40.)

- They entered an argument with Jesus based on the Mosaic teaching. (Deut: 25:5-6.)
- The law made provision for levirate marriage.
- A woman got married to seven brothers who died yet left no children.
- They wanted to know who the woman’s husband will be during the resurrection.
- Jesus responded that there was no marriage after resurrection / no husband-wife
relationship.
- A resurrected body would have an angelic form/ heavenly form.
- There was no death after resurrection for the righteous will live eternally.
- God is for those who are alive and not for those who are dead.
- He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who are alive.

Dangers of wife inheritance.

- The spread of HIV/AIDS resulting to orphans suffering.
- Jealousy from other wives – conflicts.
- Children suffer from fear / insecurity.
- Fear of losing family property.
- May lead to poverty.
- Rivalry among wives.
- Psychological problems.
- Rejection of the woman defies the cultural stand on being inherited.

Reasons why the Scribes and Pharisees opposed Jesus /Reasons why Jesus had
conflicts with the Jewish religious leaders
- Jesus’ claim to have the power to forgive – the use of the paralytic Lk 5:17 – 26.
- Jesus association with tax collectors and sinners – Lk 5:27 – 32 – the call of Levi.
- Jesus’ failure to observe the law on fasting Lk 5: 33-35
- Jesus’ attitude towards the Sabbath- the son of man is Lord of the Sabbath – Lk 6:5.
Jesus performed works of mercy on the Sabbath e.g. healing the sick.
- Jesus criticized the evils done by the Pharisees/Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the
Jewish leaders openly.
- Jesus had become very popular because of performing miracles.
- Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah
- Reading the evil thoughts of Jewish leaders and revealing them.
- Jesus failure to observe the traditions of elders e.g. cleaning, fasting

Vices that Jesus would condemn among Christians today

- Leadership wrangles
- Sexual immorality in the church
- Indecent dressing by Christians
- Corruption by church leaders and members
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- Gossip among Christians
- Tribalism, nepotism and discrimination in the church

Ways in which church leaders can respond to those who oppose them
- Find out the causes / reasons for the opposition.
- The church leader should pray for / with them.
- Explain to them the Gospel of truth in a humble manner / guide and counsel them.
- Seek reconciliation through a third party / another person.
- Involve them in decision making / church activities.
- Recognize their efforts in supporting the church matters.
- Visit them in their homes / fellowship with them.
- Assist them when in problems (financially / materially).
- Send them messages of encouragement.
- Change approach to issues / reform where necessary.
Lessons that Christians learn from Jesus’ opposition
- Christians should not condemn those who are different from them. The Pharisees and
the scribes condemned Jesus for eating with tax collectors.
- Church leaders should make rules that promote development and growth of the
church. The Pharisees and the scribes had made ordinary people slaves of the law.
- Christians should be ready to assist the needy regardless of the opposition they face in
the process.

CHAPTER FIVE
The sermon on the plain.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain the choosing of the twelve disciples and identify Jesus teaching on the qualities
of true discipleship
2. Explain Jesus teachings on the Sermon on the Plain and apply it to daily life

The choosing of the twelve disciples (Lk. 6:12-16)

- After His night of prayer, Jesus called his disciples and He chose twelve.
- They were to teach His word and be witness to the Good News.
- The twelve were:
 Simon Peter
 Andrew
 James
 John
 Philip
 Bartholomew
 Mathew
 Thomas
 James, son of Alpheus
 Simon the zealot
 Judas son of James
 Judas Iscariot.

Reasons why Jesus called the twelve disciples to his ministry

- To teach them real meaning of the kingdom of God.
- To be His companions and personal assistants.
- To form an inner group which would accompany Him during His public ministry.
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- To be witnesses to His saving acts to the world.
- To help Him carry out His work of salvation.
- To reveal His person and give them a new understanding of His messiahship.
- To train them for His mission after His death.
- To lay the foundation for the establishment of the New Israel (church).
- To continue with the biblical theme of election in which God would eventually restore
the broken relationship with human beings.
- To symbolize the reconstruction of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the choosing of the twelve disciples
- God can choose anybody to do his work.
- Christians should respond to God’s call positively.
- Following Christ requires total commitment.
- Christians should always consult God in prayer, Jesus prayed before choosing the
disciples.
- Christians should be ready to spread the good news.
- Christians have a duty to witness for Christ. The disciples were called to be
witnesses.

Qualities of a true disciple as taught by Jesus( Luke 6:20-49)

 After Jesus had selected the 12 apostles, he taught them on the qualities of true
discipleship.
 True disciples according to Jesus should have the following qualities:
- They should exercise self criticism before judging others
- They need to show compassion to others
- They should implement Jesus teachings
- They should have unwavering faith in Jesus.
- They should persevere in persecution
- They should be generous
- They should obey Jesus teachings
- They should exercise Love for enemies/pray for those who mistreat them.
- They should forgive those who wrong them
- They should leave everything and follow Christ.
- They should be role models.

Ways in which the church prepares people to do the work of God

- Training them
- Providing them with guidance and counseling
- Praying for them
- Teaching them the word of God
- Establishing theological colleges for training them
- Exposing them to real practical ministry/attachment
- Ordaining them
- Giving them financial/material support for their projects/fees/upkeep
- Encouraging them to use their talents in church

The characteristics of a true follower of Christ

- Spreading the gospel
- Working among the destitute
- Praying for God’s blessings
- Setting a good example for others to emulate
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- Speaking against evil openly
- Providing guidance and counseling services
- Forgiving others
- Accepting suffering as part of discipleship

Expectations of the disciples in today’s living.

- One must be ready to cut off families ties.
- Support other people.
- Not to emphasize on material wealth
- Always accept Jesus as Messiah.
- Be ready to die for Christ.
- Must have strong faith/firm
- Not to be afraid of earthly authority
- Humble and not fight back.
- Co-exist with other members of society
- To happily accept persecution
- Encourage people to join the Christian faith.

The problems faced by true followers of Jesus today

- Persecution on account of their faith
- False accusation
- They are hated when they criticize evil
- Temptations /sickness /loss of loved ones
- Inadequate resources to spread the gospel
- Their messages are not taken seriously
- Those in authority do not support them
- Family matters /socio-economic matters take much of their time

The main themes of the sermon on the plain (Luke 6:20-49)

- Blessings and woes (in Luke 6: 20-26)/Beatitudes
- Love of enemies (Luke 6:27-37)
- Judging others (in Luke 6:38-43)
- Evidence of good discipleship (in Luke 6:44-46)
- Hearing and doing (Luke 6:47-49)

The main teaching of Jesus in the sermon on the plain

- Blessed are the hungry for the word.
- Those who suffer /weeping /rejected/hated for Christ’s sake would be rewarded.
- The rich/ joyful shall mourn /weep.
- Show unconditional love to enemies.
- Be merciful as their father God.
- Be non-judgmental to avoid being judged /condemned.
- Unconditional forgiveness.
- Be charitable /sharing with the needy.
- Obey the word of Jesus.
- Be peace makers.

Teachings of Jesus on the sermon on the plain (Luke 6:17-49)

- The poor in spirit shall inherit the Kingdom of God because they are ready to repent.
- Those who hunger and thirst now shall be satisfied because they are ready to receive
the word of God.
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- Those who are persecuted because of Jesus shall be rewarded if they remain steadfast
and faithful to Jesus.
- It is wrong to judge others as Judgement is in the hands of God.
- Love of enemies promotes peaceful co-existence.
- The followers of Jesus should demonstrate by their way of life e.g. assisting the poor.

Teachings of Jesus on true discipleship from the sermon on the plain

- Disciples should have perseverance in the face of opposition
- Have unwavering faith in Jesus/ deep rooted faith
- Should love their enemies / appreciate them
- Be generous and share with those who do not have
- Be obedient to Christ’s teachings
- Forgive others / merciful to others/ show compassion
- Avoid hypocrisy and show self righteousness
- Fair when passing judgement to others / not judge others
- Bless those who curse them/pray for those who mistreat them.
- Not revenge against their enemies.

Teachings of Jesus from the beatitudes.

- The poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of God.
- Those who hunger now shall be filled/ satisfied.
- Those who weep shall be comforted/laugh
- Those who are persecuted on account of Jesus shall be rewarded.
- The humble shall retain the earth.
- The merciful shall obtain mercy/Christians should be merciful.
- The pure in heart shall see God/Christians should work towards purity of heart.
- The peacemakers shall be called the sons of God/Christians should excel towards
peacemaking.

Ways Jesus demonstrated the teaching on the sermon on the plain in his ministries
- He suffered rejection at Nazareth.
- He was non-judgmental to sinners i.e. he mixed freely with them.
- He was charitable /feeding of 5000.
- Loved his enemies i.e. the ear of the high priest’s servant.
- Asked God to forgive those who crucified him.

Virtues that Jesus requires of his followers according to the Sermon on the Plain
- Spiritually poor / hungry for the word of God
- Perseverance
- Love
- Being prayerful
- Generosity
- Being merciful
- Being non-judgemental
- Being forgiving
- Honesty
- Obedience
- Tolerance
- Being just

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Reasons why Christians fail to live according to Jesus’ teaching on the sermon on
the plain
- Revenge is easier than loving an enemy.
- Because of worldly pleasures.
- They turn to magic/give up when persecuted.
- Some are greedy and selfish
- Some people are girded by pride/don’t realize their sinfulness/it is not urgent to
repent.
- It is easy to incite than be a peacemaker.

Relevance of the Sermon on the Plain

- The goal of a person should be to inherit the Kingdom of God
- Christians should love their enemies
- Christians should examine themselves before passing judgement on others
- Christians should be firm in their faith and prayerful in seeking God’s guidance and
protection
- Christians should be willing to hear God’s word and proclaim it
- Christians should promote peace
- Christians should be generous by sharing what they have with others

Ways Christians continue with the healing ministry of Jesus.

- Laying hands on the sick /anointing them.
- Providing guidance and counseling.
- Constructing hospitals /health centers /rehabilitation centers.
- Providing curative /preventive drugs /treating sick.
- Preaching against evil /causes of ailments.
- Providing food /clothing /shelter/finance to the sick
- Visiting the sick.
- Training medical personnel.
- Educating through seminars /workshops.
- Providing literature on health.
- Paying medical personnel.

CHAPTER SIX
SOME WORKS AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain Jesus works of compassion
2. Narrate the parables of Jesus
3. Relate the significance of the parables of Jesus to daily life
4. Describe the mighty works of Jesus
5. Explain the significance of the teaching from the mighty works of Jesus to Christians
today
6. Explain the teaching of Jesus on discipleship, divine power, messiahship, faith and
humility

JESUS’ WORKS OF COMPASSION.

The healing of the Centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10)
- In Capernaum, there was a centurion who had a slave who was very sick.
- He knew that Jesus had powers to heal.
- He therefore sent elders of the Jews to Jesus so that He could heal his servant.
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- The intercession of the Jewish leaders made Jesus turn towards the centurion’s
house.
- When the centurion heard that Jesus was coming to him, he sent a message to stop
Him.
- The centurion showed great faith in Jesus’ ability to heal by saying that Jesus did
not need to come to his house but only say a word and his servant would get well.
- Jesus commended the centurion for his great faith and the faith healed his servant.

Lessons that a Christian can learn from this healing

- As a Christian one must have faith
- Christians should show compassion to the needy
- Christian leaders should seek help from God when they are in need.
- Christians should minister to all people regardless of their race, tribe, gender or creed.
- Christian employers should treat their workers with compassion
- Christians should know that Jesus has power to heal all forms of illnesses.
- Christians should be humble.
- The good news is for both Jews and Gentiles. The centurion was a Gentile.

Leadership qualities demonstrated by the centurion during the healing of his

servant.
- Humility
- Mercifulness
- Honesty
- Faithfulness
- Kindness
- Responsibility
- Authoritative

Occasions in the ministry of Jesus when the gift of healing was applied.
-Healing a man with an evil spirit at Capernaum (Luke 4:31-37)
-Healing of Simon’s mother in-law
-Jesus healing many people with various diseases at Capernaum/ Exorcism at Capernaum
-Healing a man with a dreaded skin disease (Luke 5:12-14)
-Healing of a paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-26)
-Healing of a man with a paralyzed hand
-Jesus healing many people (Luke 6:17-19)
-Healing of a Roman officer’s servant/Centurion’s servant
-Jesus heals a man with demons (Luke 8:26-39)
-Healing of a woman who touched Jesus cloak
-Healing of a boy with an evil spirit
-Healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath
-Jesus healing ten lepers
-Jesus healing a sick man (Luke 14:1-6)
-Healing of a blind beggar

How the gift of healing has been abused in Kenya

- It has been commercialized/healing for payment
- There is a lot of cheating and conmanship by people who pretend to be pastors
- The cost of medicine is very high
- There are several quacks pretending to be doctors
- The quality of treatment has gone down in hospitals
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- There are counterfeit drugs in the market
- Inadequacy of medical equipment in hospital

THE RAISING OF THE WIDOWS SON IN NAIN (Luke 7:11-17)

- When Jesus was at the entrance to the city of Nain, he saw a widow weeping because
her only son had died.
- Seeing that the woman was now alone with no family left, Jesus sympathized with her
situation.
- He asked the woman to stop weeping, touched the coffin and ordered the young man
to rise up.
- The dead man sat up and begun to speak and Jesus gave him to his mother.
- All the people were seized with fear and they glorified God.
- They acknowledged that Jesus was a great prophet.

Lessons that a Christian can learn from the raising of the widow’s son
- Traditional laws should not hinder a Christian from performing acts of compassion.
- Jesus has power over death
- We are all equal before God.
- Christians should empathize with the needy.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament.

Lessons Christians learn about Jesus from the raising of the widow’s son at Nain
- Jesus has power over death.
- Jesus is above ritual uncleanliness.
- Jesus is the giver of life / the resurrection.
- Jesus’ mission is for the weak and the suffering like the widows.
- He is the Messiah as he performs miracles.
- He is a great prophet sent by God to his people.
- He came to spread the word of God as crowds followed to hear him.
- He is Lord / son of God.

The forgiveness of the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50)

- One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him and Jesus went into his house and
took His place at table.
- There was a woman of the city who was a sinner.
- When she learned that Jesus was in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster
flask of ointment.
- She started weeping on Jesus’ feet and wiping Him with her hair.
- This action drew a negative reaction from Simon the host.
- Simon wondered how Jesus could allow a sinner to touch Him.
- If he was a prophet, He would have known that the woman was a prostitute.
- Jesus knew the thoughts of Simon.
- He responded by giving the parable of the two debtors.
- He then told the woman that her sins had been forgiven.

Teachings of Jesus on forgiveness from the story of the forgiveness of the sinful
woman
- God is merciful to sinners / He gives a chance to repent/ come back to Him
- God forgives all types of sin
- We should not judge others/ all are sinners and no one has a right to judge others
- Jesus does not condemn sinners/ Jesus loves sinners but hates sin
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- We should avoid sinning after being forgiven/ those whose sins are forgiven should
live according to the law of God/ live righteously
- We are all sinners / no one is righteous for everyone needs forgiveness
- We should not kill sinners/ life is sacred and only God can take it away
- We should be tolerant to sinners / we should love sinners/ pray for them/ help them to
change and take them to God

Teachings of Jesus on forgiveness.

- God forgives those who forgive others.
- Forgiveness should be unlimited.
- We should not take revenge against those who wrong us.
- God forgives those who repent their sins.
- Jesus has power to forgive sins.
- Those forgiven more sins love God the more.
- Forgiveness should be unconditional.
- We should forgive just as God forgives.
- We should forgive our enemies.
- Forgiveness should be immediate.

Reasons why Christians find it hard to forgive.

- Lack of proper understanding of the Bible.
- Damage caused by sin.
- Some people are not apologetic /repentant.
- Some like cases settled in court.
- Not recognizing the need to forgive as they are forgiven.
- Some are too proud.
- Some count on self-righteousness and do not believe people can sin.

Lessons a Christian can learn from the forgiveness of the sinful woman.
- It is not the magnitude of sins that is important but rather the attitude of a person
toward the sins.
- Christians should acknowledge their sins and repent.
- Christians should accept sinners and preach repentance to them.
- Christians should not condemn sinners.
- Christians should not judge others.

JESUS TEACHES IN PARABLES

Meaning of a parable
- A parable is an earthly story, with a hidden or a heavenly meaning.

Reasons why Jesus used parables

- To separate the serious seekers of the Kingdom of God from the onlookers.
- To be able to communicate effectively.
- To attract the attention of his listeners.
- To avoid direct confrontation with the Pharisees, Sadducees and the scribes.
- To conceal his identity.
- To bring out the attributes of an invisible God.
- To teach on the need to love one’s neighbor.
- To teach the disciples that they should be persistent and never be discouraged.

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THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (Luke 8:4-9)
- A sower went to the field to sow seeds.
- Some of the seeds fell on footpaths where they were trampled on and eaten by birds.
- Some seeds fell on rocky ground where they grew a little and withered due to lack of
moisture.
- Some seeds fell on thorns where they grew but were chocked.
- Others fell on good soil where they grew and bore fruit.

Meaning of the parable (Luke 8:9-15)

- The seed is the word of God.
- The sower is Jesus Christ.
- The ground represents the people and the ways through which they respond to
the word of God.
- People respond to the word differently.
- Those who hear the word of God but do not believe are like the seeds that fell
on the footpath.
- Those who hear and believe God’s word but later fall into temptation and lose
their way are like the seeds that fell on rocky ground.
- Those who hear and believe but are overtaken by the pleasures of the world
are like the seeds that fell among thorns.
- Those who respond, believe and act according to the word of God are like the
seeds that fell on good soil.

