BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

LUKE

FORM 3

CLASS NOTES

PAUL METADIO NEPI KAMWANI

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 UNIT 1

THE GOSPELS

Describe the meaning of the word “Gospel”

- Comes from Greek word euangelion meaning announcement of shocking news by a
messenger
- Gospel in Greek means reward for bringing Good News or Good News
- In the New Testament Gospel means a message of salvation for the people
Mention reasons for writing the Gospels
1. To document or record the disciples’ witness since the eye witnesses had passed away
2. To leave a reliable record to preserve the apostolic teachings
3. To be a protection against false teachings
4. To meet people’s demand of reading the Good News
List the four Gospels
1. Mark
2. Matthew
3. Luke
4. John
Summarise the content of the Gospel of Mark
- Focuses on Jesus’ actions, miracles, death and resurrection
Summarize the content of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
- They record more of Jesus’ preaching than Mark does
Summarize the content of the Gospel of John
- Focuses on Jesus’ identity, who Jesus was
Suggest reasons why there are different perspectives of the Gospels
1. To provide the reader with a wide range of reflection about Jesus
2. To give an all-round view and a comprehensive understanding of Jesus
Describe briefly the authorship of the Gospel of Mark
- Written in 60 AD
- The actual author of the Gospel of Mark is not known because there is nowhere in
the Book where the identity of the author is disclosed
- Papias however named John Mark as the author
- This John Mark was:
 The son of a certain Mary in whose house in Jerusalem the early community
met for prayers (Acts 12:12)
 Not the follower or disciple of Jesus Christ
 Peter’s interpreter or co-worker (1 Peter 5:13)
What can be the problem with Papias’ suggestion over the authorship of the Gospel of
Mark?
a. There is nowhere in the Book where the identity of the author is disclosed
Describe briefly the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew
- Written in 110 AD
- The actual author of the Gospel of Matthew is not known because there is nowhere in
the Book where the identity of the author is disclosed
- Some scholars suggest Matthew the tax collector (Mt. 10:3) as the author
- The author however must be one of the apostles because it is clear in the book that
the author was concerned with the proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah

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What can be the Problems with the suggestion of Matthew as the author of the Gospel
of Matthew?
a. If it was written by Mathew the tax collector, how come Luke 5:24 calls the same tax
collector Levi yet it was one and the same person?
b. If it was written by Matthew an apostle, and eye witness, why did he copy a lot from
Mark who was not an apostle and eye witness?
Describe the Authorship of the Gospel of Luke
- Written around 80 – 85 AD
- Written by Luke who also wrote the Book of Acts of Apostles
Who was Luke?
- A Syrian Gentile converted to Christianity
- A medical Doctor
- A companion of Paul in his missionary journeys
Suggest evidence to show that Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
1. Both Books are dedicated to Theophilus
2. The beginning of Acts is an expression of the end of the Gospel of Luke
3. Both Books stress that the Roman authority saw no wrong in the activities of Jesus or
his disciples
4. Both Books are written in the same style
5. Both Books display the same interests: universalism, Holy Spirit, Prayer and Joy
Describe briefly the authorship of the Gospel of John
- Written around 90 – 100 AD
- There is nowhere in the Book where the identity of the author is disclosed
- Scholars attribute it to John the Son of Zebedee because the Book talks of the beloved
disciple whom scholars identified as John the son of Zebedee
What problem is there with the suggestion that the Gospel of John was written by John
the son of Zebedee?
a. There is nowhere in the Book where the identity of the author is disclosed
What does the word “Synoptic” mean?
- Together sight
List the synoptic gospels
1. Mark
2. Matthew
3. Luke
Why are the three gospels mentioned above called synoptic gospels?
a. They see together with a common view Jesus’ life from His ministry in Galilee to his
death and resurrection
Explain the similarities among the gospels
1. Overlaps among the gospels in content and wording being similar
 There is appearance of John the Baptist, temptations of Jesus and Jesus’
appearance in the public
 Until the Passover, Jesus is active almost in Galilee alone
 All the three accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are close
2. Items of similar content are placed together
 Controversy sayings concerning forgiveness of sins, associating with sinners
and fasting are placed together
3. The synoptic sayings do not have long discussions but only short speeches
4. The style and language used are similar
5. About 95% of what Mark has, is included in Matthew and Luke in very similar and
identical wording

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Outline the differences among the Gospels
1. Matthew and Luke have much more abundant material than Mark
2. The first three Gospels reflect a common view of Jesus as opposed to John who writes
more of Jesus’ identity than actions
3. Some events are totally missing in some but are present in other Gospels
 The ancestors or genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke is missing in
Mark
4. The way some events are presented are different
 The resurrection story is presented differently in all the synoptic gospels
To whom does Luke dedicate his gospel?
a. Theophilus
Who was Theophilus?
- A Roman official
- A Gentile (a Non- Jew)
What does Theophilus mean?
a. A friend of God
b. Lover of God
Suggest reasons why Luke dedicated the Book to Theophilus
1. To inform Theophilus that the salvation he heard about was a universal one, for both
Jews and Gentiles
2. To encourage him to hold on to the faith he had received
3. To show him that Christianity was not against the Roman Empire
4. To ask him to let Christianity be allowed in the Roman Empire
For what purposes did Luke write the Gospel?
1. To give an accurate and orderly account of the Good News
2. To strengthen the faith of Christian readers
3. To show the unconverted readers the way of faith
4. To show the unconverted Jews that Jesus was the fulfilment of God’s promised
Messiah
5. To show the Roman official that Jesus and Christianity were not a threat to the Roman
Government
6. To explain what the Christian faith was based on
7. To commend Christianity to the Jewish world
8. To ask the Roman official to let Christianity be allowed in the Roman Empire
Describe Luke’s special interests
1. Universalism: the Gospel concerns salvation for the whole human race and not Jews
only
2. Prayer: some parables in the Gospel teach about prayer
3. Joy: there was Joy after Jesus’ resurrection
4. Jesus’ Gentleness and Mercifulness: God loves even the outcasts and inferiors
5. Women: Jesus had a positive attitude towards women and their role in the
establishment of the Kingdom
6. Wealth: people should use their wealth to help the poor and the needy
7. The Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit played an important role in the life of Jesus
8. Angels: Angels played an important role in the infancy narratives, in Gethsemane and
in the tomb
9. Rejection of Jesus: Jesus was rejected at Nazareth, in the Samaritan Village and in
Jerusalem

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 UNIT 2

INFANCY NARRATIVES

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF JOHN’S BIRTH (LUKE 1: 5 – 25)

Who made the announcement of John’s Birth?

a. The Angel Gabriel
To who was the announcement of John’s birth made?
a. Zechariah
Where was Zechariah at this moment?
a. In the Temple
What problem did Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth have at this time?
a. They had no child
Give reasons why God favoured the family of Zechariah and Elizabeth
1. They both lived good lives in God’s sight
2. They both obeyed fully all the Lord’s laws and commands
Why was Zechariah’s life a tragedy?
a. Having no child was a terrible disgrace for any Jewish couple
Suggest reasons why Zechariah and Elizabeth had no children
1. Elizabeth was barren; could not have any child
2. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were very old
Why was Zechariah in the Temple at that time?
a. He was chosen by lot
b. To burn incense on the altar
c. To offer morning and evening prayers
d. To offer sacrifices
Describe Zechariah’s reactions when he saw the angel of the Lord
a. He was alarmed
b. He felt afraid
What was the position of Zechariah in the Jewish society?
a. A priest
Mention the duties of the priests in the Jewish society
1. Burning incense
2. Offering morning and evening prayers
3. Offering sacrifices
4. Guarding the Temple gates
5. Advising on matters of clean and unclean
6. Re-admitting Jews into the society who were cured from dreaded skin disease
7. Keeping the Temple treasury
Relate the Angel’s message to Zechariah
- Do not be afraid. God has heard your prayer.
- Your wife will bear you a son. He will be named John. You and others will be glad
and happy.
- He will be a great man before the Lord. He must not drink wine or strong drink. From
birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- He will bring many people of Israel to the Lord. He will go ahead of the Lord to
prepare the way for the Lord. He will re-unite fathers with their children. He will turn

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 disobedient people back to the thinking of the righteous. He will get the people ready
for the Lord.
What did Zechariah say in response to the angel’s message?
- How shall I know this is so?
- I am an old man
- My wife is too old
What does Zechariah’s response indicate about his reaction to the message?
a. He did not believe or it showed his disbelief
b. He asked for a sign
What sign was given to Zechariah?
a. He became dumb until the day the promise would be fulfilled (dumbness)
What was the significance of Zechariah’s dumbness?
1. It was a sign that the Lord’s promise will be fulfilled
2. It was a punishment for his disbelief or unbelief
Why does Zechariah’s response show his disbelief?
1. He thought that it was impossible for him to have a child since his wife was barren
and that he and his wife were too old to have a child
Describe the surety that Zechariah was given regarding the angel’s message
- The angel identified himself as Gabriel standing in the presence of the Lord who sent
him to speak to Zechariah and tell him the good news.
- However, since Zechariah did not believe the message, Zechariah would be unable to
speak until the day the promise would be fulfilled
What did the Angel say to prove to Zechariah that the promise would be fulfilled?
- He said that because Zechariah did not believe the message, Zechariah would be
unable to speak.
- Zechariah would remain silent until the day the promise would be fulfilled
What did the Angel say about the child or Describe the qualities of the child that was to
be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth
1. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit
2. He will be a great man in the Lord’s sight
3. He must not drink wine or strong drink
4. He will be strong and might like Elijah
5. His name will be called John
List the duties of John as announced by the Angel
1. Bringing back many of the people of Israel to the Lord
2. Going ahead of the Lord to prepare the way for the Lord
3. Getting people ready for the Lord
4. Bringing fathers and children together again
5. Turing disobedient people back to the way of the righteous
What will be John’s mission?
1. Helping the Jews to repent and reconcile with God
2. Preparing for the coming of the Lord or Messiah
Describe the people’s reaction to this event
a. They were wondering why he was spending such a long time in the Temple
b. They knew he had seen a vision in the Temple because he could not speak to them
when he came out.
How did Zechariah communicate to the people from then on?
a. He made signs to them with his hands
How did the people know that Zechariah had a vision in the Temple?
a. He could not speak to them when he came out of the Temple.

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How did Zechariah show the people that he had a vision in the Temple?
1. He could not speak to the people
2. He made signs to them with his hands as he was unable to say a word
How was Zechariah chosen to serve the priestly duties in the Temple?
a. By drawing lots

THE BIRTH OF JESUS IS ANNOUNCED (LUKE 1: 26 – 38)

Who announced the birth of Jesus?
a. Angel Gabriel
To whom was the birth of Jesus announced?
a. Mary
Relate the angel’s message to Mary
- Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you.
- Do not be afraid Mary. God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and
give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus.
- He will be the son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a King as
David. His kingdom will last forever.
Relate what the angel said about Mary’s Child
1. His name would be called Jesus
2. He would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High
3. He would be made king as his ancestor David was
4. He would rule over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom will never end
5. He will be called the Son of God
Relate the angel’s greeting to Mary
- Peace be with you!
- The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you
How did Mary react to the greeting she received from the angel?
- She was deeply troubled by the angel’s message
- She wondered what the words meant
Why was Mary deeply troubled by the angel’s message?
a. She wondered what the words meant
Explain the significance of the angel’s message to Mary
a. Mary would be the mother of the Son of God.
b. Jesus would not be born as a result of human effort
Describe Mary’s response to the message
a. She said that she was a virgin
b. She wondered how what the angel had said would come to pass
What did the Angel say in response to Mary?
- The Holy Spirit will come on Mary.
- God’s power will rest upon Mary and the child will be called the Son of God.
- By then Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant even though she was very old since there is
nothing impossible with God.
What sign was given to Mary to show that the message will be fulfilled?
a. The message that Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant by then
What was Mary’s final response?
- I am the Lord’s servant
- May it happen as you have said
Summarize Mary’s response to the angel’s message
a. At first, she believed but wondered how she a virgin could become pregnant
b. Later on she accepted to be the mother of the son of God

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Explain the significance of Jesus being born to Mary who was a virgin
1. Jesus is God’s new creation
2. Jesus is both Divine and Human
3. What is impossible with man is possible with God
Explain how the angel’s words to Mary implied a miraculous event
1. The greeting Mary received meant that God had chosen her for something special
2. The statement “The Holy Spirit will come on you” might seem impossible hence it is a
miracle
Contrast Mary’s and Zechariah’s responses to the angel’s messages
a. Mary believed but Zechariah did not believe and asked for a sign
Suggest the reactions of the people if what happened to Mary happened to someone
today
1. Some can think the young woman is lying
2. Some can think the young woman had sex before marriage
3. The young woman herself may feel proud and boast that she has been favoured by the
Lord
4. Church leaders can even suspend the young woman for lying to them

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH (LUKE 1: 39 – 56)

Relate Elizabeth’s message to Mary
- Mary was the most blessed of all women
- Blessed is the child that Mary would bear
- Elizabeth wondered why the Lord’s mother came to visit her
- Elizabeth assured Mary that the message of the Angel would come true in her
What experiences did Elizabeth have when she heard Mary’s visit?
1. The baby moved within her womb
2. She was filled with the Holy Spirit
Explain the prophecy that is being fulfilled as a result of Jesus being born from a virgin
- A young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him Immanuel
(Isaiah 7:14)
Outline the proofs that Jesus is the Promised Messiah OR Describe Jesus as the
Promised Messiah
1. He was born through the power of the Holy Spirit and not through biological means
2. He was born through Mary, a virgin who knew no man
3. He was a descendant of David through both Mary and Joseph
4. Joseph was a descendant of David’s clan
5. Mary was also from the priestly family since her cousin Elizabeth was from a priestly
family
Relate Mary’s song of praise she sang on this occasion
- She praises the Lord because she has been exalted by being chosen to be the mother
of a saviour
- She takes it as a great honour and that she has been favoured by the Lord
- She sees mercy being shown to the Israelites by fulfilling the promise that He made to
the Israelites and revived the covenant forever
Explain how Mary’s song reveals the hope of Israel OR Reasons that moved Mary to
praise the Lord
1. The poor will be uplifted and the mighty will be brought low
2. God helps the poor and the rich will be sent away empty
3. God made a promise with their father and descendants which will be fulfilled by
sending a Messiah

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 4. God will help Israel His servant by sending the Messiah
What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth?
a. Cousins

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (LUKE 1: 57 – 80)

Explain how the birth of John the Baptist fits the Old Testament Prophetic traditions
1. His birth was announced by an angel just like the birth of Isaac
2. He was born as a result of prayer just like the birth of Samuel to Hannah
3. He was born from a barren mother and impotent father just like Isaac and Samuel
4. His parents were aged just like Isaac
5. His name was chosen and given by God himself through an angel just like Isaac
6. John was to abstain from alcoholic drinks, to be a Nazirite like Samson
7. John grew in strength blessed by God just like Samson
8. He was led by the Holy Spirit just like Elijah
9. He lived in the wilderness and fed on locust and honey like Elijah
10. His role was to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming just like other prophets
What did people want to name Elizabeth’s son?
a. Zechariah
What was Elizabeth’s reaction to the suggestion that her child should be named after
his father?
a. She said “No! His name is John!”
How did the people react to Elizabeth’s words?
a. They were surprised
Why were the people surprised with the name given to Elizabeth’s son?
1. There was no one in the clan with that name
2. His father who was still dumb by then also wrote that the child’s name is John though
there was no communication with the wife about the child’s name
3. Soon after writing the name John, Zechariah was able to speak again
4. Zechariah’s first words after regaining his speech were those of praising God
5. Everyone expected that the child would be named after his father, Zechariah
How old was the child when he was named?
a. 8 days old
Describe the reactions of the people to the naming process of Zechariah’s son
1. They were surprised because the child was not named after his father
2. They were all filled with fear when Zechariah started speaking again soon after
writing that the name of the child is John
3. They wondered what this child is going to be since it was clear that the Lord’s power
was with him
4. They spread the news through all Judea
How did people communicate with Zechariah during the naming ceremony?
a. Through signs since by then he could not speak
Summarize points in Zechariah’s prophecy
1. God has come to help his people and set them free
2. Yahweh has provided a mighty saviour who was promised through his holy prophets
to save people from their enemies
3. God has shown us His mercy and has remembered his covenant with Abraham of
rescuing people from enemies
4. His son will be a great prophet of the Most High God
5. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord

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 6. He will tell people that their sins will be forgiven because our God is merciful and
tender
7. He will bring us salvation and peace will also reign among us
State the duties of John the Baptist contained in Zechariah’s prophecy
1. He will be a great prophet of the Most High God
2. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord
3. He will tell people that their sins will be forgiven because our God is merciful and
tender
4. He will bring us salvation
Where did John live after growing up and developing in body and spirit?
a. In the desert

THE ROMAN CENSUS (LUKE 2: 1 – 2)

Give a background to the Roman Census
- Every 14 years, Romans ordered a census in their vast empire.
- That time, it was supposed to take place in 8 BC but Herod postponed it.
- The Census was for every head of the family and one was supposed to register in his
town of origin
- Joseph together with Mary who was pregnant travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem
where he was born to be registered.
- Joseph was a descendant of David and through him the Old Testament prophecy that
the Messiah would come from David was fulfilled.
Explain why Herod postponed the 8 BC census
a. The Jews resisted it since they hated registration.
State the reasons why the Jews hated census
1. It hurt their national pride
2. Its main aim was to set up a poll tax which they did not like to pay
Give two aims of the census
1. To know the number of people who could pay tax
2. To know how many people could join the army
Where was one supposed to be registered?
a. In one’s own place of residence
b. But the Jews were registered in their paces of origin
Why were the Jews registered in their home town?
a. The Romans respected the Jews whose tribal system was still important and respected
Why did Joseph go to Bethlehem from Nazareth?
a. To be registered in his home town, Bethlehem the city of David
Who ordered the current census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire?
a. Emperor Augustus Caesar
Who was the governor of Syria when the census took place?
a. Quirinius
Why does Luke give a place to the Roman Emperor in Jesus’ birth narratives?
1. It brings about universal significance of Jesus’ birth because the Roman Emperor
comprised the whole world
2. To show that the Lord is the master of all human world history
3. He was praised by the people in the Empire as saviour because he brought peace
4. To show that Jesus is the Saviour who brings the deeper peace not through force but
as a free and loving gift from God
5. For the Romans to know that Jesus’ birth is important for them

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Why was it significant that the parents of Jesus had to travel to Bethlehem to register
there?
a. Jesus belonged to the clan of David to which the Messiah was promised
b. To show that all the prophecies of the Old Testament about the Messiah, the Son of
David are fulfilled

THE BIRTH OF JESUS (LUKE 2: 3 – 7)

Relate the Birth of Jesus
- After Mary and Joseph had travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, time came for
Mary to have a baby.
- She gave birth to a son, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger
because there was no room for them to stay in the inn.
What was the significance of Jesus’ birth to the Jews?
a. It fulfils the Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would come from David
How does Luke display the meaning of Jesus’ birth to the Jews?
1. He mentions Bethlehem one of the elements of Prophet Micah as the birthplace for
the Messiah
2. He mentions devout Jews who welcomed Jesus as the Messiah
What was the meaning of Jesus’ birth to the Gentiles?
a. Gentiles are also included in God’s salvation plan in that Emperor Augustus Caesar’s
order to hold census made Jesus be born in Bethlehem as foretold.
What was the significance of the birth of Jesus to outcasts and the poor?
a. The shepherds’ invitation symbolises that Jesus was born for the outcasts and the poor
What was the meaning of Jesus’ birth to the unbelieving Jews?
a. Lack of place in the inn symbolized that Jesus would be rejected by the unbelieving
Jews
What was the significance of the fact that Jesus was laid in the manger?
a. Jesus is food for the eternal life of mankind
b. Jesus will be rejected by the Jews
Describe the Old Testament Prophecies that were fulfilled with Jesus’ birth
1. That the Messiah would come from the clan of David
2. That the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem
State the factors that made the birth of Jesus extraordinary
1. His birth was announced by the angel
2. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
3. He was laid in a manger when he was born
4. Angels appeared to inform the shepherds, the outcasts of his birth
What was the significance of having no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary for the life
and mission of Jesus?
a. It symbolised that Jesus would be rejected by the unbelieving Jews
Explain the role of Joseph in the birth and life of Jesus
1. He made Jesus a descendant of David to whom the Messiah was promised
2. Joseph provided the material support to the family
3. Through Joseph’s presence, Mary would not be looked upon as a single mother

THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELS (LUKE 2: 8 – 20)

What was the status of shepherds in the Jewish society?
1. They were considered outcasts because they were always absent from worship
services

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 2. They were poor
3. They were suspected of being thieves
4. They were ignorant of the Law
5. They were regarded as untrustworthy people
6. They had no time to follow Jewish customs
Relate the Angel’s speech to the shepherds
- Do not be afraid! I bring good news to you. It will bring joy to all the people.
- This very day in David’s town, your Saviour, the Christ and Lord is born.
- As a proof, you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth lying in a manger.
Describe the three titles given to Jesus by the angel of the Lord
1. Saviour: He will save his people of the whole world from sin
2. Christ: He is the Messiah, the Prince of Peace
3. Lord: he is the King of Kings
Explain the significance or importance of the experience of the shepherds
1. It reveals that God’s revelation is accepted by the humble, outcasts and lowly people
2. It reveals that Jesus was born to bring the message of joy to the poor
Relate the angels’ song
- Glory to God in the highest heaven
- Peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased
What sign or proof did the angel give the shepherds to identify Jesus?
a. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger
What did the shepherds do after the angels had gone away?
1. They decided to go to Bethlehem and see what had happened which the Lord had told
them.
2. They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger.
3. They told Joseph and Mary what they angel had said about the child.
4. They went back singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen
How did Mary react to what the shepherds had told her and Joseph?
a. She remembered all these things she had heard
b. She thought deeply about them
Who were the first to know about the birth of Jesus?
a. Shepherds
Who informed the shepherds about the birth of Jesus?
a. An angel

THE JEWISH BIRTH RITUALS (LUKE 2: 21 – 24)

1. Circumcision: removal of a foreskin of the penis 8 days after birth as a sign the
God’s covenant with His people
2. Naming of the Child: the name of a person described the person and the type of
mission ahead of him
3. Purification: every woman was considered unclean after giving birth and so had to
be purified for 7 days if the baby was a boy and 14 days if the baby was a girl
4. Presentation/Redemption: every first born son belonged to God and had to be
presented to the Lord and the parents had to redeem or buy him back by paying 5
Shekels

JESUS IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE (LUKE 2: 22 – 38)

State the reasons why the baby Jesus was taken to the Temple
1. To perform purification ceremony since Mary had become unclean by giving birth to
Jesus

