Your Way to Grade A in JCE Bible Knowledge

“…A voice came from the cloud; - This is my

own dear Son – Listen to him” (Mark 9: 7)

Paul Pablo Metadio Kamwani

088 46 84 310/099 85 72 793
 1

THE GOSPEL

- The word Gospel means “Good News”

- A Gospel is any book in the Bible with stories about Jesus Christ from his early life up to
resurrection.
- The Gospels tell of the good News of how Jesus came to save the Israelites and mankind as a
whole.
- There are four Gospels:
 Matthew
 Mark
 Luke
 John

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST (Matthew 1: 18 – 25)

Narrate the Birth of Jesus
- Jesus was born to a virgin girl named Mary who was engaged to Joseph. Before Joseph and
Mary were married, Mary found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit.
- Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary
publicly. So he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about
this, an Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. The Angel told Joseph not to be
afraid to take Mary to be his wife for it was by the Holy Spirit that she had conceived. She
would have a son, and Joseph would name him Jesus because he would save his people from
their sins.
- Now all this happened in order to make what the Lord had said through the prophet come true.
Mary’s pregnancy fulfilled the Prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 which states that ‘a virgin will
become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel (which means, “God is
with us”)
- So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary as the angel of the Lord had told him to do. But he
had no sexual relations with Mary before she gave birth to her son. When the son was born,
Joseph named him Jesus.
Describe circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus
- Jesus was born during the time when the Jews were waiting for the coming of the Messiah to
liberate them from the Roman rule.
- He was born to a virgin who conceived him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The role played by the Angel in this story
a. He announced to Mary that she would become pregnant and give birth to a son.
b. He announced that the son’s name would be Jesus
c. He explained to Joseph that Mary became pregnant of the Holy Spirit hence should still take
her as his wife.
What name was given to Mary’s child?
a. Jesus
Who named Mary’s son?
a. The Angel
Why would Mary’s son be named Jesus?
a. He would save people from their sins.
 2

How did Joseph react to the news that Mary was pregnant?
a. He did not want to disgrace Mary publicly though he was a man who always did what was
right.
b. He made plans to break the engagement privately.
Why did Joseph plan to break the engagement with Mary?
a. Mary was pregnant before they got married.
Why did Joseph plan not to disgrace Mary publicly?
a. Mary could have been stoned to death for being found pregnant before marriage according to
the Jewish law.
Narrate what the angel said to Joseph
- Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife.
- For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived.
- She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus – because he will save his people from their
sins.
What did Joseph do when he woke up?
a. He married Mary as the angel of the Lord had told him to do.
Describe the role played by Joseph in the birth of Jesus
a. He was the foster father of Jesus in that people regarded Joseph as the father of Jesus since
they did not know exactly what had happened to Mary.
b. He made Jesus a descendant of King David since Joseph was a descendant of David through
whom a Messiah was promised to come.
Describe the prophecy fulfilled in the Birth of Jesus
- The prophecy of Isaiah 7: 14 “A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be
called Immanuel”
What character did Joseph display in this story?
a. Self-control
How did Joseph display the character of self-control in the story?
a. He decided not to put Mary in shame by publicizing that she was pregnant before they got
married hence he planned to break their engagement privately.
In which city was Jesus born?
a. Bethlehem
Why was it important that Jesus was born at Bethlehem?
a. To fulfil what the Prophets in the Old Testament said that the Messiah would be born in
Bethlehem.
Mention two prophets who prophesied that the messiah would be born in Bethlehem
a. Micah
b. Joel
Ways in which the birth of Jesus was extraordinary
a. It was announced by the angel of the Lord
b. It was not as a result of sexual intercourse
c. He was born of the Holy Spirit
d. His name was announced by the angel before He was born
Rituals that are performed in Malawi when a child is born
a. The naming ritual in which the child is given a name.
b. The mother and the baby stay in the house for some time until when the baby’s body is strong
enough to be taken out of the house.
c. People visit the family which has received the baby to see the new-born baby.
d. People provide gifts to the baby as a way of welcoming the baby.
e. The mother and the child are nurtured
 3

Meaning of names
 Jesus – God saves (God is salvation)
 Immanuel – God is with us
 Messiah (Hebrew) – Anointed one
 Christ (Greek) – Anointed one

VISITORS FROM THE EAST (Matthew. 2: 1 – 12)

Narrate the story of the visitors from the east
- Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. Soon
afterwards, some men who studied the stars came from the east to Jerusalem and asked “where
is the baby born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and
we have come to worship him.”
- When Herod heard about this, he was very upset, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. He
called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them where the
Messiah would be born. They answered that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem as
prophesied. So Herod called the visitors from the east to a secret meeting and found out from
them the exact time the star had appeared. He then sent them to Bethlehem with some
instructions. He instructed them to go and make a careful search for the child. When they find
him, they should let Herod know so that he too may go and worship the baby.
- The visitors then left, and on their way they saw the same star they had seen in the east. When
they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped
over the place where the child was. They went into the house, and when they saw the child
with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshipped him. They brought out their gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh, and presented them to him.’
- Then they returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream
not to go back to Herod.
In which town was Jesus born?
a. Bethlehem
Whose prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem?
a. Prophecy of Micah
Describe the prophecy fulfilled by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
- Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least of the leading cities of Judah for
from you will come a leader who will guide my people Israel.
What moved the visitors from the east to travel to Jerusalem?
a. They had seen the star of a child born to be the King of the Jews.
What did the visitors from the east say when they came to Jerusalem?
- Where is the baby born to be the king of the Jews?
- We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him
What did the visitors ask at Jerusalem?
a. Where is the baby born to be the King of the Jews?
What was the main reason why the visitors were looking for the child?
a. To worship him
Reactions of Herod
a. He was very upset since he never expected to hear of a child born in his land to be the king of
the Jews.
b. He called for a meeting with the chief priests and the teachers of the Law to locate the child
born to be king.
 4

c. He found out from the visitors the exact time the star had appeared in order to find out exactly
when the baby was born.
d. He sent the visitors to Bethlehem with some instructions.
Why was Herod upset with the news?
a. He never expected to hear of a child born in his land to be the king of the Jews.
For what purpose did Herod call the meeting with the visitors from the east?
a. To find out from the visitors the exact time the star had appeared.
Mention the instructions Herod gave to the visitors from the East
a. Go and make a careful search for the child
b. When you find him, let me know so that I too may go and worship him.
Why did Herod want to know where the child was?
a. He wanted to kill the child.
What did the visitors do when they found the baby?
a. They knelt down and worshipped him
b. They presented their gift to the child.
The gifts brought by the visitors from the east
a. Gold – gift for a king (Kingship of Jesus)
b. Frankincense – gift for a priest or prophet (Divinity of Jesus), a shepherd
c. Myrrh – gift for someone who is to die ((Redemptive suffering, Saviour or Messiah), mission
as a suffering servant
What was Herod’s plan in trying to locate the child?
a. He wanted to kill the child Jesus
Did Herod fulfil his plan?
a. No. He did not kill the child Jesus
Why did Herod fail to fulfil his plan?
a. The visitors from the east did not go back to Herod to report where the child was having been
warned by the angel in a dream.
b. The visitors from the east returned to their country by another road.
Who were the first worshippers of Jesus?
a. The visitors from the east – The Magi
What was the significance of the visit?
a. It revealed the identity of Jesus as the intended Messiah and Priestly King.
b. Christians should learn to worship God with joy and gladness
c. Worship to God by Christians should be sincere
d. It revealed the mission of Jesus as the suffering servant portrayed in Isaiah’s prophecy
Names of the visitors from the east
a. Balthasar
b. Casper the Black
c. Melchior
Which gifts are usually given to a mother and a new born child?
a. Clothes for the new born child
b. Wrappers to be used in covering the new born child
c. Foodstuffs to be used by the parents of the new born child
d. Toiletries to be used in bathing the new born child
Why did God warn the visitors from the East not to go back to Herod?
a. God didn’t want Herod to know the exact location of the baby since he planned to kill the baby.
 5

THE ESCAPE TO AND THE RETURN FROM EGYPT (Matthew 2: 13 – 23)

Narrate the escape to and return from Egypt
- After the visitors from the East had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph.
The angel said that Herod would be looking for the child in order to kill him. So get up, take
the child and his mother and escape to Egypt and stay there until I tell you to leave.
- Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt, where he
stayed until Herod died. This was done to make what the Lord had said through the prophet
come true, “I called my Son out of Egypt”.
- When Herod realized that the visitors from the east had tricked him, he was furious. He gave
orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighbourhood who were two years old and
younger. This was done in accordance with what he had learned from the visitors about the
time the star had appeared. Herod thought that in so doing he would kill Jesus. However, by
this time, Jesus with his parents had already escaped into Egypt.
- After Herod had died, and angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. He said,
“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who
tried to kill the child are dead.” So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back
to Israel. But when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of
Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given more instructions in a dream, so he went to the
province of Galilee and made his home in a town named Nazareth. And so what the prophets
had said came true: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Describe the circumstances that led Joseph to take his family to Egypt
- The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him that Herod will be looking for
the child in order to kill him.
- Hence Joseph had to take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until the
angel of the Lord told him to leave.
Describe the angel’s words to Joseph
- Herod will be looking for the child in order to kill him.
- So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt
- Stay there until I tell you to leave
Joseph’s reaction to the angel’s message
- He got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt where he stayed
until Herod died.
What did Herod do when he realized that the visitors from the east had tricked him?
a. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighbourhood who were two years
old and younger.
Whose prophecy was fulfilled with the killing of innocent children?
a. Prophecy of Jeremiah
Describe the prophecy fulfilled with the killing of innocent children
- A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping
- Rachel is crying for her children; she refuses to be comforted, for they are dead
Who reigned in Judea after the death of Herod?
a. Archelaus, the son of Herod
What was the angel’s message to Joseph after the death of Herod?
- Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried
to kill the child are dead.
How did Joseph respond to the angel’s message?
- Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Israel
Where did Joseph and his family settle upon returning from Egypt?
a. In the town of Nazareth.
 6

Why did Joseph and his family settle in Nazareth?

a. Joseph was afraid when he heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father as King of Judea.
b. He was given more instructions in the dream to go to that land.
c. To fulfil what the prophets had said that “He (Jesus) will be called a Nazarene”.

THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (Mark 1: 1 – 8)

Duties of John the Baptist
a. Preaching in the desert about conversion in preparation for the coming of the Messiah
b. Baptizing the people with water in the River Jordan
The message in the preaching of John the Baptist
- Turn away from your sins and be baptized
- God will forgive your sins.
The response of people to John’s preaching
a. They went out to hear John
b. They confessed their sins
c. They got baptized in the River Jordan
How did John baptize?
- He immersed people in water in the River Jordan symbolizing the washing away of sins and
God’s forgiveness
John’s dress
a. Clothes made of camel’s hair
b. A leather belt round his waist
John’s food
a. Locust
b. Wild honey
What did John say or announce about the One to come?
- The man who will come after John is much greater than John
- John is not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals
- John baptizes people with water, but the one to come will baptize them with the Holy Spirit
The prophecy fulfilled with John’s work
- The prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 in which it is written
 God said, “I will send my messenger ahead of you to clear the way for you”.
 Someone is shouting in the desert, “Get the road ready for the Lord, make straight
path for him to travel”.
Similarities between John’s preaching and that of today’s preachers
a. John the Baptist asked the people to repent their sins; preachers today do the same.
b. John asked people to be baptized; preachers today do the same
Differences between John’s preaching and that of today’s preachers
a. People followed John the Baptist in the desert while today preachers work in places where
there are people
b. John the Baptist was baptizing people who were willing to be baptized without giving them
special teachings for a certain period of time while today it takes some years or weeks for one
to be baptized.
The roles played by John the Baptist
a. He prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah
b. He ushered people to a Messianic age
c. He bore witness to Jesus as the Messiah
d. He was the link between the old Testament and the New Testament
 7

e. He acted as the forerunner or precursor of Jesus Christ

f. He broke the period of prophetic silence that lasted over 400 years between Malachi and
himself
g. He baptized Jesus in River Jordan
h. He condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and the Roman authorities for their arrogance
and evil.

BAPTISM OF JESUS (Mark. 1: 9 – 11)

Narrate the baptism of Jesus
- Jesus like others came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in
the Jordan.
- As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down
on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased
with you”.
- It can therefore be concluded that Jesus is the Son of God.
Reasons why Jesus was baptized
a. To start his own ministry
b. To show that he had come for sinners by lining up with sinners
c. To identify Himself as a devout Jew who observed the Law and practices associated with good
Jewish life
d. To show that He had taken upon Himself the sins of humankind
e. To set an Example to His followers so that they could emulate Him
f. To show the people that the baptism was genuine and it was approved by God
g. It was a sign that marked the end of John’s ministry as the Messiah had come and people had
heard the voice of God saying that He was His son.
Describe what happened when Jesus came out of water
a. He saw heaven opening – symbolizing the end of separation from God and the beginning of
communication between heaven and earth.
b. He saw the Spirit coming down on him like a dove – symbolizing the anointment
c. He heard a voice from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you” - showing
that Jesus is the Son of God
Significance or Importance of Jesus’ Baptism
a. It shows that he was prepared for his mission
b. During the baptism he was declared the Son of God
c. The baptism also shows that Jesus being sinless wanted to identify himself with sinners and
the message of John by accepting the baptism of John.
d. It demonstrated Jesus’ humility since He was baptized like any other person yet He was the
Son of God.
e. It put an end to the confusion that was there in that people had thought that John was the
Messiah but God Himself had pronounced that Jesus was His Son.
f. Jesus received the power of the Holy Spirit which was necessary for His ministry.
g. It introduced Jesus to the people as the Son of God, the Messiah.
Significance (Relevance) of Jesus’ baptism to Christians today
a. It helps Christians to be baptized and identify themselves with the Christian church
b. Christians receive the Holy Spirit through baptism
c. It brings new life to the believer
d. Christians identify with Jesus Christ through baptism
e. Christians are united to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through baptism
f. It makes a believer a child of God
 8

g. It cleanses Christians and prepares them for the kingdom of God

Where did Jesus go after his baptism?
a. To the desert
For how long?
a. For 40 days
What happened there?
a. He was tempted by Satan.