Teachings of Jesus in the parable of the sower.

- God’s word is preached to all people but it is received differently.
- Some are preached to, but the devil takes it away so that they do not believe.
- People receive the word of God gladly but it fades during temptations
- Some people receive the word of God faithfully until it bears fruits
- Jesus is compared to the sower sowing seed to all the people
- The seed is the word of God which Jesus came to sow in the minds of human beings.
- The kingdom of God faces challenges as it grows
- Christians should preach the word of God and win people to the Kingdom of God.
- They should guard their faith in God against satanic forces
- Christians should nourish the word of God in them so that it does not fade
- Some people hear the word of God but it does not take root in their hearts because of
worries and riches of this world

Why some people find it difficult to obey God’s commandments.

- Pride
- High academic knowledge/science and technology
- Opposition from the power of the devil
- Belief in materialism
- Lack of faith
- Fear of persecution
- Other religious beliefs/influence by other religions.
- Inadequate role models among Christians
- leadership wrangles in the church
- Different interpretation of the scriptures
- Poverty which dehumanizes a person.

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Lessons that a Christian can learn from the parable of the sower
- Christians should not allow pleasures and riches of this world to prevent them from
practicing the word of God.
- Christians should not despair when preaching the word of God.
- Christians should be the good soil which brings forth fruits.
- Christians should resist the temptations of worldly pleasures.
- Christians should stand firm in their faith.
- Christians cannot serve two masters at the same time that is worldly pleasures and
God.
- Positive results of preachers do not depend on learning but on the attitudes of the
people.

THE PARABLE OF A LAMP UNDER A BOWL (Luke 8:16-18)

- Jesus taught that no one can light a lamp and cover it with a bowl or hide it under a
bed.
- Instead they put it on a stand to illuminate a room.

MEANING OF THE PARABLE

- Jesus is the light.
- The disciples are trees on whom the light shines.

Lessons that a Christian can learn from the parable of the lamp under a bowl
- Christians have a duty to share the knowledge of God with others.
- Christians need to have faith in Jesus in order to accomplish the work of God.

How effective Jesus was in the use of parables.

- It was a popular method of teaching that time.
- It challenged his listeners and stimulated their imaginations.
- It minimized boredom and absent mindedness / captured their attention.
- It helped Jesus avoid direct conflict with Jewish leaders.
- It was effective in making the listeners remember facts.
- It provoked listeners into critical thinking / easy understanding.
- It distinguished between serious seekers of the kingdom from idlers.
- It was effective in explain the unknown using the known.

Reasons why the followers of Jesus were amazed at the way He taught.
- He taught with authority.
- His teaching attracted great crowds.
- He had a lot of wisdom.
- The teachings were spiced with miracles.
- Some of his teachings were unique / full of symbolism.
- He taught by demonstration.
- He forgave sins which was believed to be God’s work.
- He exercised demons/drove out unclean spirit.

THE MIGHTY WORKS OF JESUS

Four divisions of the miracles of Jesus
- Nature miracles – the calming of the storm. ( Luke 8:10-17)
- Raising of the dead – Jairus’ daughter ( Luke 8: 46-56)

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- healing miracles – the healing of the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10) and the cure of
the paralytic (Luke 5:17-41)
- exorcism casting out of evil spirits – the Gerasene demoniac (Luke 4:31-37)

The calming of the storm (Luke 8:22-25)

- Jesus was sailing with his disciples across the Sea of Galilee when a great storm
arose.
- Jesus who had fallen asleep was awakened by his disciples.
- They were terrified.
- Jesus rebuked the wind and the storm calmed.
- Jesus reprimanded the disciples as men of little faith.

Lessons that Christians learn from Jesus’ calming of the storm

- Jesus has power over nature.
- The storms in our lives should strengthen our faith.
- Fear and lack of faith keep Christians from recognizing the power of God.
- Christians should have complete faith in Jesus and depend on him all the time.
- Christians should learn not to give up their faith in the face of persecution.

The healing of the Gerasene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39)

- Jesus entered a gentile town of Gerasa.
- Here Jesus met a demon-possessed man.
- The man had been living in the caves used for the burial of the dead.
- He wore no clothes.
- When the man saw Jesus, he asked Him not to torment him.
- When Jesus asked him what his name was, he responded that he was called “Legion”
which stands for between 2000 and 6000 solders in a battle field.
- Jesus had sympathy for the Gerasene demoniac and ordered the unclean spirit to leave
him.
- Jesus let the evil spirits go into the pigs that were grazing nearby, which then fell into
the lake and drowned.
- The man was told to go and proclaim what God had done for him.
- He went back to his village and started proclaiming the word of God.
- The people of Gerasa reacted negatively to Jesus’ act of healing.
- They asked Jesus to go away because their pigs had drowned.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the healing of the demon-possessed man.
- Christians learn that Jesus has power over evil spirits.
- It proved the divinity of Jesus as the son of God.
- Jesus can liberate us from the power of Satan and sin just as he liberated the demon-
possessed man.
- Jesus came to bring God’s kingdom and destroy the Kingdom of Satan.
- Human life is of great value to Jesus.
- Christians should be ready to surrender their material possession to save people in
need.
- Christians should constantly fight against powers of evil.
- Jesus is able to heal the whole person both physically and mentally.
- Christians have a duty to carry the universal mission of Jesus to everybody regardless
of their race or geographical location.

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The raising of Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:40-56.)
- Jairus was a very important man in the Jewish community.
- He was a ruler of the synagogue.
- Jairus had only one daughter who was 12 years old and was very ill.
- Jairus went with Jesus to go to his house and heal his dying daughter.
- Jesus told Jairus to believe and all would be well.
- Before Jesus reached Jairus’ house, a message was delivered that the child had died.
- Jairus still had faith and went with Jesus to his house.
- Jesus arrived at Jairus house and ordered the mourners to stop crying and remain
outside the house.
- Jesus went in with the child’s parents, Peter, John and James.
- He took the child’s hand and ordered her to arise.
- The child came back to life and Jesus asked her parents to feed her.
- The parents were amazed but Jesus urged them not to tell anybody.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the raising of Jairus daughter
- Christians should have faith in Jesus
- Christians should seek help from God.
- God values human life.
- Christians should be humble as Jairus was.
- Jesus is Lord of life.
- Jesus has authority over life and death.

The healing of the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak (Luke 8:43-48)
- As Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ house, a large crowd followed and pressed
against him.
- In the crowd was a woman who suffered from an incurable disease.
- She had bled for 12 years and none of the doctors had been able to cure her.
- She believed that just by touching the cloak of Jesus, she would be healed.
- She secretly touched him and was healed immediately.
- Jesus asked who had touched him deliberately to make everyone know that the
woman was healed.
- He made everyone know that the woman’s faith had healed her.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the healing of the woman who touched Jesus’
cloak
- Jesus cares for those who are isolated and despised in society.
- Women are important members/part of the community.
- Christians have a duty to change the attitudes of people towards those suffering from
diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
- Christians should fight against any kind of discrimination.
- Christians should have faith which renders all things possible.

Ways in which the church in Kenya puts into practice the healing ministry of Jesus
- Building of hospitals/ dispensaries/ health centers where the sick are treated/ cared for
- Training of medical personnel e.g. nurses, doctors, who treat and care for the sick/
provide medicine/ funds
- Employ field health workers to advise people on health care and hygiene/ participate
in health promoting activities
- Provided food for the hunger-stricken families/ areas/ to the sick
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- Teach people better farming methods to get better yields of crops/ animals to feed the
family
- Provision of clean water
- Provision of guidance and counseling which attributes to psychological healing
- Provision of family education programmes to maintain/ improve healthy relationships
among members of the family
- Providing education in schools to eradicate ignorance/ poverty/ disease
- Church as a family provides a place to feel at home for marginalized/ oppressed
people
- The church preaching/ teachings/ give hope/ spiritual nourishment for a healthy soul
- Teaches self respect/ self worth for individual who was created in God’s image/ each
individual is a temple of the Holy Spirit
- Organize seminars/ mass media/ worship programmes on health issues e.g. HIV/AIDS
- Provide homes for the aged/ needy/ physically/ mentally disabled people
- Run/ sponsor schools for children with special needs e.g. blind, deaf, dumb,
physically disabled
- They play reconciliatory roles at individual/ community/ nation level
- Teach members to care/ love one another/ love for neighbours
- Hold prayers for those who are sick

The importance of the miracles of Jesus

- They evoke faith.
- They show that Jesus is a universal savior
- Through the miracles of healing, Jesus showed his concern for the total well being
of humankind.
- They attracted many people to Jesus.
- They show that Jesus is the son of God.
- They show Jesus as Lord of life.
- They are part of Jesus teaching.
- They affirm that Jesus came to save the world from sin.
- They are a manifestation of God’s love and concern for his people through Jesus
Christ.
- They show Jesus’ compassion to those who are suffering.

Significance of miracles in the ministry of Jesus.

- Miracles were a proof that the kingdom of God had come.
- Miracles proved that Jesus was the source of life.
- Miracles strengthened the faith of his audience.
- Miracles were a proof that Jesus cared for both spiritual and bodily health / provide
for our needs
- Miracles manifested God’s love/concern for mankind.
- Miracles show that Jesus came to liberate / redeem / save people from sin / death.
- Miracles proved God is powerful.
- Miracles show that Jesus had come for all people.
- Miracles show that the kingdom He represented was for those who had faith in God.
- Miracles form part of Jesus teaching ministry.
- Miracles of Jesus draw crowds to Him. This gave Jesus opportunities to teach many
people.
- Miracles were a sign of the presence of God through Jesus.

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The different types of miracles performed by Jesus
- Nature miracle: Such miracles include the feeding of the five thousand, the calming
of the storm and the miraculous catch of fish. The miracles demonstrated that Jesus
had control over nature.
- Healing works: These include all the miracles concerning the human body. Jesus
restored man’s physical fitness as God had intended at creation.
- Exorcism Miracles: These cover the driving away of demons. Jesus calmed troubled
minds and destroyed satanic domination as a way of establishing God’s kingdom.
- Restoration of life miracles: this deals with bringing back to life or raising the dead.
Jesus showed that he had power over death by bringing dead people back to life.

Why some people did not recognize the authority of Jesus

- Jesus lacked theological training that all the Rabbis underwent.
- His demand on the people were very tough
- He sometimes prophesied against the Israelites in favour of the Gentiles.
- He associated with less respectable people like sinners and tax collectors.
- He refused to give the Jews signs from heaven when they asked for them.
- He refused to act and talk as they expected a Messiah to do. He was spiritual which
conflicted with their expectations of a military leader.
- They knew him as the sun of Joseph, the carpenter. This made it hard for them to
believe that he was the Messiah.
- Some people thought he received his powers from Belzebub (Satanic)
- He came from a humble background which conflicted with their image of a messiah
descended from royalty.
- He was captured, flogged and crucified like an ordinary criminal and nothing
extraordinary happened to show that he was the son of God.

Why some Christians are skeptical about miracles today

- Some people use them for monetary gains
- Some use it to attract attention so as to be seen as important especially in the case of
splinter groups
- People can do miracles without God’s assistance and sometimes it becomes hard to
distinguish the genuine miracles from God and those from other powers.
- Some use magic and tricks to perform miracles
- Diviners can hypnotize in the name of miracles
- The influence of scientific findings has made people skeptical about miracles.
- The lifestyle of those performing miracles cast doubts about their genuineness.
- Some lack Christian morals while others are very poor and yet they claim to have
power to make others rich.

CHAPTER SEVEN
Jesus and the twelve disciples
The commissioning of the twelve disciples (Luke 9:1-9)
- The apostles’ experiences gave them an opportunity to learn how to be actual
apostles.
- Jesus called the twelve and commissioned them to go and proclaim by both word and
deed the arrival of the Kingdom of God.

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Instructions that Jesus gave to the twelve disciples.
- To go in twos
- To carry no purse, bag nor sandals.
- To give peace greeting to the houses they enter.
- To remain in one house.
- To eat and drink what is given to them.
- To heal the sick.
- To preach about the reality of the kingdom of God on earth.
- To dust off their feet in towns which do not welcome them
- To salute no one on the way

Lessons learnt from the mission of the twelve.

- Christians have a duty to preach about the kingdom of God.
- Christians should not waste time in carrying out the work of the church.
- Christians should fellowship together.
- Christians have a duty to carry on the healing work of Jesus.
- Christians should rely on God’s providence for their needs.
- Christians should not force people to accept the gospel.
- Christians should separate themselves from those who reject the gospel.
- Christians should rely on the hospitality of those whom they preach to.
- Christians should preach peace wherever they go.
- Christians should not be discouraged by hostility in the course of their work.
- Christians should take care of God’s ministers/clergy.
- Christians have assurance of God’s power to overcome evil.
- Christians should tolerate people from different backgrounds.

Ways in which the church in Kenya contributes to the welfare of the people.
- Initiating income generating projects.
- Condemning evils in the society.
- Providing education and training.
- Preaching love and justice.
- Providing medical care.
- Providing relief aid to those who are affected.
- Taking the gospel to new areas.
- Donating in community projects.
- Providing homes to the destitute, disabled, aged and refugees

THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND (LUKE 9:10-17)

- Jesus took his followers to a quiet place in Bethsaida to rest.
- They were followed by a great multitude.
- Jesus turned and preached to them about the kingdom of God and healed the sick.
- At the end of the day the disciples were worried about what the people would eat.
- Jesus asked the apostles to feed the crowd.
- They answered that they only had five loaves and two fish which could not feed 5000
people.
- Jesus asked the disciples to make the people sit down in groups of fifty.
- He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, thanked God and then
broke the bread and asked his disciples to share it out.
- People ate to their fill and there were 12 baskets of food left.

Lessons that a Christian can learn from the feeding of the five thousand
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- Jesus was not only concerned with spiritual food but also with people’s physical
needs.
- The feeding of the five thousand was a foretaste of the messianic banquet prophesied
by prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 25:6)
- Jesus’ prayer points to the spiritual feeding of the church in the celebration of the
Eucharist.
- It shows that Jesus had divine power.
- Christians learn to have faith in God just like Jesus.
- Christians learn the importance of sharing what they have with those who do not
have.
- Christians learn that God’s kingdom is characterized by the fullness or contentment of
his people both physically and spiritually.
- Christians are encouraged to show compassion to those suffering.
- Christians are urged to keep the environment clean-this is demonstrated when Jesus
asked the disciples to collect the remaining food.
- Christians should seek for the imperishable food which is the word of God

Actions which show that Jesus loved the needy

- He called the ordinary people to be his disciples e.g. Peter
- Healed sick
- He fed the hungry
- He preached the good news
- He visited the lonely
- He mixed with sinners and outcast
- He died for sinners
- He forgave the sinners

The person of Jesus and His destiny (Luke 9:18-27)

- Jesus wanted to find out whether the people and his disciples knew his true identity as
the messiah
- Some people thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead.
- Others thought He was Elijah
- Yet others looked at Jesus as one of the great prophets.
- He asked the disciples who they thought He was
- Peter identified Jesus as the Christ of God.
- Jesus asked the disciples not to tell anybody
- He asked the question because time had come for him to go to Jerusalem where he
was to fulfill God’s plan of saving humankind by dying on the cross
- He revealed to the disciples that the messiah must suffer, be killed and then resurrect

Why Jesus was not anxious to disclose his Messiahship.

- Jesus wanted people to learn slowly on their own who He was.
- He feared people would make Him a political messiah by force if they knew He was
the Messiah.
- He knew the misunderstanding people had about the messiah that is political Messiah
who would liberate them.
- His earlier revelation of His messiah ship would have led to a rejection.
- If Romans knew He was the Messiah they would have killed Him in fear of being
overthrown.
- It was His humble character of not wanting to show off.

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- To avoid confrontation with Pharisees.
The Transfiguration
(Luke 9:28-36)
- The transfiguration took place when Jesus had gone up the mountain to pray.
- Jesus took his beloved disciples Peter, John and James with Him.
- As Jesus was praying, His physical body was transformed into a heavenly glorious
body. This is known as transfiguration.
- His clothes became dazzling white and his face shone with new brightness.
- Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to Him about his death and suffering
which would be fulfilled in Jerusalem.
- Peter and his companions who had been asleep woke up and saw Jesus transfigured
and saw two men standing with Him.
- As the two were leaving, Peter suggested to Jesus that they build three booths; one for
Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
- A cloud came over the disciples and they were frightened.
- A voice was heard saying, “This is my beloved son, listen to Him”.
- Jesus then found himself alone.
- The disciples did not tell anyone what they had seen.
- Moses and Elijah’s appearance represented the law and the prophets respectively.

THE PURPOSE OF THE TRANSFIGURATION/ THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE

TRANSFIGURATION TO JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES.
- Moses represented the Law while Elijah represented the Prophets therefore their
appearance showed that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and
prophecy.
- The appearance of Moses and Elijah showed that Jesus had fulfilled what was
prophesied about in the scriptures.
- Moses and Elijah reassured Jesus of His mission of death for the redemption of
human kind.
- The voice confirmed that whatever Jesus was doing was the will of God.
- It strengthened the faith of the disciples so that after the death of Jesus they could
continue with His mission.
- It confirmed for the second time that Jesus is the son of God.
- The appearance of Moses and Elijah showed that there is life after death hence giving
Christians hope.
- The cloud was a symbol of God’s presence.
- The transfiguration showed that Jesus’ mission was not a secret any more.
- It marked the onset of his passion that would lead to His death.
- It showed that God had sent Jesus to usher in a new kingdom.
- It prepared Peter for the future leadership of the church.
- Jesus’ dazzling brilliance confirmed his holiness and glory.