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 2. To present Jesus to the Lord since every first born son was to be dedicated to the Lord
3. To redeem the child by offering a pair of doves or two young pigeons
Relate what Simeon said at the time the child Jesus was presented in the Tempe
- Now Lord you have kept your promise
- You may let your servant go in peace
- With my own eyes I have seen your salvation
- A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people, Israel
- Sorrow, like a sharp sword will break Mary’s own heart
What did Simeon say about the child Jesus?
- He is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel
- He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against
What words did Simeon speak particularly to Mary on this occasion?
- This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel
- He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against
- Sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own
What do you think was the significance of the words spoken to Mary?
1. Mary was going to suffer because of her son
2. Jesus, her own son will also suffer
3. Some people will believe in Jesus while others will despise him
4. Those who reject him will be punished
Why or how will Mary suffer?
1. She will not always understand God’s plan for her son
2. Her son will be rejected, hated and killed
3. Mary and other persons will need faith and will have to recognise that following of
Christ comes before her motherhood
4. She will see many of her own people refuse to believe Jesus
State the occasions when Mary, the Mother of Jesus suffered
1. When Jesus was being dragged to the top of the hill in Nazareth
2. When Jesus was being tried before the Council, Herod and Pilate
3. When Jesus was carrying the cross
4. When Jesus was crucified
What was the significance of Simeon’s speech?
1. God has brought salvation through Jesus
2. The people who reject Jesus will fall and those who accept him will rise
3. Jesus’ ministry will constitute sufferings both to Jesus and Mary
Mention the people who saw the child Jesus when he was presented in the Temple
1. Simeon
2. Anna
Relate what Anna said when Jesus was presented in the Temple
- She gave thanks to God
- She spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free
What role did the Holy Spirit play in the life of Simeon?
1. He told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah
2. He led Simeon into the Temple when Jesus was brought there
3. He helped Simeon to foresee Mary’s suffering because of Jesus
Describe briefly who Simeon was
- A good, God-fearing man
- Was waiting for Israel to be saved
- Was filled with the Holy Spirit
- Was assured that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Promised Messiah

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Describe briefly who Anna was
- A prophet
- A widow
- A daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher
- Had been married for only 7 years
- Was 84 years old when Jesus was presented in the Temple
- Never left the Temple
What was Anna doing in the Temple?
1. Worshipping God
2. Fasting
3. Praying
Meaning of Names
1. Jesus: Yahweh is salvation
2. John: God is gracious
3. Zechariah: Yahweh has remembered
4. Elizabeth: God has sworn OR My God fulfils
5. Mary: Excellence OR Beloved
6. Joseph: May Yahweh add
7. Gabriel: God is my warrior

THE BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE (LUKE 2: 41 – 52)

Explain briefly what happened for Mary to say “My Son, why have you done this to us?”
- At the age of 12, Jesus went for the Passover ceremony in Jerusalem.
- When the Passover ceremony was over, they started back home. But the boy Jesus
remained in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this
- They started looking for him among other relatives and friends.
- On the third day they found him in the Temple sitting with the Jewish leaders
listening to them and asking questions.
- His parents were astonished when they saw him and told him that they were worried
about him.
- He told the parents that he was doing what he came on earth for
- He then started off to Nazareth together with his parents
Relate what Mary said when they found Jesus in the Temple
- My Son, why have you done this to us?
- Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you
What was Jesus’ answer to what Mary said?
- Why did you have to look for me?
- Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?
What ceremony did Jesus and his family go to attend in Jerusalem at this time?
a. Passover
What is Passover?
- A feast celebrated to remind the Jews on how they got out of slavery in Egypt.
Describe the activities that took place during the Passover ceremony
1. Killing of the lamb
2. Roasting of the whole lamb
3. Eating the meat together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs
4. Taking of wine while a hymn is being sung

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How did Luke use the visit to the Temple when Jesus was 12 years old? OR Explain the
importance of this visit to the life of Jesus and his parents
1. It illustrated the statement that Jesus grew in wisdom and grace, the twin attributes of
the Messiah
2. It illustrates Simeon’s saying that Mary would suffer because of Jesus
Describe what was expected of the Jewish boy from the age of 12 onwards
1. He was entitled to take the reading of the Law during the synagogue services
2. He was considered old enough to make decisions and take up responsibilities
3. He was expected to observe the whole Law
How do Christians celebrate the Passover Feast today?
- They pray to celebrate the fulfilment of the Passover in Jesus who suffered, died on
the cross and rose from dead to save mankind.

UNIT 3

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (LUKE 3: 1 – 20)

Who was the Roman Emperor during the time of John’s preaching?
a. Emperor Tiberius
Who was the governor of Judea by that time?
a. Pontius Pilate
Who was the ruler of Galilee at that time?
a. Herod
Who was the ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis?
a. Philip, Herod’s brother
Mention the High Priests during this time?
1. Annas
2. Caiphas
Who was the ruler of Abilene at this time?
a. Lysanias
Relate John’s message in his preaching
- Turn away from your sins and be baptized
- God will forgive your sins
What prophecy is fulfilled in the mission of John the Baptist?
- The prophecy of Isaiah which says that someone is shouting in the desert
 “Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel.
 Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain levelled off.
 The winding roads must be made smooth
 The whole human race will see God’s salvation”
How did the crowds respond to John’s preaching?
a. They came out to John to be baptized by him
Relate what John said to the crowds
- You snakes! Who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to
send?
- Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins.
- Do not be proud of being Abraham’s descendants since God would raise other
descendants of Abraham out of stones.
- The axe is ready to cut down the trees that do not bear good fruit

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How did people react to John’s message?
a. They asked him what they could do to be saved.
How did John respond to the reactions of the following groups that received his
message?
1. The ordinary People
a. Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none
b. Whoever has food must share it
2. The Tax Collectors
a. Do not collect more than is legal
3. Soldiers
a. Do not take money from anyone by force
b. Do not accuse anyone falsely
c. Be content with your pay
Summarize what John told the people to do to show their repentance
1. Love everyone by sharing things like food and clothes
2. Be faithful by collecting only the required tax
3. Refrain from violence, bribery and false accusations
4. Be content with one’s pay
Outline tasks of John the Baptist
1. Preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah
2. Announcing the Good News about Jesus Christ
3. Preaching repentance to both Jews and Gentiles
4. Baptizing the people as a sign of repentance and conversion
How did John prepare the road for the Lord as prophesied by Isaiah?
1. By announcing Jesus who would make the final exodus from death to life
2. By preaching repentance to the people
3. By baptizing people
Describe what people thought about John due to his ministry
- The began to wonder whether John was the Messiah
How did John the Baptist distinguish himself from the Messiah?
a. He baptized with water but the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit
b. The Messiah is much greater than John in that John would not even untie his sandals
c. The Messiah would judge and separate the good from the bad
d. The Messiah will punish the bad people in a fire that never goes out
e. He is only the forerunner for the Messiah
Why did the people believe that John the Baptist was the Prophet?
1. He lived in the wilderness
2. He wore clothes made of camel’s hair
3. His food was locust and wild honey
4. He had the courage to denounce both people and the leaders
5. His way of life which involved prayer, fasting and preaching
Explain the differences between John the Baptist and Jesus Christ
1. Jesus is greater than John
2. John received sinners after they had repented while Jesus befriended sinners even
before they had repented
3. John stresses on repentance and God’s judgement while Jesus stresses on the good
news of salvation
4. John stays around the river while Jesus travels and goes after the sinners
5. John attracts people from all walks of life while Jesus has preference for the outcasts
or the despised

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 6. John is the last prophet of the old age while Jesus is the first and last prophet of the
new age
7. John did not heal while Jesus performed healing miracles
How was John’s mission linked to Jesus?
1. John pointed to Jesus as the Messiah by saying that he was not the Messiah
2. John prepared for the coming of the Messiah by calling for repentance
How does Luke show in many ways that John’s testimony bears upon Jesus and his
mission?
1. John is the voice in the desert preparing the way of the Lord
2. John tells the Jews that his preaching is to be followed immediately by the divine
judgement brought by the Messiah
3. John denies being the Messiah but says that the Messiah is coming and is far greater
than him (John)
Describe the importance of John’s preaching to the coming of Jesus
1. He calls people to prepare the way for the Lord
2. He leads other people to the faith in Jesus
3. His preaching and forgiveness of sins prefigured what Jesus has achieved for
humanity
4. John inaugurates the fulfilment of the promise that is fully fulfilled by the coming of
Jesus
5. John’s baptism is completed by faith in Jesus
Explain the main distinction or difference that John pointed out between himself and
the Messiah
a. He baptized with water while the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit
Describe the practical part of John’s preaching
1. Good work: people had to show that they had repented by doing good work
2. Charity: people had to share whatever they had with one another
3. Justice: people had to do their jobs honestly and fairly
Explain the meaning of repentance
1. A change of mind, willingness to give up old life and receive good news
2. Renouncing sin, entrusting oneself entirely to God
3. Being sorrowful for one’s sins
4. Resolution to obey God
5. Accepting a new understanding of what is important in life
“…the axe is ready…”
- The Messiah will judge, condemning the bad people
What does John’s preaching centre upon?
a. The preparation of the coming of the saviour

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS (LUKE 3: 21 – 22)

Describe what happened during Jesus’ baptism
1. Heaven was opened
2. The Holy Spirit came down upon him like a dove
3. A voice came from heaven “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you”.
Why was Jesus baptized?
1. To identify or associate Himself with the sinners
2. It was a symbol of his death and resurrection
3. It showed His solidarity with John’s proclamation of God’s salvation plan
4. It showed that he had accepted his mission in obedience to his Father
5. It showed that Jesus believed that John was a true prophet of God

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Describe how different churches baptize their people today?
1. Pouring water on the forehead while saying I baptize you in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
2. Immersing the believers while saying I baptize you in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit
“…Spirit…dove…”
- Jesus is a peaceful Messiah contrary to the Jewish expectation
“…My own dear Son…”
- Jesus is the Messiah
- Jesus is anointed as King
“…am pleased with you…”
- Jesus will bring justice and true religion to the people
Describe types of Baptism as mentioned in Chapter 3
1. Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
2. Baptism given by Jesus, that of Holy Spirit and fire
3. Baptism received by Jesus
Why did the Jews need the Messiah at this time?
1. They were oppressed by the Romans
2. Their nation was split into many parties
3. The priests were mainly interested in power and money
4. Some Jews collaborated with the Romans by working as tax collectors
What did the Jews expect the Messiah to do?
1. To satisfy their physical needs
2. To liberate them from the Roman occupation
3. To make Israel an independent nation
4. To re-establish David’s monarchy
5. To bring peace and harmony
How does Luke express the idea of the true expectation of the Messiah?
1. It is expressed by Mary in her song in which she says:
a. He scattered the proud
b. He brought down the mighty kings
c. He lifted the lowly
d. He filled the hungry with good things
2. It is expressed by Simeon in his speech by saying
a. He will be a light to reveal God’s will to the nations and bring joy to the people of
Israel
b. He will be a suffering servant
3. It is expressed in the parables of the Kingdom
a. His rule starts peacefully in a small manner
Explain how the apostles shared the popular Messianic expression
1. James and John asked for the best places in the Kingdom of Jesus
2. James and John wanted God to use fire to punish a Samaritan village for rejecting
Jesus
3. Apostles thought they would soon assume earthly power when Jesus entered
Jerusalem
4. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to force him fight and seize power
Describe Jesus’ life as the Messiah
a. He rejected the temptation to make Himself popular and powerful
b. He identified Himself with the suffering servant

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What does the word “Messiah” mean?
a. Anointed one
What terms mean “anointed one”?
1. Messiah in Hebrew
2. Christ in Greek
What does the term “Christ” mean?
a. Anointed One

THE ANCESTORS OF JESUS (LUKE 3: 23 – 28)

What is the significance of the genealogy or the list of the ancestors of Jesus?
1. It shows that Jesus is also a real man with ancestors
2. It shows that the Messiah would be the descendant of David
3. Jesus is related to all mankind
4. The close relationship between God and Adam that was lost through sin is renewed by
Jesus
5. It shows that Jesus is the saviour of all people

TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS (LUKE 4: 1 – 13)

Suggest reasons why Jesus went to the desert
1. He was led by the Holy Spirit
2. To prepare for His mission
3. To decide on how to establish the Kingdom of God
4. To have time for meditation
5. To be tempted by the Devil
What is a temptation?
a. Being attracted to a suggestion or an action or a way of life contrary to God’s will
For how long was Jesus tempted by the Devil?
a. 40 days
Describe two ways or options in which Jesus would bring about God’s Kingdom
a. He would make himself popular
b. He would be God’s humble servant using only the powers of truth and love
List the three temptations of Jesus and His responses
1. If you are God’s son, order this stone to turn into bread
- The Devil asked Jesus to
 Feed the people
 Fulfil people’s expectation
 Make himself popular
 Prove His Divine Sonship
 Show Himself as a Son of God in a selfish and materialistic manner
 Use his power to satisfy the physiological needs of people
The Scripture says Human beings cannot live on bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3)
- He had to put God first before anything else
- He did not want to misuse God’s power to satisfy physiological needs
2. I will give you all this power and all this wealth if you worship me
- Jesus needed not to suffer and be crucified to be a King
The Scripture says Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him (Deuteronomy 6:10)
- Jesus refused to link His Sonship to the world or political power but recognizes one
true and incomparable God.
- Jesus refuses to use political power as a means to achieve His mission

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 3. If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down for the Scripture says God would order
His angel to take care of you (Psalms 9:11)
- Jesus would have been miraculously saved and protected and people would believe
his message
- Jesus is being asked to prove His Divine Sonship by unnecessary performance of
miracles
The Scripture says Do not put the Lord your God to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16)
- Jesus refused to use His power to impress the people and make them follow him
- Jesus refused to doubt God’s power but waits for the right time to start performing
miracles
What did the Devil say would happen if Jesus threw Himself down?
a. God would order His angels to take good care of Jesus
b. The Angels would hold Jesus so that not even his feet would hurt on the stones
How were the Scriptures used in the temptations?
a. The Devil abused the Holy Scripture by quoting only texts that suit him hence
producing half-truths and lies using the Bible
b. Jesus quoted texts which expose the Devilish distortion of the truth
What lessons can people learn from the temptations of Jesus?
1. Satan will take advantage of our human weakness
2. Satan uses pride to lead us to sin
3. People need to keep the Word of God, their spiritual sword, sharp
4. People need to obtain their spiritual food daily
5. Satan uses the good to bring bad results
6. Satan perverts the truth
Explain the importance of Jesus’ temptations
1. They proved that Jesus is perfectly qualified morally to be the Last Adam
2. They proved that Jesus is perfectly qualified to be the Davidic King
3. They proved that Jesus is perfectly qualified morally to be the people’s Saviour
4. They proved that Jesus is perfectly qualified to be a sympathetic High Priest
Outline the practical significance of Jesus’ temptations
1. God’s people will be tempted
2. Jesus provides a model for tempted believers
3. Jesus provides help for tempted believers
4. Satan is real, personal and malevolent
5. Scripture can be quoted for evil motives
6. God brings victory to those who remain faithful

JESUS BEGINS HIS WORK IN GALILEE (LUKE 4: 14 – 15)

Where did Jesus begin his work?
a. Galilee

JESUS IS REJECTED AT NAZARETH (LUKE 4: 16 – 30)

Define the term “synagogue”
- It means gathering together
Explain the origin of the synagogue
- It originated while the Jews were in exile in Babylon because they had no Temple
- There was only one Temple but the Law said that wherever 10 Jewish families, there
must be synagogue hence people met in synagogues to worship

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Explain differences between synagogue and Temple
a. No sacrifices were offered in synagogues but in the Temple
b. The synagogues were for teaching of the Law and worship while the Temple was for
sacrifices and worship
Mention one similarity between synagogues and Temple
a. Both were for worship
Outline the uses of the synagogue
1. For prayer
2. For teaching Scriptures to young people
3. For conducting court cases by the local council
Mention the three parts of the worship service in the synagogue
1. Prayer
2. Reading of the scriptures
3. Teaching
Describe the synagogue service during Jesus’ time
1. Two prayers
2. Two readings – from the Torah (Law) and the Prophets
3. An explanation of the readings
4. The priestly blessing
Who attended synagogue service?
1. Jews
2. Proselytes – Gentiles who had become full Jews
3. God-fearers – Gentiles who believed in the Jewish Religion and followed Jewish rules
except circumcision
Outline the order of the Sabbath service in the synagogue
1. The Torah (Book of the Law) was taken from the Covenant Box
2. A Psalm was sung
3. Two prayers – The Shema and the 18 Benedictions were offered
4. A reading in Hebrew from the Torah
5. A reading in Hebrew from the Prophets
6. A comment on the reading by any Jewish male appointed by the Leader of the
Synagogue
7. A blessing by a priest
Suggest one reason why Jesus started His ministry in His home town?
a. He wanted to spread the Good News to His own people before going to other areas
Which Book did Jesus read?
a. The Book of Prophet Isaiah 61:1 – 2
Relate what Jesus read in Nazareth synagogue
- The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.
- He has sent me to
 bring good news to the poor
 proclaim liberty to the captives,
 and recovery of sight to the blind,
 set free the oppressed,
 and announce that time has come when the Lord will save His people.
Why was it important for Jesus to read the Scripture from Isaiah 61: 1 – 2?
a. It proved that He was the Promised Messiah
What was the mission of Jesus according to this passage?
1. Bringing good news to the poor
2. Setting free those in bondage or captivity

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 3. Restoring sight of those who were blind
4. Setting free those who were oppressed
5. Announcing that the time has come when the Lord will save His people
What was Jesus’ comment on the reading?
- The passage of the Scripture has come true today as you heard it being read
What was the immediate reaction of listeners?
1. They were impressed with Jesus
2. They marvelled at the eloquent words that He spoke
3. They asked “Isn’t he the son of Joseph?”
Relate what Jesus said in response to their reaction
- I am sure you will quote to me “Doctor heal yourself!”
- You will also tell me to do here in my home what I did in Capernaum
- I tell you, prophets are never welcomed in their own town
- There are many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah but Elijah was sent to no
one in Israel but to a widow in Zarephath
- There were many people in Israel who were suffering from dreaded skin disease
during the time of Elisha yet no one in Israel was healed but Naaman the Syrian
What proverb did Jesus quote on this occasion?
a. Prophets are never welcomed in their home town
What was the reaction of the audience to what Jesus said?
a. They became angry
b. They dragged Jesus out of town, to the top of the hill where they meant to throw him
over the cliff
Why did the people become angry?
1. Jesus was an ordinary person like them
2. He would perform more miracles in Capernaum than in His own town
3. He said salvation might go to the Gentiles
Why did the people’s reaction change from doubt to anger?
1. They did not accept Jesus’ statement that God would by-pass His chosen people and
bring salvation to the Gentiles
2. It was a sign that they had rejected the Messiah
Why did the people of Nazareth fail to believe that Joseph’s son was the Messiah they
expected? OR Why was Jesus rejected in Nazareth?
1. Their ideas of salvation were not in line with God’s plan
2. They expected Jesus only as an equal person to them calling him son of Joseph, a
carpenter
3. They wanted to see miracles but they were lacking faith and the right attitude to
understand them as signs from heaven
Why did Jesus not perform any miracle among the people of Nazareth?
a. People lacked faith

MIRACLES

Define the term “miracle”

a. An activity that disrupts the natural law.
b. An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or
natural powers and is attributed to a supernatural power
c. An extraordinary event in which God is seen at work
Suggest reasons why Jesus performed miracles
1. It was a sign that God had started His reign and that it was the end of Satan’s power

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 2. Jesus’ power was clearly seen through his miracles
3. Nature miracles were signs of security and abundance of life in the Kingdom of God
4. Miracles easily overcame to the power of Satan
5. Healing miracles were signs that the evil of sickness and sin was overcome
6. The raising of the dead miracles were a sign that the power of death was broken
7. Exorcisms were a sign that Satan has been deprived of power over those who have
entered the Kingdom
Explain the main meaning or importance of Jesus’ miracles
a. They were signs that the power of Satan was over, God has started His reign
Outline characteristics of Jesus’ miracles
1. They are unselfish in that Jesus did not use the miracle power to advertise, defend or
save Himself
2. They are simple and without effort in that they have no formula
3. They are performed with a purpose to save rather than punish
4. They are performed out of compassion
5. They are not performed to those without faith
Describe types of miracles
1. Healing miracles: happened when one was sick and Jesus prayed for them and they
got healed
2. Exorcism: happened when Jesus prayed and demons were cast out of the individual
3. Power over nature miracles: happened when Jesus reversed the Law of nature for
example walking on water
4. Raising from the dead: in which Jesus raised the dead

HEALING MIRACLES

JESUS HEALS MANY PEOPLE (LUKE 4: 38 – 41)

What was Simon’s mother-in-law suffering from?
a. A high fever
How did Jesus heal Simon’s mother-in-law?
- He went and stood at her bed side
- He ordered the fever to leave her
- The fever left her, and she got up at once and began to wait on them.
What did Simon’s mother-in-law do after being healed?
a. She got up and began to wait (serve with food) on the people
How did Jesus heal the many people brought to him after sunset?
- He placed his hands on every one of them
- Demons went out from many people screaming “You are the Son of God”.
- He gave the Demons an order and would not let them speak
What did the Demons say as they went out of the people?
- “You are the Son of God”
Why would Jesus not let the Demons speak?
a. Because they knew that he was the Messiah
Why did the people wait for sunset in order to start bringing the sick to Jesus?
a. It was on the Sabbath Day which ended with the sunset on which work was not
allowed and taking the sick people was a kind of work
Explain the impact of the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law on other people
- The sick were brought to Jesus and were healed

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JESUS HEALS A MAN (LUKE 5: 12 – 16)
What was the man suffering from?
a. Dreaded skin disease
What did the man do when he saw Jesus?
1. He threw himself down
2. Begged Jesus, “Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean!”
How did Jesus heal the man?
- Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him
- He said, he wanted to heal the man and told him to be clean
What did Jesus order the man to do after healing him?
1. Not to tell anyone
2. To go straight to the priest to be examined
3. To offer the sacrifice as Moses ordered so as to prove to everyone that he was healed
What did the man do after being healed?
a. Spread the news about the healing
What impact did this miracle have on Jesus ministry?
a. Crowds of people came to hear Jesus and be healed from their diseases
Why would Jesus go away to lonely places?
a. To pray
Why did Jesus touch the man?
1. To show compassion
Why was touching a man suffering from dreaded skin disease forbidden in the Jewish
society?
a. It made one unclean
Why did Jesus order the man not tell anybody of the miracle?
a. He did not want to be known as the Messiah
Suggest reasons why Jesus ordered the man to go to the priest?
1. To be examined and be re-admitted into the Jewish society
2. To show that Jesus respected the Jewish Laws and traditions
Suggest reasons why Jesus did not want to be known as the Messiah
1. He would be arrested by the government officials as a rebel as such his mission would
not be accomplished
2. He would be expected to liberate people from the Roman oppression as such people
could not pay attention to His message of the Kingdom of God
Why did the reputation of Jesus grow?
1. He had special authority of His preaching
2. He showed extra-ordinary power in His miracles
3. His goodness and compassion for all especially the poor and the afflicted
4. He brought peace and happiness and gave meaning to the life of the people who had
no leadership
How did the reputation of Jesus grow?
1. The healed person found it impossible to be quiet as commanded by Jesus
2. The crowds of people came to hear Jesus
3. The people came to be healed
4. The news of his extra-ordinary activity as a good and great prophet was spread by the
poor people
Describe the Jewish Law regarding the purification of people from the dreaded skin
disease
1. To be examined by a priest
2. To bring 2 birds to the priest

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 3. To be sprinkled with blood of one of the birds 7 times
4. To bathe and wash clothes
5. To cut hair
6. To shave eyebrows and beards after 7 days
7. To take 2 male lambs one of which the priest had to offer guilt sacrifice and the other
for burnt offering
8. To be given a letter by the priest to re-joining the community