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS (Matthew 4: 1 – 11)

Narrate Jesus’ temptations and his responses
- Soon after baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. After
spending 40 days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry.
- In the first temptation, the devil came to him and said, “If you are God’s Son, order these
stones to turn into bread”. The Devil tempted Jesus to use his status and power to satisfy his
physical needs. In His response, Jesus said that “the Scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot
live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks’.”
- In the second temptation, the Devil took Jesus to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem
and said to Jesus, “If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says: God
will give orders to his angels about you, they will hold you up with their hands so that not
even your feet will be hurt”. The Devil, wanted Jesus to be spectacular. In His response, Jesus
answered “But the Scripture also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’.”
- In the third temptation, the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the
kingdoms of the world in all their greatness and said, “All this I will give you, if you kneel
down and worship me”. Thus, the Devil wanted Jesus to be a political leader. In his response,
Jesus answered, “Go away, Satan! The Scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve
only him!’.”
- After that, the devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him.
What is a temptation?
- A temptation is a strong feeling of wanting to do something opposite to what you are supposed
to do, especially to do something that is morally bad.
Why did Jesus go to the desert?
a. To prepare for his own ministry – to decide on the way he would fulfil his mission
b. He was led by the Holy spirit
c. To be tempted by the Devil
The mission of Jesus
a. Announcing that the Kingdom of God was near
b. Establishing the Kingdom of God on earth by making God rule the world
How did Jesus establish the Kingdom of God?
a. By using the power of truth and love
How did Jesus react to the last temptation?
a. He told Satan to go away
b. He quoted the Scripture which says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him”
What words did Jesus quote from the Scripture when the Devil suggested he threw himself
down?
a. Do not put the Lord your God to the test.
What did Jesus answer to the first temptation?
a. The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God
speaks’.
 9

What happened after the Devil left Jesus?

a. Angels came and helped Jesus.
Describe how Jesus displayed His understanding of the scripture?
a. He answered all temptations by quoting the Scripture in the Book of Deuteronomy.
How did the Devil show cleverness in the second temptation?
a. He quoted the Scripture in Psalms 91: 11 – 12 which states that ‘God will put his angels in
charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to
keep you from hurting your feet on the stones’.
What was Jesus’ response to the second temptation?
a. The Scripture also says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”.
Why do different denominations or Churches teach their youth the scripture?
a. The youth are the foundation of the Church so they need to be equipped with the teaching of
the Bible.
Importance (significance) of Jesus’ temptations
a. He was challenged by temptations like any other person
b. He was challenged by temptations throughout his life to the cross hence he had to face the
struggle between good and evil
c. His trust in God’s help to overcome temptation was a characteristic of his life up to the cross
d. Jesus is our role model who resisted temptations.
Significance (relevance) of Jesus’ temptations to Christians today
a. They help Christians to expect temptations in their daily live hence they should pray and ask
for God’s protection and guidance through the temptations
b. Christians should be encouraged that if Jesus overcame temptations, they too can overcome
them
c. Christians realise that it is important to read and recall scriptures as Jesus did to defeat the devil
d. Christians should know that it is not sinful to be tempted but they should seek the Holy Spirit
to enable them to conquer the devil in order to make the right choices
e. Christians should learn that temptations serve to strengthen their faith in God and to help them
acquire virtues of tolerance or endurance
f. Christians should learn that God does not tempt us beyond our strength
g. Christians should be aware that the devil tempts
How did Jesus manage to resist (overcome) the temptations?
a. He demonstrated his complete commitment to God and his mission
b. His knowledge of how to use the Scripture was for the right purpose.
c. He had his own convictions and knew what was true and what was half true
What can people learn from the temptations of Jesus (Lessons)
a. All Jesus’ responses are quoted from the Bible hence when we are in problems we should solve
them using the teaching of the Bible.
b. We should be very careful with false preachers who use the Bible for ill purposes just as the
devil quoted the scripture in the second temptation
c. We need to have a thorough knowledge of the teaching of the Bible just like Jesus if we want
to survive the contemporary problems.
d. The Bible is the weapon to defeat the devil.
e. We must live simple lives and avoid the pleasures of the world
Ways in which Christians can be tempted today
a. To misuse Church funds
b. To steal some property of the church such as Bibles
c. To have extra marital relations with fellow church organization members
d. To gossip about a fellow member of the church
 10

e. To be involved in corruption so as to gain some favours

JESUS CALLS FOUR FISHERMEN (Mark 1: 14 – 20)

Narrate the call of the four fishermen
- After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from
God. “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from
your sins and believe the Good News!”
- As Jesus walked along the shore of lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother
Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to
catch people” at once they left their nets and went with Jesus.
- He went a little further on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
They were in their boat getting their nets ready. As soon as Jesus saw then, he called them.
They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
- The first four disciples had a lot in common. They were a pair of brothers and responded to the
call with promptness.
The main message in Jesus’ teaching
- The right time has come, and the kingdom of God is near!
- Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!
The meaning of the message in Jesus’ teaching
a. The right time has come means the time God had chosen. This is the time of deliverance by
God as prophesied by the Old Testament prophets and believed by the Jews of his time.
b. Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News means turn away from old ways and
believe the message preached by Jesus: Good News about God.
c. Kingdom of God means the rule of God. This was the theme of Jesus’ teaching.
The first four disciples called by Jesus
a. Simon
b. Andrew, the brother of Simon
c. James
d. John, the brother of James
Who was the father of James and John?
a. Zebedee
What was the profession of the first four disciples?
a. They were fishermen
What were the men doing before Jesus called them?
a. They were catching fish
How will the first four disciples be fishers of men?
a. They will preach the word of God and win people over to God.
The central theme in Jesus’ teaching
a. The kingdom of God
What proof is there that Zebedee was a rich man (prosperous)?
a. He had hired some men to help in the fishing industry.
Who is a disciple?
a. A man or woman who is a follower of Jesus Christ.
Importance of the call of the disciples
a. They formed the first community of followers who were called to the task of winning others
to Jesus’ cause.
b. They were trained by Jesus to carry on his mission after his death.
 11

What was common among the first four disciples?

a. They were pairs of brothers
b. They responded to the call with promptness
c. They were fishermen

A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT (Mark 1: 21 – 28)

Narrate the healing of a man with an evil spirit
- Jesus and his disciples came to the town of Capernaum. On the next Sabbath, Jesus went to the
synagogue and began to teach. The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught,
for he wasn’t like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority.
- Just then, a man with an evil spirit in him came into the synagogue and screamed, “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 to come out of the man. The evil spirit shook the man
hard, gave aloud scream, and came out of him.
- The people were all so amazed that they started saying to one another, “This man has authority
to give orders to the evil spirits, and they obey him”. And so the news about Jesus spread
quickly everywhere in the province of Galilee.
Where did Jesus perform his first miracle according to the Gospel of Mark?
a. The town of Capernaum
What did the man with the evil spirit say when he saw Jesus?
- 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’ response to what the man with the evil spirit had said
a. He ordered the spirit to be quiet and to come out of the man.
Describe what the evil spirt did to the man
a. Shook the man hard
b. Gave a loud scream
c. Came out of the man
Describe the reactions of the people
a. They were so amazed
b. They started saying that this man, Jesus has authority to give orders to the evil spirits, and they
obey him
c. They spread the news about Jesus everywhere in the province of Galilee
Describe what the people said in reaction to Jesus’ miracle
- What is this?
- Is it some kind of new teaching?
- This man has authority to give orders to the evil spirits, and they obey him!
What impact on Jesus did this miracle have?
a. The news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the province of Galilee.
What is the first miracle recorded in the Gospel of Mark?
a. The healing of a man with an evil spirit in Capernaum
What is a miracle?
a. An act which does not follow natural rules and is attributed to the work of God.
Why did Jesus perform miracles?
a. To show that the Kingdom of God is in his control.
What is the first miracle of Jesus as recorded by Mark?
a. Healing of a man with an evil spirit.
 12

JESUS HEALS MANY PEOPLE (Mark 1: 29 – 39)

Narrate the healing of many people
- Leaving the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples went to the house of Simon and
Andrew where Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. When Jesus arrived, he was
told about her. He went to her, took her hand and helped her up, the fever left her and she began
to wait on them. Jesus healed her on the Sabbath.
- After the sun had set and evening had come, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who
had demons. All the people of the town gathered in front of the house. Jesus healed many who
were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons. He would not let the demons
say anything, because they knew who he was. This is because He did not want people to
know that he was the Messiah especially at this early stage of his ministry.
What was Simon’s mother-in-law suffering from?
a. She had fever.
Describe how Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law
- He took her by hand, and helped her up.
- The fever left her, and she began to wait on them
In which town was this miracle performed?
a. Capernaum
How is it hinted that she was completely healed?
a. She began to wait on (preparing food for) them
Why did the people wait for the sun to set before bringing to Jesus all the sick?
a. Because carrying the sick from one place to another was like doing work, and doing work was
not allowed on the Sabbath according to the Jewish Law.
Who else did Jesus heal on the day he healed Simon’s mother-in-law?
a. People who were sick with all kinds of diseases
b. Those who had demons
What did Jesus do after sundown?
a. He healed the sick and drove out demons from the people brought to him.
What did Jesus do early in the morning, long before daylight?
a. Jesus got up, left the house and went to a lonely place where he prayed.
After healing the people, why did Jesus went out of town to a lonely place?
a. To pray
How was this prayer time interrupted?
a. Simon and his companions found him after searching for him telling him that everyone was
looking for Him.
Jesus’ response to Simon’s message
- We must go on to other villages round here.
- I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.
What did Jesus do after leaving Capernaum?
a. He preached in the Synagogues in Galilee
b. He drove out demons in Galilee.
Synagogue
- The word synagogue means gathering.
- It is a building where Jews come together on the Sabbath to read the law and to pray.
- It originated in Babylonia when the Jews had no Temple to come together for prayers.
- In Jesus’ time they had only one Temple in Jerusalem but there were several synagogues used
by Jews who lived in towns and villages.
 13

JESUS HEALS A MAN (Mark 1: 40 – 45)

Narrate how Jesus healed a man suffering from dreaded skin disease
- A man suffering from a dreaded skin disease came to Jesus, knelt down and begged him for
help. “If you want to,” he said, “you can make me clean”. The man spoke like this because
people suffering from dreaded skin disease were thought of having been cursed by God hence
were considered as unclean. They were thrown out of their communities to live in a deserted
area alone to avoid contaminating others.
- Jesus was filled with pity and stretched out his hand and touched him. “I do want to,” he
answered. “Be clean!” at once the disease left the man, and he was clean. By touching a man
suffering from dreaded skin disease Jesus had just made himself ritually unclean according to
the Jewish Law.
- Jesus then sent the man with three orders: not to tell anyone about the miracle, to go and
present himself to the priest for examination since it was the priest who would certify a person
clean and allow him back into the society and temple and to offer the sacrifice according to the
Law of Moses.
- In spite of the stern order not to spread the news about it, the man filled with joy could not
follow the order. He began to spread the news everywhere. Consequently, Jesus’ popularity
kept growing.
What was the man suffering from?
a. Dreaded skin disease
What did the man do when he came to Jesus?
a. He knelt down
b. He begged Jesus to make him clean
Why did the man ask to be made clean?
a. Because the Jews believed that whoever was suffering from dreaded skin disease was unclean.
What did Jesus do and what did He say to the leper?
- He stretched out his hand and touched the man
- He said “I do want to, Be clean!”
How did Jesus react to the man’s request?
a. He was filled with pity
b. He stretched out his hand and touched the man
c. He commanded the man to be made clean
Describe how Jesus healed the man with dreaded skin disease
- Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him
- He then said “I do want to” and commanded the man to “be clean”
- At once the disease left the man.
How did Jesus himself become ‘unclean’?
a. By touching the man suffering from dreaded skin disease.
Mention orders or instructions Jesus gave the man after healing him
a. Not to tell anyone about the miracle
b. To go and present himself to the priest for examination
c. To offer the sacrifice that Moses ordered.
What did the man do after being healed?
a. He spread the news everywhere.
What impact did the man’s behaviour have on Jesus ministry?
a. Jesus’ popularity kept growing so much so that Jesus could not go into a town publicly.
b. Jesus stayed out in lonely places, and people came to him from everywhere.
Why did Jesus order the man not to tell anyone?
a. It was not yet time for him to be proclaimed as the Messiah.
 14

Why did Jesus order the man to go to the priest for examination?
a. The priest was the one to certify a person clean
b. The priest was the one to allow the man healed from the dreaded skin disease back into the
society and temple.
After this incident why was it impossible for Jesus to enter a town?
a. Because the man spread the news everywhere making Jesus become popular.
Compare what the man suffering from dreaded skin disease said in begging Jesus with the
teaching about prayer by Jesus Christ
a. In the prayer, there is a clause: ‘May your Kingdom come!’ which is similar to ‘if you want to’
as said by the man.

NOTE
- The Jews believed that people suffering from a dreaded skin disease were unclean.
- The one suffering from this disease was not allowed to touch them or even be near them. Such
people were not permitted to stay with the relatives in their village.
- A person could find himself cured and could go to the priest to have the skin examined. The
priest could then declare the person “clean”, so that he was allowed to join again family and
village.