The significance of the presence of Moses and Elijah during the transfiguration
- Moses represented the Mosaic Law.
- Elijah represented the Old Testament prophets and their prophecies.
- The transfiguration had the significance of separating Jesus from the prophets; he
was neither Moses nor Elijah.
- The appearances of both Moses and Elijah to Jesus symbolized that through Jesus the
Old Testament law and prophecy had been fulfilled.

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- The appearance of Moses and Elijah signified the end and the break of the Old
Testament.

The importance of the transfiguration to the ministry of Jesus

- The incident prepared the disciples of Jesus of His death and resurrection/ showed
that there is life after death
- The appearance of Moses showed that Jesus had come to fulfill the law
- The appearance of Elijah showed that Jesus had come to fulfill the prophecies/
prophets
- The voice of God, (This is my son) was a voice of confirmation that Jesus is the son
of God/ the expected messiah (that the disciples were right in following him)
- It taught the disciples that Jesus was to be obeyed/ trusted
- The disciple witnessed/ experienced the presence of God
- The disciples witnessed/ had a glimpse of Jesus in his heavenly glory/divine nature
- The episode teaches that Jesus had come to usher in the heavenly kingdom/ the
kingdom of God
- The episode prepared Peter for the future leadership of the church
- It teaches the need for privacy during prayer
- The comforting words of God encouraged Jesus to continue in his ministry
- It strengthened the faith of the disciples who later became leaders of the church
- The tabernacle/ booths/ tents desired by Peter refer to the tabernacle of the Old
Testament where God dwelt among the people
- It is in the transfiguration that Jesus even in his earthly existence is the glorious son of
God who would be fully recognized in his glory after his passion and resurrection

Jesus teachings on faith and humility (Luke 9:37-50)

- Jesus’ teaching on faith and humility focused on the problems and difficulties His
disciples would face in their apostolic mission.
- After the transfiguration, Jesus hoped that his disciples would now understand their
role and that through faith they would be able to carry on with His work but the
disciples showed an inability to do so as shown in the following:
 Dealing with a case of demon possession
 Their concern for greatness.
 Their rebuke of non followers of Jesus.

SECTION III
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM MINISTRY.
SOME MAJOR TEACHINGS OF JESUS
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain and evaluate the characteristics of a true follower of Jesus
2. Explain Jesus’ teaching on God’s power in overcoming evil
3. Define the terms confession, honesty and hypocrisy
4. Explain Jesus’ teaching on material possession, readiness and watchfulness
5. Relate Jesus’ teaching on material possession, readiness and watchfulness to Christian
living today
6. Explain the spiritual teaching given by Jesus through the parables of the feasts
7. Narrate the parables of the lost
8. Explain the parables’ teaching in daily Christian life
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9. Explain Jesus’ teaching on wealth and poverty
10. Explain Jesus’ teaching on the power of faith
11. Explain the significance of faith in Christian life
12. Explain Jesus’ teaching on prayer and persistence
13. Explain Jesus’ teaching on the way to salvation.

Some major teachings of Jesus

THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
- After the Galilean Ministry, Jesus set out on His way to Jerusalem.
- This was to fulfill God’s plan of salvation through His suffering, death and
resurrection.
- On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus went through towns and villages teaching on matters
of discipleship, the Kingdom of God, wealth and poverty and healing the sick.
- The life of Jesus is a spiritual journey which takes Him to Jerusalem where He
suffers, dies and rises from the dead.
- This can be likened to the life of Christians as they follow Jesus until they receive
eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

THE DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF DISCIPLESHIP. (Luke 9:51-62)

Jesus taught that to be a disciple one must be ready to abide by the following conditions:
- One should be ready to forego some comforts in life.
- One should be willing to sacrifice things that are dear in order to spread the gospel.
- One should not look back and desire his or her past life.
- One should forsake any commitment that can be an obstacle to the work of God.
- One has to accept suffering, persecution, rejection and even death.
- One must be willing to spread the Good News.
- One must be loyal to Jesus.

PRIVILEGES
- They would become members of God’s kingdom.
- They would rejoice in winning other people to the Kingdom of God.
- They would be assured of eternal life.
- They would share in the divine power of Jesus.

The mission of the seventy two (Luke 10:1-24)

At the start of the journey to Jerusalem, Jesus chose 72 disciples and sent them on a
mission to preach and heal. He gave them the following instructions:
- They were not to carry money, food or clothing but depend totally on the hospitality
of the local people.
- They were not to greet anybody by the way
- They were to preach peace in the house they entered.
- They were to remain in the same house but not move from house to house
- They were to heal the sick and preach the kingdom of God.
- They were to shake off dust from their feet where they were rejected.

 After their mission, the disciples returned and reported their success over the demons
to Jesus.
 However, He cautioned them not to rejoice that the spirits submitted to them but that
their names are written in heaven.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the teachings of Jesus on discipleship
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 - Christians should not condemn those who reject Jesus and his teachings
but instead pray for them.
- Christians should be loyal to Jesus.
- Christians should be steadfast in faith.
- Christians should practice self denial and endure suffering for the sake of
Christ.
- Christians should emulate Jesus spirit of humility.
- Christians should be happy when other people receive salvation.
- To pray and ask for God’s help and guidance of the holy spirit in spreading
the Gospel.
- Christians should be humble.
- Christians should continue to evangelize and ensure that the gospel reaches
all people.
- Christians have a duty to take care of the servants of God.
- Christians have the assurance of God’s power to overcome the power of
the enemy.
- Christians should be cautious of their ability to cast out evil spirits

A committed follower of Jesus

- Commitment means dedication and devotion to a certain responsibility.
- A committed person is one who feels obliged to perform his duties seriously.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke:10:25-11:1-13)

- A teacher of the law came to Jesus to test his understanding of the Mosaic Law.
- He asked Jesus what he must do to receive eternal life.
- Jesus responded by asking him what the law says and his interpretation of it.
- The lawyer answered that to enter eternal life you should love God with all your heart,
soul, strength and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.
- Jesus told him to do that and he would live.
- The lawyer then asked Jesus who his neighbor is.
- To answer this question, Jesus gave the parable of the Good Samaritan.
- A man was attacked by robbers on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho.
- A Levite and a priest passed him and did not help.
- A Samaritan passed by and stopped to help the wounded man.
- He bandaged the wounds of the victim and took him to an inn and met all the
expenses incurred.
- Jesus then told the lawyer to behave like the good Samaritan and help those in need.

Teachings Christians can learn from the parable of the Good Samaritan
-Concern for others
-Readiness to help one in need
-Eternal life is for those considered unworthy
-Faith without deed is dead
-Ceremonial laws do not put us right before God
-They should not have a holier than thou attitude
-They should not discriminate.

Teachings about a committed follower of Jesus from the story of the Good
Samaritan
A committed follower of Jesus is:
- One who understands the law and obeys it.
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- One who understands that a neighbor is anybody who requires help regardless
of their social status.
- One who uses their resources selflessly to help the needy.
- One who shows solidarity with the suffering.
- One who is not restricted by cultural and religious practices in responding to a
needy situation.
- One who is compassionate, kind and generous

Lessons from the parable of the Good Samaritan

- Christians should understand the law of God and obey it through actions
- One should be ready to help the needy
- One should share their resources with others
- Should assist others irrespective of culture and traditions
- Should not discriminate others on the basis of race, religion, status or gender
- Should be compassionate and loving
- Should be kind and generous
- Should show solidarity with the suffering
- Ready to risk their lives for the sake of the suffering
- Be good role model

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42)

- Jesus visited Martha and Mary who were sisters.
- Martha was very busy preparing a meal.
- Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching.
- Martha complained to Jesus that Mary had left her to do all the work.
- Jesus told Martha not to be concerned with earthly things but instead to concern
herself with the living word of God that would last forever.
- Jesus said that Mary had chosen the right thing which would not be taken away from
her.

Lessons that a Christian can learn about a committed disciple from this incident
- Women are called to be disciples of Jesus by participating in his ministry.
- Committed followers should ensure that worries and commitments of daily life do
not override their commitment to God’s word.
- A committed follower should create time to read and listen to the word of God.
- Christians should strive to build a relationship with God.
- Christians should support the servants of God in their ministry by providing material
support.
- Christians should seek God first and His kingdom.
- Pastors/Priests should make pastoral visits to the homes of their members.

Jesus Teaching on Prayer (Luke 11:1-13)

- One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place.
- When He finished, one of His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray.
- He then taught them the Lord’s Prayer.

Components of the Lord’s Prayer

- Our father – God is seen as a loving father; Christians should establish an intimate
relationship with Him by addressing Him as Father.
- Hallowed be thy name – God’s name is holy and should be honored. A Christian
should give God his full glory, honor and praise.
- Thy kingdom come – we ask God to establish his kingdom in our hearts.
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- Give us our daily bread – we ask for His providence.
- And forgive us our sins for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us – We
can trust God to forgive us of all the wrongs we commit. God will forgive us if we
forgive others.
- And lead us not into temptations: - we ask God to protect us against the devil.

Qualities of God found in the Lord’s Prayer.

- God is loving, caring and good
- God is transcendent i.e. beyond human beings (who is in heaven)
- God is holy and worthy of worship (hallowed be thy name)
- God is eminent (near)
- Giver and provider (give us our daily bread)
- God is protective (protects us from devil)
- God is forgiving, merciful and compassionate (forgive us our sins.)
- God delivers and liberates (deliver us from evil)
- God is glorious (for thine is the glory)
- God is powerful (for thine is the power)
- God is eternal (everlasting)

Teachings on prayer from the Lord’s Prayer

- We should have faith when praying.
- We should ask for God’s help through prayer when faced with temptations.
- We should pray for those who wrong us to be forgiven.
- We should make our requests known to God in prayer.
- We should have confidence in God when praying.
- We should address our prayers to God our father.

The teachings of Jesus on how a Christian should approach God in prayer.

- Prayers should be addressed to God the father
- One should go to a secret place to pray
- A Christian should be specific when praying
- One should have faith
- One should be persistent in prayer
- One should thank God in prayer
- One should confess his/ her sins
- One should ask for his/ her needs
- One should pray for God’s will to be done

Reasons why we pray /why it is important for Christians to pray

- To honor God.
- To offer thanksgiving
- To confess and seek forgiveness
- To seek God’s protection
- To intercede on behalf of others
- In order to thank God for his blessings
- It is a way of communicating with God
- So as to worship God
- It shows one’s dependence on God
- To make their needs known to God

Occasions when Jesus prayed.

-After his baptism in the wilderness.
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-At a table in Emmaus after resurrection.
-Before choosing the twelve apostles
-When he taught his disciples how to pray
-Before/during the transfiguration
-On the cross
-Before feeding the 5,000 and 4,000 men.
-During the last supper.
-In the garden of Gethsemane

Why some Christians find it difficult to pray

- Lack of faith in God
- Some say that they don’t have time
- Lack of knowledge on the teachings about prayers
- They think that they can do without prayers
- Pride and false confidence
- They have been made blind by riches

THE USE OF GOD’S POWER TO OVERCOME EVIL.( Luke 11:14-36)

Jesus and Beelzebub (Luke 11:14-23)
- Some people had watched Jesus drive out demons from a dumb man.
- When the demon came out, the man started speaking.
- The crowds were amazed.
- However, some people accused Jesus of using the power of Beelzebub.
- Others asked for a sign from heaven to test him.
- Jesus knew their thoughts and told them a house divided against itself will fall.
- He said Satan cannot be divided against himself for his kingdom will fall.
- Jesus asked them by whom their followers would drive out demons in. He drove out
demons by Beelzebub.
- Jesus talked about a strong man guarding his house and his possessions would be safe
until a stronger man overpowers his guard and takes away his possessions.
- He said that whoever was not with him was against him.

The return of the unclean spirit. (Luke 11:24-26)

- Jesus taught about a demon that had been cast out returning to the place it used to
dwell
- If the demon finds the house unoccupied, it brings along other spirits
- Jesus was urging His followers to have total resistance to the devil

The sign of Jonah. (Luke 11:29-32)

- People wanted a sign to prove that Jesus was from God
- Jesus gave the example of the Queen of Sheba who believed what she had heard about
King Solomon and the people of Nineveh who believed Jonah to be a prophet send by
God without being shown any signs
- Jesus was greater than Solomon and Jonah yet the Israelites had refused to believe in
Him and heed His words.

The light of the body. (Luke 11:33-36)

- A lamp is lit in order to light the whole house
- A person who is full of the light of the gospel can illuminate others
- Hearers of Jesus should not hide the light they have received
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- He warned His followers against remaining blind and hardening their hearts

Reasons why Jesus condemned those requesting for a sign of God’s

kingdom.
- They lacked faith in Jesus the son of God/Messiah.
- People of Nineveh believed Jonah’s message which had no signs and repented.
- The queen of Sheba believed the wisdom of Solomon was from God without
demanding miracles.
- Jesus was greater than Jonah and Solomon yet they rejected His message.
- They had hardness of heart/lacked repentance.
- They did not recognize/accept the kingdom of God in their midst
- They had lost faith even as Jesus had performed miracles among them/He called them
an evil generation.

How Jesus encouraged his disciples to overcome hypocrisy

- He told the disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but to fear God who is
able to destroy the body and the soul
- He urged the disciples to stand for Jesus and publicly confess their loyalty to him
- He told the disciples not to worry about being accused and being brought before the
authorities as the Holy Spirit would guide them and tell them what to say
- He warned them against talking evil about the Holy Spirit

Lessons that Christians learn.

- Jesus has power to drive out demons.
- God’s power is greater than Satan’s
- Christians are called the light of the world as Jesus is.
- Christians are called upon to listen and accept God’s word so that when the day of
judgement comes they will be saved.
- When a demon-possessed person is healed, he/she should be filled with the Holy
Spirit to avoid repossession.
- Christians should believe in Jesus’ teachings

JESUS TEACHINGS ON HYPOCRISY, WEALTH AND WATCHFULNESS.

(Luke 11:37- 12:12)
- Hypocrisy means being insincere, dishonest or pretending.
- Confession is admission that one is wrong/ has made a mistake.
- Honesty is being sincere, trustworthy and upright.

Jesus attacks the hypocrisy of Pharisees and teachers of the law (Luke 11:37- 12:1-3)
- Jesus was invited to a Pharisee’s house to eat with him.
- The Pharisees were surprised when they noticed that He ate before washing His
hands.
- He then used this incident to teach the disciples on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees:
1. The rules of washing hands, cups and dishes which was done ceremoniously. The
Pharisees followed the rules strictly. Jesus informed them that it was more important
to pay attention to issues of charity than to external observances.
2. Jesus criticized the Pharisees on their tithing habits. They paid their tithes
faithfully but neglected justice and the love of God.
3. Jesus also criticized the Pharisees because they loved the reserved seats in the
synagogues and to be greeted with respect in market places.

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4. The Scribes expected people to follow the Mosaic Law to the letter but failed to
make the people understand the true interpretation of the Law of God.
5. Jesus accused the teachers of the law of behaving like their ancestors who
persecuted and killed God’s prophets and anticipated His own martyr-like death in the
hands of the religious leaders

Fearless confession without hypocrisy(Luke11:8-12)

- Jesus encouraged His disciples not to fear those who kill the body but do nothing
worse afterwards. He instead told them to fear God who is able to destroy both the
body and the soul.
- They were to confess their loyalty to Jesus publicly without fear of the consequences.
- To such, Jesus would be proud before God and angels.
- That the Holy Spirit would g7uuide them on what to say when accused.
- That every sin is forgivable except the sin against the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ teachings on material possessions

(Luke 12:13-34)
 Jesus taught the correct attitude towards material possessions. He demonstrated
this by telling the parable of the rich fool.

The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)

- A man in the crowd told Jesus to tell his brother to divide the property of their father
- Jesus asked him who had made Him judge
- Jesus told them to watch out and guard themselves against greed because a person’s
true life is not made of the things he owns no matter how rich he may be
- Jesus then gave out the parable of the rich fool
- A rich man harvested a good crop from his land.
- He realized that his barns were not big enough to take in all harvested crop.
- He therefore decided to pull down so that he could build bigger ones.
- He would then store the crop in the new barns and was aware that it would take care
of him for a long time.
- He would then take life easy, eat, drink and enjoy himself.
- Unfortunately, he did not live to enjoy his wealth because that same night God told
him He would take away his life.
- Jesus then said how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich
in God’s sight

Meaning of the Parable

- Jesus used the story to show that God is the owner of the feast of the kingdom.
- The invited guest the Pharisees failed to recognize Jesus as son of God.
- The kingdom of God belongs to those who listen and respond to God’s word.
- God invites all to his kingdom.

The teachings of Jesus on material possession with reference to the parable of the
rich man.
- People should not trust in material wealth but in God who controls their lives.
- They should not worry about material needs but trust in God’s providence.
- People should be concerned with seeking God’s kingdom first before their personal
material needs.
- Material possession is temporal unlike heavenly treasures
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- Material possession should be used to serve and glorify God.
- Concentrating on material possession makes people forget about God.
- Acquisition of material wealth is not bad but how it is possessed and used.
- Those who seek God’s kingdom will be rewarded with heaven treasures

Lessons that a Christian can learn from the parable of the rich fool .
- We should not put our trust in material wealth but in God who controls our lives.
- The rich should give part of their wealth in alms.
- Material wealth is not permanent.
- A true follower of Christ should trust in God other than in worldly things.
- A man’s worth is seen in his relationship with God.
- A rich person often gets contended in life and feels that he does not need God.