JESUS HEALS A PARALYSED MAN (LUKE 5: 17 – 26)

Relate the healing of a paralysed man
- A paralysed man was brought down to Jesus through an opening in the room.
- Seeing the faith of those who carried him, Jesus forgave the sins of the paralyzed
man.
- The Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law accused him of blasphemy for they
believed that only God could forgive sins.
- Jesus asked them what was easier between saying your sins are forgiven and saying
rise up and walk.
- Jesus said he would prove to them that he had the authority on earth to forgive sins.
- He healed the man.
Why did the men make an opening on the roof?
a. They could find no way to take the paralytic man in because of the crowd
Why did Jesus heal the paralytic?
1. To show that he had power to forgive sins
2. He saw the faith of those who had brought him
Define the term “forgiveness”
- The healing of the relationship between God and man
Why did Jesus forgive the paralytic?
1. To deal with the root cause of his sickness, the power of evil
2. To give the paralytic what was the most important, the salvation
Mention two groups of Religious leaders who were there during this time
1. Pharisees
2. Teachers of the Law
What was the reaction of the religious leaders to Jesus’ action?
1. They accused Jesus of blasphemy
2. They opposed Jesus as the Messiah
Why did the religious leaders react like that?
a. Only God can forgive sins and according to them Jesus was not God
Suggest reasons why the religious leaders opposed Jesus as the Messiah
1. He was not the kind of Messiah they expected to liberate them from the Roman
oppression
2. He did not agree with their method of keeping the Law
Why is this miracle different from other miracles?
1. Jesus does not mention the faith of the paralyzed man but that of his friends
2. He heals not out of pity but just to perform a miracle
3. He forgives before he heals
4. He performs a miracle to draw attention to himself and his power
What did the man do after being healed?
1. Got up
2. Took the bed he had been lying on
3. Went home praising God

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How did the people react?
a. They were completely amazed
b. Full of fear, they praised God saying what marvellous things they had seen
How do people react when someone claims to have been healed by a man of God today?
1. Some believe and celebrate with the healed person
2. Some ask the healed person to lead them to the healer so as to be healed as well
3. Some do not believe

JESUS HEALS ROMAN OFFICER’S SERVANT (LUKE 7: 1 – 10)

Where was Jesus at this time?
a. Capernaum
What is known about the Roman officer?
1. He was in-charge of a group of 100 soldiers
2. He was very rich that he could build a synagogue
3. He admired and respected the Jewish religion
4. He was loved by many Jews
5. He had kindness to his servant
What problem did the Roman officer have?
a. His servant who was dear to him was sick ad was about to die
Why did the Roman officer send the message to Jesus?
a. To ask him to come and heal his servant
Why did the Roman officer deserve Jesus’ help according to the Jewish elders?
a. He loved the Jewish nation
b. He had built a synagogue for the people
c. He had a good relationship with the Jews
Relate the message the Roman officer sent to Jesus
- Sir, don’t trouble yourself
- I do not deserve to have you come to my house
- Neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person
- Just give an order and my servant will get well
- I, too, command my soldiers and they obey
How did Jesus react to what the Roman officer said?
a. He was surprised
b. He turned round and said that He had never found faith like that not even in Israel
What was Jesus’ response to the words of the Roman Officer?
- Jesus commended the Roman Officer for his great faith
- Jesus shows that the condition to receive God’s healing is faith in him
Suggest reasons why the Roman Officer could not allow Jesus to come to his home?
1. He believed Jesus had power to heal from a distance
2. He knew it was unlawful for a Jew to visit a gentile in his house
State the main reason why Jesus healed the servant of the Roman officer
1. It was because of the faith of the Roman officer
Define the term “faith”
- Firmly believing religious truths
- Complete confidence in God
- Accepting the truth that Jesus is the Messiah
Describe the significance of the Roman officer to the Gentiles?
a. It showed that Jesus came for the Gentiles as well as Jews
b. It encouraged the Gentiles who wanted to share in the faith

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Relate what the Jewish elders said to Jesus
- This man really deserves your help
- He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us
Explain the importance of Jesus’ action in this passage
a. It shows that salvation was for both Jews and Gentiles
b. It shows that He had come to save both Jews and Gentiles

JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER AND THE WOMAN WHO TOUCHED JESUS’

CLOAK (LUKE 8: 40 – 56)
Why did the people welcome Jesus when they returned to the other side of the Lake of
Galilee?
a. They had been waiting for him
Relate how the woman who had the flow of blood was healed
- As Jesus was going to the house of Jairus, the crowd of people surrounded him.
Among them was a woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for 12 years.
- She then touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and her bleeding stopped at once.
- Jesus asked for the one who touched him but everyone denied. He knew that someone
touched him when power went out of him.
- The woman saw that she had been found out so she came while trembling and threw
herself at the feet of Jesus.
- Jesus commended the woman for her faith that made her well.
Suggest reasons why the woman may have come to Jesus trembling
1. She was afraid of the public when it would be discovered that she was unclean
2. She had made Jesus unclean by touching him
3. Women were not allowed to come into public
4. Jesus had discovered that she had touched his cloak
Describe Jewish treatment of women
1. They could not testify in court
2. In the Temple, their place was with slaves and children
3. They were not obliged to pray
4. They could not attend school
5. Rabbis were not seen with women in public
State reasons why Luke has special interest in Jesus’ attitude towards women
1. It fits Jesus’ universalism
2. It fits Jesus’ preference for the down-trodden
3. Luke may had in mind Gentile leaders who had higher regard for women than Jews
Why did Jesus ask “who touched me?”
a. He knew it when power went out of Jesus
How did Peter respond to Jesus’ question?
a. Master, the people are all round you and crowding in on you
How did the woman react when it was discovered that she had touched Jesus?
a. She came to Jesus trembling
b. She told Jesus why she had touched Jesus and how she had been healed at once
How did Jesus respond to the woman’s reaction?
a. He said “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace”.
For how long had the woman been ill?
a. For 12 years
What was the woman suffering from?
a. Severe bleeding

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How was the woman healed?
- She touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak
- Her bleeding stopped at once
Relate the miracle performed on Jairus’ daughter
- Jairus threw himself down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to go to his home to heal his
only daughter who was dying.
- Later on, a message came that the daughter had died. Immediately, Jesus told Jairus
not to be worried but to believe that she will be well.
- They went to Jairus’ house and went into his house with Peter, John and James and
the child’s parents. He told those that were crying to stop because the child was not
dead but was only sleeping.
- Jesus then took the child by hand and called her to get up. Her life returned and got up
immediately.
- Jesus commanded his parents not to tell anyone of what had happened.
Who was Jairus?
a. An official in the local synagogue
What problem did Jairus have that made him see Jesus?
a. His only daughter who was 12 years old was dying
What did Jairus do when he came to where Jesus was?
a. Threw himself down at Jesus’ feet
b. Begged Jesus to go to his home and heal his daughter
Mention the disciples who accompanied Jesus to the house of Jairus
1. Peter
2. John
3. James
What did the messenger who came from Jairus’ house say to Jairus?
- Your daughter has died
- Don’t bother the teacher any longer
How did Jesus respond to this message?
- Don’t be afraid only believe
- She will be well
What did Jesus do when he arrived at the house of Jairus?
a. He would not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, child’s father
and mother
b. He told the people not to cry for the child was not dead but was only sleeping
How did the people react to Jesus’s words?
a. They all laughed at him
Why did the people react like that?
a. They knew that Jairus’ daughter was dead
Describe briefly how Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter
- He took her by hand
- He called out “Get up my child”
- Her life returned, and she got up at once.
State the two orders that Jesus gave the parents
a. To give her something to eat (food)
b. Not to tell anyone what had happened
Why did Jesus order the parents not to tell anybody?
a. He did not want to be known as the Messiah
List down the Jewish mourning customs similar to Malawian customs
1. The corpse is kept in a room with relatives and friends, mostly women

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 2. There is weeping and lamenting
3. Friends provide food and drinks
4. The hair and parts of the beard were shaved
5. The mourners dress in sack cloth
6. The mourning lasts 3 to 30 days but usually 7
Give the similarities between the stories of Jairus’ daughter and that of the woman who
touched Jesus’ cloak
1. Both stories concern women
2. Both females are addressed as daughters
3. Jairus’ daughter was 12 years old while the woman had suffered for 12 years
4. Both females were saved because of faith
5. There was physical contact in both miracles
6. They both show Jesus’ attitude towards women

JESUS HEALS A CRIPLLED WOMAN ON THE SABBATH

(LUKE 13: 10 – 17)
Narrate the healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath
- As Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on one Sabbath, there was a woman with an
evil spirit that made her ill for 18 years.
- She was bent over and could not straighten up at all.
- Jesus told the woman that she was free from her illness. He placed his hands on her,
and at once she straightened herself up and praised God
For how long had the woman suffered?
a. For 18 years
Describe the woman’s sickness
- She was bent over and could not straighten up at all
Describe how Jesus healed the woman
- He told the woman that she was free from her illness.
- He placed his hands on her
- At once she straightened herself up and praised God
What did the woman do soon after being healed?
a. She praised God
What was the reaction of the official of the synagogue?
a. He was angry that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath Day
b. He told the people to come for healing in the 6 days of the week and not on the
Sabbath Day
What did the official of the synagogue say after this miracle?
- He told the people to come for healing in the 6 days of the week and not on the
Sabbath Day
What was Jesus response to what the synagogue official had said?
- If people can untie the ox or donkey to give it water on the Sabbath, why should the
descendant of Abraham not be released on the Sabbath
What was people’s reaction to Jesus’ response?
a. Jesus’ enemies became ashamed of themselves
b. The people rejoiced over all the wonderful things that he did

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JESUS HEALS A SICK MAN (LUKE 14: 1 – 6)
Relate briefly the miracle Jesus performed in the house of one of the leading Pharisees
on the Sabbath
- A man whose legs and arms were swollen came to Jesus
- Jesus asked the Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees whether the Law allowed
healing on the Sabbath or not
- They would not say anything
- He healed the man and sent him away
Mention the Religious Leaders who watched Jesus closely on this day?
1. Teachers of the Law
2. Pharisees
What question did Jesus give these Religious leaders?
- Whether the Law allowed healing on the Sabbath or not
What response did the religious leaders give to Jesus’ question?
a. They would not say anything
What did Jesus say to the people?
- If anyone of you had a son or an ox that happened to fall in a well on the Sabbath,
would you not pull them out at once on the Sabbath itself?
Mention works that were allowed by the Jews on the Sabbath Day
1. Giving hospitality to the homeless
2. Comforting the afflicted
3. Sharing food to the hungry
4. Giving clothes to the naked
How tricky was Jesus question of whether the Law allowed healing on the Sabbath or
not?
a. If the answer was “Yes” it meant it was lawful for Jesus to heal the man on that day
b. If the answer was “No” it would indicate that the Pharisees had no mercy

JESUS HEALS TEN MEN (LUKE 17: 11 – 19)

Narrate the healing of the ten men
- Jesus met 10 men suffering from a dreaded skin disease standing at a distance and
shouting "Jesus! Master! Take pity on us!"
- Jesus told them to go and let the priests examine them. On the way they were made
clean.
- One of them, a Samaritan came back praising God to give thanks to God. Jesus
wondered why only the Samaritan came back to thank God. He told the man to get up
and go since his faith had made him well.
What were the people suffering from?
a. Dreaded skin disease
Suggest one reason why the men shouted from a distance
a. They could not come close to anybody since they were unclean
What instruction did Jesus give the men?
a. Go and let the priests examine you
Why did Jesus give the men that instruction?
1.The priests had to certify them that they had really been healed
2.They had to carry out the cleansing ritual
3.They had to be given the letter so as to re-join the community
How can one know that he has been healed from HIV/AIDS?
a. By being examined by a certified medical practitioner

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How should Christians act to the people living with HIV/AIDS?
1. They must love them
2. They must take care of them
3. They must provide for their needs
4. They must not discriminate against them
Describe how Jesus healed the men
- He told them to go and let the priests examine them.
- On their way to the priest, they were made clean
Who returned after being healed?
a. A Samaritan
What did one of them do after realising that he had been healed?
a. He came back, praising God in a loud voice
b. He threw himself to the ground at Jesus' feet
c. He thanked Jesus
How did Jesus react to what the Samaritan had done?
a. He said there were 10 men who were healed, where were the other 9?
b. He wondered why only the foreigner had come to give thanks to God
c. He told the man to get up and go, his faith had made him well
Suggest reasons why only a Samaritan thanked God after being healed
1. He was the only one who understood what had happened to them
2. He understood that he had found God's salvation
3. It shows faith of the foreigners and blindness of Israel
4. It shows his conversion by returning to Jesus
What lessons can people learn from this miracle?
1. Salvation is for both Jews and Gentiles
2. Jesus has compassion on the people regarded as outcasts
3. People need to have great faith like that of the Samaritan
4. The importance of expressing thanks when something good has been done to us
Why did Jesus heal both Jews and a Samaritan together in the story?
1. To show that salvation is for both Jews and Gentiles
2. To show that God does not favour a certain group of people but all since he created
them all

JESUS HEALS A BLIND BEGGAR (LUKE 18: 35 - 43)

Relate how Jesus healed the blind beggar
- As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road begging.
- When the man heard the crowd pass by, he wondered what it was and was told that
Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
- Some people scolded him and told him to be quiet, but he cried out "Jesus! Son of
David! Take pity on me!"
- Jesus then stopped, asked the blind man what he wanted from Jesus.
- The blind man asked for sight and Jesus healed him by restoring his sight.
- Jesus told him that his faith had healed him. At once he followed Jesus, giving thanks
to God
Why did the people want the blind man to be silent?
1. They knew that Jesus did not like to be indicated as the Messiah
2. They were afraid that Jesus might get into trouble if the Romans knew that the Jews
greeted him as their Messiah
What did the blind beggar do when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by?
a. He cried out "Jesus! Son of David! Have pity on me!"

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How did the people react to what the man was saying?
a. They scolded him
b. They told him to be quiet
Suggest a reason why Jesus did not silence the blind man
a. His time of secrecy as the Messiah was over
Describe briefly how Jesus healed the blind beggar
- Jesus ordered the man to be brought to him
- Jesus then asked what the man wanted from Jesus
- When the man responded that he wanted to see again, Jesus said "Then see! Your
faith has made you well!"
- At once the blind man was able to see.
What did the man do after being healed?
a. He followed Jesus
b. He gave thanks to God
What was the reaction of the people after this miracle?
a. They all praised God
Suggest reasons why Jesus called the blind beggar as a true disciple
1. He admits that he is blind unlike some disciples who were blind spiritually but did not
know it
2. He shows strong faith by not giving up even when the crowd tried to stop him
3. He does not hesitate when Jesus calls him
4. He follows Jesus by accepting suffering

EXORCISM

What is exorcism?
a. Driving out evil spirits

A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT (LUKE 4: 31 – 37)

Where did Jesus perform His first miracle?
a. Capernaum
What was Jesus’ first miracle?
a. Healing the man with an evil spirit
Relate the healing of a man with an evil spirit
- In the synagogue, there was a man who had the spirit of an evil demon in him.
- He screamed out in a loud voice: “Ah! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are: you are God’s holy messenger!”
- Jesus ordered the spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. The demon threw the
man down and went out of him without causing any harm
What did the man with an evil spirit say?
- What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
- Are you here to destroy us?
- I know who you are: you are God’s Holy Messenger!
How did Jesus heal the man with an evil spirit?
- He ordered the spirit to be quiet and come out of the man
- The demon threw the man down and went out of him without doing him any harm
How did the people react to this miracle?
1. They were all amazed
2. They wondered that Jesus could give orders to the evil spirits and they come out
3. They spread the report about Jesus everywhere in that region

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Why were the Jews astonished on this day?
1. Jesus taught with authority
2. Evil spirits recognized him as God’s messenger
3. He had authority to command evil spirits to come out without causing any harm
4. He was given the title “God’s Holy Messenger”.
What does Jesus’ treatment of the demon possessed man show?
1. He calms the disturbed mind
2. He frees people from evil spirits
3. He has power to overcome evil in people
Why did Jesus order the evil spirit to be quiet?
1. To show that His power is greater than that of demons
2. He did not want to be known as the Messiah
What was the impact of the healing of the demonic man on Jesus work?
a. The report about Jesus spread everywhere in the region

JESUS HEALS A MAN WITH DEMONS (LUKE 8: 26 - 39)

In which town was this man?
a. Gerasa
What evidence was there to show that the man was possessed?
1. He would move around without clothes
2. He would not stay at home
3. He spent his time in burial caves
4. Sometimes his hands and feet were fastened
5. He would hurt Himself
Describe how the man was healed
- Upon seeing Jesus, the man gave a loud cry, threw himself down at his feet and
shouted addressing to Jesus, "Son of the Most High God"
- He begged Jesus not to punish him. He said this because Jesus had commanded the
evil spirits to go out of him.
- When Jesus asked what his name was, he said that he was a "Mob" because in him
were many (demons).
- The demons begged Jesus not to send them away but let them go into the large herd of
pigs that were feeding nearby. The whole herd rushed down the side of the cliff into
the lake and was drowned.
What evidence is there that the story took place in a Gentile territory?
a. The people of Gerasa kept pigs
b. “Jesus, Son of the Most High God” is a pagan way of speaking
c. Jesus allowed the new Gentile to testify about what had happened after the miracle
d. The new disciple was not allowed to join other disciples since he was a Gentile
What did the man do when he saw Jesus?
1. He gave a loud cry
2. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet
3. He shouted “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? I beg
you, don’t punish me!
Why did the man beg Jesus not to punish him?
1. Because Jesus had ordered the evil spirits to go out of him
What did the man say when he saw Jesus?
- Son of the Most High God
- What do you want with me?
- I beg you don’t punish me

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How did the evil spirit torment the man?
a. It had seized him many times
b. Even though he was kept a prisoner, his hands and feet fastened with chains, he would
break the chains
c. He would be driven by the demon out into the desert
Why did the man say that his name was “Mob”?
a. Because many demons had gone into him
What did the demons beg Jesus?
a. Not to send them into the abyss
b. To let then go into the pigs
What happened when the demons were sent into the pigs?
- The whole herd rushed down the side of the cliff into the lake and was drowned
How did the men taking care of the pigs react?
a. They ran off and spread the news in the town and among the farms
Describe what the people who had heard the news found when they arrived
a. They found the healed man at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind
How the people react?
a. They were all afraid
b. They asked Jesus to go away because they were terribly afraid
Why did the people ask Jesus to go away?
a. They were terribly afraid
b. Jesus had caused their pigs to drown in the sea
c. Jesus had tamed an uncontrollable demon possessed man
d. Jesus had healed a man with demons
What happened when the man got healed?
1. He begged to follow Jesus
2. Jesus ordered him to go back home and tell what God had done for him
3. The man went through the town, telling what Jesus had done for him
Why did Jesus command the man to go and proclaim what had happened to him?
1. There was no need to keep His power secret since the miracle happened in the Gentile
area who were not expecting the Messiah
2. The Pagans could well be prepared for the gospel which the Jews would bring later
Why was there no danger in proclaiming the miracle?
a. It was done among Gentiles who had no expectation of the Messiah
b. He wanted the news of salvation to be spread amongst the Gentiles
Why is this miracle different from others?
1. Jesus healed at a distant
2. He did not demand silence
3. It was done in the Gentile land
What does the story teach about the Kingdom of God?
1. Jesus regarded the devil as the enemy of God’s Kingdom
2. Jesus regarded madness as a sign of Satan’s power over man
3. Jesus regarded His mission as a task to overcome Satan to which end God had given
Him authority
4. Jesus regarded any exorcism as a sign that the Kingdom of God had come
Why is this miracle significant?
1. It shows that the Gospel is not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles
2. Jesus’ power over Satan is also for the good of Gentiles
3. Jesus has more power than the most powerful evil spirits, pagan religion and pagan
empire

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What do people do when God has healed them today?
a. They praise God
b. They share the story with others
c. They encourage others to pray to God with faith and that they would be healed
Why did demons recognize Jesus as the “Son of the Most High God”?
a. Because he had the power to drive them out

JESUS HEALS A BOY WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT (LUKE 9: 37 – 43)

Relate how Jesus healed a boy
- A man shouted from the crowd, “Teacher! I beg you; look at my son, my only son!
- A spirit attacks him into a fit, so that he foams at the mouth
- I asked your disciples to drive it out but they failed
- Jesus rebuked his disciples and later healed the boy and gave him back to the man
What did the man say to Jesus?
- Teacher, I beg you, look at my son – my only son!
- A spirit attacks him with a sudden shout and throws him into a fit, so that he foams at
the mouth
- It keeps on hurting him and will hardly let him go
- I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t
What was Jesus’ response to what the man said?
- How unbelieving and wrong you people are!
- How long must I stay with you?
- How long do I have to put up with you?
- Bring your son here
What did Jesus accuse the disciples and the people?
a. Lack of faith
b. Lack of prayer
Why did the disciples fail to heal the boy?
a. They lacked faith
b. They lacked prayer
What did the demon do as the boy was coming to Jesus?
a. Knocked the boy to the ground
b. Threw him into a fit
How did Jesus heal the boy?
- Jesus gave a command to the evil spirit
- Healed the boy
- Gave the boy back to his father
How did the evil spirit attack the boy?
1. It attacked him with a sudden shout
2. It threw him into a fit so that he foams at the mouth
3. It kept on hurting him and would let him go
What did the demon do upon seeing Jesus?
a. Knocked the boy to the ground
b. Threw the boy into fit
What did Jesus do after the boy was brought to him?
a. He noted how faithless the man was as well as disciples
b. He then rebuked the evil spirit and it left the boy
How did the people react?
a. They were amazed at the mighty power of God

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State reasons why faith was demanded?
1. So that the healing could be understood as a sign that Jesus defeated evil and
established God’s Kingdom
2. One can enter the Kingdom of God and so share in Jesus’ power over evil only
through faith
Describe ways in which faith and miracles are connected
a. It was believed that diseases were caused by demons hence healing demanded faith
b. Victory over diseases was victory over sin; a person had to have faith to defeat sin

NATURE MIRACLES

JESUS CALMS A STORM (LUKE 8: 22 – 25)

What problem did the disciples face when they were sailing?
- A strong wind blew down on the lake and the boat began to fill with water
What was Jesus doing at this time?
a. He was sleeping
What did the disciples do amidst this problem?
They went to Jesus and woke him up, saying, “Master, Master! We are about to die!”
Relate how Jesus calmed the storm
- One day Jesus got into the boat together with his disciples.
- As they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep
- A strong wind blew on the lake and the boat began to fill with water so that they were
in great danger
- Then the disciples woke Jesus up telling him about the danger.
- Jesus got up and gave orders to the wind and stormy water and they died down and it
was calm again
- Jesus doubted the faith of the disciples but the disciples were amazed and afraid with
what Jesus was able to do
What did the disciples do when they saw that they were in great danger?
a. They went to Jesus and woke him up saying “Master, Master! We are about to die!”
How did Jesus respond to the danger?
- He got up
- He gave an order to the wind and the stormy water to die down
- He asked the disciples, “Where is your faith?”
How did Jesus calm the storm?
- He gave an order to the wind
- He gave an order to the stormy water
- Both the wind and the stormy water died down
- There was a great calm
What did Jesus say to the disciples on this occasion?
a. Where is your faith?
Describe the disciples’ character in this miracle
a. They lacked faith because they did not believe that Jesus was God and could save
them while asleep
b. They were amazed at this new display of Jesus’ power
How did the disciples show that they had no faith?
a. They cried out to Jesus when the boat began to fill with water
Why were the disciples of Jesus afraid of the stormy water on the lake?
a. They lacked faith