HEALING OF THE PARALYSED MAN (Mark 2: 1 – 12)

Narrate how Jesus healed the paralysed man
- From Galilee, Jesus went back to Capernaum where he spent most of His time. Many people
heard that he was back and they flocked to him in so large numbers that they filled the room
completely.
- Some men brought a paralytic but could not get him through to Jesus because of the crowd. So
they lowered him from the hole they made in the roof.
- Jesus saw their faith and said “my son your sins are forgiven”. Jesus forgave the man because
he knew that sin is the basis of all suffering. This angered the Teachers of the Law who were
present. They accused Jesus of blasphemy! This was because God is the only one who can
forgive sins. Anyone who claims to be God, insults God or acts like God, commits blasphemy.
They began to question Jesus’ authority since they did not know that Jesus was God.
- Jesus showed them that He had authority on earth to forgive sins. Since they could not see the
forgiveness granted to the man, He showed them what they could see. He ordered the man to
get up, pick up his mat and go home. While they all watched, the got up, picked up his mat,
and hurried away. Thus, the man was healed there and then. They were all completely amazed
and praised God saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
How did the paralysed man come to Jesus?
a. He was carried by four men who lay him down through an opening made on the roof.
Why could the four men make an opening on the roof?
a. They could not get the man to Jesus because of the crowd.
Describe how the four men brought the paralysed man to Jesus
- They made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was
- They let the man down, lying on his mat.
Why did Jesus heal the paralysed man?
a. Because of the faith of the four men who carried him
b. To prove that he had authority on earth to forgive sins
Why did Jesus admire the faith of the four men who carried the paralysed man?
a. It was the four men’s decision to let the paralysed man enter the house through the opening so
as to get healed by Jesus.
 15

How did Jesus heal the paralysed man?

- He said your sins are forgiven.
- Later on he ordered the man to get up, pick up his mat and go home.
What was the reaction of the teachers of the Law?
a. They were angered and accused Jesus of blasphemy.
What made the Teachers of the Law angry?
a. Jesus forgave sins
Why did the teachers of the law react like that?
a. According to them God is the only one who can forgive sins, Jesus is not God.
b. They did not know that Jesus is God.
What was Jesus’ response to the reaction of the teachers of the Law?
- Why do you think of such things?
- Is it easier to say to this paralysed, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick your mat,
and walk’?
- I will prove to you, then, that the son of man has authority by ordering the paralysed man to
‘get up, pick up your mat, and go home!’
Describe the reaction of ordinary people to this miracle
a. They were all completely amazed
b. The praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Why did Jesus want to show his power of curing?
a. To prove that he had authority on earth to forgive sins since the teachers of the Law said that
only God has the power to forgive sins.
How did Jesus prove that he had authority on earth to forgive sins?
a. By telling the man to get up, pick up his mat, and go home.
Why did Jesus forgive the paralysed man?
a. He knew that sin is the basis of all suffering.

THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING (Mark 2: 18 – 22)

Three occasions when the Jews fasted
a. As an act of thanksgiving, praising and repentance especially on the Day of Atonement
b. For purification or asceticism
c. As an expression of sadness
d. As a way of preparation for prayers
The question some people asked Jesus about fasting
- Why is it that the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your
disciples do not?
What made the people ask such a question to Jesus?
a. It was because the followers of John the Baptist and the Pharisees were fasting.
Jesus’ response when He was blamed that his disciples did not fast
- Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to go without food?
- Of course not!
- As long as the bridegroom is with them, they will not do that.
- But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will
fast.
Meaning of Jesus’ response
- As long as the disciples are with Jesus, they cannot fast.
- They will fast when Jesus is no longer with them physically.
 16

Two Parables Jesus used to explain his point

a. No one uses a piece of new cloth to patch up an old coat, because the new patch will shrink
and tear off some of the old cloth, making an even bigger hole.
b. Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins because the wine will burst the skins,
and both the new wine and the skins will be ruined. Instead new wine must be poured into
fresh wineskins.

THE QUESTION ABOUT THE SABBATH (Mark 2: 23 – 27)

Jewish Law of the Sabbath
a. No work was supposed to be done on the Sabbath since it was the day of rest, so as to honour
God.
Describe what the disciples of Jesus did on this particular Sabbath
- As the disciples of Jesus walked along the cornfields on the Sabbath, they began to pick the
ears of corn.
Reaction of the Pharisees to this action of Jesus’ disciples
a. They told Jesus that it was against the Jewish Law for Jesus’ disciples to pick ears of corn on
the Sabbath.
Reason why the Pharisees reacted like that
a. No work was allowed to be done on the Sabbath; and picking the corn was a form of work.
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees
- Have you never read what David did that time when he needed something to eat?
- He and his men were hungry, so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to
God.
- According to the Jewish Law only the priest was allowed to eat that bread, but David ate it
and even gave it to his men
Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath
- The Sabbath was made for the good of human beings; human beings were not made for the
Sabbath.
- The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath
Meaning of Jesus’ response
a. The Sabbath should not prevent one from doing something that is not evil.
Who was the priest when David ate the bread offered to God?
a. Abiathar
What was the Law about the bread offered to God?
a. Only the priest may eat the bread offered to God

TEACHING ABOUT PRAYER (Matthew 6: 5 – 15)

- Prayer is an instrument that is used to communicate with God, spending time with God
alone or with others.
- Praying means communicating with God.
Jesus’ advice on how to pray
a. One should go to his room, close the door, and pray to the Father who is unseen
b. Do not use a lot of meaningless words since God the Father already knows what we need before
we ask him
Jesus’ advice on forgiveness
a. If you forgive others the wrongs they have do to you, your father in heaven will also forgive
you
b. If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done
 17

Key Points or Aspects or Characteristics of Prayer

a. Adoration or glorifying God – a prayer must respect and admire God because He is worth of
worshipping. For example: “I praise you God because of your holy name”.
b. Thanksgiving – a prayer is used to thank God for His free gifts He provides us. For Example:
God gave us life, we did not pay for it”.
c. Intercession – a prayer should have an aspect of intervention, offering mediation services
between the sinner and God. – A prayer should act as an arbitrator who could remind a person
to act according to the will of God.
d. Confession or asking for forgiveness – a prayer must acknowledge that the one who is
praying is a sinner and he or she must show willingness to be admitted into the righteous
community. For example: “Father I know that I am sinner, but give me one more time”.
e. Supplication – we pray to ask God to provide us what we need, hence an aspect of request and
appeal should be seen in a prayer. For example: “God may You give me wisdom”.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven:
may your holy name be honoured;
may your Kingdom come;
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need
Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.
Do not bring us to hard testing,
but keep us safe from the Evil One
Analysis of the Lord’s Prayer
c. Adoration or glorifying God – Our Father in heaven, may your name be holy
d. Asking for the will of God – May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
e. Supplications or Request for provisions – Give us this day our daily bread.
f. Confession or Forgiveness of sins – Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive the
wrongs that others have done to us
g. Protection from Temptation – do not bring us to the hard testing, but keep us safe from the
evil one
Why do people pray today?
a. For Thanksgiving – people pray to thank God because He is good all the time. God loves
His people so much and His love is eternal hence there is need to thank God.
b. For guidance – people pray to ask God to guide them in their day to day undertakings.
For example, when a congregation wants to choose leaders, they pray for guidance to choose
good leaders.
c. For wisdom – people pray to ask for wisdom. Leaders can pray to ask God to help them to
govern people with kindness and wisdom.
d. For protection – people pray to God for protection on their journey or from any harm.
e. For adoration – people pray to praise God since He is worth to be praised.
f. For worship – God created every human being to worship Him. Just like Birds and other
animals do worship God, people too must worship their creator.
 18

HEALING A MAN WITH A PARALYSED HAND (Mark 3: 1 – 6)

Narrate how Jesus healed a man with the paralysed hand
- In the Jewish Law, Sabbath was the Holy day for the Jews. On this day, no one was allowed to
do any work. It was both a day of resting as well as a day of prayer.
- On this particular Sabbath, Jesus as a true Jew went to the synagogue where there was a man
who had a paralysed hand. Some people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing
wrong; so they watched him closely to see whether he would heal the man on the Sabbath.
- Jesus called the man in front and asked the people, “What does our Law allow us to do on the
Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save someone’s life or to destroy it?” The people never
answered anything and this angered Jesus. And Jesus told the man to stretch out his hand. The
man stretched it out, and it became well again. So the Pharisees left the synagogue and met at
once with some members of Herod’s party, and they made plans to kill Jesus.
What is the synagogue?
a. A house of prayer for the Jews living far from the Temple.
Why did some people watch Jesus in the synagogue on this day?
a. To see whether Jesus would heal the man on the Sabbath so as to accuse Him of doing wrong.
What did Jesus do when he saw the man with a paralysed hand in the synagogue?
- He ordered the man to come up to the front
- He asked the people if the Law allowed them to help or harm, to save someone’s life or destroy
it on the Sabbath.
Why did Jesus ask that question to the people?
a. Because he noted that there were the Pharisees who emphasized that no work should be done
on the Sabbath even if the work was to help somebody.
Response of the people to Jesus’ question
a. They did not say a thing
Jesus’ reactions to the people’s response?
a. He got angry
b. He felt sorry for the people because they were so stubborn, and wrong.
c. He ordered the man to stretch his hand thereby healing him.
Why was Jesus angry on this occasion?
a. He noted that people were so stubborn and wrong in that they valued obeying the Sabbath rule
more than helping others who were in need.
Describe how Jesus healed the man
- He ordered the man to stretch out his hand
- The man stretched out his hand and it became well again
Reactions of the Pharisees
a. They left the synagogue and met with some members of Herod’s party to make plans to kill
Jesus.
How did the Pharisees understand the Sabbath?
a. The Sabbath is above human beings therefore it must control them by not allowing them to do
any work on this day.
How did Jesus understand the Sabbath?
a. The Sabbath was made for man as such man is the master of the Sabbath.
On what two occasions did Jesus break the Jewish Law
a. When he touched the man suffering from dreaded skin disease yet the Jewish Law stated that
no one should touch them for they are unclean.
b. When he healed a man on the Sabbath yet the Jewish Law forbids any work on the Sabbath
including healing.
 19

JESUS CHOOSES THE TWELVE APOSTLES (Mark 3: 13 – 19)

Describe how Jesus chose the twelve apostles
- Jesus went up the hill and called to Himself the men he wanted. They came to him, and he
chose twelve, whom he named apostles. “I have chosen you to be with me,” he told them. “I
will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons.”
- So these are the twelve he chose: Simon the brother of Andrew whom He gave the name
Peter, Andrew the brother of Simon, James and John the two sons of Zebedee whom Jesus
nicknamed Boarneges – ‘men of thunder’. Others were Philip, Matthew, Thomas, James
the son of Alphaeus, Bartholomew, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the
one who betrayed Jesus.
- The number twelve of the apostles represented the twelve tribes of Israel, meaning that they
were to lay the foundation of the new Israel or a new people of God.
Who is an apostle?
a. A man sent out by Jesus as his ambassador with particular authority
Explain the difference between a disciple and an apostle
a. A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ while an apostle is somebody sent by Jesus as His
ambassador with particular authority
b. Disciples included both men and women while apostles were men only
Names of the 12 apostle
1. Simon whom Jesus named Peter (The Rock)
2. Andrew, the brother of Simon
3. James
4. John, the brother of James
5. Philip
6. Matthew
7. Thomas
8. James, the Son of Alpheus
9. Bartholomew
10. Thaddeus
11. Simon, the Zealot or Patriot
12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus

NOTE
 James and John, the sons of Zebedee were nicknamed Boarneges which means men of
thunder
Why did Jesus choose the twelve apostles?
a. To be with him
b. To send them out to preach
c. To give them authority to drive out demons
d. To continue Jesus’ universal mission of salvation after his ascension
e. To lay a foundation for His Church
Write three things you know about Simon whom Jesus named Peter?
a. He was a fisherman before being called to become the disciple of Jesus
b. His mother-in-law was among the people healed by Jesus
c. He denied Jesus Christ at the High Priest’s house when Jesus was arrested
d. He became a leader among the apostles after the ascension of Jesus
What did Jesus do before choosing the apostles?
a. He prayed asking for God’s guidance
 20

Why did Jesus go to the hill before choosing His apostles?

a. To pray, asking for God’s guidance as he would be choosing the apostles.
Who among the apostle were brothers?
a. Simon and Andrew
b. James and John
Who was the father of James and John?
a. Zebedee
Mention the two apostles who were nicknamed “Boarneges”
a. James
b. John
What does the word “Boarneges” mean?
a. Men of thunder
What new name did Jesus give to Simon?
a. Peter
What is the meaning of the new name of Simon?
a. Rock

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (Mark 4: 1 – 9)

Narrate the parable of the sower
- There was once a man who went out to sow corn. As he scattered the seeds in the field, some
of it fell along the path and the birds of the air ate it up. Some of it fell on rocky ground and
where there was little soil. The seeds soon sprouted because the soil wasn’t deep. Then when
the sun came up, it burnt the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough,
the plants soon dried up. Some of the seed fell among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked
the plants, and they didn’t produce any corn.
- But some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants sprouted, grew, and produced corn. Some had
thirty grains, others sixty, and others a hundred.” And Jesus concluded, “Listen, then, if you
have ears!”
Different places where the seeds fell
a. Along the path - birds came and ate the seeds
b. On the rocky ground – they soon sprouted because there was little soil but the plants soon
burnt up
c. Among thorn bushes – they were choked by the thorns and did not produce any corn
d. In good soil – they grew and produced corn: some had thirty grains, others sixty and others a
hundred.
What happened to the seeds that fell:?
1. Along the path?
a. The birds came and ate them
2. On rocky ground?
a. They soon sprouted because the soil was not deep
b. When the sun came up, it burnt the young plants
c. The plants soon dried up because the roots were not deep enough
3. Among the thorn bushes?
a. They were choked by the thorns
b. They did not produce any corn
4. In good soils?
a. The plants sprouted, grew and produced corn
b. Some produced thirty grains, others sixty, and others a hundred
 21