Ways in which Christians may use their resources and expand the kingdom of God
- Involvement in charity work /volunteering services
- Distributing sacred literature to the converts
- Providing material and financial assistance to the needy /donating food to famine
stricken communities
- Participating in fundraising church sermons/paying tithes
- Some Christians have even surrendered part of their land for construction of schools
churches, rehabilitation centers hospitals
- Sponsoring crusades, fellowships, rallies and trips
- By sponsoring pastors/priests to join training to further their education /spiritual
growth

Jesus Teachings on Watchfulness and Readiness

(Luke 12:35-39)
- Jesus used the following illustrations to teach about watchfulness and readiness:

Watchful Servants
- Jesus gave the example of the watchful servant who stayed ready waiting for the
master’s return from a wedding feast by being properly dressed and with their lamps
lit.
- In the same way, the disciples of Jesus were to be watchful and ready for His return.

The faithful or unfaithful servants

- Jesus taught the disciples that a faithful and wise servant is one who the master will
find acting responsibly.
- When the master returns unexpectedly and finds him doing what is right, he will be
happy and promote him to be in charge of his property.
- In the same way the disciples should always be prepared so that when Jesus comes,
He will find them ready and doing what is right.

Jesus the cause of divisions

- Jesus cautioned the disciples to watch out for the divisions that would arise as a result
of their loyalty to God.

Understanding the signs

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- Just as people can predict the weather, they should also be watchful for the signs of
the kingdom of God which are present in the person of Jesus and make a positive
response towards Him.

Making peace
- Jesus advised his hearers to make peace with God and other people.
- They should also be watchful and ready.

Lessons that Christians can learn from Jesus’ teaching on watchfulness and
readiness
- They should always be ready for the coming of Jesus.
- They should be committed to Christ and be willing to endure conflict for His sake.
- They should be good stewards of the kingdom of God.
- They should be prepared to provide service to God and other people.
- They should be able to recognize the signs of God’s presence among them.
- They should accept Jesus as Lord and keep His commandments.
- They should be prepared for the judgment of Christ which will come at any time

CHAPTER NINE
THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Luke 13:1-35)
- The Kingdom of God refers to God’s rule or authority.
- God is regarded as a king who rules over His people and the world He created.

PARABLES THAT JESUS USED TO TEACH ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

- The parable of the lost son
- The parable of the lost coin
- The parable of the lost sheep
- The parable of the mustard seed
- The parable of the yeast
- The parable of the invited guests
- The parable of the great feast
- The parable of the unfruitful fig tree

The Call to Repentance ( Luke 13:1-5)

- Some people who were with Jesus told Him that Pilate had killed some Galileans
when they were offering sacrifices to God
- Jesus informed them that the fact that these people were killed did not mean that they
were worse sinners than other Galileans
- He informed them that if they did not repent, a similar fate awaited them
- He informed them of the eighteen people who were killed in Siloam when the tower
fell on them
- That they were not worse sinners than others in Jerusalem and if they did not repent,
they would perish in the same way
- The two are used to show the need to turn away from sin failure to which they shall
die

The parable of the unfruitful fig tree (Luke 13:6-9)

- Jesus told his audience the parable of the fig tree.
- A man had a fig tree that grew in his vineyard.

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- For three consecutive years, he went looking for figs from it but there were none.
- The man told his gardener to cut it down as it was unproductive.
- The gardener pleaded with the master not to cut it down but to give it a chance for one
more year.
- The gardener promised to dig around the fig tree and put some fertilizer and if it did
not bear fruit, then he would have to cut it down.

Teachings from the parable of the fig tree

- The parable of the fig tree is a warning to those who listen to Jesus and his
teachings but do not bear fruits or respond with obedience.
- The unproductive fig tree will be cut down because it cannot remain unproductive
forever.
- The barren fig tree represents the Jewish people who have been unresponsive to
Jesus’ teachings.
- God gives people another chance to repent; in the same way the master gives the
fig tree a chance to produce fruits.
- Jesus is the gardener who pleads for us before God.
- Jesus’ followers are expected to work hard and be productive so as to be accepted
in God’s kingdom.
- Jesus showed that the people had been given a lot of time to mature and to yield
fruits but they had failed.

Jesus heals a Crippled Woman on a Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17)

- One Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue
- There was a woman whose back had been bend by an evil spirit for eighteen years
- When Jesus saw her, He called her and laid His hands on her and healed her
- The official of the Synagogue who witnessed the miracle was annoyed because Jesus
had healed on the Sabbath
- Jesus called him a hypocrite for if people could untie their oxen and donkeys and feed
them on a Sabbath, why not do good to a human being?

How the youth can be aided to appreciate people with disabilities

- By parents and teachers teaching that the disabled are not different from them but that
they have special needs
- By encouraging them to interact with the disabled and get to know them as
individuals
- By encouraging them to invite the disabled to social events such as parties and games
to interact
- By providing for the needs of the disabled in the society
- By encouraging the youth to give assistance to the disabled for instance walking
across a street or helping them with their homework
- By taking them to seminars and conferences where various disabilities are discussed
- By parents, teachers and leaders in the community setting a good example by treating
people with disabilities as normal people

Lessons from the parable of the crippled woman

- Jesus had come to liberate people from the rule of Satan.
- Jesus work of liberation should go on
- Through the work of liberation, God’s kingdom is established
- The life of a human being is more important than that of an animal

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- People should not be bound by laws they make but seek God’s kingdom

The parable of the mustard seed (Luke 13:18-19)

- Jesus compared the growth of the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.
- He said that a man plants a mustard seed in his field and it grows and becomes a tree
and birds make their nests in its branches.

Reasons why Jesus in his teachings used the parable of the mustard seed
- He wanted to show that the kingdom of God has a small beginning but grows steadily
- To show that the word of God has a small and humble beginning
- To show that the word spreads gradually until it covers large areas
- To show that He had come to establish the kingdom of God on earth
- To show that the kingdom of God must be fully grown before the expected return of
Jesus
- To show that Christians are the mustard seed and must spread the word of God
- God’s kingdom grows widely and accommodates many people
- He wanted to show that God’s kingdom is universal/belongs to all nations
- He wanted to show that God’s kingdom offers protection/peace
- He wanted to show that faithful followers will settle in heaven

Teachings from the parable of the Mustard Seed

- Out of a small beginning god creates a mighty kingdom.
- Once God’s kingdom is established it grows and spreads to all corners of the earth. It
attracts many people.
- Though with a humble beginning, the Kingdom of God would grow into a great
empire.

Lessons Christians learn from the parable of the mustard seed.

- The kingdom of God starts from a humble beginning but spreads all over the world
- The mustard seed is the kingdom of God which is the invisible church on earth
- The birds of the air symbolize how the nations of the world find refuge in the church
of Christ
- It teaches about the universality of the kingdom of God
- The planter of the seed is Jesus who is the founder of the church.
- There is joy / plenty in the kingdom

The parable of the yeast (Luke 13:20-21)

- Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a woman who takes some yeast and mixes it
with flour until the whole dough rises.

Teachings from the parable of the yeast ( Luke 13:20-21)

- The kingdom of God grows in an unseen manner.
- The kingdom of God grows secretly in the hearts of people.
- Yeast was used as a symbol of moral corruption/bad influence and Jesus cautioned
His disciples to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees.
- Wrong influence can hinder people from entering the kingdom of God.

Teachings about the Kingdom of God from the parables of the yeast and the
mustard seed
- Once God’s kingdom is established it grows and spreads to all corners of the earth

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- In spite of its humble beginning the kingdom of God still spreads far and wide
- The kingdom of God continues to grow in spite of opposition
- The kingdom of God grows secretly in the hearts of people

The Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30)

- A person asked Jesus whether just a few people would be saved
- Jesus advised him to strive to enter through the narrow gate because many would try
to go in but will not be able
- The master of the house would close the door and those outside would not be able to
enter and no amount of persuasion would make the master to open it
- The people will weep and cry when they see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the
prophets in the Kingdom of God
- People would come from all directions to have a feast of the Kingdom of God

Teachings from the Narrow Door

- One has to make a lot of effort to enter the Kingdom of God
- It is important to make the right decisions in time because the door will not remain
open forever
- One’s social contact with Jesus is not a guarantee of entering the Kingdom of God
- Jews will be left out because they had rejected Jesus though they had been given the
first chance
- The Messianic banquet will be for all people from every part of the world, Jews and
Gentiles alike

Teachings about the Kingdom of God with reference to the parables of Jesus
- The Kingdom of God precious and therefore God is willing to seek after the lost as
illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep and lost coin
- The Kingdom of God starts from a humble beginning but gradually grows to all
corners of the earth like a mustard seed or yeast in dough
- The Kingdom of God is for those who repent, the righteous, as in the parable of the
lost son and the narrow door that allows limited entry
- The Kingdom of God requires nourishment in order to grow as in the parable of the
sower
- The Kingdom of God is universal/ for all people and for all nations as in the great
feast
- There is joy for those who attain the Kingdom of God as in the lost son
- It is not easy to enter the Kingdom of God for it requires faith and concerted effort as
in the narrow door
- It is God who calls people to be part of the His kingdom as in the parable of the
invited guests and the great feast
- God searches for lost individuals , brings them back and restores them to the
Kingdom as with the lost sheep
- God gives human beings several chances to part of the kingdom without giving up on
them as in the parable of the sower
- Those who want to be part of the kingdom should work at being at peace with God
and not let wealth get in their way as in the parable of the unfaithful steward

Jesus anticipates His Rejection (Luke 13:31-35)

- Some Pharisees advised Jesus to go elsewhere because Herod wanted to kill Him
- Jesus was not perturbed and He informed them to go and tell Herod that He would
continue with His journey to Jerusalem, performing miracles for three days
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- He asserted that it is not right for a prophet to be killed anywhere except in Jerusalem
- He referred to Herod as a fox meaning that Herod was cunning and a murderer
- Jesus then lamented over Jerusalem for repeatedly killing the prophets and
messengers that God send to them
- God had wanted to protect Jerusalem but since they were going to reject Jesus, God
will abandon it and its temple until the time they say God bless him who comes in the
name of the Lord

A GREAT FEAST FOR ALL WHO ARE PREPARED (LUKE 14:1-35)

- Jesus continues to teach about the Kingdom of God using various images: a feast, the
invited guests, and the attitude those invited should have.

Jesus heals a sick man (Luke 14:1-6)

- Jesus went into the house of one of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath
- They watched Him closely to see what He could do
- There was a certain man before Him who had dropsy (swollen limbs)
- Jesus then asked the Pharisees and teachers of the law whether it was lawful to heal
on the Sabbath
- They did not respond and He took the man and healed him
- He then posed whether any man would not rescue his donkey or ox on a Sabbath that
had fallen into a pit to which they did not respond

The parable of the invited guests (Luke 14:7-14.)

- Jesus observed how people took high places when invited to a wedding ceremony.
- He told them that when invited one ought to take low places.
- He observed that if you take high places a more honourable guest may arrive and you
would be requested to give room.
- This would bring shame when asked to take low places/seats.
- He observed that the owner may come and request you to take a high place and share
a meal with him.
- He concluded that whoever exalts himself shall be humbled and whoever humbles
Himself shall be exalted.

Teachings from the parable of the invited guests

- Christians should be humble all the time
- In God’s kingdom, there will not be preferential treatment
- You get more blessed when you invite the poor than friends and relatives
- Jesus mission was to seek the outcasts and underprivileged
- God’s kingdom is for all

Jesus teaching on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees from the incident where he was
invited to eat in a Pharisee’s house
- Jesus used the incident of strict observance of rules by the Pharisees to teach that its
more important to pay attention to the issues of charity than the external appearances
- The Pharisees paid tithes to support the work of priest but nevertheless they neglected
justice and were not fair in dealing with the needy people which Jesus taught as more
important than tithing
- The Pharisees loved the reserved sits in the synagogues and to be greeted in the
market places and to be noticed as righteous people. Jesus used this incident to teach
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 that though the Pharisees knew every bit of the law they failed in their primary duty of
making the people understand the true interpretation of the law of God
- Jesus taught that the Pharisees behaved like their ancestors who persecuted and killed
God’s prophets
- Jesus taught that the Pharisees gave many rules to the people which they themselves
could not keep
- The laws of the Pharisees did not help the people have a better relationship with God
but instead they were burdensome and had very little relevance to people’s personal
lives

The parable of the great feast (Luke 14:15-24)

- A man gave a feast and invited many guests.
- When it was time, he sent his servants for them.
- The invited gave excuses and did not come.
- One said he had bought a field and must attend to it.
- Another said he had bought oxen and had to try them out in the field.
- One had just married and could not leave his new bride.
- The servants reported these to their master.
- The master sent them to the streets to bring in the poor/ lame / blind / cripples to the
feast.
- The master said that none of the invited guests would taste his dinner.

The meaning of the parable of the great feast

- The master represents God
- The invited guests represent the Jews who were too busy in their lives to respond to
God’s call
- Those called from the country roads represent the despised in the society
- Jesus points out that those who were first invited may never enter the Kingdom of
God because they declined the invitation
- Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom of God, one must give up everything
including possessions and family
- Jesus shows concern for the poor and underprivileged
- Jesus is encouraging people with resources to share their wealth with the poor

Reasons why Jesus used the parable of the great feast in his teaching (Luke 14: 15-
24)
- He wanted to explain that invitation to God’s Kingdom is open to many people.
- He wanted to show that the Jews were given the first chance to be part of God’s
Kingdom but they rejected it.
- He wanted to show that people reject God’s call due to material possession/family
commitment which can be a stumbling block to ones spiritual life.
- He wanted to show that gentiles/outcasts are called to God‘s Kingdom to replace the
non responding Jews.
- He needed to explain that God’s invitation/call is extended to many people/God
offers universal salvation.
- So as to explain that those who refuse/do not accept God’s call will not receive
blessings of God’s Kingdom/will not enter the kingdom of God.
- He wanted to challenge the Jews /Pharisees who counted themselves as righteous yet
they failed to respond to God’s call.

Lessons learnt by Christians from parable of great feast.

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- The Kingdom of God is like a great feast.
- It's meant for all people.
- Those who respond to the invitation will share with the host (God).
- Those that qualify do make personal decisions to enter.
- Those that ignore the invitation will never be considered again.
- We respond to God's Kingdom through repentance of our sins.
- There is no second chance for those who give excuses for the first chance.
- The invitation to God's Kingdom is done by God and his servants.
- God is the owner of God's Kingdom.

How Christians should treat children according to the teachings of Christ

- Christians should provide basic needs to children i.e. food, education, clothing and
shelter.
- Christians should not subject children to hard labour hence child abuse.
- Christians should teach children good morals, i.e. the word of God.
- Christians should pray for the children.
- Christians should forgive children when they do wrong.
- Christians should guide and counsel children.
- Christians should not be cruel to children.

The cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

- Jesus emphasized that entering the kingdom of God demanded committed
discipleship.
- A disciple of Jesus has to:-
- Be ready to suffer/ practice self-denial/sacrifice/take up the cross and follow Jesus
(Lk 14:27)
- Be ready to die for the sake of the kingdom.
- Should not be ashamed of Jesus.
- Follow Jesus without expecting material gain.
- Be ready to proclaim the kingdom of God /Let the dead bury their dead/ family
responsibilities are secondary to the kingdom of God).
- Having chosen to serve God, one should not look back(11:62)
- Separate oneself from family members/be fully committed.

Problems faced by new converts in the church today

- They are sometimes not fully accepted/integrated /documented against.
- The older Christians may not serve as role models.
- They may not be involved in church activities/not given responsibilities.
- They are tempted to backslide to previous lifestyle/rejection by family/ friends
- Older Christians expect them to change faster they can.
- Some experience problems of communication/ language barrier.
- They may lack Christian literature to strengthen their faith/guidance and counseling.
- In large church, they get lost in the crowd/not identified/not recognized.
- The financial demands of the church may be too much for them.
- Lack of assistance/concern when a new member is in need/material/social needs.
- Some gets frustrated when their expectations are not given are not met/ Spiritual.
- They are given /assigned duties which they can’t marriage.
- They may be rebuked/embarrassed/harassed in public when expected to be in the
wrong.

RETRIEVING THE LOST (Luke 15:1-32)

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- As Jesus was teaching, all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear
Him
- The Pharisees and Scribes complained that He received sinners and ate with them
- Jesus responded to them by telling them the following parables:

Parables Jesus used to teach about retrieving the lost

- The parable of the lost sheep
- The parable of the lost coin
- The parable of the lost son

The parable of the lost sheep

(Luke 15:1-7)
- A shepherd had 100 sheep.
- He lost one of them and searched for it until he found it.
- He was overjoyed and invited his friends to celebrate with him.

Meaning of the parable

- Jesus is the shepherd and the sheep are the people.
- The lost sheep is a sinner.
- The sinner is sought by Jesus and is found when he or she repents.
- God is overjoyed when one sinner repents.
- Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
- God does not want any of his children to be lost.

The parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10)

- Jesus told a story of a woman who had ten coins and lost one.
- She lit a lamp, swept her house and carefully searched for the coin until she found
the lost coin.
- Once she found it she calls her friends and neighbors to celebrate.
- The joy of the woman can be compared to the joy in heaven when a sinner
repents.
- The coin was very precious to God.
- Jesus is the light of the world and is making every effort to seek the lost until he
finds them.
- One repentant sinner is more valuable to God than many righteous people.