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How did Jesus show his faith in this event?
a. He was asleep while in danger
b. He calmed the storm
c. He accused the disciples of having no faith
What were the reactions of the disciples?
1. They were amazed
2. They were afraid
3. They asked one another about Jesus’ identity “Who is this man? He gives orders to
the winds and waves and they obey him?”
4. They had admiring astonishment which people feel when they are in the presence of
God
What is the significance of this miracle?
1. It shows that Jesus is the promised Messiah
2. It proves that Jesus is the Lord of Nature
3. It shows that Jesus has power over the devil
What lesson can one learn from this miracle?
a. It shows the establishment of the Kingdom of God after destroying the power of evil

JESUS FEEDS A GREAT CROWD (LUKE 9: 10 – 17)

Where did this miracle take place?
a. Bethsaida
What did Jesus do when the crowds followed them to that place?
a. He welcomed them
b. He spoke to them about the Kingdom of God
c. He healed those who needed it
What did the disciples tell Jesus when they realized that the sun was setting while a
large crowd of people was still following them?
a. They asked Jesus to send the people away to find food and lodging
What was Jesus’ response to what the disciples had told him?
a. He told the disciples to give the people something to eat
What did the disciples say in reaction to Jesus’ response?
- All we have are 5 loaves and 2 fish
- Do you want us to go and buy food for this whole crowd?
What instruction did Jesus give his disciples when they said they had five loaves and
two fish?
a. To make the people sit down in groups of about 50 each.
Describe what Jesus did when the people had sat in their groups
- He took the five loaves and two fish
- He looked up to heaven
- He thanked God for them
- He broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people
“They all ate and had enough, and the disciples took up 12 baskets of what was left over”
What do the remaining 12 baskets refer to?
a. 12 tribes of Israel, the foundation of the nation of Israel
b. 12 apostles, the foundation of the Church, the new Israel
Narrate how Jesus fed a great crowd
- When the disciples saw that the sun was setting, they asked Jesus to send the people
to the villages and farms around the town to find food and lodging places for
themselves
- The disciples had only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish which were not enough for the

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 5,000 men
- Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish, looked up to heaven, thanked God for them, broke
them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people
- They all ate and had enough and the disciples took up 12 baskets of what was left
over
What was the significance or importance of this miracle?
1. It is a foretaste of the Messianic banquet prophesied in the book of Isaiah
2. It makes Jesus the feeder of the people just as God fed them in the desert
3. It complements the first temptation where Jesus refused to make the feeding of people
his main task
4. It is the only miracle recorded in all the 4 gospels
5. It has the language concerned with the institution of the Lord’s supper
Mention the lessons people can learn from this miracle
1. God takes care of everyone and provides for people’s needs
2. People should use their talents for others just as Jesus used His power to care for
others
3. If the people share the resources, there is plenty for all
4. People feel encouraged to come together for the Breaking of the Bread
What does the account of the feeding of the crowd refer to?
a. The past: Jesus repeats what God had done for the Israelites in the desert
b. The end of time: it symbolizes the fullness of salvation when people’s hunger for
truth and hunger will be satisfied
c. The time in between: Church members come together for the breaking of the Bread
as instructed by Jesus

RAISING THE DEAD

JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW’S SON (LUKE 7: 11 – 17)

In which town did this miracle take place?
a. Nain
What was the reaction of the Lord when he saw the widow?
a. His heart was filled with pity for her
b. He told her not to cry
c. He raised the widow’s son
Narrate how Jesus raised the widow’s son
- Jesus, with his disciples and a crowd that followed them went to a town called Nain
- At the gate, they met a funeral procession for a man who was the only son of a widow
- When the Lord saw the widow, He felt pity for her and he told her not to cry
- Jesus then walked over and touched the coffin
- He then requested the dead young man to get up and he did
- The people were filled with fear and praised God
How did Jesus raise the widow’s son?
- He touched the coffin
- He said, “Young man get up! I tell you
- The dead man sat up and began to walk
- Jesus gave him back to his mother
Why did Jesus raise this young man?
a. He was filled with pity

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Describe reactions of the people after this miracle
a. They were all filled with fear
b. They praised God
c. They proclaimed that a prophet had appeared among them
What did the people say after this miracle?
- A great prophet has appeared among us
- God has come to save His people
Describe the significance of this miracle
1. Jesus raised the son out of compassion
2. It shows Jesus’ concern for the women
3. It shows that Jesus did not care about the outward uncleanliness by touching the
coffin
What is the similarity between the raising of the widow’s son and the healing of the
Roman officer’s servant?
a. Jesus’ authority is expressed in both stories

JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER (LUKE 8: 40 – 43, 49 – 56)

Relate the miracle performed on Jairus’ daughter
- Jairus threw himself down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to go to his home to heal his
only daughter who was dying.
- Later on, a message came that the daughter had died. Immediately, Jesus told Jairus
not to be worried but to believe that she will be well.
- They went to Jairus’ house and went into his house with Peter, John and James and
the child’s parents. He told those that were crying to stop because the child was not
dead but was only sleeping.
- Jesus then took the child by hand and called her to get up. Her life returned and got up
immediately.
- Jesus commanded his parents not to tell anyone of what had happened.
Who was Jairus?
b. An official in the local synagogue
What problem did Jairus have that made him see Jesus?
b. His only daughter who was 12 years old was dying
What did Jairus do when he came to where Jesus was?
c. Threw himself down at Jesus’ feet
d. Begged Jesus to go to his home and heal his daughter
Mention the disciples who accompanied Jesus to the house of Jairus
4. Peter
5. John
6. James
What did the messenger who came from Jairus’ house say to Jairus?
- Your daughter has died
- Don’t bother the teacher any longer
How did Jesus respond to this message?
- Don’t be afraid only believe
- She will be well
What did Jesus do when he arrived at the house of Jairus?
c. He would not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, child’s father
and mother
d. He told the people not to cry for the child was not dead but was only sleeping

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How did the people react to Jesus’s words?
b. They all laughed at him
Why did the people react like that?
b. They knew that Jairus’ daughter was dead
Describe briefly how Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter
- He took her by hand
- He called out “Get up my child”
- Her life returned, and she got up at once.
State the two orders that Jesus gave the parents
c. To give her something to eat (food)
d. Not to tell anyone what had happened
Why did Jesus order the parents not to tell anybody?
b. He did not want to be known as the Messiah
List down the Jewish mourning customs similar to Malawian customs
7. The corpse is kept in a room with relatives and friends, mostly women
8. There is weeping and lamenting
9. Friends provide food and drinks
10. The hair and parts of the beard were shaved
11. The mourners dress in sack cloth
12. The mourning lasts 3 to 30 days but usually 7

PARABLES

What is a parable?
a. A short story that uses familiar situations to illustrate a religious or moral point
b. An imaginary story of something observed in life and has a spiritual meaning
c. A description of something observed in life and has a spiritual meaning
State the characteristics of a parable
1. It has one main message
2. It is a picture of something observed in daily life
3. The point or lesson comes at the end
Why did Jesus use parables?
1. To catch the attention of listeners
2. To help the listeners easily remember the message
3. To avoid debates or arguments which may be divisive or useless
4. To challenge listeners to think about it and willingly change the way of thinking
5. To give a last chance to Jesus’ opponents to see the truth
6. Parables are a powerful teaching aid to convey the truth about the Kingdom
Mention the Classes of parables
1. Parables of the Kingdom
 Parable of the Mustard Seed
 Parable of the Leaven
 Parable of the Narrow Door
2. Parables on judgement
 The Rich man and Lazarus
 The Rich fool
 The Shrewd manager
 The Great Banquet
 The Barren Fig Tree

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  Places of Honour
 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
3. Parables on the lost
 The Lost Sheep
 The Lost Coin
 The Lost Son
4. Parables on prayer
 A Friend at Midnight
 The Unjust Judge
5. Parables on the claimant
 The Good Samaritan
 The Royal Claimant

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND PARABLE OF THE YEAST

(LUKE 13: 18 - 21)
Narrate the parable of the Mustard Seed
- The Kingdom of God is like a man who takes a mustard seed.
- He sows it in the field
- The plant grows and becomes a tree
- The birds make their nests in its branches
Narrate the parable of the Yeast
- The kingdom of God is like a woman who takes some yeast
- She mixes it with 40 litres of flour until the whole batch of dough rises
State the lessons from the two parables
1. Jesus’ ministry looked insignificant at the beginning
2. Jesus’ work appeared unsuccessful, not bearing good fruits as was expected
3. Do not doubt the reality of the presence of God’s Kingdom among the people
4. The Kingdom, being God’s work, will be a huge success
5. The Gentiles are also in the Kingdom of God
6. The Kingdom of God starts in a modest way but it grows and becomes powerful

THE NARROW DOOR (LUKE 13: 22 – 30)

What made Jesus to say this parable?
a. Someone asked Jesus, “Sir, will only a few people be saved?”
What question was Jesus asked?
- “Sir, will only a few people be saved?”
What was Jesus’ response to the question?
- Do your best to go through the narrow door because many people will surely try to go
but will not be able
- The master of the house will get up and close the door
- You will stand outside and begin to knock on the door saying open for us, Sir!
- He will answer you “I don’t know where you are coming from”
- Then you will answer, “We ate and drank with you and you taught in our town”
- But he will say again, “I do not know where you come from, get away from me, all
you wicked people”.

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What lessons can be learnt from the parable?
1. Those in need of entering the Kingdom must make a great and timely effort before the
door is closed
2. Being a Jew does not mean that one enters the Kingdom automatically
3. Listening to the word of Jesus does not guarantee entrance at the door to fellowship
with him
4. The Jews are being called first but may be the last
5. Gentiles enter the Kingdom of God before the Jews
6. The door is now open while Jesus is available

HUMILITY OR CHOOSING PLACES AT TABLE (LUKE 14: 7 – 11)

Narrate the parable of choosing places at table
- When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place
- It could happen that someone more important than you, has been invited, and your
host, who invited both of you, would have to come and say to you, “Let him have this
place”.
- Then you will be embarrassed and have to sit in the lowest place
- Instead when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that your host will
come to you and say, “Come on up, my friend, to a better place”.
- This will bring you honour in the presence of all the other guests
Why was this parable told?
a. To warn the Pharisees who were convinced that they would have the best places in the
Kingdom of God
Why will the Pharisees not enter the Kingdom of God?
a. They lacked humility and hospitality
b. They did not have mercy
c. They did not have love for the poor
What lesson can be learnt from this parable?
1. Those who make themselves great will be humbled
2. Those who humble themselves will be made great
3. It shows reliance on God’s mercy

HOSPITALITY OR INVITATION OF GUESTS (LUKE 14: 12 – 14)

Narrate the parable of the invitation of guests
- When you give lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your
relatives or your rich neighbours – for they will invite you back and in this way you
will be paid for what you did
- When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will
be blessed because they are not able to pay you back. God will repay you on the day
the good people rise from death
Who should be invited to a feast?
1. The poor
2. The crippled
3. The lame
4. The blind
Why should the above groups of people be the ones invited?
1. They are not able to pay you back
2. God will repay the host on the day the good people rise from death
Why should the host not invite friends, relatives and neighbours to a feast?
1. They will invite him back thereby repaying him for what he had done

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 2. He will not be repaid or blessed by God
What instructions did Jesus teach to anyone hosting a party?
1. Do not invite those who have merit for they will pay you back for what you have done
2. Invite those who have no merit and seem unworthy and you will be repaid by God on
the last day
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
a. Invite those who have no merits and seem unworthy
b. Be compassionate; as God invites the outcasts, citizens of God’s Kingdom must
welcome them

PARABLE OF THE GREAT FEAST (LUKE 14: 15 – 24)

Narrate the parable of the Great Feast
- There was once a man who was giving a great feast to which he invited many people.
- He sent his servant to tell his guests, “Come, everything is ready”
- The invited guests gave excuses
 The first one said he had bought a field and must go and look at it
 The second one said that he had bought 5 pairs of oxen and was on his way to try
them out
 The third one said that he had just married, and for that reasons he could not come
- The master became furious and ordered the servant to hurry out to the streets and
alleys of the town and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame and
anybody found on the roads and lanes
Who attended the great feast?
1. The poor
2. The crippled
3. The blind
4. The lame
Describe the Jewish customs on which the parable is based
a. Sending 2 invitations to one to attend a function; the first invitation done in advance
and the second shortly before it commences
b. Being exempted from military and civic services in the first year of being married
Describe the excuses given in the parable?
1. I have bought a field and I must go and look at it; please accept my apologies
2. I have bought 5 pairs of oxen and I am on my way to try them out; please accept my
apologies
3. I have just got married and for that reason, I cannot come
How did the master react to the apologies?
a. He was furious
b. He told his servant to go into the streets and alleys of the town to bring the poor, the
crippled, the blind and the lame
c. He told his servant to go out also to the country roads and lane and make the people
come to and fill in the rooms of the house
Give the meaning of the following in the parable:
1. The man: God
2. Guests invited first: Jews
3. The servant: Jesus
4. The people who attended the feast: outcasts such as sinners, tax collectors, the
Gentiles
Outline the lessons from the parable
1. The Jewish people would have no place in God’s Kingdom because they want to earn

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 a place by acts of piety, outward devotion to religion
2. Those called for salvation and be in God’s Kingdom reject the offer
3. The Gentiles are being invited and included in the Kingdom of God

PARABLES ON JUDGEMENT

What is judgement?
a. Separation between those who do the will of God and those who don’t
b. Separation between those who receive the gifts of the Kingdom and those who refuse
How is judgement passed upon people?
a. Judgement is given in words and deeds
b. Judgement is done through pronunciation of condemnation and denouncement of
punishment
c. Judgement depends on one’s faith in Jesus and in obedience to His word
d. Judgement on those who do not know Jesus will depend on their attitudes towards
their needy neighbour
Describe phases of judgement
a. Daily: one is judged by one’s own conscience
b. At the moment of death: judgement which determines one’s fate for eternity
c. On the last day: a judgement on all mankind

THE RICH FOOL (LUKE 12: 13 – 21)

Who is a fool?
a. Someone who lives as if there is no God
What made Jesus to say the parable of the Rich Fool?
a. A man asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide with him the property of his father
Relate events that led Jesus to narrate the parable of the Rich Fool
- One man asked Jesus to ask his brother share him the wealth their father had left
- Jesus answered that he had no authority to divide property between them
- He also told the people to watch out and guard themselves from every kind of greed
because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns no matter how rich
he may be
- He then narrated the parable of the Rich Fool
Narrate the parable of the Rich Fool
- Once a rich man had land which bore good crops
- He became worried of where to keep his crops because he had harvested plenty
- He then thought to himself what to do
- He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones where he could store his corn
and all his other goods
- He then called himself a lucky man for he had everything for many years
- He told himself to take life easy, eat, drink and enjoy himself
- But God told him that, “This very night you will have to give up your life, then who
will get all these things you had kept for yourself
Suggest reasons why Jesus told the Parable of the Rich Fool
1. To teach people that true life is not made up of wealth
2. He was responding to a request to assist in the division of the deceased property
How did the rich farmer deserve to be called a fool?
1. He had put all his trust in the wealth he had acquired rather than God
2. He thinks he has security of good future forgetting that only God assures the future
3. He is also pre-occupied with his own interest; he doesn’t have the care for his needy

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 neighbour
4. He thought of enjoying himself even if it meant forgetting or disobeying God’s
commandments
5. He did not reflect or think anything about his death
6. He fails to consider who will get his goods after his death
7. He never asked the question of the meaning of life
Why is it important to have riches in heaven than on earth?
1. They will never decrease since there will be no thieves and moths
2. To have our hearts in heaven since our hearts will always be where our riches are
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
1. Wealth must not be the sole goal in one’s life, but seeking the Kingdom of God
2. Do not keep wealth as if it could assure your future
3. Make yourself good in God’s sight by using wealth to help the needy
4. Provide yourself with goods that do not wear out
5. Save your riches in heaven where they don’t decrease, because no thief can get to
them or moth can destroy
6. Your heart will always be aiming to be in heaven where your riches should be
7. One has to rely on God on earthly success in one’s life
8. Do not trust in riches but trust in God
9. True security is not found in abundance of things but in the desire for God

THE PARABLE OF THE UNFRUITFUL FIG TREE (LUKE 13: 6 – 9)

Narrate the parable of the unfruitful fig tree
- A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard
- He went looking for figs on it for 3 years but he found none
- He asked his gardener to have it cut down
- The gardener pleaded with him to leave it for an extra year and promised to dig round
it and put in some manure.
- He then told the owner to have it cut down if it would not bear fruits the following
year
Give the allegorical meanings of the following terms:
1. The owner of the fig tree: God
2. The fig tree: Israel or unbelieving Jews
3. The gardener: Jesus
4. Three years: Full time or life span or duration of Jesus’ ministry
5. One more year: Jesus’ final year
6. The digging and putting of manure: God’s effort to win Israel to his loving mercy
What message or lessons does Jesus give in this parable?
1. The nation of Israel has not produced any spiritual gift
2. It is now given the last chance
3. If they do not produce spiritual fruits even when Jesus has helped them, then the
nation will be destroyed
When was the nation of Israel destroyed?
a. 70 AD

THE SHREWD MANAGER (LUKE 16: 1 – 13)

What does the term “Shrewd” mean?
a. Being clever in doing things
Narrate the parable of the shrewd manager
- A rich man had a servant who managed his property

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 - The master told the manager that he could no longer be his manager because the
manger was wasting his money
- The manager said, “I am ashamed to beg” told all his master’s debtors to pay less of
what they owed his master
- The master commended the manager’s clever action
What did the manager do when he was told that he would be dismissed from work?
a. He called in his masters debtors and told them to pay less of what they owed his
master
Why did the manager react like that?
a. He wanted them to help him when he loses his job
Why did the master praise the manager?
a. He was shrewd in handling his affairs than the people who belong to the light
Suggest reasons why the manager deserves praise?
1. He gave up his own income so as to create good will and gain friendship
2. He acted promptly without delay
Mention things that Jesus said should be done if one is to be welcomed in the eternal
house
1. Make friends for yourselves with worldly wealth so that when it goes out you will be
welcomed in the Kingdom
2. He who is faithful in little is also faithful in much; he who is dishonest in little is also
dishonest in much
3. No man can serve two masters, God and riches
State the consequences of serving two masters?
1. Such a servant will love one and hate the other
2. Such a servant will be loyal to one master and despite the other
What is the attitude of the Pharisees towards riches?
a. They thought riches were a blessing from God
State reasons why the Pharisees mocked Jesus on riches
1. They justified themselves since they were rich
2. They exalted themselves because of their riches
3. They were lovers of money
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
1. The best way one can make use of wealth is to give it away
2. Do not use money to lead the self
3. By giving one’s money away. One makes friends
4. Good relationships are more important than possessions
5. One ought to promptly and wisely act
6. Jewish leaders failed in their stewardship and they would be dismissed
7. Choose one, between God and money
How did the Pharisees react to this parable?
1. They did not like the parable and the teaching that followed
2. They feared people might doubt their integrity

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (LUKE 16: 19 – 31)

What Jewish beliefs made Jesus say this parable?
a. They believed that those who were rich and owned property were favoured by God
and would automatically enter the Kingdom of God
b. They believed that whoever suffered misfortunes, be it sickness and poverty could not
enter the Kingdom of God

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Narrate the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
- The rich man dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in luxury every day.
The poor man, Lazarus was covered in sores
- Lazarus was brought to the rich man’s door to feed on the bits of food that fell from
the rich man’s table
- The dogs came and licked his sores
- The poor man died, was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham in heaven. The
rich man died and was buried, went in Hades and was in pains
- When the rich man looked up and saw Lazarus at the side of Abraham far away, he
requested for mercy and that Lazarus be sent to his brother to get warned.
- He was told that Lazarus was enjoying now but before that he had bad times. He was
also told that the living should listen to the prophets’ sayings to avoid experiencing
pain in Hades
What happened when the poor man died?
a. He was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the feast in heaven
What happened when the rich man died?
a. He was buried in Hades where he was in great pain
What did the rich man do when he saw Abraham with Lazarus?
a. He called out Father Abraham to have pity on him
b. He asked Father Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool his
tongue because he was in great pain in the fire
What did Father Abraham respond to what the rich man said?
- Remember that in your lifetime you were given all the good things while Lazarus got
all the bad things
- Lazarus is now enjoying himself while you are in pain
- There is a deep pit lying between us so that those who want to cross over from here to
you cannot do so, nor can anyone cross over to us from where you are
What request did the rich man make to Father Abraham?
- To send Lazarus to go and warn the brothers of the rich man so that they will not
come to Hades
- If someone were to rise from death and go to them, then they would turn from their
sins
What was Abraham’s response to the rich man’s request?
- Your brothers have Moses and the Prophets to warn them
- Your brothers should listen to what they say
- If they will not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if
someone were to rise from death
What do the following stand for in the parable?
1. The rich man: Pharisees and Teachers of the Law
2. Father Abraham: Jesus
3. Moses: The Laws the people received from God
Describe the character of the rich man
a. He does not love his neighbour
b. He is too worldly
c. He does not listen to the prophets
d. He is an evil man
Describe the poor man, Lazarus
a. He has hope and faith in God
b. He has trust and fear of God

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Identify the two main points of the parable
a. If the rich do not help the poor to bridge the gap between them, the gap will remain
even after death
b. No miracle will save the people if they refuse to listen to God’s word
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
1. It teaches about social responsibility in which the rich should care for the poor
2. God is not pleased with worship if justice for the poor is neglected
3. Those that enrich themselves at the expenses of the poor are denounced
4. It shows lack of concern for the poor
5. It teaches the right understanding on what makes a person acceptable before God
6. Those who listen to Scriptures and obey God’s words by taking care of the poor will
not get the punishment
7. Danger of capitalism in that money becomes the master of people
8. Jesus taught that blessed are the poor unlike the rich who are condemned
9. Love your neighbour

PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR

(LUKE 18: 9 – 14)
Narrate the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
- Once two men went to the Temple to pray, a Pharisee and a Tax Collector
- A Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, “I thank you God that I am not greedy,
dishonest or an adulterer like everybody else; I thank you that I am not like that Tax
Collector over there; I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of all my income.
- But the Tax Collector stood at a distance, beat himself on the chest and said, “God,
have pity on me a sinner”.
Narrate the prayer of the Pharisee
- I thank you God that I am not greedy, dishonest or an adulterer like everyone else
- I thank you that I am not like that Tax Collector over there
- I fast twice a week, and I give a tenth of all my income
Narrate the prayer of the Tax Collector
- God have pity on me a sinner
Analyse the prayer of the Pharisee
a. He spoke to himself not to God
b. It was boastful
c. He seemed to have no need for God
Analyse the prayer of the Tax Collector
a. He was aware of God’s presence and talked to God
b. He admitted his sinfulness
c. He knew his need for God’s mercy
What is the difference between the prayer of the Pharisee and that of the Tax Collector?
a. The Pharisee talked to himself not to God while the Tax Collector talked to God
b. The Pharisee was boastful while the Tax Collector admitted his sinfulness
c. The Pharisee seemed to have no need for God while the Tax Collector knew his need
for God
What elements constitute a true prayer?
a. It indicates humility
b. It indicates sincerity
c. It shows that the one praying is concerned
d. It recognizes that the one praying is spiritually and morally bankrupt
e. It expresses confession