What was the purpose of the parable of the sower?

a. To assure the disciples that in spite of all setbacks, frustrations or disappointments, preaching
of the Gospel would certainly bring in a rich harvest from one quarter.
b. To warn recipients of the Gospel that the quality of their lives will reveal the depth of their
reception of the word of God
What is a parable?
a. An earthly story that teaches something about God.
b. A simple story with a moral or religious message
Why did Jesus use parables in His teachings?
a. To attract people’s attention so that they listen attentively
b. For people to remember the message for a long period of time
c. To avoid debates or discussions
d. He wanted people to think for themselves critically about issues
e. To separate serious seekers of the kingdom of God from the onlookers
f. To conceal His true identity as the Messiah from the Pharisees and teachers of the Law before
His time reached
g. To teach about the nature of God; His universality, His mercy to mankind and about the
Kingdom of God

JESUS EXPLAINS THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER (MEANING) (Mark 4: 13 – 20)

 The sower – Jesus who teaches the people
 The seeds – The word that comes from his mouth to the people who listen to them
 Different places that the seeds fell – the various hearts of the people that receive the word
that Jesus gives them
 The seeds that fell along the path – people who hear the word of God and do not take
care of it. The word is taken by the devil
 Birds – the devil that takes away the word
 The seeds that fell on the rocky ground – the people who hear the word of God and
receive it with joy but when temptations befall them, they cannot remain firm on their faith.
They abandon the word of God
 The seeds that fell on thorny bushes – the people who hear the word of God but cannot
hold onto it because they are distracted by the cares of the world such as the worries about
this life, the love for riches. Their faith never matures as they are led astray by worldly
pleasures
 The seeds that were sown in good soils – the people who hear the message, accept it and
bear fruits. They remain strong in faith and believe in the word of God. Their faith matures
as they live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ

JESUS CALMS THE STORM (Mark 4: 35 – 41)

Narrate how Jesus calmed the storm
- On the evening of one day, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat after teaching people by the
sea. Jesus asked His disciples to cross over to the other side of the sea. While they were crossing
the Sea of Galilee, suddenly a strong wind blew up, and the waves began to spill over into the
boat, so that it was about to fill with water. Meanwhile, Jesus was in the back of the boat
sleeping with his head on a pillow. The disciples woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you
care that we are about to die?”
- Jesus stood up and commanded the wind to be quiet. He also said to the waves to be still. The
wind died down, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus asked His disciples why they were
 22

frightened as people with no faith. However, the disciples were afraid and wondered who Jesus
was that He could command the wind and the sea and they could obey Him.
Describe the disaster the disciples experienced as they were crossing the Lake of Galilee
- A great storm arose and the waves beat the boat.
- The waves began to spill over into the boat almost filling it with water
What was Jesus doing at this time?
a. He was sleeping at the back of the boat
How did the disciples react to the disaster?
a. They were worried and they lost hope
b. They awakened Jesus
c. They asked Jesus whether He cared that they were dying
Why did the disciples lose hope?
a. They had no faith in Jesus since they had not yet understood the true identity of Jesus
Describe briefly how Jesus reacted to the situation
a. He commanded the wind to be quiet
b. He commanded the waves to be still
c. He asked his disciples why they were frightened as people with no faith
Narrate the remark Jesus made to his disciples
- He asked them why they were they were afraid
- He asked them if they still did not have faith
Why did Jesus ask His disciples the questions?
a. They had been with Him for a long time and knew that he had divine power having performed
some healing miracles yet they portrayed lack of faith in Jesus.
How did Jesus calm the storm?
a. He commanded the wind to be quiet
b. He commanded the waves to be still
c. The wind calmed down and there was a great calm
What does this miracle reveal about Jesus?
a. He has power over nature
The uniqueness of this miracle
a. Jesus dealt with nature while in other miracles Jesus was dealing with people by healing them
Meaning of the Storm
 Represented chaos and death which are demonic
Meaning of the Calming the storm
 Jesus demonstrated his authority over demonic elements
 Jesus assures the disciples of His authority over nature
Lesson from this parable
a. Jesus is the master of creation
Mention some disasters which Malawians have been experiencing
a. Earthquakes
b. Floods
What advice can be given to the people who live in areas that experience such disasters?
a. People living in earthquake prone areas should build strong houses
b. People living in flood prone areas should build houses in highlands
 23

JESUS HEALS A MAN WITH EVIL SPIRITS (A GENTILE DEMONIAC) (Mark 5: 1 – 20)
Narrate how Jesus healed a man with evil spirits in Gerasa
- Jesus and His disciples came to the other side of Lake Galilee, in the Gentile territory of Gerasa.
Upon arriving in this area, while he was still far off, a man possessed with evil spirits came out
of the burial caves where he lived. He was very violent and so strong that nobody could keep
him chained because he broke up the chains in his arms and feet.
- While Jesus was far off, the man with evil spirits saw him. He ran and fell on his knees. He
screamed in a loud voice, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with us?”
- Jesus rebuked the evil spirits and commanded them to come out of the man. The man’s name
was Mob, because there were many demons in him.
- The evil spirits kept begging Jesus to send them into a large herd of pigs, which was feeding
on the hillside. Jesus granted them their request. The whole herd rushed down the hill into the
lake where it drowned. When people saw that, they were amazed to see the man sitting next to
Jesus and in his normal senses. But they asked Jesus to leave perhaps for fear of losing more
animals. The healed man requested to go with Jesus but was told to go and show himself to his
family and spread the news about salvation among his people.
From which city was this man?
a. Gerasa
What evidence is there that Gerasa was the home of Gentiles?
a. Keeping of pigs in that the Jews could not keep or eat pigs.
Why was the person’s name called Mob?
a. Because there were many evil spirits in him
Outline the characteristics of the man with evil spirits
a. Living among the tombs
b. Having extraordinary powers
c. Was too strong to be controlled
d. Screaming and cutting himself with stones
e. Wandering among the tombs through the hills
f. Breaking the chains whenever his hands and feet were chained
How could people tell that the man had extraordinary powers?
a. He could break chains if tied
b. He could smash the irons on his feet
Why were the people afraid of the man?
a. He was a very violent man
b. He was so strong that nobody could keep him chained since he broke up the chains in his arms
and the irons in his feet
What did the man do when he saw Jesus?
a. He ran and fell on his knees
b. He shouted: “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? For God’s sake,
I beg you, don’t punish me!
What did the man say when he saw Jesus?
- Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want do you want with me?
- For God’s sake, I beg you, don’t punish me?
Describe how Jesus healed this man
- He commanded the evil spirits to come out of the man
- He let the evil spirits enter the pigs that later on drowned into the Lake of Galilee.
Why did the man beg Jesus not to punish him?
a. Because Jesus was asking the evil spirit to come out of the man
 24

People’s reactions
a. They were amazed to see that the man was healed
b. They requested Jesus to leave their territory after their pigs drowned in the Lake of Galilee
Why did the people request Jesus to leave their region?
a. They were afraid of him destroying more pigs because of the Jewish attitude towards pigs
b. They were afraid of his powers to control such a violent person as ‘Mob’.
Reaction of the man after being healed
a. He requested to go with Jesus
Jesus’ order to the healed man
- To go and show himself to the family
- To go and spread the news of salvation among his people
Why did Jesus order the man go and spread the news?
a. It would not bring confusion to the people since the Gentiles never expected any Messiah at all
b. To show that He had come to save the Gentiles as well and not just the Jews
The identity of Jesus revealed in this miracle
a. He is the Son of God
b. He has powers over evil spirits
Son of the Most High God
a. This means that the evil spirits acknowledge the authority of Jesus.
Explain what happens to the people suffering from strange diseases in your community
a. Sometimes they are stigmatized by others
b. Sometimes they are taken care of until they get treated

THE WOMAN WHO TOUCHED JESUS (Mark 5: 25 – 34)

Narrate the healing of the woman with the flow of blood
- Jesus was requested by Jairus to go to his house because his only daughter, who was 12 years
old had fallen sick. While Jesus was on His way to Jairus’ house, a large crowd followed Him
and pressed against Him. In the crowd, there was a woman who had suffered from bleeding for
twelve years. She believed that only if she could touch the cloak of Jesus, she would be cured
of her bleeding problem.
- The woman touched the cloak of Jesus and her bleeding immediately stopped. Jesus realized
that someone had touched Him in faith as He felt His powers go out of Him. He asked to find
out who had touched Him. The disciples were surprised at the question since the large crowd
was pressing on Him.
- The woman started trembling and threw herself at Jesus’ feet when she saw that Jesus had
noticed her. In her mind, she was guilty of having contaminated fellow Jew by touching Him
since she was ritually unclean. But Jesus commended her for her faith. He told her that her
faith had made her well.
What was the woman suffering from?
a. Severe bleeding
For how long had the woman be ill?
a. For 12 years
Suggest two reasons why the woman decided to touch Jesus’ clothes secretly
a. She was ashamed of her disease
b. She feared that other people could prevent her from meeting Jesus since she was unclean due
to her flow of blood
What happened to her after touching Jesus’ cloak?
a. Her bleeding stopped at once
b. She had the feeling inside herself that she was healed of her trouble
 25

How did Jesus react when his cloak was touched?

a. He asked the crowds about the one who touched his cloak
How did the disciples respond to Jesus’ question?
a. They said it was obvious for Jesus to be touched since they were in a crowd, hence it was not
strange at all.
How did Jesus come to know that somebody had touched His clothes?
a. He felt that the power had gone out of Him
What did the woman do thereafter?
a. She came to Jesus trembling with fear, knelt at His feet and told Him the whole truth
Jesus’s response to what the woman said
- My daughter, your faith has made you well
- Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble
Explain Jesus’ interpretation of what the woman did
a. The woman had strong faith in Jesus, an important thing in God’s Kingdom

JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER (Mark 5: 21 -24, 35 – 43)

Narrate the raising of Jairus’ daughter
- Jesus met one of the Jewish rulers of the synagogue. His name was Jairus. His only daughter,
who was 12 years old had fallen sick and was at the verge of dying. He asked Jesus to go and
lay His hands on her so that she could be healed.
- As Jesus was on His way to Jairus’ house, some messengers came and reported that Jairus’
daughter was dead hence there was no need for Jesus to proceed to Jairus’ house. Jesus told
Jairus not to worry but to believe.
- Jesus went to Jairus’ house with Peter, James and John. By the time Jesus reached Jairus’
place, his daughter was already dead. The experts in the community had examined and certified
her dead. When Jesus assured them that she was only sleeping, they laughed at Him.
- In the presence of His three disciples, and her parents, Jesus raised her from dead. He
commanded the little girl to get up. The girl immediately got up and began walking around.
- People were astonished. Jesus then gave strict orders that no one should know about it. He then
asked the parents to give her something to eat.
What was Jairus’ function?
a. He was an official of the local synagogue
What problem did Jairus have?
a. His only daughter was sick.
What did Jairus do when he saw Jesus?
a. He threw himself down at His feet
b. He begged Jesus earnestly to go and heal his only daughter who was ill.
Describe what Jairus said to Jesus
- My little daughter is very ill.
- Please come and place your hands on her, so that she will get well and live!
Why did Jairus need Jesus’ encouragement not to lose faith?
a. He had received the message that his daughter had died
What did Jesus tell Jairus when he got the message that his daughter had died?
a. He told Jairus not to be afraid but only believe.
Mention the three disciples who accompanied Jesus to Jairus’ house
a. Simon Peter
b. James
c. John
 26

What did Jesus say when he arrived at the house of Jairus

- Why all this confusion?
- Why are you crying?
- The child is not dead – she is only sleeping
Reaction of the people when Jesus said that the child was sleeping
a. They laughed at Jesus.
Why did the people laugh at Jesus?
a. Jesus had said that the girl was just sleeping yet the experts in the community had examined
and certified her dead
What did Jesus do when he arrived at Jairus’ house?
- He put all people out
- He took the child’s father and mother and His three disciples, and went into the room where
the child was lying
- He took the girl by hand and said to her “Talitha koun” which means “Little girl, I tell you to
get up!”
Describe how Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter
- He took the girl by hand and said to her “Talitha koun” which means “Little girl, I tell you to
get up!”
- The girl got up at once and started walking around.
- He then gave the parents strict orders not to tell anyone
- He told the parents to give her something to eat
What did Jesus say when raising Jairus’ daughter?
- Talitha koun which means little girl, I tell you to get up
What orders did Jesus give Jairus and his wife?
a. Not to tell anyone of the miracle
b. To give the daughter something to eat
Why did Jesus order the parent not to tell anyone?
a. It was a Messianic secret in that He did not want to be mistakenly taken as a political Messiah
the people had been waiting for.
What identity of Jesus is revealed in this miracle?
a. He has power over death
The similarities between the miracles of raising of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched
Jesus
a. Both miracles concern ladies
b. The woman had been ill for twelve years and the girl was 12 years old
c. Faith is the prerequisite in both miracles

JESUS IS REJECTED AT NAZARETH (Mark 6: 1 – 6)