Teaching from the parable of the lost coin

- There is joy in heaven when one sinner repents
- The lost are precious to God just as the coin was to the woman
- Jesus, the light of the world, is making every effort to seek the lost until He finds
them
- One repentant sinner is more valuable to God than many righteous people
- One should make diligent effort when seeking salvation (God)

Lessons we learn from the teachings of Jesus from the parables of the lost coin and
lost sheep.
- Jesus came to seek the lost like the good shepherd who searches for the lost sheep.
- God is always waiting for the lost / sinners to repent
- There is joy when a lost sinner repents and God does not want anyone to be lost.
- God loves all the people both the righteous and the sinners

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- God is diligently searching for the lost / sinners.
- Jesus is the light of the world and he came to seek and save the lost
- Believers have a responsibility to seek the lost and bring them back to repentance.

The parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32)

- The parable is about a father who had two sons.
- The young son asked for his inheritance. He then left home for a far country
where he squandered all the money through careless living.
- After spending all his property famine arose.
- Nobody was ready to share with him anything including his friends. He ended up
getting a job of looking after pigs and was so desperate that he ate the food that pigs
ate.
- As he looked after the pigs he began to regret living his father’s home. He
remembered that the servant living in his father’s home had more than they could
eat. He therefore made up his mind to go and apologize to his father.
- When the last son got home, his father received him with joy. He ordered the
servants to dress him with the best clothes available.
- He also slaughtered the best calf and there was much celebration.
- The elder son was not happy with what his father had done for his younger
brother. He even refused to join in the celebrations. His father explained to him
why he had to hold a feast for his brother.

Reasons why Jesus used the parable of the lost son in his teaching.
- To teach that God loves all his children including sinners
- To teach that God continues to search and call sinners to repentance
- To teach that God accepts any sinner that comes back to him
- To teach that sinners should not fear turning back to God no matter how big their sin
may be
- To teach that the people who belong to the kingdom of God should rejoice with God
when a sinner repents
- To teach his disciples to avoid judging others
- To teach his disciples not to be self- complacent about their faiths but remember to
seek God’s forgiveness all the time
- To teach his disciples to avoid extravagance

The qualities of God from the parable of the Prodigal Son

- God is a God of freedom who has given man freedom to choose as the father granted
the wishes of the younger son
- God responds to people’s prayer and request as the father listens to the wishes of his
younger son
- God is always concerned about sinners as the father was looking forward to the return
of his son
- God is merciful and compassionate and ready to receive those who repent as the
father welcomed his son
- God is a loving father as he loves us unlimitedly the way the father loved his younger
son
- God is happy and rejoices when the repentant sinner goes back to him i.e. when the
lost one is found as the father rejoiced when the son came back
- God is forgiving as the father forgave his son

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- God does not discriminate against some people. All people are his children just like
the father did not discriminate against his son
- God is generous as shown by the father who gave his younger son part of his property
and told the older one that all his wealth was his
- God is mysterious i.e. the older son could not understand what the father was doing
- God provides as he is the provider and giver; this is seen in the father giving his
younger son a ring and clothing
- God knows and understands each individual’s needs as the father knew the needs of
his sons

Lessons from the parable of the lost son/ Lessons Christians can learn from the
parable of the prodigal son
- God’s kingdom brings joy and happiness to those that are lost and are ready to repent
their sins to be reconciled to God
- There is no sin that God cannot forgive
- Following Jesus is a personal choice
- Confession of sins is a condition of entering God’s kingdom/Christians should repent
their sins
- Christians should forgive one another
- Sin reduces us to the level of animals
- True friendship is found in God
- Christians should welcome repentant sinners
- Christians should show love to sinners
- Sin separates us from God
- Christians should not put their trust in material wealth
- Christians should not feel self- righteous
- Christians should not pass judgement over others
- Christians should strive to live close to one another
- Christians should avoid selfishness

APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP, THE LOST COIN

AND THE LOST SON TO DAILY LIFE
- Individual effort is required by Christians in following Jesus.
- Seeking Jesus is not an easy task as it is full of challenges.
- Confession of sins is a condition of entering God’s kingdom.
- Christians should realize that it is not everybody who is a follower of Jesus Christ.
- God and his angels are happy when a sinner repents.
- The believers should not be complacent about their faith but remember that they need
to seek God’s forgiveness all the time.
- The people who belong to the kingdom of God rejoice when a sinner repent.
- God loves all his children including sinners and outcast.

Ways in which the disciples of Jesus reacted to his parables

- They were surprised at the meaning and reasons for the use of parables
- They failed to understand the message of some of the parables
- They asked Jesus to explain the parables
- They felt privileged
- They understood some parables clearly
- They marveled at Jesus ability to teach using parables
- They enjoyed listening to Jesus parables
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- They felt challenged by Jesus parables

How effective Jesus was in the use of parables

- It was a popular method of teaching that time.
- It challenged his listeners and stimulated their imaginations.
- It minimized boredom and absent mindedness / captured their attention.
- It helped Jesus avoid direct conflict with Jewish leaders.
- It was effective in making the listeners remember facts.
- It provoked listeners into critical thinking / easy understanding.
- It distinguished between serious seekers of the kingdom from idlers.
- It was effective in explain the unknown using the known.

Reasons why the followers of Jesus were amazed at the way He taught.
- He taught with authority.
- He taught with authority.
- His teaching attracted great crowd.
- He had a lot of wisdom.
- The teachings were spiced with miracles.
- Some of his teachings were unique / full of symbolizing.
- He taught by demonstration.
- He forgave sins which was believed to be God’s work.
- He exercised demons/drove unclean spirit.

The teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God from His parables
- The kingdom was established by God. He is like a sower
- It is awaiting completion during the second coming of Jesus
- The secrets of the kingdom are revealed only to those who have faith
- It is a universal Kingdom
- It belongs to the faithful and righteous ones only
- It is a precious kingdom that should be looked for at all costs/ The Kingdom of God is
valuable
- It is for those who show mercy
- The kingdom starts from a humble beginning and grows to greatness
- God gives life to the kingdom so that it grows from within like the yeast and the
mustard seed
- Jesus has brought the kingdom of God through his word and his very person
- The kingdom of God is a present reality
- There will be judgment in the kingdom of God
- God searches the lost individuals and brings them back to the kingdom
- There is rejoicing in the kingdom when one lost individual is retrieved and brought
back

Ways in which Christians can prepare themselves for the kingdom of God.
- Repenting their sins and doing the will of God
- Being baptized and participating in the sacramental life of the church
- Praying and fasting
- Evangelizing and preaching the gospel to win others to Christ.
- Living according to the demands of one’s vocation
- Loving and being honest.
- Having faith in God and trusting in him
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- Thanking and praising God for what one is and what one has.
- Doing works of charity and being ready to endure persecution
- Living an exemplary life and forgiving others.

CHAPTER TEN.
WEALTH, POVERTY, FAITH AND PRAYER (Luke 16:1-32)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
1. Explain Jesus teaching on wealth and poverty
2. Explain Jesus teaching on the power of faith
3. Explain the significance of faith in Christian life
4. Explain Jesus teaching on prayer and persistence
5. Explain Jesus teaching on the way of salvation

Jesus teaching on wealth and poverty.

- Jesus used two parables to teach about wealth:
i) The parable of the shrewd manager
ii) The parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

The parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13)

- There was once a rich man who employed a servant to manage his property. The rich
man got word that his manager was misusing his resources. He called him and
informed him to give a complete account of how he was handling his property.
- The shrewd manager knew that his master was going to sack him. He decided to
make friends with some debtors so that they could take care of him when sacked by
his master.
- One debtor owed his master one hundred barrels of olive oil. He asked the debtor to
change this to fifty barrels.
- The second servant owed a thousand bushes of wheat. He was asked to change this to
800 barrels.
- The master praised the manager for doing such a shrewd thing.
- Jesus praised the manager not because of his dishonesty but because he acted
promptly and with great presence of mind in a moment of crisis.

Teachings from the parable of the shrewd manager

- We should be honest in both small and big issues
- We cannot serve both god and money.
- The parable warns against unfaithfulness among Jesus’ followers.
- We should make critical decisions about following Jesus.
- Wealth should be used to serve god and not take his place.
- Service of money or mammon is a form of idolatry which must be rejected in order to
serve God.
- God does not value money and honor.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

- There was a rich man who lived in luxury
- At his gate there was a beggar called Lazarus
- Lazarus’ body was covered with sores and dogs used to lick his sores
- Lazarus longed to eat what fell from the rich man’s table
- Lazarus died and was carried by an angel to Abraham’s bosom.
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- The rich man died and went to hell where he was in great torment
- The rich man cried out to Abraham to allow Lazarus to dip his finger in water and
cool his tongue
- Abraham responded by telling the rich man that the rich man had had good things in
his lifetime while Lazarus suffered.
- It was therefore his turn to suffer
- It was not possible for one to cross from one side to the other
- The rich man requested for Lazarus to be sent to warn the rich man’s brothers on
earth.
- Abraham replied that they had the prophets to warn them and if they did not listen
they would not listen even to one who rises from the dead

Lessons that a Christian can learn from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
- Preparation for eternal life in heaven or hell is made while on earth
- The reality of life after death is witnessed in the scripture
- Satisfaction from material possession is temporary and may lead one to miss eternal
life
- Wealth should be used well in helping the needy
- Wealth is good but indifference to the needs of others can earn one the wrath of God
- Wealth is a gift from God and should used for the glory of God
- Although money is good it should not be seen as being more important than all
including life.
- One cannot serve God and money because both are masters

The teachings of Jesus on responsibility to others from the story of the rich man and
Lazarus.
- We should share our wealth with the less fortunate in society
- Wealth should be used for the good of others
- It is the Christian duty of the rich to share their wealth with others
- It is a sin to ignore the poor
- God gives us wealth so that we can share it with others

Ways through which Christians show concern for the suffering in society.
- By providing basic needs such as food and clothing
- Putting up institutions that cater for the orphans and other destitute
- Providing medical care for the sick
- Sponsoring school going children through payment of fees
- Preaching the gospel for the spiritually poor
- Showing love and kindness to the suffering
- Offering training opportunities so that the people can be self- reliant
- Offering them employment opportunities
- Offering guidance and counseling
- Visiting those who are suffering to make them feel wanted

How Christians use wealth to promote God’s kingdom

- Building churches
- Paying for the upkeep of evangelists/ pastors/ priests
- Assisting the needy in the society (sick/poor/orphans/ widows)
- Sponsoring religious magazines/ newsletters
- Sponsoring for the advertisements in the electronic media (T.V/radios/ video)
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- Sponsoring crusades / open air evangelism
- Buying of church equipment (e.g. musical instruments/ address systems etc.)
- Building of theological colleges
- Giving of scholarships to theological students

Measures Christians undertake to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor
- Christians can advocate for good governance
- Create awareness on how to create wealth
- Offer soft loans to the poor to start income generating activities
- Open institutions where self- reliance skills are taught.
- Condemn and expose corruption
- Support government projects intended to assist the poor
- Advocate for fair systems of taxation
- Appeal to the government to be accountable to the people in its use of natural resources
- Advocate for equitable distribution of resources
- Employ the poor in church institutions
- Condemn crime
- Preach the gospel of love where the rich should share with the poor.

How the early church Christians cared about one another

- They shared their material wealth with the poor
- They shared meals
- They shared belongings
- They sold their property and distributed money among themselves
- They took care of orphans
- They took care of widows

Jesus teaching on wealth.

- One should use his/her abilities to acquire wealth
- One should use honest means to acquire wealth
- Wealth should be used responsibly.
- Wealth should be used to help the needy
- The rich should share their wealth with the poor.
- One should not let wealth to be a stumbling block to eternal life.
- Wealth can be a hindrance to entry into the kingdom of God.
- No one can serve God and wealth at the same time.
- Wealth comes from God and human beings are only stewards.
- People should not put all their trust and hopes in wealth.
- One should use his /her wealth to glorify God

How people misuse their wealth today.

- By one indulging in alcoholism, drugs.
- By indulging in immoral practices such as prostitution, sex tourism or extra-marital
sex.
- Use of wealth in gambling which might lead to loss of wealth.
- One buying luxuries e.g. expensive clothes, cars, houses which are not necessary.
- Using wealth to frustrate others e.g. exploit those who not have.
- Money is used to bribe others e.g. judges, magistrates to win favours.
- Using money to buy positions, power and status and also to buy jobs and
employment.
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- Use of wealth to show off /brag to others.
- Use of wealth to promote dangerous sports e.g. boxing, wrestling, motor racing and
bull fighting.
- Wealthy people giving lots of money to young children who cannot use it responsibly.
- Using wealth to lure others and young people to immoral activities.

Why a Christian should share his wealth

- In order to take care of other people’s needs
- In order to get blessings from God
- In order to help alleviate suffering in the society
- It is a way of practicing love for one’s neighbor
- It is a mark of Christianity
- To avoid God’s judgement
- In obedience to Jesus’ teachings

Why some Christians find it difficult to share their wealth with others
- There is selfishness in the society
- The high cost of living has led to economic constraints
- Some only share with the members of their family/clan
- Denominational differences hinder the spirit of sharing
- It can encourage laziness and dependence
- It is difficult to identify those who may require help
- Those receiving help may be suspicious
- Those receiving the assistance may not show appreciation
- They have not understood the biblical concept of sharing

Lessons Christians learn from Jesus teaching on wealth.

- God blesses us with riches/ Christians should take care of the poor.
- We should share out wealth.
- We should not love riches more than God.
- Jesus did not condemn wealth but the attitude towards it.
- If we love wealth more than God we will not inherit God’s kingdom.
- We should use wealth to glorify God/ God is the source of all blessings.
- We should use wealth to maintain God’s work.
- We should tithe honestly.
- We should seek spiritual wealth more than material wealth.

How the gap between the rich and the poor can be minimized in the society
- Pooling resources together for the benefit of all can minimize the gap between the rich
and the poor
- Creation of more jobs, so that all can be able to acquire basic needs
- Employers should give fair salaries
- Fair distribution of land and other resources
- Putting into place a fairer system of taxation whereby the rich are taxed more than the
poor
- Provision of favorable loan systems so that the poor can be able to acquire adequate
housing
- The government should put in place programmes that favour the poor such as free
education, free medical care etc

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- Security in the country should be improved so that people can be able to develop
projects uninterrupted
- People should be encouraged to work hard

Relevance of the teachings of Jesus on wealth and poverty

- The poor should accept themselves as they are God’s children.
- Christians should seek spiritual wealth more than material wealth.
- Christians are expected to use their wealth to maintain God’s work.
- The rich man should not love their riches more than they love God.
- The rich should know that it is their Christian duty to take care of the poor.
- We should accept that there are poor people who have been blessed by God with
riches.
- Too much wealth can make one proud, selfish, corrupt and irresponsible.
- Christians should be aware of the dangers of wealth in modern society. It can easily
lead on to forget God.
- The rich can be blocked from enjoying eternal life if they put their trust in material
wealth before God.

THE POWER OF FAITH (Luke 17:1-37).

Jesus teaching on sin (Luke 17:1-4)
- Jesus taught his disciples to forgive offenders who repent.
- Those who sin should seek forgiveness.
- If they offend seven times in a day, forgive them seven times.
- Followers of Jesus need faith to forgive others.

Jesus teaching on faith (verse 5-6) .

- Faith is complete trust in something or someone.
- The power of faith makes even the weakest strong.
- We should serve God because of the faith we have in Him.
- Faith makes one to serve God without expecting any reward.
- A little faith can do great things.

A servant’s duty (verse 7-10)

The healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

- On his way to Jerusalem Jesus met ten lepers.
- They shouted and asked Jesus to heal them.
- Jesus told them to go to the priest for examination.
- On their way they got healed.
- One of them came back praising God and thanked Jesus.
- The man who came back was a Samaritan and Jesus wondered why
only this foreigner came back to give thanks to God.
- Jesus acknowledged that this Samaritan had faith.
- Jesus commended him for his faith.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the healing of the ten lepers
- Christians should have faith in God.
- Christians should always give thanks to God
- Faith makes the impossible possible.

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The coming of the Kingdom of God ( verse 20-37) .
- Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come.
- Jesus explained that the kingdom of God had already come and was amongst them.
- The Pharisees lacked enough faith to enable them to seek the kingdom had come in
the person of Jesus.
- Jesus taught his disciples that they would require strong faith to overcome the trials
they are likely to experience.
- Jesus also explained the coming of the son of man would bring separation.

Ways in which Christians show faith in God

- Praying to God
- Forgiving those who wrong them
- Preaching the word of God
- Repenting their sins
- Condemning evil in society
- Reading the bible
- Living according to the commandments

SIGNIFICANCE OF FAITH TO CHRISTIAN LIFE

- Christians need strong faith to discover the power of God’s kingdom
within their hearts.
- Christians should be aware that faith in Jesus brings healing, peace and
restoration.
- Christians should have faith so that they can serve God without
reservation.
- Christians need strong faith to be able to forgive other people.
- Christians need to be fully committed to Jesus so that their faith can
continue to be strengthened.
- Christians should have faith in Jesus by following his teachings and doing
his will.
- Christians should pray for strong faith that will help them to journey
through life until the second coming of Christ.
- God expects Christians to obey and have absolute faith in him.

PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER (Luke 18:1-14)

- Jesus used two parables to teach about persistence in prayer:
i) The parable of the widow and the unjust judge.
ii) The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

The parable of the widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8)
- In a certain town, there was a judge who did not fear God or respect people.
- In the same town, there was a widow who kept coming to the judge to demand for her
right.
- She wanted the judge to help her but he kept refusing to provide for the help she
needed.
- The widow was persistent and kept on coming to the judge.
- Eventually, the judge helped her.

Lessons that Christians learn from the parable of the widow and the unjust judge
- Christians should keep on praying and not give up.