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What elements constitute a false prayer?
1. It is full of self-exaltation
2. It indicates insincerity
3. It shows one’s self righteousness
4. It shows one’s spiritual and moral contentment
5. It has no confession
6. It is full of confidence
Describe the three parts of the parable
1. Judgement
 The Pharisee looks down upon sinners
 He praises himself for being better
 This makes him unacceptable to God
2. Prayer
 The Pharisee speaks to himself not to God, is boastful and has no need of
God
 The Tax Collector is aware of God’s presence, admits his sinfulness and
knows that he needs God
3. Jesus’ love for the lost
 He told this parable to explain the reason for his friendliness with sinners
 He backs up the lost, that is, The Tax Collector
 He was considered a sinner by the Pharisee but considered righteous by God,
the father
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
1. The humble and the repentant hearted are the ones who enter the Kingdom not the
self-righteous, the pride
2. Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled while he who humbles oneself will be
exalted
3. It teaches the difference between true and false prayer

THE PARABLE OF GOLD COINS (LUKE 19: 11 – 27)

When did Jesus tell this parable?
a. After meeting Zacchaeus who repented of his sins and promised to give back
whatever he had taken unlawfully
What reward was given to the servant who earned 10 coins?
a. He was put in charge of 10 cities
What reward was given to the servant who earned 5 coins?
a. He was put in charge of 5 cities
What did the servant who earned nothing with the coin say to his master?
- Here is your gold coin
- I kept it hidden in a handkerchief
- I was afraid because you are a hard man
- You take what is not yours
- You reap where you did not sow
State what the master said and did in response to the servant who had earned nothing
- You bad servant, I will use your own words to condemn you
- You know that I am a bad man
- You know that I take what is not mine, I reap where I did not sow
- Why didn’t you bank my money? I would have received with interest
- He ordered that the coin be taken away and be given to the one who had 10

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What was the reaction of the audience?
a. They grumbled
What was Jesus response to the audience’s reaction?
a. He said, “Those who had nothing, even the little they have will be taken away”.
Narrate the parable of the gold coins
- A rich noble man gave his servants gold coins each to see what they can earn with this
coin while he was away
- After being made a king, he came back and ordered his servants to appear before him
and see what they had earned with the coins
- The first servant had earned 10 other gold coins. The Master praised him saying, “
well done, you are a good servant, you will be in charge of 10 cities”
- The second one had earned 5 other gold coins. To this one the master said that he
would be in charge of 5 cities
- The third servant gave back the same amount of gold coin he was given by his master.
He had kept it because he feared his master whom he described as a severe person.
The master condemned him for his unfaithfulness, cowardice and inactivity and was
punished for that
What are the allegorical references to the following phrases?
1. A man of high rank: Jesus, the Messiah
2. His absence: time between ascension and parousia or second coming
3. His return: the second coming (Parousia)
4. His servants: disciples
5. His hostile citizens: the Jews who reject Jesus as the Messiah King
6. Gold coins: gifts or talents
Summarise the points drawn from the parables of the “unfruitful fig tree” and that of
the “gold coins”
1. The second coming of Jesus will be delayed
2. Christians and leaders have serious responsibilities
3. There will be rewards and punishments at the last judgement
4. Jesus went to heaven to be appointed as a Messiah
5. The unbelieving Jews refuse Jesus as a leader
Mention the privileges or gifts to the Jews
1. They had knowledge of the Law
2. They had prophets to guide them
3. They were the chosen people of God
4. The Messiah was with them
5. Protection from enemies
What lessons can Christians learn from this parable?
1. The second coming of Jesus will be delayed
2. Christians especially leaders have serious responsibilities
3. On the judgement day there will be rewards and punishments
4. Jesus went to heaven to be appointed as the King, the Messiah
5. The unbelieving Jews rejected Jesus and will be punished for that
Narrate the parable of the claimant
- Certain people did not like the man of high rank to be made king and reign over them
- When he came back, he ordered that those that did not like him to be king be brought
and killed in his presence
To whom does this parable refer?
a. The unbelieving Jewish leaders who had not made good use of their gifts of authority,
knowledge of the Law and talents

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What did he do to those who did not want him to be their king?
a. He ordered them to be brought and be killed in his presence

THE PARABLE OF THE WICKED TENANTS IN THE VINEYARD

(LUKE 20: 9 – 18)
How many slaves did the man send to the tenants?
a. Three slaves
How did the tenants treat the first slave?
a. They beat him
b. They sent him back without a thing
How did the tenants treat the second slave?
a. They beat him
b. They treated him shamefully
c. They sent him without a thing
How did the servants treat the third slave?
a. They wounded him
b. They threw him out
What did the owner of the vineyard do after the three slaves were sent back without a
thing?
a. He sent his own son
What did the tenants do to the son?
a. They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him
What will the owner of the vineyard do to the tenants?
a. He will come and kill those men
b. He will hand the vineyard over to other tenants
What passage did Jesus quote after telling people that parable?
- The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important
of all
What will be the effects of this particular stone?
a. Everyone who falls on that stone will be cut to pieces
b. If that stone falls on someone, it will crush him to dust
Relate the parable of the wicked tenants
- There was once a man who planted a vineyard. He let it to tenants
- He then left home for a long time
- Time came to gather the grapes.
- The first three slaves were sent to the tenants to get his share of the harvest. They
were beaten, treated shamefully and wounded.
- He finally sent his own son. He was killed.
- He will come and kill all those tenants and handle the vineyard to other tenants
Give the allegorical application of the following
1. Slaves: prophets
2. Tenants: Jewish religious Leaders
3. Owner of the vineyard: God
4. Son: Jesus Christ
5. Others: Gentiles
6. Vineyard: God’s chosen people
7. Threw him out of the vineyard: Killed outside Jerusalem
How did the Jews know that the parable was against them?
1. It came just after the discussion on authority
2. They suspected that Jesus hinted at the Old Testament text which spoke about the

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 reflection of God’s messengers when he talked about the rejected stone
3. They understood that the tenants stood for the religious leaders
What was the reaction of the Jews?
a. They tried to have Jesus arrested by the Romans
b. They wanted to kill Jesus
What lessons can be learnt from this parable?
1. Those who rejected Jesus will themselves be rejected
2. Jesus is the corner stone without whom there can’t be salvation
3. Jesus is rejected, killed and so becomes a cornerstone
4. Those who followed Jesus will have to renounce everything and even accept death as
a way to glory
What was the importance of this parable to the early Church?
1. The first Christians were at a loss
2. They were Jews who had always obeyed the Jewish Religious leaders
3. Now the Jews had to stand up against them as Christians
How can they do that?
a. This parable gave an answer in that by killing the son, the leaders lost their authority,
so they can be disobeyed

PARABLES ON THE LOST

Mention the three parables that Jesus said on the lost

1. The lost sheep
2. The lost coin
3. The lost son
What made Jesus to say parables on the lost?
a. He was accused by the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law of welcoming outcasts
and even eating with them
Why were the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law angered by Jesus’ association with
sinners?
1. It was an attack on the Pharisees who separated from sinners
2. It was against Jewish Religious customs and traditions
3. The Pharisees were afraid of losing the respect of the people since they separated
from sinners
4. It was an attack on the teaching of the Teachers of the Law that contact with sinners
was defiling

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP (LUKE 15: 3 – 7)

Narrate the parable of the lost sheep
- Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, what do you do?
- You leave the other 99 sheep in the pasture and go looking for the one that got lost
until you find it
- When you find it, you are happy that you put it on your shoulder and carry it back
home
- Then you call your friends and neighbours together and express your happiness to
them
What lesson can be learnt from this parable?
a. There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99
respectable people who do not need to repent

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THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN (LUKE 15: 8 – 10)
Narrate the parable of the lost coin
- Suppose a woman has 10 silver coins, loses one of them; what does she do?
- She lights a lamp, sweeps the house and looks carefully everywhere until she finds it
- When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and tells them to
celebrate
What lesson is in this parable?
a. Angels of God rejoice over one sinner who repents

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON (LUKE 15: 11 – 32)

Narrate the parable of the lost son
- Once a man had two sons and the younger one told his father to give him his share of
the property
- The younger son went to a country far away where he wasted his money in reckless
living, spending everything he had
- He then went to feed the pigs and wished he could eat what the pigs ate but no one
gave him anything to do so when there was severe famine
- He then decided to go back to his father, apologize to him and tell his father to
consider him not as his son but as one of the workers
- When his father saw him, his heart was filled with pity, he run, hugged and kissed
him.
- The son told his father that he had sinned against God and against him and that he
should never be considered as his son but one of the servants
- His father told his servants to put him the best robe, a ring and shoes on his feet and
that they should kill a calf for celebration
- When the elder son heard this, he was so angry that he would not go into the house.
His father pleaded with him to be happy and celebrate because his young brother who
was lost had been found
What did the father do when he saw the young son?
a. His heart was filled with pity
b. He ran
c. He threw his arms round his son
d. He kissed his son
e. He ordered that a best robe be put on is his son, a ring on his finer and shoes on his
feet
f. He ordered that a feast be organised to celebrate the return of the lost son
Why was it necessary to celebrate according to the father?
a. The son was dead but now he is alive
b. The son was lost, but now he has been found
What was the reaction of the elder son?
a. He was angry
b. He complained of his young brother
Narrate what the elder son said
- All these years I have worked for you like a slave
- I have never disobeyed your orders
- You never gave me even a goat to feast with my friends
- This son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes
- When he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him
What was the father’s response to the elder son’s complaint?
- My son, you are always here with me

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 - Everything I have is yours
- We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother was dead, but now he is alive,
he was lost but now he has been found
Give the allegorical application of the parable
1. Elder son: the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law who could not welcome sinners
when they repent
2. Younger son: sinners and outcasts who want to hear the word of God from Jesus
when they repent
3. The Father: God who welcomes sinners when they repent
What are the common points or similarities among the three parables of the Lost?
1. They all talk about the lost
2. The owner is in great pains after the loss
3. The owner takes an initiative to go after the lost
4. There is great rejoicing after finding it
5. The joy is shared in all the three parables
6. Sinners are considered as the lost that must be found
7. God takes the initiative; he goes to welcome the sinner
8. There is great pain, carrying the sheep, waiting for a long time and running
9. There are joyful moments upon the repentance and return of the sinner
10. Joy is shared with friends and neighbours
Why was each lost?
1. Sheep: because of its foolishness compared to stupid sinners
2. Coin: because of the owner compared to a sinner who is led into sin by others
3. Son: because of his own deliberate choice compared to the wilful sinner
What lessons can be learnt from the three parables of the lost?
1. Christians should not only accept the upright but also they should forgive the lost
2. Christians should search for the lost
3. Care for the lost is not a waste of time
4. No one in the Christian circles should think more deserving of God’s love and favour
than those who seem less good
5. Those who oppose the Church must also be loved and welcomed

PARABLES ON PRAYER

What is prayer?
a. Spending time communicating with God

JESUS’ TEACHING ON PRAYER (LUKE 11: 1 – 4)

Mention the key issues that the Lord’s Prayer teaches about Christianity
1. Honouring the Father
2. Worldly values must give way to Godly values
3. Learn to trust in God’s provisions
4. Beware lest you should be tempted
5. Learn to forgive others as God forgive
Why is the Lord’s Prayer regarded as the model prayer?
1. It covers all the areas one can think of when praying
2. It begins by giving God his own and proper place, honouring God
3. It asks for food for the present
4. It asks for forgiveness for the past sins
5. It asks for protection from temptation for the future

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 6. It presupposes the attitude of poverty or a sense of the need for God
7. It is accompanied by the love of neighbour which expresses itself in forgiveness
What did Jesus mean by each of the following petitions presented in the Lord’s Prayer?
1. May your holy name be honoured
 God’s name represent his person and must be honoured and respected by all
people
2. May your Kingdom come
 Disciples must pray for the establishment of God’s lawful rule on earth
3. Give us this day the food we need
 Disciples must pray for their daily needs and not be anxious for God loves
them and will provide for their needs

4. Forgive us our sins

 Disciples must pray for forgiveness which is granted to those who forgive
others
5. Lead us not into temptations
 The disciples must pray for protection and deliverance from all evil and testing
which may weaken their faith and exclude them from the Kingdom of God
What is the significance of this prayer to Christians today?
1. It praises God to honour him
2. It pleases God to make reconciliation with him
3. Christians ought to forgive one another
Mention two parables Jesus taught about perseverance in prayer
1. A friend at mid night
2. The widow and the judge

GOING TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE AT MIDNIGHT (LUKE 11: 5 – 8)

Narrate the parable of a friend at midnight
- Suppose any one of you should go to a friend’s house at midnight to ask to borrow 3
loaves of bread because they are receiving a visitor
- Then that friend responds that he should never be bothered because the door is closed
and that he and his family are in bed therefore he cannot get up
- Jesus said that even if he will get up and give him the bread, it is not because he is his
friend but because the friend is insisting and not ashamed of asking
What lesson can Christians learn from this parable?
1. Christians ought to persist or persevere in prayer
2. Ask and you will be given
3. Knock and the door will be opened to you

THE PARABLE OF THE WIDOW AND THE UNJUST JUDGE

(LUKE 18: 1 – 7)
Narrate the parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge
- In a certain town, there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people
- There was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him, pleading for rights
against her opponents
- For a long time, the judge refused to act
- But at last he told himself that even if he does not fear God or respect people but
because he did not want to be worn out, he decided to make sure that she got her right

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What was the main reason why the judge finally assisted the widow?
a. He did not want her to continue troubling him
What lessons can be learnt in this parable?
a. There is reward in perseverance in prayer
b. Pray always without ceasing
c. Do not lose heart or give up in prayer
d. The Lord will vindicate His own chosen people quickly

PARABLES ON THE CLAIMANT

What does the term “claimant” mean?

a. One who demands for his or her rights

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN (LUKE 10: 25 – 37)

What made Jesus to say this parable?
a. One of the teachers of the law asked Jesus what he had to do to receive eternal life
b. After Jesus responded to the first question the teacher of the Law asked Jesus “Who is
my neighbour?”
Narrate the conversation between the teacher of the Law and Jesus before the parable
of the Good Samaritan
- The teacher of the Law asked Jesus what he had to do to receive eternal life
- Jesus responded by asking him what the scriptures say and how the teacher of the
Law interpreted them
- The teacher of the Law answered: Love your God with all your heart, soul and mind;
love your neighbour as you love yourself.
- He then asked Jesus: Who is my neighbour?
How did Jesus respond to the last question from the teacher of the Law?
a. He gave the parable of the Good Samaritan
Narrate the parable of the Good Samaritan
- Once a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho
- Robbers attacked him, stripped him and beat him up, leaving him half dead
- A priest and the Levite by-passed the man
- But a Samaritan went over to him, poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged
them. He took the man to an inn, where he paid the expenses for taking care of him
- Then Jesus asked: in your opinion, between the two who acted like a neighbour?
- “The one who was kind to him”, the teacher of the Law answered
Suggest possible reasons why the Priest and the Levite by-passed the man who was
robbed
1. They were afraid of being made unclean by touching blood
2. They might have been afraid of being attacked by the robbers who might have been
hiding nearby
3. They were afraid of being delayed to Jerusalem
4. They feared of being accused of causing the injury
5. They feared the process of undergoing purification upon being made unclean by
touching blood
Suggest reasons why the action of the Priest and the Levite was wrong
a. It showed the Jewish narrow-mindedness in that they thought it was better to remain
clean rather than save life
b. They kept the letter of the Law rather than its spirit

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What did the Samaritan do to the man who was attacked by robbers?
1. He poured wine and oil on his wounds
2. He bandaged the wounds
3. He took the man to the inn where he took care of him
4. He paid all expenses for him
Why was the Samaritan in the story a challenge to the Teacher of the Law?
a. Even a pagan can do the will of God rather than those who knew God well
Why was the Samaritan in the story a challenge to James and John?
a. They had suggested punishing the Samaritan village with fire for having not
welcomed Jesus
Mention the duties of the Priests
a. Offering prayers
b. Burning incense
c. Deciding what was clean and unclean
d. Keeping and administering Temple treasury
Mention the duties of the Levites
a. Interpreting the Law
b. Judging the Law
c. Teaching the Law
What lesson can be learnt from the parable?
a. The love of God and neighbour is the most important thing
b. There is no limit to love and service
c. Love should be indiscriminate regardless of race

THE PARABLE OF THE CLAIMANT (LUKE 19: 11 – 27)

Narrate the parable of the claimant
- Certain people did not like the man of high rank to be made king and reign over them
- When he came back, he ordered that those that did not like him to be king be brought
and killed in his presence
To whom does this parable refer?
b. The unbelieving Jewish leaders who had not made good use of their gifts of authority,
knowledge of the Law and talents

UNIT 4

DISCIPLESHIP AND JESUS’ TEACHINGS

Define the term “Disciple”

a. A follower of Jesus Christ
b. It comes from the Latin word discipulus which means pupil or learner or student
What is discipleship?
a. Total self-commitment to Jesus
Mention characteristics of Jesus’ disciples
1. They had no particular standard qualification
2. Jesus chose the disciples himself
3. It is a total commitment to Jesus

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Describe how Jesus’ disciples can show total commitment to Him
1. Being ready to deny himself
2. Being ready to suffer or lose life for the sake of Jesus
3. Not being ashamed of Jesus and His work
4. Sharing in Jesus’ poverty
5. Putting Jesus before his family and friends
6. Seeking to do the will of God
Outline differences between the disciples of Jesus and those of the teachers of the Law
1. The teachers of the Law accepted only respectable men while Jesus called sinners as
well
2. The disciples of the teachers of the Law were men only while Jesus had women
disciples as well
3. A Jewish young man chose his Teacher of the Law while Jesus chose his disciples
4. The disciples of the Teachers of the Law had to memorize the words of their teacher
while Jesus’ disciples did not have to memorize His words
Define the term “Apostle”
a. One sent forth on a special mission
b. It comes from the Greek word apostolos meaning messenger
c. The people that were chosen among the disciples and sent into the world by Jesus
Why did Jesus send the apostles?
a. To preach and teach the gospel
b. To heal the sick
c. To drive out demons
Mention characteristics of an apostle
1. He was sent out by Jesus
2. He was given particular authority
3. He was representing Jesus in a unique way
What are the differences between a disciple and an apostle?
a. A disciple is a follower of Jesus while an apostle is a disciple chosen and sent on a
special mission
b. The number of apostles was restricted to 12 while that of the disciples was not
restricted
c. Only men were appointed apostles while both men and women could become
disciples
Why was the number of apostles restricted to 12?
a. Jesus wanted to fulfil the Old Testament by bringing together a new people who could
live with God in a new relationship

JESUS CALLS THE FIRST DISCIPLES (LUKE 5: 1 – 11)

Mention the first disciples to be called by Jesus?
a. Simon
b. James
c. John
What was the profession of these men?
a. Fishermen
Narrate the call of the first disciples
- One day Jesus preached while in the boat of Simon by the lake of Gennesaret
- Thereafter, he told Simon to cast the nets in water.
- Simon said that they had worked all night but caught nothing but he would do as Jesus
had said. He caught a great deal of fish that he asked James and John for help

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 - Then Peter said to Jesus, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man!”
- Jesus then called Simon, James and John to be fishers of men
State reasons why Jesus taught from the boat
1. For the crowd to hear him well since the voice is carried well over water
2. For the crowd to have a better view of Jesus since he was isolated
3. To prevent physical disturbance
What did Jesus command Peter to do after he had finished preaching?
a. To push the boat to the deep water and let down the nets for a catch
How did Peter respond to Jesus’ command?
- Master, we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so I will let
down the nets
What was Peter’s reaction after a big catch of fish?
a. He fell on his knees before Jesus and said “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful
man
b. He and others were amazed at the large number of fish they had caught
How can Peter’s reaction be understood?
1. Peter has got a great admiration for and confidence in Jesus
2. The size of the catch makes Peter realize that he is in the presence of some divine
power
3. His reaction is one of faith and total commitment to Jesus
Why is Peter’s reaction important?
1. For the time he reacted, he was going to be the leader of the 12
2. It reminds him of his sinfulness and weakness
What did Jesus say to the three fishermen thereafter?
- Don’t be afraid
- From now on you will be catching people
How did the three fishermen respond to Jesus’ call?
a. They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything and followed Jesus
Why did Jesus call the fishermen?
a. To take many people into salvation as they did when catching fish
What lessons can be learnt about discipleship?
1. Being a disciple of Jesus is not one’s choice, Jesus takes the initiative
2. Nobody is worthy to be a disciple
3. It is not easy to be a disciple, one has to sacrifice a lot
4. The success of disciples’ work is miraculous
5. The disciples have to depend of Jesus and that with him, everything is possible
6. Discipleship or following Jesus needs total dedication and leaving everything
What lessons did Peter learn from his call?
1. He must obey Jesus even if things look hopeless
2. His mission is to catch people for the Kingdom of God
3. He has to carry out his mission despite his unworthiness
4. His work will be successful at the end
5. The work of catching men is team work
What lessons did the early Church learn from Peter’s call?
a. Peter is a leader among his fellow apostles
b. There will be a great number of Gentiles who would be converted
c. The apostle will bring people to the Kingdom of God through Jesus’ power hence
should have confidence

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JESUS CALLS LEVI (LUKE 5: 27 – 32)
Narrate the call of Levi
- Jesus saw Levi the tax collector sitting in his office and called him
- Levi followed Jesus and took him to his house where he made a great feast
- The Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law were not happy to see Jesus eating with
outcasts
- Jesus said that he had come to call outcasts and not respectable people to repent
Mention reasons why Jews hated tax collectors?
1. They exploited the people by overcharging taxes
2. They collaborated with the Roman Government that oppressed the Jews
3. They contacted with the Gentiles hence were considered unclean
Mention the groups of outcasts in the Jewish society
1. People of low morals like prostitutes, adulterers, thieves and robbers
2. People suffering from dreaded skin disease, the blind, the deaf, the paralyzed, the
poor
3. People of unclean profession like the shepherds, tax collectors, tanners and camel
drivers
What was the attitude of the Pharisees towards social outcasts?
1. They avoided them
2. They never ate with them
3. They never received them in their homes for fear of becoming unclean
Why were the outcasts regarded as unclean?
a. They never observed Sabbath rules
What was the attitude of Jesus towards social outcasts?
a. He had love and compassion for all people including the social outcasts
Suggest reasons why Levi can be an example of true discipleship
a. He immediately left everything and followed Jesus
b. He shared his joy and food
What did discipleship cost Levi?
a. It cost his well-paying job as a tax collector
Why did Jesus decide to call the sinful Levi?
a. To show that he had come for the sinners so that they have eternal life
What was Levi’s profession?
a. A Tax Collector
What did Levi do to show his discipleship?
a. He left everything and followed Jesus
b. He had a great feast in which he shared his joy and food
How did the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law react when they saw Jesus eating
with Tax Collectors?
a. They complained to Jesus’ disciples for eating and drinking with tax collectors and
other outcasts
What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law?
- People who are well do not a doctor but only those who are sick
- I have not come to call respectable people to repent, but the outcasts