Narrate how Jesus was rejected at Nazareth
- At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught in the Temple, as well as in synagogues. Jesus
went to His home town. He taught in the synagogue at Nazareth on one Sabbath and many
people were astonished. They wondered where He got all that He was teaching them. They
were amazed at the great wisdom He had been given and the deeds of power His hands could
do. They discussed among themselves stating that Jesus was the carpenter, the son of Mary.
They even knew His relatives.
- They then took an offense with Him. Jesus told them that prophets are respected in other places
except in their home areas, among their relatives and in their own houses. Jesus did not perform
any miracles there. He only laid His hands on a few sick people whom He cured. Jesus could
 27

not believe that His own people rejected Him and had no faith in Him and in the word of God.
Jesus was a native of Nazareth. He was rejected in His birth place.
Reactions of the people as Jesus was teaching
a. At first they were amazed and admired Jesus
b. Then they began to doubt Jesus
What did the people say having been amazed with Jesus’ teaching?
- Where did he get all this?
- What wisdom is this that has been given him?
- How does he perform miracles?
- Isn’t he the carpenter, the Son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon?
- Aren’t his sisters living here?
Reasons for admiring Jesus
a. He displayed a special wisdom
b. He had authority to perform miracles
Reasons for doubting Jesus
a. He was one of them, an ordinary person
b. They wanted signs to show that He was from God
Reaction of Jesus to His rejection
a. He told them the proverb that Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own home
town and by their relatives and families
b. He was not able to perform any miracles there except healing a few sick people by placing His
hands on them
c. He was greatly surprised because the people did not have faith
The proverb Jesus applied to the situation
a. Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own home town and by their relatives and
families
Why did Jesus not perform many miracles at Nazareth?
a. The people had no faith
Why was Jesus greatly surprised with the people’s reaction?
a. The people did not have faith

JESUS SENDS OUT THE TWELVE DISCIPLES (Mark 6: 7 – 13)

Why sending them two by two?
a. For mutual support
b. To bear witness to each other
Instructions Jesus gave the twelve disciples
a. Not to take anything with them on their journey except a stick – no bread, no beggar’s bag, no
money in their pockets
b. To wear sandals but not to carry an extra shirt
c. To stay in the house where they would be welcomed until they live that place
d. Where they would not be welcomed, they should leave the place and shake the dust off their
feet as a warning to them
Why did Jesus order the disciples not to carry anything?
a. So that they should not be distracted from the work they had to do
b. To teach them to rely on God who would take care of their needs through other people
What were the disciples ordered to do when they were not welcomed?
a. To leave the place and shake the dust off their feet
What would be the significance of shaking the dust off their feet?
a. As a warning to the people of the punishment to come for rejecting the salvation
 28

Who was responsible for feeding the disciples?

a. The people in the areas they went to preach
Who feeds men of God in our communities?
a. Christians take the responsibility of feeding the men of God
How did these disciples heal the sick people?
a. By rubbing the olive oil on the sick people
Activities the disciples performed
a. Preaching so that people should turn away from their sins
b. Healing the sick by rubbing olive oil on them
c. Driving or casting out demons
What two important items do the Churches use nowadays in healing the people?
a. The Olive oil
b. The holy water
How does the Church use the Olive oil?
a. For anointing the sick people
b. For anointing the people when they receive the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and
Holy Orders in the Catholic Church
How is the holy water or anointed water used today?
a. Healing the sick people
b. Blessing the people
c. Blessing the Church buildings
d. Chasing witches and wizards
What was the message in the preaching of the disciples?
a. People should turn away from their sins
Lessons drawn from this passage
a. Riches can prevent people from preaching the word of God, no wonder Jesus asked his
disciples not to take money with them
b. There is power of the Holy Spirit in the Holy olive oil as well as Holy water people are using
c. Do not misuse anointing oil or holy water by using it as a form of charm
d. Preaching the gospel is team work, no wonder Jesus sent his disciples two by two

THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (MARK 6: 17 – 29)

Narrate the death of John the Baptist
- King Herod ordered John’s arrest and put him in prison. He did this because of Herodias,
whom he had married, even though she was the wife of his brother Philip. John the Baptist
Criticised King Herod’s marriage with Herodias since she was his brother’s wife. Herodias
held a grudge against John the Baptist and wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t because of
Herod. Herod was afraid of John because he knew that John was a good and holy man. As
such he kept him in prison. Herod liked to listen to John though he became greatly disturbed
every time he heard him.
- On the feast of King Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced so pleasingly to
Herod that Herod vowed to give her anything she might have asked from him. When the girl
asked her mother what to ask for, Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on
a dish. This made King Herod sad but could not refuse her because of the vows he had made
in front of all his guests. So Herod ordered the guard to bring John’s head hence John the
Baptist was beheaded. When the disciples of John heard about this, they came and took away
his body, and buried it.
 29

Why was John the Baptist arrested?

a. John criticised Herod’s marriage with Herodias, the wife of his brother Phillip.
Why wouldn’t Herodias have John killed?
a. She could not kill John because of Herod who knew that John was a good and holy man.
What did Herod do to John?
a. He kept John safe in prison.
Why wouldn’t Herod kill John?
a. He knew that John was a good and holy man.
b. He liked listening to John even though he became greatly disturbed every time he heard him.
Describe the circumstances that led to John’s death
- On the feast of King Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased the king
and all his guests.
- Herod then vowed to give her anything the daughter of Herodias would ask for.
- Upon consulting her mother, the daughter demanded to have the head of John the Baptist on
a dish.
- This troubled Herod very much, however, he had no choice but to fulfil the vow he had made
and ordered the head of John to be brought on a dish. Hence John was beheaded.
What did John’s disciples do when they heard about the death of John the Baptist?
a. They came and took away John’s body, and buried it.

JESUS FEEDS A GREAT CROWD (Mark 6: 30 – 44)

Narrate the feeding of the five thousand
- The disciples came back from their mission with a lot of experiences that they wanted to share
with Jesus and among themselves. As they began to tell each other, people who were going to
and from them were interrupting them. Jesus told them to get into the boat and leave to some
lonely place so that they could rest. People, however, saw them leave and began to follow them
on land. They ran and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and His disciples. Upon arrival at the
place, they were so surprised to see many people waiting for them. Jesus was filled with pity
because they were like sheep with no shepherd. He began to teach them many things.
- When it was getting late, the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away so that they could
find food in the surrounding villages. Jesus told them that it was their responsibility to find the
food for the people. The disciples told Jesus that they could not afford to buy bread for everyone
who was there. The disciples had only five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus then told His
disciples to make the people sit in groups of fifty and hundred. Then Jesus took the five loaves
and the two fish, looked up to heaven and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave
them to His disciples to distribute to the people. All the 5000 people ate and the twelve baskets
of leftovers were collected full of bread and fish.
Why did Jesus and his disciples decide to go off by themselves to some lonely place?
a. So that the disciples could rest for a while
b. There were so many people coming and going where the disciples were reporting to Jesus their
experiences from their mission
How did they go to that place?
a. By boat
Explain the disappointment the disciples felt when they arrived
- They found that the people had arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples
How did Jesus react to their unforeseen situation?
a. He felt pity for the people
b. He began teaching the people
 30

Why did Jesus feel pity for the people?

a. Because they were like sheep without a shepherd
What request did the disciples make to Jesus when it was getting late?
a. To send the people away so that they can buy food to eat.
What did the disciples say to Jesus when it was getting late?
- It is already very late, and this is a lonely place
- Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy
themselves something to eat.
What was Jesus’ response to what the disciples had said?
- He told the disciples to give the people something to eat
How did the disciples react to Jesus’ words?
- They wondered if Jesus wanted them to go and spend two hundred silver coins on bread in
order to feed the people
How much food did the disciples have at that time?
a. Five loaves of bread
b. Two fish
Describe how Jesus multiplied the food
- Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish and prayed to God.
- Then He broke the bread and asked His disciples to distribute to the 5000 people who by then
were in groups of 50 and 100
- Everybody ate and the food was sufficient to the extent that there were12 baskets of leftovers
What was done after the meal?
a. The disciples took up 12 baskets full of what was left of the bread and the fish
NOTE:
 The number 12 refers to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles.
Significance of this miracle
a. It is demonstrating God’s care and love for the people
What lessons can Christians learn from this miracle?
a. Sharing is important in that it is satisfying
b. Prayer is important in that through prayer Jesus multiplied the food
c. If one is stranded, pray earnestly and God will help you

JESUS WALKS ON WATER (Mark 6: 45 – 52)

Narrate how Jesus walked on water
- Jesus made His disciples get into a boat to go ahead of Him to Bethsaida while he sent away
the crowd he had been teaching. As usual, after a busy day, Jesus would retreat to a lonely
place away from the people to pray. When evening came, the boat was still in the middle of
the lake and the disciples were straining at the oars because they were rowing against the wind.
- Some time, between three and six o’clock in the morning, he came to the disciples walking on
water. He was to pass them by, but they saw Him walking on the water. The disciples thought
it was a ghost, they were terrified. Jesus immediately spoke to them. He asked them to be
courageous and not to be afraid, for he was the one, Jesus. He then entered the boat and the
winds stopped. The disciples were completely amazed because they had not yet understood
how Jesus had fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Why did Jesus go to a hill?
a. To pray
Why were the disciples straining at the oars?
a. Because they were rowing against the wind
 31

How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus walking on water?
a. They thought it was a ghost
b. They were all terrified
Narrate Jesus response to the disciples’ reaction
- Courage! It is I
- Don’t be afraid
What happened when Jesus got into the boat?
a. The wind died down
Reaction of the disciples to the wind’s dying down
a. They were completely amazed
Why did the disciples react like that?
a. They had not understood the real meaning of the feeding of the 5,000
b. Their minds could not grasp it
Similarities between the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water Miracles
a. In both miracles, Jesus was dealing with nature
Mention miracles which deal with Jesus’ power over nature
a. Calming the storm
b. The feeding of the Five thousand
c. Jesus walking on water

A WOMAN’S FAITH (Mark 7: 24 – 30)

Narrate the conversation between Jesus and a Gentile woman
- When Jesus went to the region of Tyre, he entered a house where He did not want to be noticed.
A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit heard of Jesus and she came to beg Jesus to take
out the evil spirit. The woman was not a Jew, she was a Gentile.
- Jesus talked to the woman in a parable that it is not right to take the children’s food and throw
it to the dogs. The woman understood and answered that even dogs under the table ate the
children’s leftovers. Jesus then told her that He had cured her daughter. She went home and
found her daughter lying on the bed with the demon gone.
Why did the woman from approach Jesus in the city of Tyre?
a. She wanted to beg Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
Who was sick?
a. The woman’s daughter
What was she suffering from?
a. She had an evil spirit
Narrate Jesus’ response to the woman’s request
- Let us first feed the children
- It is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs
Children
 Israelites
Dogs
 Gentiles
Meaning of Jesus’ response
- Salvation is for the Jews first and then later on for the Gentiles
The woman’s response to Jesus words
- Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s leftovers!
Meaning of the woman’s response
a. Even Gentiles can have a share of the salvation for the Israelites.
 32

Jesus’ reaction to the woman’s response

- Because of that answer, go back home where you will find that the demon has gone out of your
daughter
What persuaded Jesus to cure the patient?
a. The faith of the gentile woman
Lessons from this story
a. Ask and it shall be given
b. Salvation is for everybody though the Jews got it first then the Gentiles later on
c. Faith is needed for one to be healed
d. People should not give up even if the first attempt fails (perseverance)

JESUS HEALS THE BLIND MAN AT BETHSAIDA (Mark 8: 22 – 26)

- One day, when Jesus went to Bethsaida, some people brought a bind man to Him and begged
Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand led him out of the village.
- Jesus then put saliva on the man’s eyes and laid His hands on him. Jesus then asked the man
whether he could see. The man said he could see people but they looked like trees walking.
Jesus laid His hands on the man again and this time his eye-sight returned. He could see clearly.
The man was happy and Jesus sent him away to his home. He asked the man not to go into the
village.
What miracle did Jesus perform in Bethsaida?
a. Healing the blind man
Why did Jesus take the blind man outside the village?
a. He did not want the news of the miracle to be spread in the village.
Describe how Jesus healed the blind man
- He took the blind man aside and spat saliva on the man’s eyes
- He placed His hand on the man
Jesus’ order to the man
a. Not to go back to the village
Reason for that order
a. To prevent the healing news from spreading.
What is strange about this miracle?
a. Jesus spat on the man’s eyes, symbolizing the use of saliva as medicine.
b. The cure was a gradual one: he first saw people as if they were trees and finally saw everything
clearly.

PETER’S DECLARATION ABOUT JESUS (Mark 8: 27 – 30)

Narrate Peter’s declaration about Jesus
- Jesus and His disciples went away to the village of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, Jesus asked
them, “Who do people say I am?” The disciples told Him that some considered Him to be John
the Baptist and others said He was Elijah, while others said he was one of the prophets.
- Then Jesus put a decisive question, “Who do you say I am?” Peter’s answer speaking for all
the apostles is a declaration of his faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus ordered them to tell no
one. He knew that this fact would cause greater misunderstanding as many Jews had wrong
views about the Messiah. They would proclaim him their king.
What question did Jesus put to His disciples near Caesarea Philippi?
a. “Who do people say I am?”
Who did people say Jesus was?
a. Elijah
b. John the Baptist
 33

c. One of the prophets

What second question did Jesus give His disciples?
a. “Who do you say I am?”
Who answered the second question?
a. Simon Peter
What was the response to the second question?
- “You are the Messiah”
Jesus order to the disciples
a. Not to tell anybody about Jesus’ identity.
Jewish expectations of the Messiah
- He would be powerful
- He would become ruler of the whole world
- He would make the Jews become important in society
What did Jesus speak about soon after this?
a. He spoke about his suffering and death

JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH (Mark 8: 31 – 9: 1)

Describe what Jesus said about his suffering and death
- 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 rise to death.
Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ words
- Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked Him
Jesus’ response to Peter’s reaction
- He rebuked Peter by saying: “Get away Satan”
- Your thoughts don’t come from God but from human nature
What did Jesus teach about discipleship on this day?
- If anyone wants to come with Jesus, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow Jesus.
- For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for Jesus and for the
gospel will save it.
- If a person is ashamed of Jesus and of Jesus’ teaching in this world, then the Son of Man will
be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.
The expression The Son of man was used to refer to:
a. Jesus
What declaration did Jesus make at the end?
a. He said that there were some who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God.