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 - Christians should stand firm for their rights.
- Christians should pray without ceasing and have faith.

Lessons on prayer from the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.
- We should be humble while praying.
- God answers prayers
- We should be persistent in our prayers
- Prayers should be short
- God gives justice to those who pray.
- God answers prayer
- We should pray for our needs.
- We should pray for others (intercede)

Lessons that Christians learn from the parable

- Prayer should be addressed to God in humility, asking God to have pity on
him for he was a sinner.
- Christians should acknowledge that they are sinners and repent.
- Christians should not be proud of their religious achievements.
- Christians should respect other people and not treat them with contempt.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the two parables

- Christians should honestly confess their sins as they pray.
- In prayer, Christians should approach God in humility
- Christians should desire to pray for justice in an unjust world.
- Christians should pray always without ceasing.
- Christians should address their prayers to God.

THE WAY TO SALVATION ( Luke 18:15-19:1-27)

- The word ‘salvation’ refers to the act of saving or being saved from sin.
- Those who have received salvation are 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.

 Jesus taught the way to salvation when He:

- Blessed little children.
- Talked to the rich man.
- Spoke about His death for the third time.
- Healed a blind beggar.
- Dined with Zachaeus a tax collector
- Told the parable of the gold coins.

Jesus blesses little children (Luke 18:15-17)

- Some brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them.
- The disciples scolded them for doing this.
- Jesus however called the children to Him saying; ‘Let the children come to me
and do not stop them because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’.
- Jesus went on to tell the disciples that in order to enter the kingdom of God they
must humble themselves like children.
- Children are powerless, innocent and open.
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- Jesus taught that God’s kingdom is for those who are simple, humble, innocent
and trusting like the children.

The rich man (Luke 18:18-25)

- One day a rich man asked Jesus what he could do to attain eternal life.
- Jesus answered that he should keep the commandments.
- The rich man said he had kept all the commandments.
- Jesus further told him to sell his possessions and give it to the poor then come and
follow him.
- The rich young man was very sad to hear this for he was very rich.
- Jesus concluded by saying it is much harder for a rich person to enter the kingdom of
God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

Jesus speaks a third time about his death (Luke 18:31-34)

- Jesus took his disciples aside.
- He told them that they were going to Jerusalem where everything written about him
was going to happen.
- He was going to be handed over to the gentiles who would make fun of him, insult
him, spit on him, whip and kill him.
- He would then rise to life three days later.
- The disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying.

Jesus heals a blind beggar (Luke 18:35-43)

- Jesus came to Jericho and there was a blind beggar.
- He heard a commotion and inquired what this meant
- People informed him that Jesus was passing by.
- He shouted addressing Jesus as the son of David and asking Him to heal him.
- The people scolded him and told him to be silent but he shouted all the more.
- Jesus stopped and commanded the blind man to be brought to him.
- He asked him what he wanted Jesus do for him
- He said he wanted to see again.
- Jesus told him to receive his sight
- He immediately received his sight and followed Jesus giving thanks and praising
God.

Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9)

- Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector
- He heard that Jesus was going to pass by.
- He wanted to see Jesus but he was very short.
- He ran and climbed a sycamore tree.
- Jesus saw Zacchaeus and asked him to come down.
- He told Zacchaeus that he was going to stay at his house that day.
- Zacchaeus was overjoyed and he welcomed Jesus.
- There was grumbling in the crowd because tax collectors were known to be sinners.
- In his house Zacchaeus confessed all his sins and promised to pay back four times
anything he had wrongly taken.
- He promised to give half of his wealth to the poor.
- Zacchaeus received salvation not only for himself but also for his family.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus
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- Christians receive salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Christians become children of God when they confess their sins and repent.
- God is always ready to forgive a repentant sinner.
- Jesus ministry was to seek and save those who are lost in sin.
- Jesus is able to change people’s lives.
- A rich man can be saved.

The parable of the gold coins (Luke 19:11-27)

- A noble man called his ten servants and gave each one a gold coin to trade in.
- He then went to a far country to be made a king.
- He came back after some time and asked his servants to explain how they had
used the gold coins he gave them.
- The first servant had traded and earned ten gold coins with the one he had been
given.
- The second servant made five gold coins with the one he had been given.
- The third servant made nothing extra. He had buried his coin and he returned it
saying that he had heard the master was a hard man.
- The master snatched the coin from him and gave it to the first servant.
- He rewarded the servants who had made profit by putting the first one in charge of
ten cities and the second one in charge of five cities.

Meaning of the parable

- The nobleman represents God.
- The servants are Christians who are given talents and opportunities to use.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the parable of the gold coins
- Christians need to be obedient.
- Christians should use the abilities that God has given them.
- Christians will be rewarded according to their performances.
- Christians have been given special gifts and responsibilities by God.
- God expects us to use opportunities provided for his glory.
- Christians will give an account of how they used the abilities and skills God has given
them.

Jesus teaching on the way to salvation

- To forsake sinful life and follow Jesus
- It entails repentance of one’s sins and asking God for forgiveness.
- To have child like qualities e.g. dependence, curiosity, humility, trust etc.
- Being obedient to the commandments of God
- It entails self denial and renouncing of one’s family for the sake of the Kingdom
- It involves giving back everything that was acquired through fraud as Zacchaeus did.
- It is total change of heart as Zacchaeus did.
- It involves repentance and sacrifice
- Using ones God given abilities for the good of the Kingdom
- One should be determined to receive salvation as Zacchaeus

Relevance of Jesus’ teachings on salvation to Christians

- Christians learn that they need to repent their sins and seek forgiveness in
order to receive salvation and eternal life.

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- Christians learn that they need to humble themselves like children in order to
earn salvation.
- Christians learn that they should use their abilities to glorify God.
- Christians learn that wealth can be a hindrance to salvation.
- Christians learn that salvation is given by God.

SECTION IV.
CHAPTER ELEVEN.
THE JERUSALEM MINISTRY
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Describe the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
2. Explain the cleansing of the temple
3. Explain Jesus conflict with religious leaders
4. Explain Jesus teaching about eschatology

JESUS’ TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM (Luke 19:28-40)

- When Jesus came near Bethpage and Bethany he sent two of His disciples
- They were to get for Him a colt on which nobody had ridden
- They were to untie it and take it to Him
- If the owner asked, they were to say that the master needed it
- They got the colt, 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 works that
they had seen.
- The Pharisees objected to the crowds singing and asked Jesus to silence them
- Jesus responded that if his followers were silent the stones would cry out
- Jesus no longer hid his messiah ship.

Lessons that Christians can learn from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
- Christians should humble themselves in the service of God.
- Christians should be bold as they witness to Jesus like the crowds that
followed Him and declared him king.
- Christians should emulate Jesus and be channels of peace in their
communities.
- Christians should be humble like Jesus in their service to others.
- Jesus showed humility by riding on a donkey.
- Christians should prepare and be ready to receive Jesus in their lives like
the crowds that escorted him to Jerusalem.
- Christians should expect opposition and resistance as they evangelize but
they should not give up hope.

Events that took place during Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
- Two disciples were sent by Jesus near Jerusalem to untie a colt
- The disciples took the colt.
- They were asked by the owner where they were taking it.
- They replied that their master/ the lord needs it
- The colt was brought to Jesus.
- Garments were spread on the colt and Jesus rode on it.

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- More garments were spread on the road for Jesus.
- The multitude rejoiced and praised God for the miracles they had seen.
- Some Pharisees asked Jesus to tell the people to keep quiet
- Jesus rebuked them saying if they kept quiet, the stones would praise him.

Teachings about Jesus’ mission from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah
- He was to rule / establish the kingdom of God
- His mission was full of joy and happiness
- His mission was peaceful
- His mission was for all/ universal
- Jesus’ mission was to meet challenges
- He was determined to fulfill his mission

What Jesus entry into Jerusalem revealed about Him and His Kingdom
- Jesus is a triumphant and victorious king
- The donkey was a symbol of humility and peace hence a peaceful and humble king
- He was not an earthly king
- Jesus was the promised messiah
- He was greeted as a king, the same way kings were greeted with acclamation and joy
- By riding on a donkey Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Zachariah
- Jesus kingdom is for the least and the lost
- God’s kingdom is a kingdom of peace
- Jesus is a humble king and his kingdom is for the humble
- God’s kingdom is for the righteous

THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE (Luke 19:45-48)

- Jesus wept when he reached Jerusalem
- He wept because Jerusalem was going to reject him as the messiah
- Jesus foresaw the judgement and destruction of the city of Jerusalem
- Jesus entered the temple and drove out the people that were trading in the temple
- He accused them of turning the temple into a “hideout for thieves”.
- Jesus protested because the trading was hiding the real purpose of the temple
- For this reason the temple would be destroyed because it was no longer serving as
“house of prayer for all people”.

Why Jesus wept in Jerusalem

- People of Jerusalem did not realize/recognize his arrival
- They did not recognize him as a peaceful messiah
- They were engaged in sinfulness /forgotten the covenant way of life
- They had forgotten God’s election and role to do his will to other nations
- It was the centre of worshiping God but had died spiritually
- Religious leaders had forgotten the laws that they kept and taught
- Jesus had foreseen his rejection in Jerusalem
- Jerusalem was going to be punished/destroyed

Reasons why Jesus cleansed the temple

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- The temple had been made a place where racial /gender discrimination was carried
out.
- The temple leaders such as the Pharisees and priests were hypocrites
- There was a lot of cheating in business that was carried out in the temple
- It symbolically showed that the physical temple had outlived her usefulness and was
being replaced by a spiritual one.
- The people had failed to recognize Jesus as their messiah
- He wanted to demonstrate that he was the son of God / had divine powers.

Reasons why Jesus was not pleased with the temple worship during His Jerusalem
ministry
- He believed he had brought a spiritual temple that was superior to the Jerusalem one
that had been abused.
- The Gentiles were discriminated in the temple worship.
- The Jewish leaders practiced religious hypocrisy.
- The Jewish leaders had failed to recognize him as the Messiah.
- There was oppression of the poor in the worship.
- Those in charge of worship were self-righteous.
- The temple religious teachers were opposed to his preaching.
- The temple had become a centre of sin/had lost its holiness.
- As the Messiah, Jesus could not tolerate to see evil.

Lessons Christians can learn from the cleansing of the temple

- The church should be cleansed from all evils.
- Christians should respect the house of God.
- The church should be used as house of prayer.
- Christian leaders should avoid exploiting members through looking for excessive
contributions.
- The church is a holy place and should be kept so.
- The church is a place of worship and should not be used for other purposes.
- It has to be approached with humility and reverence.
- It is a place of honour and Christians should approach it with a repentant attitude.
- It is a place of praising and exalting God.
- It should be a place where the poor and needy turn to for help and not to be exploited.

JESUS CONFLICTS WITH THE JEWISH LEADERS. (Lk. 19:47-48, 20:1-47,

21:1-4).
Areas of conflict between Jesus and the Jewish Religious leaders
- The Sabbath – The law said no work should be done on the Sabbath day but Jesus
healed on the Sabbath, declining that he is the Lord of the Sabbath (Saving human life
is more important than keeping the laws of the Sabbath)
- The divinity of Jesus – Jesus claimed to be equal to God (“the father and I are one”)
He had the power to forgive sins but the Pharisees rejected this claim/ God is one and
he alone must be worshiped /only he can forgive sins
- Jesus association with sinners /outcasts the Pharisees reasoned that a Holy person
cannot associate with sinners who were outcasts
- Jesus teaching directly condemned the religious practices of the Pharisees, he called
them blind leaders, hypocrites, white washed tombs, but this abuse ultimately brought
hatred for Jesus.

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- He spoke of destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days/any other relevant
teaching
- Jesus claim to be a Messiah – the Pharisees expected a political conquering Messiah.
But Jesus stated that he was a humble Jewish Messiah/ His concern was for the
spiritual Kingdom (as a result the Pharisees were confused and could not read and
interpret the signs of the time.
- The popularity of Jesus brought him into conflict with Jewish religious leaders who
were afraid of losing their own authority.
- Jesus failure to observe the traditions of elders e.g. fasting / not washing hands before
meals
- Jesus style of doing things e.g. cleaning the temple/teaching with authority brought
him into conflict with Jewish religious leaders

Ways through which Jesus changed the Jewish attitude towards the poor.
- He associated with them during his ministry
- He ate with sinners
- He associated and praised the Gentiles
- He used parables in favour of the poor,( the unjust judge and the widow; Rich man
and Lazarus)
- He healed the lepers and the blind
- He gave women prominent positions in his ministry
- He commended the widows contribution in the temple
- He was crucified with thieves who were despised in the society

The vices that Jesus would condemn today

- Leadership wrangles
- Sexual immorality in the church
- Indecent dressing by Christians
- Corruption by church leaders and members
- Gossip among Christians
- Tribalism, nepotism and discrimination in the church
- Greed by some church leaders and members

Problems faced by true followers of Jesus today

- Persecution on the account of their faith
- False accusation on things not done
- Their criticism of evil in the society makes them to be hated by non-Christians/society
- Temptations/sickness/loss of loved ones which discourage them
- Inadequate resources to spread the gospel further
- Their messages are not taken seriously
- Those in authority e.g. government do not support/take them seriously
- Difficulty in defending the faith/convincing the people about the power and love of
God/science and technology
- Family matters/social-economic matters that take much of their time

Problems faced by Gospel preachers today

- Rejection
- Opposition
- Lack of funds
- False accusation

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- Material deficiencies
- Rivalry among Christians denominations
- Poor transport network
- Lack of support from fellow Christians
- Disunity among Christian leaders
- Intimidation / influence by politicians
- Generation gap.

The question about Jesus’ authority (Luke 20:1-8)

- One day Jesus was in the Temple teaching the people/preaching the good news
- The chief priests and the teachers of the Law came to Him
- They asked Him to tell them on whose authority He taught
- Jesus asked them about the authority of John the Baptist
- They started to argue among themselves what they would say
- They answered Him that they didn’t know
- Jesus then didn’t tell them on whose right He did those things

The parable of the tenants (Luke 20:9-18)

- The parable is about a man who planted a vineyard and gave it out to tenants.
- Then he went away for a long time.
- When the time of harvest came, he sent his servant to the tenants, that they may give
him some of the fruits of the vineyard.
- The tenants instead beat him up and sent him away empty-handed.
- He sent another servant whom they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-
handed.
- He sent yet a third one whom they wounded and cast out.
- The owner of the vineyard then sent his own son but he was beaten up and killed.
- Jesus posed a question "what then will the owner do to them?
- He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
- Jesus concluded the parable that "the very stone the builders rejected has become the
corner stone ".

Meaning of the parable

- The vineyard is Israel
- God is the owner of the vineyard
- The servants that were beaten up represent the prophets, God’s messengers.
- Jesus is the son referred to in the story that the tenants threw out and killed.
- The death of the son in the parable anticipates Jesus’ death in the hands of Jewish
leaders.
- The quotation in Psalm shows that the stone the builders rejected is Jesus Himself.

Teachings of Jesus from the parable of the wicked tenants.

- The Jews had rejected God’s messengers including his son Jesus
- Jewish religious leaders had sinned and awaited God’s judgement
- Jesus is the son of God
- Jesus anticipated his death in the hands of the Jewish religious leaders.
- Jesus authority came from God
- Despite his rejection, Jesus is affirmed and enthroned by God in heaven.
- The Kingdom of God will be taken from the Jews and given to the gentiles.
- The kingdom of God is universal
- Obedient and faithful followers of Christ will inherit the kingdom of God.
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Reasons why people find it difficult to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Alternative religions.
- Too much wealth/riches.
- It is too demanding.
- Lack of faith.
- Science and technology seems to provide solutions to man's problems.
- Lack of proper role models.
- Discouragement from church leaders.
- Permissiveness in the society.
- Drug abuse makes people not to think about God / pleasures of the world

Paying taxes to Caesar (Luke 20:19-26)

- Some spies asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.
- The question was tricky.
- Jesus answered that they should give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what
is God’s

The question about the resurrection (Luke 20:27-40)

- The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection.
- They tried to trap Jesus by asking a question on marriage and resurrection.
- They wanted to know whose wife a woman who had been married to seven
brothers would be after resurrection.
- Jesus responded by saying that people do not marry in eternal life.

Lessons Christians learn from Jesus reply to the Sadducees question on resurrection
- There is no marriage after the resurrection
- There is life after the resurrection.
- Christians should live with hope of eternal life.
- Through resurrection Christians become children of God.
- After resurrection, there will be no further death.
- The righteous will resurrect and live eternally.
- The God of Abraham is the God of the living.
- The bodies of those who will resurrect will be transformed into spiritual bodies.
- The resurrected life is different from the earthly life.

The Question about the Messiah (Luke 20:41-44)

- As Jesus was teaching and preaching in the temple, the chief priest and scribes
together with the elders asked him in whose authority the taught
- Jesus in reply asked them whether John’s right to baptize was from heaven or from
the earth
- The questions brought division between the leaders and the people
- The leaders did not know how to reply
- Jesus meant that his authority was from heaven just like John’s

Jesus Warns Against The Teachers Of The Law (Luke 20:45-47)

 Jesus warned his disciples against the teachers of the law.
 Their hypocrisy was seen in the following ways;-
- They loved to be greeted with respect in market places.
- They sought places of honor in the synagogues and banquets.
- They said long prayers
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- They took advantage of widows and robbed them of their property.

The widow’s offering (Luke 21:1-4)

- Jesus observed the people giving their offerings in the temple.
- While the rich people gave out what they had to spare from their riches, the
widow gave all that she had.
- Jesus praised the widow for giving all that she had.