JESUS AND ZACCHAEUS (LUKE 19: 1 – 10)

What was the profession of Zacchaeus?
a. He was a chief tax collector
Why did Zacchaeus climb a sycamore tree?
a. He wanted to see Jesus and could not see him because of the crowd

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What did Zacchaeus do to see Jesus?
a. He climbed a sycamore tree
What did Jesus say to Zacchaeus?
- Hurry down Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today
What had happened for Jesus to say these words?
- Jesus was passing through Jericho
- There was a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus who was rich and was trying to see
Jesus
- But he was a little man. He could not see Jesus because of the crowd.
- He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus
- Jesus saw him and told him to hurry down
How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus words?
a. He hurried down and welcomed Jesus with great joy
How did the people react to this incident?
a. They started grumbling saying Jesus has gone as a guest to the home of a sinner
Narrate what Zacchaeus said on this occasion to show that he repented
- I will give half my belongings to the poor
- If I have cheated anyone I will pay back four times as much
What evidence is there in the story to show that Zacchaeus had repented?
a. He said he would give half of his belongings to the poor
b. He said that if he had cheated anyone he will pay back four times as much
c. He called Jesus “Lord” which means he had become a disciple
d. He followed Jesus’ advice of making friends with worldly wealth
e. He took action
How did Jesus say in response to Zacchaeus’ actions?
- Salvation has come to this house today for this man also is a descendant of Abraham
- The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost
Why did the Jews hate the tax collectors?
1. They were dishonest and greedy
2. They co-operated with the Roman occupants
3. The tax was a painful reminder of their dependence on Rome
4. Tax collectors were unclean as they had contacts with unclean Gentiles
5. They came into contact with unclean money

JESUS CHOOSES THE TWELVE APOSTLES (LUKE 6: 12 – 16)

What did Jesus do before choosing the apostles?
a. He went up a hill to pray to God
Why did Jesus pray before choosing the apostles?
a. To ask for God’s guidance when choosing the apostles
Why did Jesus choose the apostles?
a. To continue with his universal mission of salvation after his resurrection and
ascension
Mention the apostles of Jesus
1. Simon whom he named Peter
2. Andrew, the brother of Peter
3. James
4. John, the brother of James
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew

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 8. Thomas
9. James, the son of Alphaeus
10. Simon who was called the Patriot
11. Judas, son of James
12. Judas Iscariot who became the traitor

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE DISCPLES (LUKE 9: 1 – 6)

Suggest reasons why Jesus sent out the 12 apostles
1. To train them in the mission they were to do after his departure
2. To prepare them for their future work, after his ascension
3. Jesus felt that his mission was urgent, there was not much time left
4. There was plenty of work to do but the time was limited
5. To reach more people with the Gospel
6. Jesus wished to make his small community stronger by making the apostles share in
his work
7. Preaching was the duty of the apostles and not only to be done by Jesus alone
8. It was the foreshadow of the activities for their duty after the Pentecost
9. To put into practice what they had learnt
List the activities undertaken during this mission
1. Preaching the gospel
2. Healing the sick
3. Casting out demons
What instructions did Jesus give the apostles?
1. Take nothing with you for the journey: no stick, no beggar’s bag, no food, no money,
not even an extra shirt
2. Stay where you are welcomed until you leave that town
3. Where people don’t welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust off your feet as a
warning to them
4. To preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick
Why did Jesus instruct them to take nothing?
a. So as to have confidence or rely on God
Why did Jesus instruct them to stay where welcomed?
a. To save time looking for better places
b. Not to interest themselves in looking around for better accommodation
Why did Jesus instruct them to shake the dust off their feet if not welcomed?
a. As a warning to them for refusing the gospel
b. It was a curse, the apostles should not be blamed later
c. It was a sign that the people who reject them will be punished
d. It meant judgement, that the people are responsible in rejecting salvation

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (LUKE 9: 23 – 27)

What does Jesus teach those who want to follow him?
1. He must forget himself, take up his cross everyday
2. Whoever wants to save his own life will lose it
3. Whoever loses his life for Jesus’ sake will save it
4. If people are ashamed of Jesus and his teaching, then the Son of Man will be ashamed
of them when he comes in his glory of the father and of the Holy Angels
What is the meaning of the cross?
a. For Jesus it means suffering
b. It was a sign by which the Jews marked themselves

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 c. It was the Roman way of putting non-Romans to suffering and death

THE WOULD-BE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (LUKE 9: 57 – 62)

What did the first man say to Jesus?
- I will follow you wherever you go
What was Jesus’ response to this man?
- Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the son of man has nowhere to lie down
and rest
What response did the second man give when Jesus asked him to follow him (Jesus)?
- Let me first go and bury my father meaning that he wanted family ties to delay him
What was Jesus’ answer to the second man’s response?
- Let the dead bury themselves but you should go and proclaim the Kingdom of God
What did the third man say to Jesus?
- I will follow you but allow me to go and say goodbye to my family
What was Jesus’ response to what the third man said?
- Anyone who starts to plough and then keeps looking back is of no use to the Kingdom
of God
What lessons or points are stressed in these three situations?
a. The importance of one’s commitment in being a disciple of Jesus
b. The follower must not expect to live a comfortable life
c. A follower should be ready to do the mission urgently without any delays
d. A follower must know that once the mission starts, he must be ready to forge ahead
and not think of going back at some point

JESUS SENDS OUT THE SEVENTY TWO (LUKE 10: 1 – 12)

Suggest reasons why Jesus sent them two by two
1. For mutual support
2. A single witness is not enough to witness the truth
3. Two can show what it means to live together
4. To encourage each other during the missionary activities
What did Jesus say when he was sending them?
- There is a large harvest but few workers to gather in his harvest
- Go I am sending you like lambs among wolves
What instructions did Jesus give the seventy two?
1. Not to take a purse or beggar’s bag or shoes
2. Not to stop to greet anyone on the road
3. Whenever you go into a house first say “Peace be with this house”
4. Stay in the same house eating and drinking whatever they offer you, for workers
should be given their pay
5. If welcomed in a town, eat, heal the sick and say that The Kingdom of God has come
near you
6. If you are not welcomed in a town, go out into the streets and say “Even the dust from
your town that stick to our feet we wipe off against you; but remember that the
Kingdom of God has come near you!”
What was the mission of the seventy two?
a. To heal the sick
b. To preach that the Kingdom of God had come near people
What did Jesus mean when he said he was sending them like lambs among wolves?
a. They were defenceless
b. The peace they would bring is a reminder of end times when the wolf will stay with

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 the lamb
Why did Jesus instruct them not to greet anyone on the road?
a. To save time
b. To teach that the customary greeting is quite different from a greeting that goes to the
heart of the gospel of peace
Why did Jesus instruct them to eat whatever they were to be offered?
a. They had to eat even the unclean food for the sake of peace and politeness
b. Not to waste time looking for better food
c. Jesus had declared all food clean
What were they to do in a house?
a. First to say “Peace be with this house!”
b. Stay in that same house, eating and drinking whatever would be offered
c. Not to move from one house to another
What will happen upon saying such words of “Peace be with this house”?
a. If a peace-loving person lives there, let your greeting of peace remain with him
b. If not, take back your greetings of peace
What were they to do in a town where they were welcomed?
a. Eat what is set before them
b. Say to the people “The Kingdom of God has come near you!”
What were they to do in a town where they were not welcomed?
a. Go out into the streets
b. Wipe the dust off your feet
c. Say “Even the dust from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. But
remember that the Kingdom of God is near you!”
What were they to say in a town where they were not welcomed?
- Even the dust from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you.
- But remember that the Kingdom of God is near you!
What will happen to that city on the Day of Judgement?
a. God will show more mercy to Sodom than to that town

THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE (LUKE 14: 25 – 33)

What did Jesus say to the large crowd following him?
- Those who come to me cannot be my disciples unless they love me more than they
love their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and themselves as
well
- Those who do not carry their own cross and come after me cannot be my disciples
Narrate the two parables that Jesus told the large crowd to teach about the cost of
discipleship
- If one of you is planning to build a tower, you sit down first and work out what it will
cost, to see if you have enough money to finish the job. If you don’t, you will not be
able to finish the tower after laying the foundation; and all who see what happened
will laugh at you
- If a king goes out with 10,000 men to fight another king with 20,000 men, he will sit
down first and decide if he is strong enough to face that other king. If he isn’t he will
ask for terms of peace while his enemy is still a long way off
What lessons does Jesus teach in these two parables?
a. The disciples should make a decision that will not be reversed before they start
following him
b. None of the people can be Jesus’ disciple unless they give up everything they have
c. For the crowd to follow Jesus, they have to give up their priorities and be ready to

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 suffer like him
d. Before becoming a disciple a person should weigh carefully the great responsibilities
attached to discipleship
Describe the cost of discipleship
a. Disciples have to give up their priorities and be ready to suffer like Jesus
b. Disciples have to live up to the demands of the Kingdom at all cost
c. Disciples have to be dedicated to the Kingdom ready to pay the cost of discipleship
How can a family prevent one from being a disciple of Jesus?
a. A family can discourage one from being the disciple of Jesus
How can a family help one to be a faithful disciple of Jesus?
a. A family can encourage one to become a disciple of Jesus
b. A family can pray for you to be a faithful disciple of Jesus

SABBATH TEACHING

Define the term “Sabbath”

a. It means to stop in order to praise God
b. It is the Seventh Day, The Day of Rest, on which God requires people to rest from
their weekly labour
c. It comes from the Hebrew word which means “To Rest”
What was the Jewish Law of the Sabbath?
a. No work was allowed to be done on the Sabbath
Outline the Jewish regulations with regard to the Sabbath
1. Any kind of work was forbidden
2. Healing was forbidden unless life was in danger
What was Jesus’ attitude towards the Sabbath?
1. He respected the Sabbath rules by going to the Synagogues
2. He would break the Sabbath rules if they would cause delay in relieving any suffering
3. He would work even on the Sabbath
4. Healing on the Sabbath was a sign that he was the Lord of the Sabbath, the Messiah
Mention incidences that illustrate conflict between Jesus and the Jewish Religious
Leaders over breaking the Sabbath rules
1. Jesus’ disciples picking the ears of corn and rubbing them on the Sabbath (Luke 6: 1 -
5)
2. Healing the Man with a Paralyzed Hand in a Synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 6: 6 –
11)
3. Healing a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13: 10 – 17)
4. Healing a Sick Man on the Sabbath (Luke 14: 1- 6)

THE QUESTION ABOUT THE SABBATH (LUKE 6: 1 – 5)

How did the disciples of Jesus break the Sabbath rule?
a. They harvested on the Sabbath
b. They threshed corn on the Sabbath
What was the answer from Jesus when the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of
breaking the Sabbath?
- Haven’t you read what David did when he and his men were hungry?
- He and his men ate the bread offered to God yet it is against our Law for anyone
except the priest to eat that bread
- The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath

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To whom did Jesus refer when he said The Son of Man?
a. To Jesus Himself

FASTING

Define the term “Fasting”

a. Depriving oneself of food or drink for a certain time for special purposes
b. Not to take food or drink or just have a little of them
Suggest reasons for fasting
1. For purification or asceticism or doing penance for sins
2. As an expression of sadness
3. Thanksgiving, praising and repentance
4. Preparation for prayers
5. Fulfilling a promise made to God
6. Being obedient to the Church rule
7. To gain merits
8. Asking God for a special favour
Why did the Jews fast?
a. Preparing to meet God
b. Mourning over one’s sins and asking for forgiveness
c. As a sign of love for the poor when it went together with almsgiving
Why did John’s disciples fast?
1. For the release of their master John who was in prison by then
2. To hasten the Judgement Day predicted by John
Why did Jesus fast?
a. As a sign that he submitted to the Father both in the desert and at the Last supper
Compare the fasting required in the Old Testament and that practised by the Pharisees
a. In the Old Testament there was one day of fasting , the day of atonement or
repentance, while the Pharisees fasted twice a week
Suggest reasons why the Pharisees fasted
a. To show off
b. To compare themselves advantageously to the sinners
c. To gain more honour from the people

THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING (LUKE 5: 33 – 39)

What did some people say to Jesus?
- The disciples of John the Baptist fast frequently and offer prayers
- The disciples of the Pharisees do the same
- But your disciples eat and drink
What was Jesus’ response to such words?
- Do you think you can make the guests at a wedding party go without food as long as
the bridegroom is with them? Of course not
- They will fast on the day the bridegroom is take away from them
Narrate the parables that Jesus told them
- No one tears a piece off a new coat to patch up an old coat. If he does, he will have
torn the new coat, and the piece of the new cloth will not match the old
- Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wine skins, because the new wine will
burst the skins, the wine will pour out and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine
must be poured into fresh wineskins!

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What are the allegorical references to the following words and phrases in the parables?
1. Bridegroom: Jesus
2. Guests: The disciples of Jesus
3. The wedding feast: The Kingdom of God
4. Old wine: Old Jewish customs
5. New wine: Jesus’ teachings
What lessons did Jesus teach using the above two parables?
1. Do not combine Jewish Religion with the teaching of Jesus
2. An effort to contain Christianity within the dead forms of Judaism will be in vain
3. People are ready to receive the Gospel
4. Old customs concerning fasting were no longer binding in the new times
What is Jesus’ teaching about fasting?
a. Though the other disciples fasted, his disciples could not fast because he was with
then and he was helping them in their needs
b. Time will come when he will go and they will be alone, persecuted and afflicted and
that’s when they will need to fast
Why were the disciples of Jesus not fasting when Jesus was with them?
a. Jesus was helping them in their needs

FORGIVENESS

JESUS AT THE HOUSE OF SIMON THE PHARISEE (LUKE 7: 36 – 50)

Relate what happened when Jesus visited the house of Simon the Pharisee
- A woman who lived sinful life brought an alabaster jar full of perfume stood behind
Jesus, by his feet, crying and wetting his feet with her tears
- Then she dried his feet with her hair, kissed them and poured the perfume on them
What was the reaction of the Pharisees to this?
a. They said if Jesus was a prophet he would know who this woman is who is touching
him
b. He would know what kind of sinful life she lives
What did Jesus do in response to this reaction?
a. He said. “Simon, I have something to tell you”
b. He told a parable
Relate the parable that Jesus told Simon the Pharisees
- There were two men who owed a money lender
- One owed him 500 silver coins, and the other owed him 50
- Neither of them could repay him
- He cancelled the debts of both
What question followed the parable?
a. Which one will love the debtor more?
What answer did Simon the Pharisee provide?
a. The one who was forgiven more
What lesson does the parable convey to Simon the Pharisee?
a. The woman who has been forgiven more shows greater love than the Pharisee who
thought had few or no sins
Describe the difference between the way Simon the Pharisee welcomed Jesus and the
way the woman welcomed him
a. Simon the Pharisee did not wash Jesus’ feet while the woman did so
b. Simon the Pharisee did not kiss Jesus while the woman kissed Jesus’ feet as a sign of

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 love
c. Simon the Pharisee did not anoint Jesus while the woman anointed Jesus to show
respect and honour
Describe the Jewish custom of welcoming visitors
a. A visitor should be given a kiss, water to wash feet, and be anointed on the head
Why did Jesus forgive the sins of the woman?
a. She had shown faith in Jesus
Suggest reasons why Jesus used a parable to explain what had happened
a. He wanted to explain why the woman should no longer be looked upon as a sinner
b. He wanted to show why the woman did all she had done to show love to Jesus; she
had been forgiven more
Describe what the woman did to Jesus
a. She washed Jesus’ feet with her tears
b. She wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair
c. She kissed Jesus’ feet
d. She anointed Jesus’ feet with alabaster oil
Mention interests of Luke shown in the story
a. Forgiveness and love for sinners
b. Jesus’ concern for women

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

What parable did Jesus give in teaching about social responsibility?

a. The Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus

RICHES

THE RICH MAN (LUKE 18: 18 – 30)

What question did the Jewish leader give Jesus?
a. God Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life
Suggest reasons why the Jewish leader gave that question to Jesus
a. He was not very sure of getting eternal happiness
b. He thought he could enter the Kingdom of God by his own effort
c. He wanted to learn more about discipleship
What was Jesus’ response to this question?
a. Jesus asked him why he called him good
b. He told him that no one is good except God alone
c. He asked him if he knew the Commandments
What did the Jewish leader say in response to Jesus’s words?
a. He said he had obeyed all these Commandments ever since he was young
Relate what Jesus told the man after the man’s response
- Sell all you have and give the money to the poor and you will have riches in heaven
- Then come and follow me
What did the man do upon hearing what Jesus had said?
a. He became very sad because he was very rich
What did Jesus say upon observing the reaction of the man?
- How hard it is for the rich people to enter the Kingdom of God
- It is much harder for the rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to

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 go through the eye of the needle
How did the people who heard Jesus react?
a. They asked “Who then can be saved?”
What was Jesus’ response to the people’s question?
a. What is humanly impossible is possible for God
What did Peter say thereafter?
a. Look we have left our homes to follow you!
What did Jesus respond to Peter’s words?
- Anyone who leaves home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the
Kingdom of God will receive much more in the present age and eternal life in the age
to come
Mention lessons from this story
1. Riches cannot satisfy people before God
2. Riches can distract people from entering the Kingdom of God
3. Riches can be a snare to trap us not to enter the Kingdom of God
What is the significance of this story?
1. Jesus is not condemning riches
2. The man must fulfil his duty to God, leaving everything and following Him
Describe Jesus’ views on riches
1. Riches are not a guarantee to eternal life
2. Acquiring riches is not bad but how to use them
3. Riches can be an obstacle to salvation
4. People should not take riches as a priority value
5. Love of material things is dangerous
6. Riches can distract people’s attention from the Kingdom of God

OFFERINGS

THE WIDOW’S OFFERING (LUKE 21: 1 – 4)

Describe what prompted Jesus to comment on the widow’s offering
- Jesus saw rich people dropping their gifts in the Temple treasury
- He also saw a poor widow dropping in 2 little copper coins
What comment did Jesus make?
a. The widow had put in more than all the others because the others offered just part of
their riches while she had put in all she had
Narrate what Jesus said about the widow’s offering
- I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all the others
- For the others offered their gifts from what they had to spare of their riches
- But she, the poor as she is, gave all she had to live on
Why did the widow put in more that all the others?
a. The others offered only part of their riches while she had put in all she had
What was the widow’s attitude in her offering?
1. She was humble
2. She was sincere
3. She did not show off
4. She gave in all she had
How did the widow show true piety?
1. As poor as she was, she gave all she had to live on
2. She was humble

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 3. She had her confidence in God the Provider
4. She showed great need of God
Suggest reasons why Jesus honoured the widow
a. She put in all the living she had
b. Her total giving foreshadowed Jesus’ total gift of Himself a few days later
Mention indications that made Jesus foresee His passion
1. He knew that the opposition from the Religious leaders grew strong
2. He knew He was accused of crimes punishable by death
3. He knew He was the Last Prophet, the Son and would be killed
4. He identified Himself with the suffering servant
What lessons can be learnt in the story?
a. Giving only part of wealth to God shows lack of dependence on God
b. People need to place their life in God’s hand without worrying about tomorrow

END TIMES

JESUS SPEAKS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE

(LUKE 21: 5 – 6)
What prompted Jesus to speak about the destruction of the Temple?
a. His disciples admired how beautiful the Temple looked with its fine stones
b. The disciples admired the gifts offered to God
What did Jesus say on the destruction of the Temple?
- The time will come when not a single stone here will be left in its place
- Every stone will be thrown down
Why will the Temple be destroyed?
a. Because the leaders rejected Him

TROUBLES AND PERSECUTIONS (LUKE 21: 7 – 19)

What prompted Jesus to speak about troubles and persecution?
a. He was responding to the disciples’ question about what will happen to show that the
time for the destruction of the Temple has come
According to Jesus, what would be the sign of the time?
1. Many men claiming to speak for Jesus will come and say “I am He”
2. There will be wars and revolutions
3. Countries will fight each other
4. Kingdoms will attack one another
5. There will be earthquakes, famine, and plaques everywhere
6. There will be strange and terrible things coming from the sky
7. People will be persecuted in many ways even by their relatives
Why should the disciples not be worried about how they will defend themselves during
persecutions?
a. Jesus will give them words and wisdom that none of their enemies will be able to
refute or contradict what they say

JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM

(LUKE 21: 20 – 24)
How will people know that Jerusalem will soon be destroyed?
a. When people see Jerusalem surrounded by armies

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What should people do at this time?
1. Those in Judea must run away to the hills
2. Those in the city must leave
3. Those who are out in the country must not go into the city
Why should people do what Jesus had said?
a. Because those will be The Days of Punishment to make all that the Scriptures say
come true
How will God’s punishment fall on the people?
a. Some will be killed by the sword
b. Others will be taken as prisoners to all countries
c. The heathen will trample over Jerusalem until their time is up

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN (LUKE 21: 25 – 28)

What will happen before the coming of the Son of Man?
1. There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon and the stars
2. On earth, whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the
raging tides
3. People will faint from fear for what is coming over the whole earth
4. The powers in space will be driven from their courses
What should people do when these things begin to happen?
a. They should stand up and raise their heads because their salvation is near
Why should people stand up and raise their heads?
a. Because their salvation is near
Describe the coming of the Son of Man
- The Son of Man will appear, coming in a cloud with great power and glory

JESUS’ IDENTITY

PETER’S CONFESSION (LUKE 9: 18 – 22)

What question did Jesus bring up to the disciples?
a. Who do the crowds say I am
Suggest reasons why Jesus brought up the question
1. Since John’s death, even Herod started asking who he was
2. He would soon go to Jerusalem and it was important for his disciples to know he was
going there as the Messiah
3. The question would lead Jesus to begin correcting the disciples’ idea that the Messiah
was a glorious King
4. He wanted to know the impression that he had made on the people after being close to
them for some time
What responses did the disciples give?
a. Some say you are John the Baptist
b. Others say you are Elijah
c. Others say you are one of the Prophets
What did Jesus say after such responses?
a. What about you, who do you, say I am?
Who responded to that question?
a. Simon Peter
What was the response of Peter?
a. You are God’s Messiah

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How significant was Peter’s response?
1. It showed that Peter was the leader of the 12 as he spoke on their behalf
2. It showed that the disciples had started seeing Jesus as the King enthroned by God
3. His proper understanding of Jesus was important for his friends and for the Church
What order did Jesus give them?
a. Not to tell this to anyone
Why did Jesus give them that order?
1. He did not want people to know him as the Messiah
2. He did not want to be taken as a political rebel against Romans
3. It was too early and unsafe to have Peter’s confession publicised everywhere
4. Publicity of the Messiahship would lead to his immediate arrest and execution before
completing His task
5. Jesus had still a lot to teach both to the people and apostles
6. People would start forcing him to liberate them from the Roman oppression
What did Jesus say soon after giving them that order?
- The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and
the teachers of the Law
- He will be put to death
- But three days later he will be raised to life

THE TRANSFIGURATION (LUKE 9: 28 – 36)