THE TRANSFIFURATION (Mark 9: 2 – 13)

Narrate the transfiguration of Jesus
- Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him to a high mountain. They were all alone. While
there, a change came over Jesus. His clothes became shining white – whiter than anyone in the
world could wash them. Then there appeared before Him and His disciples Elijah and Moses.
Surprisingly, the two were talking with Jesus. Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Teacher, how
good it is that we are here! We will make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for
Elijah.” Suddenly the cloud appeared and covered them with a shadow. A voice came from the
cloud saying, “This is my own dear Son – listen to Him”. When the disciples looked around,
they could not see anyone with them except Jesus.
 34

- As they went down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen
until He was risen from the dead. The disciples kept the matter to themselves. They also
discussed and wondered what rising from the dead meant.
What happened six days before the transfiguration?
a. Jesus had told the disciples that the Son of Man will 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 rise to death.
Whom did Jesus take with Him up a mountain?
a. Peter
b. James
c. John
Who appeared to them?
a. Moses
b. Elijah
What role these two men play in the story
a. They were seen talking with Jesus
b. Moses and Elijah reassured Jesus of His mission of death for the salvation of mankind
Explain the meaning of the appearance of Moses and Elijah
a. Jesus fulfils the Old Testament Law and Prophecy
b. Jesus will share the suffering of all prophets in the Old Testament
c. Elijah’s appearance confirmed that Jesus is the Messiah
Describe what happened during the transfiguration
a. Jesus’ clothes looked very shiningly white
b. Moses and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus
c. The Cloud appeared and covered them with its shadow
d. A voice came from the Cloud saying: “This is my own dear Son – listen to Him”
Describe Peter’s reaction
a. He said how good it was that they were there
b. He suggested building three tents: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah
How did the disciples react to the event?
a. They were so frightened that Peter did not know what to say
b. Peter said how good it was that they were there
c. Peter suggested building three tents: one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah
What did Peter say on this occasion?
- Teacher how good it is that we are here
- We will make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
Significance of the presence of Moses and Elijah
a. Moses represented the law while Elijah represented the prophets that were being fulfilled by
Jesus
Narrate the voice that came from the cloud
- This is my own dear Son
- Listen to Him
What did the cloud represent in the event?
a. God
What did the disciples do upon hearing the voice?
a. They took a quick look round but did not see anyone else; only Jesus was with them
What order did Jesus give the three disciples?
a. Not to tell anyone until the Son of Man has risen from death
 35

What did the three disciples do as they were coming from the mountain?
a. They started discussing the matter: “what does ‘rising from death’ mean?”
b. They asked Jesus why the Teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first
What question did the disciples put to Jesus as they were coming down from the mountain?
a. Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question
- Elijah is indeed coming first in order to get everything ready.
- Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man will suffer much and be rejected?
- Elijah has already come and that people treated him just as they pleased, as the Scriptures say
about Him.
Who did Jesus refer to when he said that Elijah has already come?
a. John the Baptist
Similarity between transfiguration and baptism of Jesus
a. The voice heard on transfiguration are similar to the one heard during the baptism of Jesus
Importance or significance of the transfiguration
a. It gave Jesus encouragement and assurance that His coming suffering was in accordance with
God’s will
b. Moses and Elijah reassured Jesus of His mission of death for the salvation of mankind
c. Moses and Elijah represented the Law and Prophets that were being fulfilled by Jesus Christ
d. It confirmed that indeed Jesus was the Son of God as the voice was heard from the cloud saying
that Jesus was the dear Son of God and people should listen to Him
e. The change that came over the body of Jesus confirmed that Jesus was Holy and was glorified
f. The appearance of Moses and Elijah who had died long time ago proved that there was life
after death, giving Christians hope of eternal life
g. The three disciples who witnessed the transfiguration strengthened their faith in God, in Jesus
and in life after death
h. It proved that God was with Jesus in everything He just did as He was with Moses during the
Israelites’ redemption from Egypt
i. It acted as the confirmation of Peter’s acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah at Caesarea
Philippi
j. The voice heard from the cloud connects the transfiguration with the voice heard at baptism of
Jesus at Jordan River

JESUS HEALS A BOY WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT (Mark 9: 14 – 29)

Narrate how Jesus healed a boy with an evil spirit
- Jesus was coming from the mountain where he got transfigured. He found his other disciples
arguing with some teachers of the Law. When Jesus asked what they were arguing about, a
man in the crowd answered that he had brought his son to Him since His disciples could not
drive out the evil spirit. The man explained that whenever the spirit attacked the boy, it threw
the boy to the ground, and he formed at the mouth, grit his teeth, and became stiff all over.
This had been happening ever since the boy was a child. Jesus wondered how unbelieving the
people were. He then asked that the boy be given to him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus it
threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled round, foaming at the mouth.
- The man then requested Jesus to help them if he could. Jesus responded by saying he could
but only if the man had faith. The man confessed that he had some faith but not enough. Jesus
then ordered the deaf and dumb spirit to come out of the boy and never go into him again.
The spirit screamed and threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a
corpse, and everyone said that he was dead. But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped
 36

him to rise, and he stood up. When the disciples asked Jesus as to why they couldn’t drive the
spirit out, Jesus said that only prayer could drive that kind of spirit out, nothing else.
Reasons why the disciples argued with the Teachers of the Law
a. Jesus’ disciples could not drive the spirit out of the boy.
b. The boy’s father did not have enough faith
Why did the man bring his son to Jesus?
a. The boy had the evil spirit and could not talk.
b. The disciples of Jesus could not drive the spirit out of the boy
Where was Jesus coming from at this time?
a. From the mountain where he got transfigured
Things the evil spirit did to the boy whenever it attacked him
a. It threw the boy to the ground
b. It made the boy foam at the mouth
c. It made the boy grit his teeth
d. It made the boy become stiff all over
What did Jesus say to the people?
- How unbelieving you people are!
- How long must I stay with you?
- How long do I have to put up with you?
- Bring the boy to me!
What did the spirit do as soon as it saw Jesus?
a. It threw the boy into a fit
b. It made the boy fall on the ground and roll round
c. It made the boy foam at the mouth
Describe how the spirit attacked the boy as soon as it saw Jesus
- It threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled round, foaming at the
mouth.
For how long had the boy been attacked by the spirit?
a. Ever since he was a child.
How did the spirit try to kill the boy many times?
a. By throwing him in the fire
b. By throwing him into water
What request did the father of the boy make to Jesus?
a. To have pity on them and help them by healing the boy if Jesus could.
Jesus’ response to the request
- He said He could, If the man himself could
- He said that everything is possible for the person who has faith.
What did the man say in response to Jesus?
a. That he had faith but not enough
b. He asked Jesus to help him to have more faith
How did Jesus heal the boy (How was the son eventually healed)?
a. He commanded the deaf and dumb spirit to come out of the boy and never get into him again.
Describe how Jesus healed the boy (How was the son eventually healed)?
- He commanded the Deaf and Dumb spirit to come out of the boy and never go into him
again.
- The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out.
- The boy looked like a corpse and everyone said “he is dead”
- Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him to rise, and he stood up.
 37

What happened to the boy when the spirit had come out?
a. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said “he is dead”.
b. Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him to rise, and he stood up.
Why did the disciples fail to heal the boy?
a. They lacked prayer (faith).
The disciples’ question to Jesus
a. They asked Jesus why they could not drive the spirit out
What was Jesus’ response when the disciples asked him why they could not drive out the
spirit?
a. He said that only prayer could drive that kind of spirit, nothing else could.

JESUS SPEAKS THE THIRD TIME ABOUT HIS DEATH (Mark 10: 32 – 34)
Where was Jesus going at this time?
a. To Jerusalem
Why do you think the disciples were filled with alarm?
a. They thought it was time for Jesus to establish the earthly kingdom of the Jews.
What bad news did Jesus tell His disciples when they were heading for Jerusalem?
a. He told them that the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of
the Law who will condemn Him to death
What was the good news he told the disciples?
a. That three days later He will rise to life
Describe what Jesus told His twelve disciples about what would happen in Jerusalem
- We are going to Jerusalem where the Son of man will be handed over to the chief priests and
the teachers of the Law
- They will condemn Him to death and then hand Him over to the Gentiles; who will mock Him,
spit on Him, whip Him, and kill Him
- But three days later he will rise to life

THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN (Mark 10: 35 – 45)

Narrate the request of James and John
- James and John who were among the first disciples, went to see Jesus. They then asked Jesus
to do them a favour. They requested that when Jesus sits on His throne in His Glorious
Kingdom, He should let them sit with Him, one at His right and one at His left. Jesus answered
them by asking them whether they were ready to suffer with him or be baptized with the
baptism He had received. They responded by saying that they could do so.
- Jesus then said that indeed they would drink the cup of suffering and be baptized in the way
He would be baptized. He however, said that sitting on His right or left was not for Him to
grant. It is God who will give these places to those for whom he has prepared. When the other
ten disciples heard what James and John were asking, they became angry with them. Jesus then
called them together and taught them what it meant for one to be great. It meant that one had
to be a servant to be the greatest. He told them that He did not come to be served but to serve.
Mention the two disciples whom made a special request to Jesus
a. James
b. John
Describe the request made to Jesus
- To let them sit one on His right hand and the other on His left hand in His glory
 38

Why did James and John make such a request?

a. They thought Jesus would establish a worldly Jewish kingdom so they wanted to be close to
Him as His officials.
Describe Jesus’ response to their request?
- He said that the two disciples did not know what they were asking for
- He asked them whether they were ready to suffer with Him or be baptized with the baptism He
must receive
- When they answered that they would share in Jesus’ suffering, He told them that indeed they
would suffer with Him and receive the baptism He must receive
- He told them that siting on His right or left was not for Him to grant, for the places were kept
by God for those whom they had been prepared for
Describe how the other disciples reacted
- They became angry with James and John
Why did they react like that?
a. They noted selfishness in James and John
b. They wanted James and John to ask for something which was for the group
Describe what Jesus said to all the twelve disciples thereafter
- You know that those who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them, and the
leaders have complete authority. This however, is not the way it is among you.
- If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest
- If one of you wants to be the first, he must be the slave of all
- For even the Son of man did not come to be served; He came to serve and to give His life to
redeem many
What advice did Jesus give the twelve disciples thereafter?
a. If one of them wanted to be great, he must be the servant of the rest
b. If one of them wanted to be the first, he must be the slave of all

THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM (Mark 11: 1 – 11)

Narrate the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem
- During His ministry, Jesus was triumphantly received when on His way to Jerusalem. Before
He reached the city at Bethpage and Bethany, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead. He told
them to go to the village and as they entered it, they would find a colt on which no one had
ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to where He was. If anyone asked them why they
were untying it, they were to tell them that the Master was in need of it and He would send it
back shortly after use.
- The disciples went and found the colt outside tied at the doorway. When some people standing
nearby asked them why they were untying the colt, they answered just as Jesus had told them,
and the bystanders let them go. The disciples brought the colt. People excitedly threw their
cloaks on the colt and Jesus sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road while others
spread branches. They praised God. By doing this, Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy of
Zechariah which states that shout for Joy, you people of Jerusalem; look, your king is coming
to you! He comes triumphant and victorious but humble and riding on a colt.
Why did Jesus spend a night in the nearby village?
a. For the sake of security – He didn’t want the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law to have Him
killed before finishing His mission.
State the instructions Jesus gave to two of His disciples
a. To go to the village ahead of them where they would find a colt that had never been ridden tied
up
b. To untie the colt and bring it to Him
 39

c. If anyone asked them, they should say that the Master needs it and will send it back at once
What did Jesus use when entering Jerusalem?
a. He used a colt
Why did Jesus use a colt?
a. To show that He was not a militant king who would use a horse
b. He was a humble and peaceful servant of the Lord
c. To fulfil the prophecy of Zechariah about the coming of a triumphant king in a humble manner
d. To teach His disciples to be humble and work for peace as He was also a peaceful person
Whose prophecy did Jesus fulfil as He was entering to Jerusalem?
a. That of Prophet Zechariah
Describe the prophecy Jesus fulfilled as He was entering Jerusalem
- Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem
- Look, your king is coming to you!
- He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a colt
How did Jesus fulfil the prophecy of Zechariah?
a. He entered Jerusalem triumphantly
b. He entered Jerusalem humbly by using a colt
c. He rode a colt symbolising humility
What did the people do as Jesus was going to Jerusalem?
a. They threw their cloaks on the animal and Jesus got on.
b. They spread their cloaks on the road
c. They cut branches in the fields and spread them on the road
d. They shouted praises: “God bless Him who comes in the name of the Lord”
Explain why the people behaved like that
a. They thought the time had come for Jesus as the Messiah to defeat the Roman Government
and establish the Jewish Kingdom
Describe the praises the people shouted
- Praise God! God bless Him who comes in the name of the Lord!
- God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise God
Describe the reaction of the Pharisees
a. They were angered by the people’s glorification of Jesus
b. They asked Jesus to command His disciples to be quiet
Explain why the Pharisees reacted like that
a. They were jealous since it was evident that Jesus was more popular than them
b. They were afraid that the Romans could think that it was a Jewish revolt and would use force
to crush it
Narrate Jesus’ response to the Pharisees
- If the people keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting
Explain the significance of this journey
a. Jesus went to Jerusalem to fulfil His mission of saving people by dying on the cross