JESUS TEACHINGS ABOUT ESCHATOLOGY (Luke 21:5-38)

- Eschatology is the study of the end times.

Signs of the end of time

- The temple and the city of Jerusalem will be destroyed.
- Wars between nations will arise.
- Natural calamities like earthquakes, famine and plaques will occur.
- Strange and celestial beings will come from the sky.
- Nations will be in despair.
- The disciples of Jesus will be hated on Jesus’ account.
- The disciples of Jesus will be arrested, persecuted and imprisoned.
- People will faint from fear of witnessing the signs.
- People would come claiming to be Jesus, the messiah, the son of God
- The disciples would be betrayed to the authorities by close relatives and even put to
death
- There will be disruption in the sky and in the sea

Why Christians should be watchful during the end times.

- They should be watchful because Jesus will come unexpectedly.
- They should be watchful because it involves endurance
- They should be watchful because they are stewards of the Kingdom.
- They should be watchful because of the coming judgment
- They should be watchful because Jesus is their Lord and should be committed.
- They should be watchful to recognise the signs of the end to know the presence of
God among them.
- They should be watchful in order to provide service to others.

Ways Christians prepare themselves for the end times

- Christians should repent of their sins
- Christians should be watchful and be spiritually alert for the signs of the end times
- They should pray to God to protect them.
- They should have hope in God even when they face trials for God has promised his
protection to Christians when they encounter trials.
- Continue with the work of God. For example, preaching the gospel so that all may
know the truth.
- They should not be weighed down by drunkenness or worries of life.

The visible signs of the eschatology today

- Many wars between nations.
- Earth quakes/Tsunamis like the recent one in Japan that killed many people.
- Incurable diseases like HIV/AIDS.
- Disregard for religion/devil worship.
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- Insecurity/crime levels are high.
- Environmental degradation.
- Family instability.
- General break-down of moral values.

Lessons Christians learn from Jesus teaching on the end time

- Christians should be prepared for the end of the world and the second coming of
Christ
- Christians must not expect to be given an appropriate or definite date as the second
coming will be unexpected
- Christians should be vigilant continuously through prayer.
- Christians should not be deceived on the end time events.
- Christians should stand firm in their faith.

The coming of the son of man. (Verse 25-28).

- Disruption in the sky and in the sea.
- All countries would be in despair.
- People would faint from fear as they witness the signs.
- After these signs, the son of man would appear in power and glory.

How Christians should prepare for the second coming of Christ

- Not losing hope in the face of trials and tribulations because the kingdom of God with
its promise of a new life will definitely come.
- Leading a righteous life- they are to avoid too much feasting and drunkenness
- Avoiding being pre- occupied with worries and cares of this world
- Being watchful by praying so that God will give them courage and strength to stand
firm in their faith
- Preaching the word of God to those who have not heard it
- Being obedient to God’s commandments
- Through helping the needy
- Reading the bible
- Fellowship

Factors hindering Christians in their preparation for the second coming of Christ
- Too much trust in material wealth.
- False teaching
- Indulgence in sexual immorality.
- Living luxurious lives
- Inability to forgive others
- Lack of concern for the plight of the needy
- Failure to observe Church sacraments
- Drunkenness and disorderliness.
- Attraction to devil worship.
- Not reading the Bible.
- Influence of modern science and technology.

The parable of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-33)

- Jesus told the parable of the fig tree to explain the reality of his coming.
- Just as a fig tree sheds all its leaves during winter and they begin to come back when
summer is approaching, the signs of the end of time will signal the coming of the
kingdom of God.
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- Jesus urged his disciples to be alert and keep on praying in order to gain strength.

The relevance of teachings on eschatology to Christians.

- Jesus teaches that the end of the world will come. He will return in glory to establish
his kingdom.
- Prayer is important for Christians particularly during moments of crisis.
- While waiting for the second coming, Christians should live righteously.
- Christians should stand firm in their faith.

CHAPTER TWELVE.
THE PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Specific Objectives
By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to:
1. Discus the Lord’s Supper and show its meaning to Christians today
2. Describe the events that took place on Mount Olives
3. Explain the events that took place between the arrest and burial of Jesus
4. Describe the resurrection of Jesus
5. Explain and relate the significance of the teaching on the passion, death and
resurrection of Jesus to daily life.

The events that make the passion of Jesus

- Jesus prayer on Mount of Olives
- Betrayal by Judas
- His arrest
- His trial before Pilate
- His interrogation before Herod
- His trial before the Sanhedrin
- His judgement before Pilate
- His suffering on the cross
- His crucifixion
- His death

THE LAST SUPPER (Luke 22:1-30)

- The last supper of Jesus and his disciples took place on the eve of the Passover.
- Jesus sent Peter and John to make preparations of the last supper in town.
- When the hour came Jesus took his place at the table with his disciples.
- He told them how he had longed to eat the meal before his suffering and death.
- Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks and passed it around for the disciples to drink
saying it was his blood.
- He then took bread, gave thanks and passed it around for the disciples to drink saying
it was his body.
- Jesus told the disciples to continue with the practice in his memory.
- Jesus foretold that Judas was going to betray him.
- Jesus showed them an example of humility by washing their feet.

Why it was necessary for Jesus to have the last supper with his disciples.
- Was a way of preparing them for his coming death and resurrection.
- To teach them about humility and the need to serve others – the washing their feet.
- Was a good opportunity for Jesus to appoint a leader among them.
- Way of fellowshipping with them.
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- Way of uniting the disciples.
- Symbolizes heavenly banquet that will be shared by God’s people.
- Predict Peter’s denial.
- To name / reveal his betrayer – Judas Iscariot.
- To review his ministerial mission before going to heaven.
- To show compliance to Jewish Passover celebrations.
- To give his disciples a sense of direction.
- To build a team spirit among his disciples in face the coming tribulation.
- To give them assurance who was coming to be with them – the Holy Spirit.

Revelation about disciples of Jesus during the last supper.

- They had not recognized Peter’s leadership abilities – Peter’s potential to succeed
Jesus i.e. argued who among them should be considered great.
- They had sense of loyalty of Jesus e.g. agreed to meet to celebrate the last supper.
- Some of them had lost faith / confidence in Jesus e.g. Judas Iscariot who was to be
betrayer.
- They were pre-occupied with personal leadership rewards – each wanted to succeed
Jesus.
- They did not have the full grasp of the impending crisis which would follow the
betrayal of Jesus i.e. wondered who betrayer would be.
- They had great love / sense of commitment to Jesus e.g. Peter declared he was not
only ready to go with Jesus to prison but to die with Him also.

Differences between the last supper and the Passover

- The last supper symbolizes deliverance from spiritual bondage/sin. While the
Passover symbolizes delivery from slavery in Egypt
- The last supper is sealed with the blood of Jesus while the Passover was sealed by
the blood of the lamb.
- The Passover was given to one nation while the last supper is meant for all mankind.
- During the Passover the Israelites were given promises of going to Canaan while
with the last supper they are promised everlasting life /life eternity.
- The last supper signifies the start of the new covenant while the Passover was a
symbol of the old covenant.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LAST SUPPER TO CHRISTIANS TODAY

- The Lord’s Supper is celebrated in recognition of Jesus’ self-empting love for
humanity.
- Jesus’ presence becomes a reality through the sharing of bread and wine.
- It brings new life to Christians and renews their faith.
- Through it, Christians anticipate the second coming of Jesus.
- The Lords supper is related to the new covenant in the blood of Jesus
- Christians remember God’s love for them
- It symbolizes the heavenly feast which Christians will partake of in God’s Kingdom
- Jesus blood that was shed brought salvation to mankind
- It reminds Christians of the redemptive acts of Jesus
- It’s a time for rededication and self-renewal to Christ
- It reminds Christians of Christ’s death and resurrection for their sins
- Through it Christians receive assurance of their forgiveness of sins as in an act of
repentance
- It unites believers/share with one another
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- To obey Jesus command to do it to his memory

The plot against Jesus (verse 1-6)

- The Chief Priests and the leaders of the Law were trying to find a way of arresting
and putting Jesus to death secretly
- They were afraid to act because of the popularity of Jesus among the people
- A public arrest of Jesus would make the people to riot and cause unrest
- Judas Iscariot went to them and volunteered to betray Him
- They offered to pay him some money and he started looking for an opportune time to
betray Jesus without people knowing about it

An argument about greatness (verse 24-30)

- The disciples argued who among them was the greatest.
- Jesus replied that true greatness for a disciple was in service and being humble.

Prediction of Peter’s denial of Jesus (verse 31-34)

- Jesus foretold Peter’s denial of him. He then prayed for Peter to have faith.

PRAYER ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES (Luke 22:39-46)

- After the last supper Jesus went to Mount of Olives
- The disciples followed him.
- Jesus knelt down and prayed.
- Jesus asked his disciples to pray so that they would not fall into temptation
- Jesus was in so much anguish that sweat poured from his body like drops of blood.
- After the prayer, he went to the disciples and found them asleep.
- Angels appeared and strengthened Jesus.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Luke 22:47-53)

- Jesus was arrested at olives in the evening while He was with his disciples
- He was arrested by a team led by Judas Iscariot.
- The team included the Chief priest, temple officials and Romans soldiers.
- Judas moved forward and kissed Jesus.
- Jesus asked Judas are he was betraying the son of man with a kiss.
- The team was heavily armed.
- One of the discples struck of the ear of the chief priest’ servant.
- Jesus quickly ordered for peace/ stopped resistance.
- He touched the ear of the servant of the Chief priest and it got healed
- He asked why they had come to arrest him while he had been in the temple with them
daily
- They arrested Jesus and took him to the house of the Chief priest.

Reasons why Jesus was arrested

- Breaking the strict regulations of the Sabbath
- Opposing the payment of taxes
- Eating and associating with tax collectors and sinners
- Perverting/misleading the nation
- Claiming to be the king of the Jews
- Claiming to have power to forgive sins
- Prophesying the destruction of the city of Jerusalem
- Claiming to be the son of God
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- Inciting people to revolt against the emperor

The events that took place on the Mount of Olives before the arrest of Jesus
- Jesus told the disciples to pray
- Jesus moved a distance away from the disciples.
- Jesus knelt down and prayed.
- An angel from heaven strengthened him.
- The disciples fell asleep.
- Jesus awoke the disciples.
- There came a crowd led by Judas, one of his twelve disciples.
- Judas wanted to kiss Jesus.
- One of the disciples struck off a slave’s ear.
- Jesus healed the man’s ear.
- Jesus asked the religious leaders why they had come to arrest him as if he was a
criminal

Reasons why Judas betrayed Jesus

- His greed for money
- He was overcome by the power of the evil one/ Satan entered him (possessed).
- Maybe he was an informer of the Jewish authorities long before Jesus went to
Jerusalem.
- He lacked moral courage to stand by Jesus during his moment of tribulation.
- He was disappointed by Jesus teaching about a spiritual kingdom rather than a
political kingdom.
- Human weakness.
- Jesus did not meet Judas expectation of the Messiah.
- He lacked courage to stand with Jesus during temptation.

THE DENIAL OF JESUS BY PETER (Luke 22:54-65)

- When Jesus was arrested, Peter followed him at a distance.
- He later joined people who were warming themselves.
- A maid and two other people claimed that Peter was one of the disciples of Jesus.
- Peter denied this three times.

Reasons why Peter denied Jesus

- It was possibly due to human weakness, he lacked the moral courage to stand by Jesus
during his suffering.
- He lacked moral support from the other disciples.
- Peter was afraid of being arrested
- The gospels portray him as being impulsive which means acting on the spur of the
moment.
- He was overcome by the power of Satan.
- He lacked faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
- It was God’s will so that the scriptures could be fulfilled.

Lessons Christians learn from Peter’s denial.

- One should not put trust in his own abilities i.e. Peter thought he was strong enough to
face any situation.
- Jesus had told Peter and other disciples to pray without ceasing failure t do this may
have led to his failure.
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- All are vulnerable to the attacks of the devil –even those who are chosen like Peter.
- We should obey Jesus’ words, he had desired for his disciples not to follow him but
Peter chose to follow him.
- Christians should avoid placing themselves in risky situations. Peter warmed himself
at the enemy’s camp.
- If we repent sincerely Jesus is ready to forgive and restore us i.e. restored Peter.
- We should stand firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances.

Why modern Christians should accept to suffer in Christ’s name

- To imitate Christ / because Christ suffered to bring salvation.
- Suffering strengthens Christian faith
- To have the experience/ feeling of the suffering
- To protect the unfortunate / defend the rights of the weak.
- To save and to support the needy with basic needs
- To act as a role model to the young Christians
- To harden their bodies against temptations of the flesh.
- Jesus came for the poor and the suffering
- To demonstrate the glory of Christ over evil forces.

The Trial of Jesus (Luke 23:1-25)

The events that took place between the prayer on Mt. Olives and burial of Jesus
- The betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Lk 22:47-53)
- The arrest of Jesus (Lk 22:47-53)
- The denial of Jesus by Peter (Lk 22:54-65)
- The Interrogation before the council of Sanhedrin (Lk 22:66-71)
- The trial before Pilate (Lk 23:1-5)
- The trial before Herod (Lk 23:6-12)
- The judgment of Pilate (Lk 23:13-25
- The crucifixion of Jesus (Lk 23:26-43)
- The death of Jesus (Lk 23:44-49)

1. Interrogation before the council of Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71)

- He was asked if he was the Christ
- He responded that they would not believe him
- He said that soon he would be seated in the right hand of mighty God
- They asked him if he was the son of God
- He responded that they have said so

2. The trial before Pilate (Luke 23:1-5)

- Pilate asked him if he was the king of Jews and Jesus replied that he had said so
- Pilate told the Sanhedrin that he had seen no crime in him

3. The trial before Herod (verse 6-12)

- Herod was glad to see him and expected some sign from him
- Herod asked him several question and never answered any
- Herod and soldiers treated him with contempt and mockery by dressing him in kings
attire

4. Pilate’s judgment (verse 13-25)

- Pilate confirmed his innocence even from Herod not worth dying but only to be
chastised
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- Crowd shouted at Pilate to release Barnabas and crucify Jesus
- Pilate then passed sentence that people’s demand be done and Jesus be crucified

Reasons why Pilate agreed to have Jesus crucified

- He was afraid of a Jewish revolt
- He did not want to be disloyal to the Roman emperor after learning that
Jesus had been accused of treason.
- He washed his hands; this means that he was absolving himself of the guilt
of having Jesus crucified.

What Christians learn about Jesus from Pilate’s action during Jesus’ trial
- Jesus was innocent and did not deserve death
- Christians should not accuse others falsely
- Should not be intimidated or influenced by others to say something they know is
wrong
- One should strive for justice and fairness regardless of the cost
- One should be careful in judging others and passing important judgment on others
- Christians should only do what pleases God and not what pleases fellow human
beings
- Christians should not misuse their power/ abuse their power over others
- Christians should give good example to others and give them guidance
- Jesus is the Messiah i.e. the son of God.

Ways in which Pilate reacted to Jesus during the trial (Luke 22:66 – 23: 1 – 25)
- He was sure Jesus was not guilty of any crime/ He confessed that Jesus was innocent
- He sent Jesus to Herod to avoid blame
- He wanted Jesus whipped and then set free
- He had a superstitious fear of Jesus
- He tried to follow the Jewish custom by releasing for them Jesus but they refused and
preferred Barabbas instead
- He let the mob decide on what to do with Jesus
- He washed his hands to absolve himself of the guilt/ He shifted blame to the crowd.
- He was amazed that Jesus never defended himself
- He talked to Jesus privately

The injustices that characterized Jesus Trials.

- Jesus was not told the cause of His arrest.
- He was mocked, beaten even before the trial
- False accusations were brought against Him
- The Sanhedrin insisted on His death after Pilate found Him innocent.
- The crowd intimidated Pilate to put Him to death
- Though innocent, Pilate was to have Him whipped
- A criminal /Barabbas was released to pave way for His death.
- Herod treated Him with contempt / ridicule at the trial.
- Peter who followed Him was treated with threats / intimidations on night before trial

Lessons Christians can learn from the actions of Pilate during the trial of Jesus.
- Jesus was innocent / did not deserve death.
- Christians should not accuse others falsely.

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- Christians should not be intimidated / influenced by other to do/say what they know is
wrong.
- Should do what is pleasing to God and not what pleases fellow human beings.
- Should strive for fairness regardless of the cost.
- Should not misuse their power / abuse their power.
- Should give examples to others / give guidance.
- Jesus is the Messiah / Son of God.
- Christians should be just
- Christians should investigate accusations to ascertain their truthfulness before passing
judgment
- They should be firm in doing what is right
- They should exercise their authority in doing what is right.

Lessons Christians learn from Jesus’ trial by Pilate.

- Christians should not accuse others falsely.
- Christians should not be intimidated or influenced by others to say something wrong.
- Christians should strive for justice and fairness regardless of the cost.
- Christians should be careful in judging others / not judge others.
- Christians should only do what is pleasing to God, not fellow human beings.
- Christians should not misuse their power / abuse their power over others,
- Christians should be good examples to others.
- Christians should give guidance / direction to others on what is right.

How Christians help those who have been released from prison
- Visiting them so that they may feel wanted in the society / invite them to their homes
- Pray for them
- Preach the good news of salvation to them
- Provide them with basic necessities like shelter, clothing
- Show them love / concern
- Give them financial assistance to start income generating projects
- Involve them in the community/church activities

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS (Luke 23:26-43)

- Jesus was crucified at Calvary between two criminals
- One of the criminals mocked Him by asking Him to save them and Himself.
- The second criminal defended Jesus and asked Him to remember him in His
Kingdom
- Jesus assured him that He will be with him in paradise.
- The soldiers also mocked Jesus by offering Him cheap wine and asked Him to save
Himself

The death and burial of Jesus (Luke 23:44-56)

- Darkness covered the whole land and the temple curtain was cut into two.
- As Jesus died he committed His Spirit into the hands of God.
- The centurion who witnessed his death proved Jesus to be innocent and all the
multitude who had assembled there went home beating their breasts.