Mention the disciples who were with Jesus during this time
1. Peter
2. John
3. James
Why did Jesus go to the hill?
a. To pray
Describe what happened during the transfiguration
- Jesus’ face changed its appearance
- His clothes became dazzling white
- Two men were talking with Jesus
- A cloud appeared and covered them
- A voice said from the cloud, “This is my Son whom I have chosen – listen to Him”
Who were the two men talking with Jesus?
a. Moses standing for the Law
b. Elijah standing for the prophets
What were the two men and Jesus talking about?
a. The way in which he would soon fulfil God’s purpose by dying in Jerusalem
What was the significance of the appearance of the two men?
a. They encouraged Jesus on His approaching death
b. They strengthened the faith of the disciples by revealing that Jesus was really the Son
of God
c. They prove that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophecies
d. It confirms that Jesus is the Messiah
Describe the reactions of Peter and the other apostles
1. Peter said it was good that they were there
2. He suggested making three tents, one for Jesus, the other for Moses and the other for
Elijah
3. The apostles were afraid as the cloud came over them

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Suggest reasons for Peter’s reactions
a. He was taken by emotions and did not know what to do
b. He did not understand the mission of Jesus
State what the voice that came from the cloud said
- This is my Son whom I have chosen
- Listen to Him
To whom were the words in the voice addressed?
a. The disciples
What did the cloud symbolize?
a. The presence of God
What was the significance of the message in the voice?
1. It reveals that Jesus is the Messiah
2. It reveals that Jesus is the anointed one of God
3. It reveals that Jesus is the beloved Son of God
4. It reveals that Jesus is a unique prophet
5. It foreshadows Jesus’ glorious resurrection

WELCOMING CHILDREN

JESUS BLESSES LITTLE CHILDREN (LUKE 18: 15 – 17)

What did the disciples do when some people brought their children to be Jesus?
a. They scolded the people for doing so
What did Jesus say on this occasion?
- Let the children come to me and do not stop them because the Kingdom of God
belongs to such as these
- Remember this, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never
enter it
What did Jesus mean by such words?
1. People must listen to God’s words just as children listen to their father
2. People must be sincere in their relationship with God just as the children are sincere
to their parents
3. People must obey God just as a child obeys the parents
4. People must always rely on God just as children rely on their parents
What is the position of children in society?
a. They occupy low position
How can a disciple be like a child?
1. Must be dependent on God
2. Must rely on God and not on merits
3. Must be at peace and not anxious
4. Must be humble
What lessons can be learnt from this incident?
1. To depend on God always
2. To accept everything from God
3. To avoid self-righteousness
4. To trust God very much
5. The Kingdom of God is for the humble people

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 WOMEN IN SERVICE

WOMEN WHO ACCOMPANIED JESUS (LUKE 8: 1 – 3)

Mention the women who accompanied Jesus
1. Mary Magdalene from whom 7 demons had been driven out
2. Joanna the wife of Chuza
3. Suzana
What role did the women play in Jesus’ ministry?
a. They used their own resources to help Jesus and His disciples

JESUS VISITS MARTHA AND MARY (LUKE 10: 38 – 42)

How did Martha and Mary welcome Jesus?
1. Martha worked in the kitchen to prepare food for Jesus
2. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His teaching
How did Mary’s reception of Jesus differ from Martha’s?
1. Martha received Jesus as a guest and worked to prepare food for Him while Mary
received Jesus as a teacher and sat at His feet listening to his teaching
What did Martha say when her sister was not helping her in the work?
- Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself
- Tell her to come and help me
What was Jesus’ response to Martha’s words?
- Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things
- Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her
Why did Jesus commend Mary’s reception?
1. Mary chose the right thing because listening to Jesus is more important than caring for
Him as a guest
2. She knew that it was better to give the first priority to God
3. She knew that listening to the teaching about the Kingdom of God was more
important than providing food to Jesus
What is the best way of serving Jesus?
a. To listen to His word and put it into practice as did Mary

RESPECT FOR THE TEMPLE

JESUS GOES TO THE TEMPLE (LUKE 19: 45 – 49)

What activities were taking place in the Temple?
1. Buying and selling clean animals for the sacrifice
2. Exchanging of money, from the Roman currency to the Shekels, the Jewish currency
3. Cheating and robbing by overcharging commodities’ prices
In which part of the Temple were such activities taking place?
a. The court of the Gentiles
Why was Jesus not happy with this conduct?
1. It disturbed Gentiles from prayers since it was happening in the part used by Gentiles
2. They actually chased the Gentiles from the outer court
3. There was a lot of cheating in their dealings
4. People were busy making profits instead of giving glory to God

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What did Jesus do when he went to the Temple?
a. He began to drive out merchants
What did Jesus say as he was doing that?
- It is written in the Scriptures that God said “My Temple will be a house of prayer”
- But you have turned it into a hideout of thieves!
Why did Jesus cleanse the Temple?
1. The animals created a smelly and messy atmosphere in the Temple
2. To symbolize that Holy God needs to be worshipped in a clean place
3. He wanted the Gentiles also to worship God comfortably because what was
happening was a great inconvenience to them
4. Stealing was taking place since the people were overcharged
Who were not happy with this action of Jesus?
1. The Chief Priests
2. The Teachers of the Law
3. The Leaders of the people
What plan did they make?
a. To kill Jesus
Why were they not able to fulfil their plan at this time?
a. All the people kept listening to Jesus, not wanting to miss a single word
b. They were afraid of the people

UNIT 5

THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST

THE TRIUMPHANT APPROAH TO JERUSALEM (LUKE 19: 28 – 40)

What instructions did Jesus give to the two disciples as he was about to enter
Jerusalem?
1. To go to the village ahead of them
2. They would find a colt tied up that had not never been ridden
3. They had to untie it and bring it to where Jesus was
4. If asked, they should say the Master needs it
Why did Jesus use a colt?
a. It was for peaceful mission unlike donkeys which were for wars
What did the disciples do as Jesus was entering Jerusalem?
1. They threw their cloaks over the animal
2. They spread their cloaks on the road
3. They began to thank and praise God for all the great things they had seen
4. They shouted “God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in
heaven and Glory to God!
Suggest a reason why the disciples did that
a. They thought it was time for Jesus to defeat the Roman Government and free the Jews
What was the reaction of the Pharisees?
a. They asked Jesus to command His disciples to keep quiet
Suggest reasons why the Pharisees reacted like that?
1. They may be jealous since Jesus became very popular
2. They were worried that the Romans would interpret it as an uprising
3. They were not friendly to Jesus as they had opposed him as Teacher

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What was Jesus’ response to the request by the Pharisees?
a. If they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting
What prophecy was fulfilled on this day?
- The prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 which talks about the coming King of the universal
peace and worldwide rule
How did Jesus present Himself as the Messiah-King on this occasion?
1. He enacted the Prophecy of Zechariah
2. He took possession of the Temple
3. He taught the Temple crowds to decide to believe or reject Him
In what way was the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem a fulfilment of the Old Testament
Prophecies?
1. He was riding a colt as the Messiah prophesied by Zechariah
2. People were shouting as prophesied by Zechariah
3. He entered humbly as prophesied by Zechariah
What was the significance of the disciples’ laying of cloaks on the road?
1. Symbol of loyalty
2. Symbol of the King’s enthronement
What was the significance of Jesus’ riding a colt?
1. Jesus was coming in peace
2. Jesus is the Prince of Peace or King of Peace
Why was Jesus not fit for a Messianic King that the Jews were expecting?
a. The Jews were expecting a military Messianic King riding a horse who would
liberate the Jews from the Roman Government but Jesus rode a colt to symbolize
peace and love

JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH

(LUKE 9: 12 – 22, 43 – 45; 18: 31 – 34)
What did Jesus say about his suffering and death?
1. He told the disciples that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the
elders and the Teachers of the Law. He will be put to death, but three days later He
will be raised to life
2. He told the disciples that the Son of Man is going to be handed over to the power of
human beings but his disciples did not understand what Jesus said
3. He told the disciples that they were going to Jerusalem where everything that the
Prophets wrote about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the
Gentiles, who will mock him, insult him and spit on him. They will also whip him and
kill him, but on the third he will rise again
To whom did Jesus refer when he talked of the Son of Man?
a. Jesus himself
What did Jesus say would happen to him in Jerusalem in the third prediction of the
passion?
1. He would be delivered to the Gentiles
2. He would be mocked
3. He would be shamefully treated
4. He would be spat upon
5. He would be whipped and killed
6. On the third day he would rise
Describe moments when Jesus predicted about His death
1. When he was teaching about carrying the cross as the cost of discipleship
2. After the cure of the epileptic boy when he told his disciples not to forget that the Son

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 of Man would be handed over to the power of human beings
3. After assuring those who had left everything when he gave them detailed description
of his suffering and death
4. After Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah when he predicted of the passion

JESUS WEEPS OVER JERUSALEM (LUKE 19: 41 – 44)

Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem?
1. The enemies would come and surround the city with barricades and blockade it
2. They will destroy the city and its inhabitants, not a single stone will remain in its
place
3. He knew that He would die there

THE FOUR CONTROVERSIES

Mention the incidences in which the Jewish leaders challenged Jesus

1. The challenge about Jesus’ authority
2. The question about paying tax to Caesar
3. The question of rising from death
4. The question about the Messiah

1 THE QUESTION ABOUT JESUS’ AUTHORITY (LUKE 20: 1 – 8)

Who challenged Jesus’ authority?
1. Chief Priests
2. Teachers of the Law
3. Elders
Suggest reasons for challenging Jesus’ authority
1. They wanted to find ways and means of trapping Jesus
2. They did not believe He is the Messiah
3. They felt insulted by Jesus’ interference in Temple affairs
4. They questioned the truth of Jesus’ teachings
What question did they give Jesus?
a. Tell us what right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this right?
Narrate Jesus’ response
- Tell me, did John’s right to baptize come from God or from human beings?
What was the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus question?
- They argued among themselves, “What shall we say? If we say from God, he will say
‘Why then did you not believe John?’ If we say from human beings, this whole crowd
here will stone us because they are convinced that John was a prophet”
- They answered Jesus “We don’t know where it came from”
What was their answer to Jesus’ question?
a. They said they did not know where John’s authority to baptize came from
How did their response show that they were unfit to be leaders?
1. How can the leaders lead the people yet they fail to decide about John’s prominence
in their society
2. Their failure to judge John’s authority demonstrated their incompetence to judge
Jesus’ case
3. How can they lead the people yet everybody could see that John was the man of God
except them

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 4. How can they be leaders yet they feared the same people they could lead
What did Jesus say then?
a. Neither will I tell you then by what right I do these things
What things did Jesus do without seeking Jewish leaders’ authority?
1. Entering Jerusalem as the Messiah
2. Cleansing the Temple
3. Teaching the crowd on the Temple premises
Why were the Jewish Leaders annoyed with what Jesus was doing?
1. The Priests were insulted by Jesus’ interference in the Temple affairs because they
were in charge of it
2. The Teachers of the Law questioned the truth of Jesus’ teaching because they were
guardians of the truth
3. The Elders were concerned about Jesus’ claims that He was the Messiah and would
spark an uprising because they guarded Law and Order
What were the duties of the Teachers of the Law?
1. Judging court cases in the Council, in the Temple and Synagogues
2. Studying and explaining Scriptures
3. Instructing their own disciples or students
Why did the Teachers of the Law oppose Jesus?
1. Jesus taught with authority yet he was not qualified as a teacher
2. Jesus publicly accused them of hypocrisy
3. Jesus disagreed with their teaching on wealth and divorce
Why did Jesus oppose the Teachers of the Law?
1. They forced people to strict observance of the Law to which they themselves were not
always faithful
2. They abused their status by cheating widows
3. They were making a show-off of their prayer life or piety
4. They were wearing long robes to show off

2 THE QUESTION ABOUT PAYING TAXES (LUKE 20: 19 – 26)

Who tried to arrest Jesus in this passage?
a. The Teachers of the Law
b. The Chief Priests
Why did they try to arrest Jesus on the spot?
a. Because they knew that Jesus had told the parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard
against them
Why did they fail to arrest Jesus?
a. They were afraid of the people
What did they do to trick Jesus?
- They bribed some men to trap Jesus with the questions so that they could hand him
over to the authority and power of the Roman Governor
What did the spies ask Jesus?
- Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is right
- We know that you pay no attention to anyone’s status but teach the truth about God’s
will for people
- Tell us, is it against our Law for us to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?
Why did they give Jesus that tricky question?
a. If Jesus’ response was “Yes” it would mean betraying His fellow Jews who did not
like paying tax
b. If Jesus’ response was “No” it would mean treason against the Emperor and he would

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 be arrested
What was Jesus’ response?
- Show me the coin
- Whose face and name are these?
- When they answered, “Emperor’s”, Jesus said pay to the Emperor what belongs to the
Emperor and pay to God what belongs to God
Why did Jesus ask them to show him the coin?
a. The presence of the coin in their pocket shows that they accept the Roman currency
hence they had to pay tax
What was the meaning of Jesus’ response?
a. Cooperation with the Roman Emperor does not diminish God’s Kingship
Suggest reasons why the Jews felt bitter about paying tax
1. The money went to their own oppressors
2. The money was defiled or unclean since it had the image of the man
3. Paying tax meant accepting a foreign ruler hence betraying God as the King of Israel
4. Nobody liked paying tax
What was the reaction to Jesus’ response?
a. They kept quiet and amazed at Jesus’ answer
Why did they react like that?
a. They could not catch him out on anything

3 THE QUESTION ABOUT RISING FROM DEATH (LUKE 20: 27 – 40)

Who questioned Jesus about rising from death?
a. The Sadducees
Who were the Sadducees?
a. Descendants of the old Zadokite Priestly family
b. Belonged to the rich, powerful Jews from the priestly families
c. The High Priests and the Chief Priests were all the Sadducees
What was the influence of the Sadducees?
1. They lived away from the people
2. They controlled the Temple and had access to the Temple treasuries
3. They cooperated with the Romans because the Roman Government maintained their
positions as Priests
4. They were not much interested in Religion and Piety
What did the Sadducees believe about Resurrection?
a. There was no resurrection
Narrate the Sadducees’ question to Jesus
- According to the Law of Moses, if a man dies leaving a wife but no children, his
brother must marry the widow to have children who will be considered as the dead
man’s children.
- There were 7 brothers who married the same woman in succession but they all died
without having any child with her.
- Then the woman also died
- Now on the Day of resurrection, whose wife will she be? All 7 of them had married
her
What was Jesus’ response to the question?
- The men and women of this age marry but men and women who are worthy to rise
from death and live in the age to come will not marry
- They will be like angels and cannot die
- Moses clearly proves that the dead are raised to life when he speaks about God as

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 “The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”
- He is the God of the living not of the dead, for Him all are alive
What was the reaction of the Sadducees to Jesus’ response?
a. Some of them said that Jesus had given them a good answer
Why did the Sadducees react like that?
a. For they did not dare ask him any more questions
According to Jesus, how does Moses prove that the dead are raised to life?
a. Moses spoke of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob
Why did Jesus refer to the Old Testament in his answer to the Sadducees?
a. It would be easy for the Sadducees to understand since they believed and also quoted
the Old Testament scriptures in their question
Suggest reasons why the Sadducees confronted Jesus with this question
1. They did not believe in life after death
2. They wanted to prove that in the Law of Moses there is no provision that the dead will
rise for there would be confusion in heaven
3. They wanted to trap Jesus if he followed the Law of Moses and if he was implicated,
should be accused and handed over to the Jewish authorities and get arrested
4. They had a wrong idea of the Resurrection in that they thought it meant bringing the
dead to their old life
Outline beliefs of the Sadducees
1. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead
2. They did not believe in Angels
3. They did not believe in the spirits
4. They did not believe in Divine Providence
5. They rejected the Oral Tradition
6. They believed in the Pentateuch or Torah or First Five Books of the Bible
Suggest reasons why the Sadducees opposed the Pharisees
1. They were not happy with the popularity of the Pharisees
2. They did not agree with the beliefs of the Pharisees
Why did the Sadducees reject Jesus?
1. Being rich, they felt attacked by Jesus’ teachings on riches
2. They were upset with Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection
3. They were angry when Jesus cleansed the Temple without their authority
4. The cleansing of the Temple by Jesus threatened to reduce their income
Mention lessons drawn from this encounter of Jesus with the Sadducees
a. There is no marriage in heaven because people do not die
b. There is life after death
Outline the beliefs of the Pharisees
1. They believed in the Torah or Law or Pentateuch (First 5 Books of the Bible)
2. They believed in life after death
3. They believed in the resurrection
4. They believed in oral tradition
5. They believed in divine providence
Why did Jesus oppose Pharisees?
1. The Pharisees found it hard to believe that God loves everyone, even the sinners
2. They practised piety in order to be praised
3. They paid so much attention to minor rules that they tended to forget the heart of the
law
4. They were convinced that God thought well of them because of their strict observance
of the Law

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 5. They believed that God did not forgive certain sins such as adultery
Why did the Pharisees oppose Jesus?
1. Jesus seemed to have little respect for rules which they considered important
2. Jesus’ teachings threatened their status in society
3. Jesus denounced them publicly
4. Their popularity was threatened as Jesus attracted a large following
5. They feared that Jesus could lead an uprising, the thing they feared

4 THE QUESTION ABOUT THE MESSIAH (LUKE 20: 41 – 44)

What question did Jesus give His challengers?
- How can it be said that the Messiah will be the descendant of David?
- For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here on
my right until I put your enemies as a foot stool under your feet”
- David called him Lord, how then can the Messiah be David’s descendant?
What did Jesus’ comment on the Messiah reveal?
a. It revealed the people’s inadequate idea of the Messiah
How did the people have a wrong idea of the Messiah?
a. The Jews looked forward to the coming of an earthly deliverer and king, a descendant
of David
What was David’s prophecy of the Messiah?
a. He called the Messiah “My Lord” showing that the Messiah was greater than him and
not his son

THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS (LUKE 22: 1 – 6)

Who plotted the death of Jesus?
1. The Chief Priests
2. The teachers of the Law
Why did they plot to put Jesus to death secretly?
a. They were afraid of the people
During what celebration did they plot against Jesus?
a. The Festival of the Unleavened Bread called the Passover
Who agreed to betray Jesus?
a. Judas Iscariot
Suggest reasons why Judas betrayed Jesus
1. He loved money
2. He was tempted by Satan
3. He was disappointed seeing Jesus failing to drive out Roman as he had expected
4. He wanted to be on the winning side because things were turning out against Jesus
5. He thought Jesus would perform a miracle and escape while he gained money
6. Satan entered him
7. He thought Jesus would defend himself if the officials tried to arrest him
What was to be Judas’ payment for betraying Jesus?
a. He would be paid money

JESUS PREPARES TO EAT THE PASSOVER MEAL (LUKE 22: 7 – 13)

Mention the two disciples sent to prepare the Passover Meal
1. Peter
2. John

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State the instructions Jesus gave them on how to identify the place for the Passover
1. Go and get the Passover meal ready for us to eat
2. When you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you
3. Follow him until you come to the house in which he enters
4. Ask the owner about where the Teacher would eat the Passover
5. Prepare the Passover meal there
What did the two disciples do upon receiving the instructions?
a. They went off and found everything just as Jesus had told them
b. They prepared the Passover meal
“…a man carrying a jar of water…”
a. This shows that the place was identified secretly because it was unusual for men to
carry water in a jar but in sacks
Suggest reasons why Jesus wanted to eat the Passover in secret
1. To have a special time with His disciples
2. To prevent Jesus’ enemies from knowing His whereabouts
3. To avoid disturbances
4. To bid farewell to the apostles
5. To strengthen the apostles’ faith
Describe the preparations of the Passover
1. Laying the carpets since there were no chairs
2. Buying the spotless lamb
3. Sacrificing the lambs in the Temple
4. Removing all leavened bread from the house
5. Buying the unleavened bread, herbs and wine
Why was Judas Iscariot not involved in the preparation for the Passover meal?
a. To prevent him from knowing Jesus’ whereabouts and arranging for the arrest

THE LORD’S SUPPER (LUKE 22: 14 – 23)

What did Jesus tell his disciples at the beginning of the Lord’s Supper?
- I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer
- I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God
What did Jesus do during the Lord’s Supper?
a. He took the cup, gave thanks to God and said “Take this and share it among
yourselves. I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of
God comes”
b. He took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and gave it to them saying
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me”
c. In the same way he gave them the cup after the Supper saying “This cup is God’s new
covenant sealed in my blood, which is poured out for you”
What did Jesus say about his death on this day?
- But look! The one who betrays me is here at the table with me!
- The Son of Man will die as God has decided but how terrible for that man who
betrays him
How did the apostles react to Jesus’ words?
a. They began asking among themselves which one of them it could be who was going
to betray Jesus
How did the Lord’s Supper breathe an atmosphere of crisis?
1. It had been prepared in secret
2. Jesus fasted as a sign of the seriousness of the moment
3. Jesus announced his imminent suffering

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 4. He revealed His will: Do this in memory of me
5. He anticipated His death in the right of Bread and wine
6. He said how one disciple was faltering in the crisis
7. He spoke encouraging words needed in the time of crisis
8. He foretold that they would experience hostility instead of popularity
How was the Lord’s Supper the fulfilment of the Passover Feast?
1. It celebrates the passing of mankind from the slavery of sin to freedom of the
Kingdom
2. Jesus’ passage to life will give everlasting life and joy
3. Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice just as the Israelites sacrificed bread and wine
Who attended the Lord’s Supper?
1. Jesus
2. The 12 apostles
Give the differences between the Old and the New Covenants
1. The New Covenant is between God and the whole mankind while the Old Covenant
was between God and the Israelites
2. The New Covenant is like a bond between Father and child unlike the Old Covenant
3. The New Covenant was established through Jesus while the Old Covenant was
established through Moses
Describe the activities that took place during the Passover ceremony
1. Killing of the lamb
2. Roasting of the whole lamb
3. Eat the meat together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs
4. Taking of wine while a hymn is being sung

JESUS PRAYS ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES (LUKE 22: 39 – 46)

What did Jesus tell his disciples?
a. To pray so that they will not fall into temptations
Relate Jesus’ prayer
- Father, if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me
- Not my will, however, but your will be done
Who strengthened Jesus at this time?
a. An angel from heaven
What were the disciples doing as Jesus was praying?
a. They were asleep
What did Jesus say to the disciples?
- Why are you sleeping
- Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptations
Why did Jesus produce drops of blood as sweat?
a. He prayed even more fervently in great anguish
Describe Jesus’ alternative choices as he was tempted on the Mount of Olives
a. To establish God’s reign according to God’s will by patient suffering
b. To establish God’s reign by using worldly ways; making himself popular
How was Jesus tempted at Mount Olives?
a. Satan suggested that Jesus should change his Father’s plan for him to avoid suffering
and death
How did Jesus show his humanity in this passage?
a. He felt great pain and mental anguish so much that he willed God would remove “the
cup” from him

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What was Jesus’ attitude towards his death?
a. Being a normal, healthy person he wanted to continue living
b. He accepted death in obedience to the will of his Father
c. His acceptance of death and total trust gave him complete self-control so much that
while he himself suffered he remained attentive to the plight of others
Describe other circumstances when Jesus showed great faithfulness to God
1. During his temptations in the desert he rejected power, honour and pleasures and
followed his mission which was accompanied by suffering and crucifixion
2. Some people in a certain village wanted to keep Jesus for themselves but Jesus
refused and went about teaching people in different territories
3. Jesus was several times accused of mixing with sinners but he told them that his
mission was to save sinners
4. Jesus knew that he would suffer and be crucified in Jerusalem but he accepted to go
there to fulfil the will of his father

THE ARREST OF JESUS (LUKE 22: 47 – 53)

Who betrayed Jesus?
a. Judas Iscariot
Suggest reasons why Judas betrayed Jesus
5. He loved money
6. He was tempted by Satan
7. He was disappointed seeing Jesus failing to drive out Roman as he had expected
8. He wanted to be on the winning side because things were turning out against Jesus
9. He thought Jesus would perform a miracle and escape while he gained money
10. Satan entered him
11. He thought Jesus would defend himself if the officials tried to arrest him
How did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus?
a. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss
What did Jesus say to Judas?
a. Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?
What did the disciples who were with Jesus say at this point?
a. Shall we use our swords Lord?
How did the disciples who were with Jesus react to the arrest of Jesus?
a. They asked Jesus if they could use the swords
b. One of the disciples struck the High Priest’s slave and cut off his right ear
How did Jesus respond to the reactions of the disciples?
- He said “Enough of this!”
- He touched the man’s ear and healed him
Who came to arrest Jesus?
1. The chief priests
2. The officers of the Temple guard
3. The elders
What did Jesus say to the people who came to arrest him?
- Did you have to come with swords and clubs, as though I were an outlaw
- I was with you in the Temple every day, and you did not try to arrest me
- But this is your hour to act, when the power of darkness rules
Why did the people who came to arrest Jesus come with swords and clubs?
a. They considered Jesus as an outlaw

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How was Jesus arrested?
- The crowd arrived led by Judas Iscariot who came up to Jesus to kiss him
- Jesus condemned Judas for betraying him with a kiss
- When the disciples saw that happening, they asked the Lord whether they could use
their swords
- One of them struck the High Priest’s slave and cut off his right ear but Jesus
condemned this and touched the man’s ear and healed him
- He also condemned the chief priests, officers of the Temple guard and the elders for
coming with the swords and clubs as though he were an outlaw

JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL (LUKE 22: 31 – 34)

What did Jesus say to Peter about Peter’s denial?
- Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad
- But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith will not fail
- When you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers

How did Peter respond to Jesus’ words?

- Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!
What prediction did Jesus make about Peter’s denial?
- The cock will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know
me

PETER DENIES JESUS (LUKE 22: 54 – 62)

Narrate how Peter denied Jesus
- When a certain woman noticed Peter at the fireside she said Peter too was with Jesus
but Peter said that he did not know Jesus
- When a certain man noticed him again and said Peter too was one of them yet still
Peter denied
- Later on another man insisted strongly that there was no doubt that Peter was with
Jesus but Peter said that he did not know what this man was talking about
- After denying Jesus three times, the cock crowed
- The Lord turned round and looked straight at Peter and Peter remembered what the
Lord had said to him
Describe Peter’s reaction when Jesus looked at him
a. He remembered Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny him
b. He went out and wept bitterly
What does Peter’s denial reveal about his character?
1. He had little faith, he failed to stand firm
2. He was a coward fearing that if he had said “yes” he too would be arrested
3. He had no confidence in Jesus and his protection
What did Peter do after remembering the words that the Lord had said to him?
a. He went out and wept bitterly
Suggest reasons why Peter denied Jesus
1. He was afraid of being arrested and made to suffer with Jesus
2. He did not have enough confidence in Jesus and his protection
3. He did not pray enough; instead of praying at that time of temptation, he had slept
4. He did not recall Jesus’ sayings about persecutions on the account of the Son of Man
5. He lacked courage and self-confidence because he was not too sure of himself

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JESUS IS MOCKED AND BEATEN (LUKE 22: 63 – 65)
Describe how Jesus was mocked
a. He was blindfolded and asked to guess who had beaten him
b. They said many insulting things to him

THE FOUR TRIALS OF JESUS

JESUS IS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL (SANHEDRIN)

(LUKE 22: 66 – 71)
Mention the members of the Council (Sanhedrin)
1. The Elders
2. The Chief Priests
3. The Teachers of the Law
Narrate Jesus’ trial by the Council (Sanhedrin)
- The Council asked Jesus if he was the Messiah
- Jesus said that if he told them they would not believe him and would not answer his
question if he asked them
- The Council then asked if he was the Son of God
- Jesus said that he is the glorified Son of Man
Mention the accusations levelled against Jesus at the Council
1. That he was the Messiah
2. That he was the Son of God
Relate what Jesus said when he was asked if he was the Messiah
- If I tell you, you will not believe me
- If I ask you a question, you will not answer
- But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated on the right of the Almighty God
What did Jesus say when asked if he was the Son of God?
- You say that I am
How did the members of the Council react to Jesus’ response?
- We don’t need any witnesses
- We ourselves have heard what he said
Why did the council react like that?
a. Jesus’ declaration that he was the Son of God was a supreme insult to God
What charge was brought upon Jesus by the Council?
a. Claiming that He is the Son of God (blasphemy)
What was the punishment for that charge?
a. Death
Outline rules for the conduct of trial at the Council (Sanhedrin)
1. An accuser had to make complaint
2. An accuser had to be supported by 2 eye witnesses
3. A lawyer or witness had to defend the accused
4. Death sentence could be passed only one day after the trial and never in the night
5. A person could not be convicted of his own testimony
Mention the irregularities in Jesus’ case
1. There was no lawyer to witness Jesus, the accused
2. There were no 2 eye witnesses to support the accuser
3. Jesus was convicted on his own testimony
4. Death sentence was presumed to be passed on the same day

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JESUS IS BROUGHT BEFORE PILATE (LUKE 23: 1 – 5)
Suggest reasons why the Council brought Jesus’ case to Pilate
1. They needed Pilate’s approval of death sentence for they could not pass it
2. They wanted to see Jesus crucified, the Roman punishment for non-Roman criminals
What accusations were brought against Jesus before Pilate?
1. Blasphemy, claiming to be the Messiah
2. Treasons, turning people against the Roman Government
3. Stirring people by his teaching throughout all Judea from Galilee
How did Jesus turn people against the Roman Government?
a. Misleading people
b. Telling people not to pay tax to the Emperor
c. Claiming that he himself is the Messiah, The King
d. Starting a riot among the people all through Judea
What question did Pilate give Jesus?
a. Are you the King of the Jews?
What was Jesus’ response?
a. So you say
What did Pilate tell the Chief Priests?
- I find no reason to condemn this man
What did the chief priests do when Pilate said that he did not find a reason to condemn
Jesus?
a. They insisted that with his teaching he was starting a riot among all people in Judea,
beginning in Galilee
What were Pilate’s observations on the charges against Jesus?
1. Blasphemy was not a crime because this was based on the Jewish Religion
2. Being the King of the Jews was not also a crime because he did not undermine the
Roman Law and order
What was Pilate’s initial or first judgement?
a. He declared Jesus innocent
b. He then referred the case to Herod
Suggest reasons why Pilate gave that Judgement
1. Blasphemy was not a crime to him
2. He knew that Jesus had not undermined and Roman Law
3. Jesus posed no political threat

JESUS IS SENT TO HEROD (LUKE 23: 6 – 12)

State reasons why Pilate referred Jesus’ case to Herod
a. Jesus was from the region ruled by Herod
b. Pilate hoped to get rid of the case
c. He did not understand what Jesus was accused of
Why was Herod pleased to see Jesus?
a. He had heard about Jesus and wanted to see him for a long time
b. He was hoping to see Jesus perform miracles
What treatment did Jesus receive at the court of Herod?
1. Herod and his soldiers mocked him
2. They treated him with contempt
3. They put a fine robe on him
4. They sent him back to Pilate
Suggest reasons why Jesus did not answer Herod’s questions
1. Herod was seeking an entertainment performance from Jesus

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 2. Jesus’ miracles are for those who are sincere and ready to accept His message and not
for entertainment
3. Jesus identified himself with the suffering servant
4. For Herod, Jesus had no importance whether religious or political
Why did Herod send Jesus back to Pilate?
1. Pilate had higher authority than Herod
2. He did not find Jesus guilty, Jesus was innocent
How did Herod and Pilate benefit from Jesus’ trial?
a. They became friends; before this they had been enemies

JESUS IS SENTENCED TO DEATH (LUKE 23: 13 – 25)

Relate what Pilate told the chief priests, the leaders and the people
- You brought this man to me and said that he was misleading the people
- I have found him not guilty of any of the crimes that you accuse him of
- Nor did Herod find him guilty for he sent him back to us
- There is nothing this man has done to deserve death
- So I will have him whipped and let go
How did the crowd respond to Pilate’s words?
- They cried out “Kill him”
- Set Barabbas free for us
- They shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Why was Barabbas put in prison?
a. For a riot that had taken place in the city of Jerusalem
b. For murder
What did Pilate do at the end?
a. He passed the death sentence on Jesus
b. He set free Barabbas, the man they wanted, who had been put in prison for riot and
murder
c. He handed Jesus over for the people to do as they wished
What was Pilate’s attitude towards Jesus’ accusers?
a. He was suspicious
Why did Pilate become suspicious of Jesus’ accusers?
1. It was strange to accuse a fellow Jew of being against the Roman rule yet all along
they were enemies of the Romans
2. Pilate might have been tipped that Jesus was innocent
3. Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders were only jealous on Jesus
Why did Pilate find difficulties or dilemma on Jesus’ case?
1. Letting Jesus go would cause a rebellion by the Jews, therefore being dismissed by
Roman Government
2. Condemning Jesus would be against the Roman Law as he was innocent of any crime
against the state and he could also be dismissed by his employers
What was Pilate’s first judgement?
1. To have Jesus whipped and let go since Jesus was innocent
Suggest ways in which Pilate tried to save Jesus
1. He told the people that Jesus should be whipped and be let go
2. He told people the both he and Herod found Jesus innocent
3. He appealed to the crowd two times for them to change their mind in favour of Jesus
Why did Pilate pass a death sentence finally?
1. To please the Jews
2. He was afraid of the Jews causing rots in the city if Jesus was released

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 3. He was afraid of being dismissed from the position by the Romans if the Jews rioted
4. Pilate had a weak character, no wonder he was really persuaded by the people
5. He acted under pressure of the Jewish leaders and the crowd
Who was Pilate?
1. Governor of Judea
2. Directly responsible to the Roman Emperor
3. Had absolute authority to give death sentence
How would you assess Pilate’s leadership?
1. He had ability to keep Law and Order
2. He was obedient to the Roman Law
3. He had a weak character
Mention mistakes made by Pilate that caused serious unrest?
1. He allowed army standards into the Temple that bore the image of the Emperor
2. He used the Temple funds to build an aqueduct
Describe the importance of Jesus’ case for the early Church
1. Both Pilate and Herod declared Jesus innocent
2. Pilate even tried to save Jesus, the founder of the Church
3. Pilate had acted under pressure of the Jewish leaders and the crowd to have Jesus
killed
How was Jesus’ case of interest to Theophilus?
a. The Roman authorities saw no wrong in Jesus’ activities

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED (LUKE 23: 26 – 43)

Describe what happened as Jesus was on his way to be crucified
a. Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carrying the cross
b. Some women who were weeping and wailing followed Jesus
Explain the significance of Simon of Cyrene in the book
a. He carried Jesus’ cross while Jesus was unable to carry it
What did Jesus say to those women who were weeping for him?
- Women of Jerusalem! Do not cry for me but for yourselves and your children
- The days are coming when people will say: how lucky are women who had never had
children, who never bore babies before, who never nursed them
- That will be the time when people will say to mountain, fall on us and to hills, hide
us!
- If such things as these are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is
dry!
What was the significance of Jesus’ words to the women?
a. He is warning the people of Jerusalem to repent their rejection of Jesus otherwise God
will punish them
b. If Jesus, the life-giver has suffered like that, what will happen to the dead, unrepentant
people?
At what place was Jesus crucified?
a. A place called “The Skull”
Distinguish the characters of the two criminals crucified along with Jesus
a. The one on the left rebuked Jesus by asking Jesus as the Messiah to save Himself and
the criminals
b. The one on the right rebuked his fellow criminal and asked for mercy from Jesus;
Jesus promised him eternal life
What did the criminal on the left say?
- Aren’t you the Messiah!

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 - Save yourself and us!
What did the criminal on the right say?
- He rebuked his fellow criminal “Don’t you fear God?”
- He said that they deserved death sentence for they did wrong things
- He said that Jesus did not deserve death sentence for he was innocent
- He asked Jesus to remember him when He comes as King
What did Jesus say to the criminal on the right?
- I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me
What was the significance of the words spoken by the criminal on the right?
a. He declared that Jesus was innocent
b. It shows that Jesus’ Kingly rule is began by His death and resurrection
c. The criminal has deep faith that the dying Jesus is truly King and can have mercy on
him
d. It shows that God is infinitely more compassionate than man thinks
What was the significance of Jesus’ response to the criminal on the right?
a. It shows that Jesus has authority to judge the living and the dead
Describe what happened as Jesus was on the cross
a. The soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes among themselves by throwing a dice
b. People stood there watching while the Jewish leaders jeered at Jesus saying “He saved
others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah whom God has chosen!”
c. The soldiers mocked Jesus by offering him cheap wine and saying “Save yourself if
you are the King of the Jews!”
d. One of the criminal insulted Jesus saying “Aren’t you the Messiah! Save yourself and
us!”
e. The other criminal rebuked his fellow criminal and asked Jesus to remember him
when He comes as King
What did the Jewish leaders say when Jesus was on the cross?
- He saved others
- Let him save himself if he is the Messiah whom God has chosen
How did the soldiers mock Jesus while he was on the cross?
a. By offering him cheap wine
b. By saying “Save yourself if you are the King of the Jews
Describe what the people who sympathised with Jesus said when He was on the cross
a. The criminal on the right declared Jesus innocent by saying that He had done no
wrong
b. The army officer declared Jesus innocent by saying that Jesus was a good man
c. People who had gathered to watch the spectacle went back home beating their breasts
in sorrow
Describe what the people who did not sympathize with Jesus said about Jesus
a. The criminal on the left rebuked Jesus to save himself and save them since he was the
Messiah
b. The Jewish leaders asked Jesus to save himself if he was the chosen Messiah
c. The soldiers asked Jesus to save himself if he was the King of the Jews
What did the soldiers do when Jesus was on the cross?
1. They offered Jesus cheap wine
2. They mocked Jesus
3. They cast lots by throwing a dice to share Jesus’ clothes
4. They told Jesus to save Himself if he was the King of the Jews
List the people who declared Jesus innocent
1. Herod

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 2. Pilate
3. The criminal on the right
4. The army officer
For whom does Luke stress Jesus’ innocence?
a. For Jewish Leaders
Why did Luke stress Jesus’ innocence to such people?
1. They used to say that one’s bad fate was due to sins
2. Jesus died on the cross as if he was cursed by God
3. They must have pointed out that Jesus was sinful
Narrate the words spoken by Jesus from the cross
- Forgive them Father! They don’t know what they are doing
- He assured the repentant criminal that he would be with him that same day in Paradise

THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS (LUKE 23: 44 – 56)

Narrate the death of Jesus
- At 12 O’clock the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until 3
O’clock
- The curtain hanging in the Temple was torn into two
- Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” and then
died
What two things happened as Jesus was dying?
a. The sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country from 12:00 until
3:00 afternoon
b. The curtain hanging in the Temple was torn into two
What was the significance of the darkness?
a. It signifies judgement in that from then on, man will be judged according to his
attitude towards Jesus
b. It was a symbol of universal judgement, on Jews and Gentiles alike
c. It looked as if evil had won but it was a symbol of God who controls History
What was the significance of the tearing of the curtain in the temple into two?
a. The Jewish way of worshiping God and the time of the Temple was over
b. The holy of holies is one; all have a direct access to Jesus
c. The barriers between a Jew and Gentile is demolished; they are no longer separated a
clean and unclean
d. It marked the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament
What did the army officer say when Jesus died?
a. He praised God saying, “Certainly He (Jesus) was a good man!”
Who buried Jesus?
a. Joseph of Arimathea
Describe the character of this man?
a. He was a good ad honourable man
b. He was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God
c. He was a member of the Council
d. He had not agreed with the decision and action of the Council to have Jesus killed
What role did this man play?
a. He went into the presence of Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus
b. He took the body down, wrapped it up in a linen sheet
c. He placed the body in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock and which had
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Narrate the burial of Jesus
- Joseph of Arimathea with permission from Pilate brought the body down from the
cross
- He wrapped it in a line sheet
- He placed the body in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock which had never
been used
Describe the Jewish burial rituals
- The dead body had first to be washed and then anointed with ointment, myrrh, spices
and aloes
- The myrrh was used on the body and the spices on the shroud
- The dead body was then wrapped in grave clothes
- The burial took place a day after death
Suggest reason why Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus
a. To show that he did not agree with the judgement of his fellow members of the
Council
b. To obey the Law that the body of an executed criminal be buried before sunset
Who witnessed the burial?
a. The women who had followed Jesus
How did the women follow the Sabbath Laws?
a. They did not anoint the body of Jesus because the Sabbath was beginning and they
rested
What Jewish burial rituals were not followed when Jesus died?
1. The dead body was not washed
2. The dead body was not anointed
3. The burial took place on the same day and not a day after death
What Jewish burial ritual was followed when Jesus died?
a. The dead body was wrapped in grave clothes

THE RESURRECTION (LUKE 24: 1 – 12)

Narrate the resurrection of Jesus
- Very early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Joana and Mary the Mother of James,
went to the tomb carrying spices they had prepared. When they got there, they did not
find Jesus’ body but saw 2 men
- The 2 men told the women that Jesus was raised.
- When they heard this, they went to tell the 11 apostles but the apostles thought that
what the women said was nonsense.
- Peter stood up and ran to the tomb. Upon reaching there, he did not find the body but
only linen wrappings.
What was the reaction of the 11 apostles to the women’s report about the resurrection?
a. They could not believe them
b. Peter rushed to the tomb to see for himself and came back amazed at what had
happened
Why did the 11 apostles and the other disciples not believe the women?
1. They did not remember Jesus’s words which they had to understand that He would
rise
2. They failed to learn from the Old Testament that the Christ should suffer these things
and enter his glory
3. They had completely given up hope in Jesus; they could not expect Jesus to be alive
since it was the third day
4. The testimony of women had no value

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 5. The social status of women was poor in that people regarded women as not capable of
saying something important
Mention the names of the three women who visited Jesus’ tomb
1. Mary Magdalene
2. Joana
3. Mary the Mother of James
Why did the women visit the tomb?
a. They wanted to anoint Jesus’ body
Describe the experience the women had at the tomb
1. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb
2. They did not find the body inside the tomb
3. They met 2 men who asked them why they were seeking the living among the dead
Narrate the words the two men spoke to the women
- Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?
- He is not here; he has been raised
- Remember what he said to you: “The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be
crucified and 3 days later rise to life”
What was the significance of the empty tomb?
a. It was the fulfilment of the scriptures and of what Jesus said that He would rise three
days later
What was the significant of the resurrection?
1. It was the foundation of the apostles witnessing, the preaching of the Gospel
2. It confirmed that the Scriptures were fulfilled
3. Jesus confirmed that there is life after death
4. Jesus confirmed that there is forgiveness of sins
5. People should live rightly before they die since they will be judged

THE WALK TO EMMAUS (LUKE 24: 13 – 35)

Narrate the conversation between Jesus and the 2 disciples
- Cleaopas and his friend on their way to Emmaus were discussing the arrest, trials,
crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus as well as his resurrection
- Jesus drew near them but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him
- Jesus asked what they were talking about
- Cleopas asked him whether he was the only visitor in Jerusalem who did not know the
things that had been happening the previous few days
- Jesus asked what things they were and they answered that the things that had
happened to Jesus of Nazareth
- They said that Jesus had been a Prophet and had been considered by God and people
to be powerful in everything he had said and done. The chief priests handed him over
to be sentenced to death and he was crucified. They were surprised by some women
who said that Jesus had risen.
- Jesus accused them of being foolish and slow to believe everything the prophets had
said. He said that it had been necessary for the Messiah to suffer then enter his glory.
Explain why the disciples failed to recognize Jesus
1. It seems their senses were supernaturally dulled
2. It was the third day since Jesus had died and they could not expect him to be alive
3. They had completely given up hope in Jesus
4. They failed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures that Christ had to suffer and
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 5. Their expectation about Jesus could not go beyond hoping that he would redeem
Israel
Describe what happened for the disciples to recognize Jesus
- Jesus sat down to eat with them
- He took the bread and said a blessing
- He then broke the bread and gave it to them
- Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their
sight
How did they recognize Jesus?
a. When he broke the bread and gave it to them
What did they say and do when they recognized Jesus?
a. They said, “Wasn’t it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and
explained the scriptures to us?”
b. They went back to Jerusalem to report to the apostles what had happened to them
What lessons can the \church learn from this story?
1. Faith in the resurrection is a gift from God
2. This faith is confirmed and sustained by Peter and the apostles
3. The Church teaches the true meaning of the Scriptures
4. The Church through the Spirit of Jesus gathers around the table of the Lord for the
breaking of the bread
5. Jesus is always present but his presence can be seen only through the eyes of faith
What are the similarities between Jesus on the road to Emmaus story and that of Philip
on the road to Gaza?
1. Both stories report about moving away from Jerusalem
2. Both stories report about ignorance of the Scriptures
3. Both stories report about the explanation that the Messiah had to suffer and be
glorious
4. Both stories report about the insistence to stay or stop
5. A ritual is carried out in both stories
6. Both stories report about a sudden disappearance

JESUS APPEARS TO HIS DISCIPLES (LUKE 24: 36 – 49)

What did Jesus say when he appeared to the disciples?
a. Peace be with you!
How did the disciples react to this?
a. They were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost
What did Jesus say to prove to them that He was alive?
- Why are you alarmed?
- Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?
- Look at my hands and feet, and see that it is I myself
- Feel me for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones as you can see
How did Jesus prove himself to them?
a. He showed them his hands and feet
b. He told them to feel him for He had flesh and bones unlike a ghost
c. He took a cooked piece of fish and ate in their presence
What did Jesus teach the disciples on this day?
- Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the writings of the Prophets,
and the Psalms had to come true
- The Messiah must suffer and rise from death three days later

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 - In his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be
preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem
- You are witnesses to these things
- I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised
- You must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you
What was the importance of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples in the upper room for
the Church?
1. The disciples’ reaction shows that the acceptance of the resurrection is based on faith
and not proof
2. Jesus identified himself as the same Jesus the disciples knew before his death by
asking the disciples to see his hands and feet
3. By asking for food Jesus shows that the resurrection is real
4. By asking for food Jesus shows that the risen Jesus remains human with body
5. The Church should read the Scriptures in the light of Jesus’ life, death and
resurrection
6. To have true understanding of Jesus the disciples have to re-read the Scriptures

JESUS IS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN (LUKE 24: 50 – 53)

What did Jesus do before going to heaven?
a. He blessed the disciples
What did the disciples do when Jesus was taken up to heaven?
a. They worshipped him
b. They went back into Jerusalem
c. They were filled with great joy
d. They spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God
Why were the disciples happy when Jesus ascended to heaven?
1. They know Jesus lives and remains with them
2. They were a community again after being scattered after Jesus’ arrest
3. They had been made witnesses of the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God
4. They have been promised the Holy Spirit
5. They know that evil has been defeated and mankind saved through Jesus
6. Jesus blessed them before he went away
7. Jesus promised them that He would come again and bring his Kingdom
8. Jesus promised that He would prepare a place for them in the Kingdom

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