JESUS GOES TO THE TEMPLE (Mark 11: 15 – 19)

Narrate how Jesus cleansed the Temple
- When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He entered the Temple and drove out those who were buying
and selling in the house of the Lord. He overturned the tables of the money changer and the
benches of those who were selling doves. He would not allow anyone to carry anything through
the temple yard. Then Jesus taught the crowd: “It is written! My Temple will be called a house
of prayers for people of all nations, but you have turned it into a hideout for thieves.
 40

- When the chief priests and the teachers of the law heard about this, they began looking for
ways of killing him. However, they were afraid of Him because the whole crowd was amazed
at Jesus’ teachings.
From which part of the temple did Jesus drive out the traders?
a. The court or part used by the Gentiles
Explain the effects of trade in the Temple on the Gentiles
a. The noise disturbed the Gentiles
b. The dishonesty of some traders in the temple made a very bad impression on the Gentiles
c. The Gentiles were practically prevented from worshipping God
Describe ways in which the Temple was misused
a. People changed their Greek and Roman money with the Jewish currency (Shekel) acceptable
for use in the temple
b. People bought spotless animals for sacrifice
c. It was used as a shortcut when going to the Jewish section of the Temple
How did Jesus cleanse the temple?
a. He drove out all those who were buying and selling
b. He overturned the tables of money changers
c. He would not allow anybody to take anything
What did Jesus forbid?
a. He forbade anyone from carrying anything through the temple courtyard
Why did Jesus drive out the people?
a. They were misusing the temple; instead of using it for prayers, they were using it for trade
What was the justification for Jesus’ actions?
a. He quoted the Scripture in which God said: “My Temple will be called a House of prayer for
the people of all nations (Isaiah 56:7), but you have turned it into a hideout for thieves
(Jeremiah 7:11)
Describe what Jesus taught the people on this day
- God said that my temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all the nations
- But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves
Explain how the temple was turned into a hideout for thieves
a. The sellers overcharged the price of their goods to rob the poor
Describe the reactions of the chief priests and the teachers of the Law
a. They began looking for some way to kill Jesus
Why did the chief priests and the teachers of the Law react like that?
a. Jesus was seen as despising their authority
Explain why the chief priests and the teachers of the Law were afraid of Jesus
a. Because the whole crowd was amazed at Jesus’ teaching

JESUS SPEAKS ABOUT DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE, TROUBLES AND

PERSECUTION (Mark 13: 1 – 23)
What did Jesus say about the destruction of the Temple?
- Not a single stone here will be left in its place
- Every one of them will be thrown down
What question did some disciples give Jesus?
- Tell us when this will be
- Tell us what will happen to show that time has come for all these things to take place
 41

Jesus’ response
- Be on guard and don’t let anyone deceive you
- Many men claiming to speak for me, will come and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will deceive many
people
- Don’t be troubled when you hear the noise of battles close and news of battles far away
Signs for the end of time
a. Countries will fight each other
b. Kingdoms will attack one another
c. Earthquakes
d. Famines
e. Men will hand over their own brothers to be put to death
f. Fathers will hand over their own children to be killed
g. Children will turn against their parents and have them put to death
What will happen to the disciples?
a. They will be arrested and taken to court
b. They will be beaten in the synagogues
c. Everyone will hate the disciples because of Jesus
What reassurance did Jesus give his disciples in case they are dragged to court?
a. The Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak
Why did Jesus say all these things to His disciples?
a. He was preparing them for the worst disaster that would affect their faith
b. They were to stand firm in their faith in the face of all these tribulations

NOTE
 Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem happened when the Roman armies
attacked Jerusalem in 70 AD

THE PLOT AGAINST JESUS (Mark 14: 1 – 2)

Who plotted against Jesus?
a. The chief priests
b. The teachers of the Law
What was the plot?
a. To arrest Jesus secretly and put Him to death
When was this plot made?
a. Two days before the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread
Why should they not arrest Jesus during the festival?
a. The feared that the people might riot
Why would the people riot with the arrest of Jesus?
a. Jesus was loved by so many people mainly the poor due to His teachings

JESUS IS ANOINTED AT BETHANY (Mark 14: 3 – 9)

Narrate how Jesus was anointed at Bethany
- One day, Jesus was having dinner at the home of Simon, a man who had suffered from a
dreaded skin disease. A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of
pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.
- Some of the people who were present, began talking silently that the perfume had been wasted.
It could have been sold and the money would be given to the poor. Jesus rebuked them and
asked them to leave the woman alone for she had done a beautiful thing. He told them a parable
 42

that they would always have the poor with them but they would not have Him with them
always. He told them that the woman had poured the perfume on His body beforehand to
prepare for His burial. He also said that wherever the Gospel would be preached throughout
the world, what the woman had done would also be told in her memory
Where was Jesus anointed?
a. At Bethany, at the House of Simon, a man who had suffered from dreaded skin disease
Who anointed Jesus?
a. A woman
Describe how Jesus was anointed
- A woman came in with alabaster jar full of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard
- She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus’ head
Describe the reactions of the people
a. They became angry
b. They said that the perfume was being wasted in that it could have been sold and the money
given to the poor
c. They criticized the woman harshly
What was Jesus’ response to the people’s reaction?
- He told them the parable that they would always have the poor with them but they would not
have Him with them always
- He told them that the woman had poured the perfume on His body beforehand to prepare for
His burial
- He also said that wherever the Gospel would be preached throughout the world, what the
woman had done would also be told in her memory
Lessons from this story
a. Let us prioritize things which are important to us just as the woman prioritized Jesus
b. Do not accuse people before we understand why they are behaving in a particular way
c. We should offer the best to God and our friends just as the woman offered her expensive
perfume to Jesus

JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS (Mark 14: 10 – 11)

Why did Judas Iscariot go to the chief priests?
a. To betray Jesus to them
What motivated Judas to betray Jesus?
a. He was attracted by money
Suggest reasons why Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus
a. He loved money
b. He was disappointed that Jesus was not driving out Romans as he had expected
c. He wanted to be on the winning side because things seemed turning sour for Jesus
d. He thought Jesus would escape while he had gained the money
e. He was tempted by the devil
Who betrayed Jesus?
a. Judas Iscariot
What lessons can we learn from the story?
a. People should find good ways of earning money
b. Cheating does not pay in that Judas wanted to cheat the chief priests by robbing them money
thinking that Jesus would escape
 43

JESUS EATS THE PASSOVER MEAL WITH HIS DISCIPLES – THE LORD’S SUPPER
(Mark 14: 12 – 26)
Narrate the Lord’s supper (The Last Supper)
- Jesus sent two of His disciples to go into the city. They would find a man carrying a jar of
water. They were to follow the man and find out from him where His guest room was so that
He would have the Passover meal with his disciples there. They would be shown the upper
room and he told them to make preparations there. They then prepared for the Passover.
- In the evening, Jesus arrived with His twelve disciples. While they were at the table eating
he told them that one of them would betray Him. He told them that the Son of Man would
die as it was written, but it would be sad to the man who betrayed Him. While they were
eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave His disciples saying, “Take it, this
is my body”. He then took the cup gave thanks and offered it to them. They all drank from
it. He told them, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many”. They
sang a hymn and went out to Mount Olives.
- After the Lord’s supper, Jesus Christ did not eat anything until His death. That is why it is also
called The Last Supper.
Mention the instructions Jesus gave to two of His disciples
a. Go into the city and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you
b. Follow him to the house he enters
c. Tell Him, the Teacher says where is the room where my disciples and I will eat the Passover
Meal
d. An upstairs room will be offered and get everything ready for the Passover meal
Who took part in the Lord’s Supper?
a. Jesus
b. His twelve disciples (apostles)
What did Jesus say about His death at this time?
- One of the disciples will betray Jesus – one who was eating with Jesus
- The Son of Man will die as the Scripture say He will
- But how terrible for that man who betrays the Son of Man: it would have been better for that
man if he had never born!
Describe what Jesus did during the last supper
- He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave His disciples saying, “Take it, this is my body”.
- Then He took the cup, gave thanks to God and handed it to them saying, “This is my blood
which is poured out for many, my blood which seals God’s covenant. I tell you, I will never
again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine in the Kingdom of God”.
Importance of the Lord’s supper to Christians today
a. It symbolically signified the heavenly feast which Christians will share in the Kingdom of God
b. Christians anticipate the second coming of Jesus Christ when they share in the celebration of
the Lord’s supper
c. It is a spiritual nourishment that brings new life to Christians and renews their faith
d. It reminds Christians of how Christ made Himself the sacrificial lamb due to the love He has
for humankind
e. When Christians share the Lord’s supper, Jesus’ presence becomes real
f. It is an act of thanksgiving as through which Christians receive blessings
g. It is an act of repentance through which Christians receive forgiveness of sins
 44

JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL (Mark 14: 27 – 31)

Narrate Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial
- After the Passover meal, they sang a hymn and went out to Mount of Olives. While there, Jesus
told the disciples that they would leave Him when the enemy struck for it was written in the
Scriptures, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”. He told them that after
He had risen, He would go ahead of them into Galilee.
- Peter then declared that even if all would leave Jesus, he would not. Jesus told him that on that
very night, before the cock crows twice, he would say three times that he did not know Jesus.
Peter strongly insisted that even if it meant he had to die with Jesus, he would not disown Jesus.
The other disciples said the same.

JESUS PRAYS IN GETHSEMANE (Mark 14: 32 – 42)

Mention the three disciples Jesus took when he went to Gethsemane
a. Peter
b. James
c. John
Narrate what Jesus told the three disciples
- The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me
- Stay here and keep watch
What did the disciples do as Jesus went to pray?
a. They were asleep
What was Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane?
- He prayed that if possible, he might not have to go through that time of suffering
- He however surrendered Himself to do the will of His Father
Relate Jesus’ prayer
- Father, all things are possible for you
- Take this cup of suffering away from me
- Yet not what I want, but what you want
What were the three disciples doing as Jesus was praying?
a. They were sleeping
How did Jesus reproach the disciples when He found them sleeping?
a. He condemned them for not being alert
b. He told them to pray so that they would not fall into temptations
What did Jesus say to Peter when He found the three apostles sleeping?
- Simon, are you still asleep
- Weren’t you able to stay awake even for one hour
What did Jesus say to the three disciples when He found them asleep?
- Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation
- The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
What warning did Jesus give the disciples?
a. To keep watch and pray that they would not fall into temptations
What did Jesus say when He found the disciples asleep the third time?
- Are you still sleeping and resting?
- Enough! The hour has come!
- Look! The Son of Man is now being handed over to the power of sinners
- Get up, let us go.
- Look, here is the man who is betraying me!
 45

THE ARREST OF JESUS (Mark 14: 43 – 52)

Narrate the arrest of Jesus
- Jesus went with Peter, James and John to Gethsemane. He told His disciples to sit there while
he prayed. When He returned He found the disciples asleep and went back to pray. When he
came back to them a third time, He found them asleep just as the previous two moments.
- As Jesus was talking to them there came Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples with a
crowd. The crowd had armed itself with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief
priests, teachers of the Law and the elders. Judas then went straight to Jesus and said,
“Teacher!” and kissed Him. Jesus was then seized by the crowd and arrested. One of the
disciples standing near, drew his sword and struck at the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.
Jesus then asked if He was teaching a rebellion that they had come with swords and clubs to
capture Him. He reminded them that He had been with them everyday teaching in the temple
courts, yet they did not arrest Him. Then all the disciples left Him and ran away.
Who ordered the arrest of Jesus?
a. The chief priests
b. The teachers of the Law
c. The elders
Who led the crowd that came to arrest Jesus?
a. Judas Iscariot
What weapons did the crowd carry?
a. Swords and clubs
What sign did Judas Iscariot give the crowd?
a. The man I kiss is the one you want. (a Kiss)
Narrate what Judas Iscariot said as he was giving a signal to the crowd
- The man I kiss is the one you want
- Arrest Him and take him away under guard
What did Judas Iscariot do as soon as he arrived where Jesus was?
a. He went up to Jesus and said, “Teacher!”
b. He kissed Jesus
Describe how Jesus was arrested
- When Judas arrived where Jesus was, he went up to Jesus and said, “Teacher!”
- He then kissed Jesus
- The crowd then arrested Jesus and held Him tight
How did one of the disciples show loyalty to Jesus?
a. He drew his sword and struck the High priest’s slave, cutting off his ear
Describe what Jesus said to the people who came to arrest Him
- He wondered as to why they had to be all that equipped to arrest Him
- He said that He had been preaching in the Temple without being arrested
What did Jesus say on this occasion?
- Did you have to come with swords and clubs to capture me, as though I were an outlaw?
- Day after day I was with you teaching in the Temple, and you did not arrest me
- But the scriptures must come true

JESUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL (Mark 14: 53 – 65)