The events that took place when Jesus died on the cross
- The curtain of the temple was torn into two.
- Darkness fell over the land between the sixth and the ninth hour.
- The Centurion commented that Jesus was innocent.
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 - The crowd that witnessed the death of Jesus went away beating their breasts.
- The people repented for the part they played for crucifixion of Jesus.
- There were bystanders who watched from a distance.
- The earth was shaken.

The reactions of the people who witnessed Jesus' death (Lk. 23: 47-56)
- Centurion praised God and acknowledged Jesus was a righteous man/innocent.
- Multitudes who witnessed his death returned home beating their beasts.
- All his acquaintances and the women from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.
- Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus from Pilate for burial.
- Joseph of Arimathea brought Jesus' body down wrapped it in linen and laid him in a
tomb.
- The women from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb where he laid the body
of Jesus.
- Women from Galilee went home to prepare spices to anoint the body of Jesus.

How Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus

- Involving in festivals like Christmas.
- By preaching the gospel.
- Praying to God through Jesus name.
- Organizing fellowships.
- Reading and studying the bible.
- Helping the needy in the society.
- Singing and praising God.
- Asking for forgiveness when they sin.

The events that happened to Jesus from the time He was arrested up to his death on
the cross.
- Judas betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the crowd.
- He was taken to the Chief Priests house.
- Jesus was denied by Peter three times
- He was interrogated before the council of Sanhedrin.
- He was also tried before Pilate
- Pilate’s Judgment
- The crucifixion of Jesus
- Two criminals were crucified with him
- Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders mocked him.

How a Christian should behave when seeking for forgiveness

- Accepting ones sinful state and mistakes hence must confess
- Should show remorsefulness, repent and be sorrowful for the wrong done
- Readiness and willingness to make up for the wrong done
- Readiness and willingness to forgive others
- Determination not to repeat the mistake
- Readiness to change for the better
- Humility before God
- Faith and trust in God that he will forgive and hear the prayer

Lessons learned from the testimony of the repentant thief.

- It is important to correct erring brother or sister the way the repentant thief did
- Recognition of one’s sinful condition so as to repent.
- Jesus had no sin/did not deserve death
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- Jesus had power to overcome death /would resurrect.
- Jesus is the Messiah /Lord.
- Jesus is the Saviour of mankind.
- Jesus would establish Gods kingdom for the saved.
- Jesus is merciful to the repentant sinners.

Lessons Christians can learn from the character of the repentant thief
- To be humble like the repentant thief.
- Christians should accept their sins and repent.
- Christians should respect others.
- Christians should recognize other people’s innocence.
- Christians should recognize the messiahship of Christ.
- Christians should rebuke/ correct those who are wrong.
- Christians should be assertive.

Lessons that Christians learn about the nature of Jesus from the testimony of the
repentant thief.
- Jesus is forgiving
- Jesus was going to heaven/paradise
- Jesus had power over death
- Jesus was innocent, sinless
- Jesus was the son of God; He was the Messiah; King or saviour
- He was compassionate/merciful
- He gives eternal life/He is the life and resurrection
- Jesus is worthy of respect/honour
- Jesus is God
How Joseph of Arimathea acknowledged Jesus’s Lordship
- He believed in the Kingdom of God.
- Disagreed with the Sanhedrin about crucifying Jesus.
- He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus body.
- He removed the body of Jesus from the cross
- He wrapped Jesus body with expensive linen
- He buried Jesus in a personal tomb
- He buried Jesus the very day / Friday in order for him to attend and obey Sabbath day/
Saturday.
- He recognized the righteousness of Jesus at the cross.

The role played by the disciples of Jesus during His arrest and death
- Judas betrayed Jesus
- Peter defended Him by attacking the servant
- Peter denied Jesus
- Disciples gave Him company
- Women wept
- Simone of Cyrene helped Him carry the cross
- Joseph of Arimathea provided a place for His burial

Actions taken by the Jewish leaders to ensure that Jesus was put to death
- They paid Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus
- They brought false witnesses to accuse him of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin-a
crime punishable by stoning to death
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- They hurriedly tried him at night before people knew what was happening
- They employed armed temple guards and Roman soldiers to deal with those who
fight for Jesus
- They blackmailed Pilate into accepting their demand to have Jesus crucified
- They organised a mob to shout for the death of Jesus and release of Barnabas
- They crucified him when they got permission from Pilate

Ways corruption has affected the society in Kenya today

- There is increase in crime rate
- The public has lost trust or faith in government institutions
- There is increase in poverty among citizens
- There is high level of inflation in the country
- Lack of quality services in all areas of life
- There is employment of inefficient people
- It has led to strikes and riots among workers
- It has created unemployment due o inability to create jobs
- It has led to sexual immorality which leads to STDs/HIV/AIDS
- It has given the country a negative image

How Jesus prepared Himself for his death

- He was aware of being a suffering Messiah and had accepted it as the way to save
humankind
- He had predicted His death as a way of preparing Himself and His disciples
- He taught His disciples how to be on their own after His departure
- He shared a last meal with them
- His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a sign of His readiness to die
like a humble servant
- He prayed that God might remove the cup of suffering from Him
- At the Mount of Olives; Jesus prayed for God’s support and strength

Ways in which Jesus prepared his disciples for his death.

- He talked about it in advance in the temple
- He called/and assigned them duties
- He trained the disciples for the future role/spread gospel
- He appointed Peter to take over Jesus ministry/leadership
- He promised them a helper/Holy Spirit
- He had the Last Supper with them in which he pointed out one of them was to betray
Him

Problems experienced by Jesus in his ministry

- Rejection in Nazareth
- Threats from Herod
- Pharisees accused him of breaking the law of Moses
- Accused of befriending sinners
- He was said to have power of demons
- Temped by the devil in the wilderness
- Opposition from Jewish leaders
- Disciples had little faith without him
- Betrayed by Judas to carry his own cross
- Mocked, humiliated and hanged
- His resurrection doubted by Thomas

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How Christians are persecuted in modern times
- At times they are locked in custody for speaking the truth.
- Face threats for condemning evil.
- Held in contempt by non- believers /mock
- Some people threaten their work by use of scientific advancement.
- Physically harassed by those who belong to other faiths.
- Sometimes where Christians are in morality there are laws which discriminate them.
- Some Christians have been sent out of their countries because of their faith.
- Discrimination in jobs or other opportunities.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS (Luke 24:1-49)

Witness to the risen Christ
- Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.
- The resurrected Jesus appeared to the following people:

The testimony of the holy women (verse 1-12)

- The holy women notably Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James
went to the tomb in the morning of Sunday carrying spices to prepare Jesus’ body.
- They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb.
- They went in but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
- They stood there puzzled about this.
- Suddenly two angles appeared to them.
- Full of fear, the woman bowed down to the ground.
- The angles asked them why they were looking for the living among he dead.
- They were told Jesus was there but had risen as he had told them he would do on the
third day upon his crucifixion death and burial while in Galilee.
- The women went and told all these things to the eleven disciples of Jesus.

Reasons why the disciples of Jesus were reluctant to listen to the holy women’s
testimony concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ
- Women were looked down upon in the Jewish community/seen as gossipers
- The disciples had witnessed Jesus death and burial.
- Jesus had not appeared to them therefore they thought it was a lie
- It had never happened before/it was an extra ordinary event
- They had little faith/weak faith in Jesus as the messiah
- They were still in a state of shock having lost their master
- There was conflicting information about resurrection
- They knew the tomb was heavily guarded

Why Jesus disciples responded to the news of his resurrection with fear and
disbelief
- The news was first brought by women who were despised / regarded lowly.
- The disciples had witnessed the death// burial of Jesus.
- They lacked faith / had little faith.
- They had expected a glorious / implants political messiah/ not one that would die/ did
not expect a spiritual messiah.
- There was conflicting message about resurrection.
- The tomb was heavily guarded by the Roman soldiers/ abide rock was placed at the
entrance.
- Influence from their historical background/ resurrect ion was impossible/ had not
happened before/ was a strange new things.
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How Jesus showed compassion to women during His ministry.
- Jesus touched Simeon’s mother – in-law when she had fever and was healed
- Jesus visited Mary and Martha often and they became his followers/ friends
- Jesus had compassion on the widow of Nain by restoring her son back to life
- Mary wetted the feet of Jesus with her tears and Jesus did not rebuke her but forgave
her sins
- Other several women took care of Jesus’ needs e.g. Susan etc.
- Jesus listened to the Syrophoenician woman and restored her demon possessed
daughter
- The first person to see the resurrected Jesus was a woman

Why violence against women is rampant in Kenya today.

- Male chauvinism /superiority.
- Poverty.
- Women are vulnerable
- Ignorance of the law/women don’t report cases of violence.
- Attitude towards women.
- Cultural beliefs/ norms.
- Lack of laws /legislation guarding women against violence.
- Lenient punishment by the law court /laws against offenders/ corrupt legal
procedures.
- Drug abuse/ alcohol.
- Male dominated society in leadership.

The role played by women in evangelization.

- Women pray / intercede for the church.
- Contribute money / material support to support the church.
- Women perform work of charity / visiting the needy / sick.
- Women lead the church in praise and worship.
- Some women are preachers / pastors / teachers.
- Lead non- believers to Christ.
- Guide and counsel the youth.

Ways in which the church has tried to improve the life of women in Kenya
- Providing them with education
- Sensitizing women on their rights
- Training them and encouraging them to take leadership roles
- Ordaining them as pastors/ elders/ reverends / bishops
- Giving them work of guidance and counseling
- Condemning all discrimination against women/ diminishing women
- Praying and preaching for their rights
- Building schools/institutions for girls and women to get education
- Establishment of projects to improve them from economic hardships
- Printing literature on the plight of women
- The church urges the Government to improve the women welfare
- Rehabilitating those with life problems like prostitution, drug addiction etc.

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How the church shows compassion to the under-privileged in society today.
- Provision of basic needs i.e. food, clothing etc.
- Construction of schools to provide education
- Emotional support/ love
- Financial assistance
- Provision of pastoral care
- Encourage faithful to adopt some orphaned children
- Build homes for children and the old
- Promote self-employment

How Jesus promoted social justice and equality from His life and ministry
- Was born of ordinary peasants/ parents
- Was born in a manger
- His birth first revealed to shepherds who were first to visit him
- Was wrapped in swaddling clothes
- He underwent Jewish rituals like any other person
- As a child he lived assisting his parents
- He was baptized by John the Baptist just like any other person who was sinful
- He picked his disciples from low class i.e. fishermen
- He preached to all of people in the society
- He called everybody to repent
- He used parables from daily life
- He performed miracles indiscriminately everywhere to everybody
- He interacted with sinners and outcasts i.e. adulterous woman and Zacchaeus
- He worked for women who were despised in Jewish customs e.g. widow of Nain,
Mary Magdalene
- He was crucified with criminals and suffered death on cross for the sins of human
kind

Ways in which Jesus revealed Himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus
(verse 13-32)
- He took the initiative to join them.
- He asked what they were talking about
- He listened /took part in their discussion.
- He explained/ expounded to them the role of the messiah using the scriptures.
- He re-enacted the covenant He had made with them during the last supper through the
breaking of the bread.
- He inspired them to experience His divine presence.
- He revealed Himself further to the disciple in Jerusalem while the two were reporting
their experiences at Emmaus by showing Himself to them and preaching to them.

What the two disciples to Emmaus discussed about Jesus

- Jesus was a prophet.
- He was a great leader / powerful in word.
- He was a miracle worker / powerful in deeds
- He was delivered to be condemned /crucified by the chief priests and the rulers.
- He was the hope of Israel because he was going to redeem them/He was salvation of
Israel.
- They believed Jesus was the Messiah
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- Jesus had suffered and was crucified.
- People / Holy women claimed he had resurrection.

Evidence that Jesus arose from the dead.

- The angel told the women that Jesus had risen/the testimony of the holy women.
- Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene
- The women who visited the tomb found it empty
- His appearance to the disciples at Jerusalem
- Jesus shared a meal with his disciples after resurrection in Jerusalem.
- Thomas felt the scars of Jesus hand.
- The disciples witnessed Jesus ascend to heaven after his death
- The appearance of Jesus to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus.
- Peter’s testimony on the day of Pentecost.

Why Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.

- To prove to them the power of God.
- Make them realize / understand the fulfillment of O.T. prophecies
- Comfort and bless them.
- Prove that He was alive
- Prove the prophecy that on the third day He would rise again
- Promise them the Holy Spirit
- Strengthen their faith
- Enable them understand His mission
- Commission them to be His witnesses / continue His work of preaching / repentance
and forgiveness of sin.

Occasions when Jesus appeared to his disciples after Resurrection.

-To Peter
-Disciples on the way to Emmaus
-Disciples in a closed room
-Disciples fishing
-To Thomas

Reasons why it was difficult for the apostles to believe that Jesus arose from death.
- It was an extra -ordinary event outside their experience
- Their concept of a messiah was not a suffering Messiah, but a victorious one.
- Jesus helplessness during the arrest and crucifixion ruled out any possibility of
resurrection.
- Events leading to his death, denial by Peter, betrayal by Judas made the disciples to
question his Messiahship.
- Things happened so fast- death, burial, resurrection was too much for the human mind
to comprehend.
- The disciples had witnessed the death and the burial of Jesus hence convinced that he
was dead / gone completely
- The report about the resurrection of Jesus was first reported by women who were
highly despised in Israel.
- The disciples expected a glorious triumphant political messiah and not one that would
die.
- The disciples lacked faith in the teachings and sharing that Jesus had with them

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- There were conflicting messages and information about the resurrection of Jesus. He
appeared to the disciples differently hence different reports.
- The tomb was heavily guarded by the Roman soldiers and a big rock placed in the
tomb. Jesus could not pass all these without being noticed.
- The influence from their historical background about resurrection where Sadducees
did not believe in resurrection of the dead.
- The disciples were ignorant of the divine nature of Jesus.

Ways in which Christians live according to Jesus will as they await His second
coming.
- Avoiding Sins
- Living under the guidance of the Holy spirit
- Repenting their Sins / confessing their Sins.
- Leading prayerful lives
- Doing charitable works
- Patiently looking for signs of end of time.
- Giving hope to others by preaching the good news to them.

Importance of resurrection to Christians today.

- It is the basis /foundation of their faith.
- It gives hope for eternal life / confirms there is life after death.
- Through it death has been conquered /overcome.
- Confirms Jesus is the son of God /messiah / savior who brings salvation to those who
believe in him.
- It gives Christians courage to face suffering / death.
- The resurrection led to the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- It is the basis of Christian teaching.
- It is a fulfillment of what Jesus had told his disciples.
- It confirms that Christians will rise again in a new body /form.

How Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem failed to portray him as an earthly
messiah
Triumphant means successful or victorious.
- He rode on a colt which is a sign of humility / poverty. He should have ridden on a
horse.
- He wept on seeing Jerusalem since he already knew destruction awaiting the
magnificent city.
- He was angered by what he saw in the temple such that he chased away the business
men violently.
- He experienced loneliness at Mt Olives on the night he was betrayed because his
disciples slept while he prayed.
- The entry was not victorious because Judas Iscariot betrayed him.
- He suffered physical and spiritual torture in the hands of the soldiers.
- A criminal Barnabas was preferred for release while Jesus who was innocent was
chosen for crucifixion.
- His closest disciple Peter denied him three times.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS (Luke 24:50-53)

- After appearing to the disciples, Jesus led them to Bethany.
- Jesus then raised his hands, blessed his disciples and ascended to heaven.

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- The disciples returned from witnessing Jesus’ ascension with great joy.
- They returned to go to Jerusalem temple where they praised God.

Ways in which Jesus gives hope to Christians.

- Through the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are assured of life after death.
- During his mission he dealt with non-Jews giving Christians hope that he came for all.
- During his baptism, he was confirmed by God as the expected Messiah.
- Through teaching his disciples how to pray, Christians can ask God for what they
need through prayer.
- Jesus chose people of low class to be his disciples; to Christians this implies that the
kingdom of God is meant for all.
- Through his death on the cross he brought salvation to all human beings.
- He fed 5,000 assuring Christians of God’s providence always.
- Jesus promised his disciples a helper (Holy Spirit)-Christians also do ask guidance
from the Holy Spirit.
- Through overcoming temptations in the desert, He gives hope to Christians that they
can overcome any obstacles in their Christian lives.
- Through his healing miracles, he liberated those suffering spiritually and physically.
Christians can also be liberated from all their sufferings.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION

TO CHRISTIANS TODAY
- Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith like Joseph of Arimathea.
- Through the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are given hope of eternal life.
- Christians are taught by Jesus to strengthen one another when they fall into
temptation.
- Human beings are reconciled to God through Christ’s death and resurrection.
- Through the resurrection, Jesus was given new power to conquer sin and death.
- Christians learn that God is always ready to forgive their sins just as Jesus forgave the
repentant thief.
- Jesus brought salvation to the whole mankind through his death on the cross.
- Since Jesus died and resurrected the faith of Christians is not in vain.
- The resurrection of Christ gives Christians a new life in him.
- New understanding of who Jesus was and his messianic mission was brought out.
- The disciples received the promise of the Holy Spirit which would not have been
possible without the resurrection.

THE END

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