Narrate Jesus’ trial before the Council
- Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house. All the chief priests, elders and teachers of the Law
came together. Peter, who had promised to be with Jesus followed Him from a distance into
the courtyard of the high priest. The chief priest and the whole council looked for evidence
against Jesus so that they could put Him to death but they could not find any. Many people
 46

testified falsely against Jesus. One person said that Jesus had said that he would destroy the
man-made temple and in three days He would build another one.
- Jesus was then asked by the High Priest if He was going to defend Himself but Jesus remained
silent. The High Priest then asked whether Jesus was the Messiah and Jesus answered that He
is. Jesus went further to say that they would see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the
Mighty One and coming with the clouds in heaven. Upon hearing this, the High priest tore his
robe and said that they needed no other witness as people had heard the blasphemy. When he
asked the people what they thought, they all condemned Jesus to death.
Who followed Jesus closely after the arrest?
a. A certain young man dressed only in a linen cloth.
What happened to the young man who followed Jesus closely?
- The soldiers tried to arrest him
- He ran away naked, leaving the cloth behind.
Where was Jesus taken to after being arrested?
a. To the High Priest’s house where the council was sitting
What was the composition of the council?
- It had 71 members
 The High Priest as the chairman
 Chief priests
 Elders
 The teachers of the Law
Accusations made against Jesus before the council
a. Saying that He would tear down the Temple which men have made and would rebuild it in
three days’ time
b. Declaring that he was the Messiah
Jesus’ response to the accusation of being the Messiah
- He admitted that He is the Messiah
- He said that He would be seen seated on the right hand of the Almighty
- He said that He would be seen coming with the clouds of heaven
Describe the reactions of the High Priest to Jesus’ response
a. He tore his robe
b. He claimed that there was no need for any more witness
c. He asked for the decision of other members of the council
What did the High Priest say in reaction to Jesus’ response?
- We don’t’ need any more witnesses!
- You heard his blasphemy!
- What is your decision?
What was the people’s decision?
a. They all voted against Jesus: He was guilty of blasphemy and should be put to death
Jesus’ crime
a. Blasphemy - since He admitted to be the Messiah
Punishment deserved for that crime
a. Death
What was the decision of the council?
a. Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and should be put to death
Describe how Jesus was treated at the council
a. They began to spit on Jesus
b. They blindfolded Him, hit Him and asked Him to guess who had hit Him
 47

c. The guards slapped Him

d. He was accused falsely and judged to be killed
How did people violate the human rights of Jesus at the council?
a. They began to spit on Jesus
b. They blindfolded Him, hit Him and asked Him to guess who had hit Him
c. The guards slapped Him
d. He was accused falsely and judged to be killed
What title did Jesus use to refer to Himself?
a. The Son of Man

PETER DENIES JESUS (Mark 14: 66 – 72)

Relate how Peter denied Jesus
- Jesus was taken to the high priest’s house. All the chief priests, elders and teachers of the Law
came together. Peter, who had promised to be with Jesus followed Him from a distance into
the courtyard of the high priest.
- Peter was below the courtyard when one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. She
said: “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth”. Peter denied it, saying, “I don’t know or
understand what you are talking about”. He then went out into the passage. Just then the cock
crowed. The servant woman saw him there and said again to those who were standing around,
“He is one of them”. Again, Peter denied. After a little while, the bystanders accused Peter
again, “You can’t deny that you are one of them, because you, too, are from Galilee”. Peter
then began calling curses on himself and swore to them that he did not know the man they were
talking about. Immediately, the cock crowed a second time. Peter then remembered the words
Jesus had spoken to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will say three times that you do
not know me”. He then broke down and wept.
Suggest reasons why Peter denied Jesus
a. He feared to be arrested had he said that he was the disciple of Jesus
b. He did not pray enough in that instead of praying he had slept at the time of temptation
c. He did not have enough confidence in Jesus and His protection
d. He lacked courage because he was not too sure of himself
e. He did not recall Jesus’ saying about persecutions for the sake of Jesus
What did Peter say after the first hint that he was involved in Jesus’ case?
- He said that he did not know what the servant was talking about
- He did not understand what the servant was talking about
What did he do then after this first hint?
a. He went out into the passage
Describe fully Peter’s reaction after the first hint that he was involved in Jesus’ case
- He said that he did not know - understand what the servant was talking about
- He went out into the passage
What did the bystanders say to Peter?
- They said that Peter could not deny that he was one of them (in Jesus’ group), because he, too,
was from Galilee.
What was Peter’s response to what the bystanders said?
- He swore that he was telling the truth!
- He said that may God punish him if he was not!
- He said that he did not know the man they were talking about!
Describe what happened that made Peter break down and cry
- When the cock crowed the second time, Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before
the cock crows twice, you will say three times that you do not know me”
 48

What does Peter’s denial reveal about His character?

a. Peter had little faith no wonder he failed to stand firm
b. Peter was a coward fearing that he too would be arrested and killed

JESUS IS BROUGHT BEFORE PILATE (Mark 15: 1 – 15)

Narrate Jesus’ trial before Pilate (Narrate how Jesus was sentenced to death)
- Jesus was taken to Pilate early in the morning by the Chief Priests, elders, teachers of the Law.
Members of the Council brought Jesus to Pilate so that death penalty should be given since the
Council did not have powers to pass death sentence. Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of
the Jews. Jesus replied that it was as he, Pilate had said. The Chief priests accused Jesus of
many things but He did not defend Himself.
- Customarily, one prisoner was usually released during the period of the Passover. Pilate asked
the crowd whether they had wanted him to release for them The King of the Jews. The Chief
priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. They demanded that Jesus
be crucified. Pilate released Barabbas to them in order to satisfy them. He then had Jesus
flogged and handed Him to be crucified.
Describe briefly how Jesus was sentenced to death
- Jesus was arrested during the Passover celebrations period.
- Customarily, one prisoner was usually released during the period of the Passover. Pilate asked
the crowd whether they had wanted him release for them The King of the Jews. The Chief
priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. They demanded that Jesus
be crucified.
- Pilate released Barabbas to them in order to satisfy them. He then had Jesus flogged and handed
Him to be crucified. Hence Pilate sentenced Jesus to death.
Why was Jesus taken to Pilate?
a. To be sentenced to death for blasphemy since the Council did not have such powers.
The accusation made against Jesus at Pilate
a. Jesus was claiming that He was the King of the Jews
Pilate’s question to Jesus
a. He asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews
Jesus’ response to Pilate
a. “So you say” meaning that it was as Pilate had said that Jesus was the King of the Jews.
Jesus’ response to other accusations made against Him by the Chief Priests before Pilate
a. He never said a word. (He refused to say a word)
Reaction of Pilate to Jesus reaction
a. Pilate was amazed
Mention the person who was released by Pilate on this occasion
a. Barabbas
Describe how Barabbas was released
- Customarily, one prisoner was usually released during the period of the Passover.
- Pilate asked the crowd whether they had wanted him release for them The King of the Jews.
- The Chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. Pilate released
Barabbas.
Why was Barabbas released?
a. It was a custom that one prisoner had to be released by the Romans during the Passover feast.
b. The Chief Priests stirred up the people to demand the release of Barabbas and have Jesus killed.
What did Pilate say when the people asked him the usual favour of releasing one person during
the Passover feast
- Do you want me to set free for you the King of the Jews?
 49

Suggest one reason why Pilate spoke like that?

a. He knew every well that the Chief Priests had handed Jesus over to him because they were
jealous.
According to Pilate why did the chief priests hand Jesus over to him?
a. Because they were jealous
Suggest reasons why Pilate sentenced Jesus to death
a. He was afraid of the riots
b. To please the Jews
c. He had a weak character, easily influenced by the crowd
Describe the behaviour of Pilate on this occasion
a. He was morally bankrupt
Defend your answer to the question about Pilate’s behaviour
a. He knew very well that Jesus did not commit any crime but he did nothing to save the innocent
Jesus.
b. He asked the people to decide what he, Pilate should do with Jesus, the King of the Jews
Explain how human rights were violated when Jesus appeared before Pilate
a. Jesus was accused falsely

THE SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS (Mark 15: 16 – 20)

Describe how the soldiers mocked Jesus
a. Dressed Jesus Christ in purple clothes
b. Put on His head a crown made out of thorny branches
c. Called Him King of the Jews
d. Beat His head with a stick
e. Spat on Him
f. Began to salute Jesus: “Long live the King of the Jews!”
How did the soldiers violate the human rights of Jesus?
a. Put on His head a crown made out of thorny branches
b. Called Him King of the Jews
c. Beat His head with a stick
d. Spat on Him
e. Mocked Jesus

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED (MARK 15: 21 – 32)

Narrate the crucifixion of Jesus
- Once Pilate handed over Jesus to the Jews, the soldiers led Him away into the palace and
mocked Jesus. They then led Him out to crucify Him.
- As Simon of Cyrene was passing by on his way in from the country, they forced him to carry
the cross. Jesus was brought to the place called Golgotha which means the skull. They offered
Him wine mixed with myrrh but he did not take it. They crucified Him and divided up His
clothes, by casting lots. They crucified Jesus at nine o’clock in the morning. They wrote a
notice over Him which said, “Jesus King of the Jews!” Jesus was crucified with two robbers,
one on His right and the other on His left.
- While on the cross, still people who passed by shook their heads and hurled insults at Him:
Aha! You were going to tear down the Temple and build it up again in three days! Now come
down from the cross. In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the Law jeered at
him saying: he saved others, but he cannot save himself! Let us see the Messiah, the king of
Israel come down from the cross now and we will believe in him. And the two who were
crucified with Jesus insulted him also.
 50

Where was Jesus taken to after leaving Pilate’s palace?

a. Golgotha
What does Golgotha mean?
a. Place of the Skull
Why was Jesus taken to Golgotha?
a. To be crucified
Who helped carrying the cross of Jesus?
a. Symon from Cyrene
What role did Symon from Cyrene play in the story of Jesus?
a. He helped carrying Jesus’ cross
What are the names of the sons of Simon of Cyrene?
a. Alexander
b. Rufus
What drink was Jesus given while at Golgotha?
a. Wine mixed with myrrh
Why was Jesus given that drink?
a. It was to dull the sensitivity to the pain of crucifixion.
Why did Jesus refuse to take the drink?
a. During the last supper He had said that he would not drink wine again until in His Father’s
Kingdom.
b. He wanted to bear full pain and suffering in his death
The notice of the accusation against Jesus
a. The King of the Jews
Reactions of people who passed by
a. They shook their heads
b. They hurled insults at Jesus
Describe what the people who passed by said when Jesus was on the cross
- Aha! You were going to tear down the temple and build it up again in three days!
- Now come down from the cross and save yourself.
What did the chief priests and the Teachers of the Law do when Jesus was on the cross?
a. They jeered at Jesus
What did the chief priests and the teachers of the Law say when Jesus was on the cross?
- He saved others, but he cannot save himself
- Let us see the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, and we will believe
in him
Reaction of the two bandits (thieves)
a. They insulted Jesus as well.
People who insulted Jesus when he was on the cross
a. The people who passed by
b. The chief priests
c. The teachers of the Law
d. The two bandits crucified with Jesus

THE DEATH OF JESUS (MARK 15: 33 – 41)

Narrate the death of Jesus
- Jesus was crucified at 9:00 in the morning. At 12:00 noon, the whole country was covered with
darkness. Jesus cried out: Eloi! Eloi! Lema Sabachthani! Which means: My God! My God!
Why did you abandon me? People thought Jesus was calling Elijah. One man ran and filled a
sponge with wine and vinegar, put it on a stick and offered it to Jesus to drink. The other men
 51

ordered him to leave Jesus alone so that they would see if Elijah would come to remove Jesus
from the cross.
- Then with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. At that moment, the curtain of the Temple was
torn into two from top to bottom. The army officer who stood nearby later confessed that indeed
Jesus was the Son of God.
What happened as Jesus was about to die?
a. The whole country was covered with darkness
b. The curtain in the Temple was torn into two
Meaning of Darkness
a. It symbolised the presence of God who is in control of everything
b. It looked as if Satan had finally defeated Jesus but that was not the case
How long did the darkness last?
a. Three hours
Meaning of the tearing of the temple curtain
a. It meant the end of the Old Covenant
b. It meant the end of the Temple importance
What did Jesus say as He was dying?
- Eloi! Eloi! Lema Sabachtani (My God! My God! Why did you abandon me?
Reactions of people to what Jesus said
a. They said that Jesus was calling Elijah
b. One man gave Jesus a sponge soaked in cheap wine
c. They said: wait let us see if Elijah is coming to bring him down from the cross
Why did people think that Jesus was calling Elijah?
a. Because they heard Jesus saying Eloi! Eloi! Lema Sabachtani
Women who were there as Jesus was dying
a. Mary Magdalene
b. Mary the mother of younger James and of Joseph
c. Salome

THE BURIAL OF JESUS (MARK 15: 42 – 47)

Narrate the burial of Jesus
- Jesus was crucified on Friday and the next day was the Sabbath. According to the Jewish Law,
they were not allowed to bury a person on the Sabbath. It was for this reason that Joseph of
Arimathea asked for Pilate’s permission to bury Jesus.
- Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. He called an army officer and asked
him if Jesus had been dead a long time. After hearing the officer’s report, Pilate told Joseph of
Arimathea he could have the body. Joseph bought a linen sheet, took the body down, wrapped
it in the sheet, and placed it in the tomb which had been dug out of solid rock. Then he rolled
a large stone across the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph
were watching and saw where the body of Jesus was placed.
Who buried Jesus?
a. Joseph of Arimathea
What position did this person have in society?
a. He was a respected member of the Council
Why did Pilate not give him the body immediately?
a. Pilate wanted to verify through his soldier if Jesus had really died.
 52

Describe briefly how Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus’ body

- He took the body from the cross and wrapped it in the sheet.
- He placed the body in a tomb which had been dug out of a rock
- He then rolled a large stone across the tomb entrance
Women who witnessed the burial of Jesus
a. Mary Magdalene
b. Mary the mother of Joseph

THE RESURRECTION (MARK 16: 1 – 20)

Narrate the resurrection of Jesus
- Very early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary Mother of James, and Salome went to
the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. They were wondering who would role the stone for them
away from the entrance of the tomb. When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been
rolled away.
- So they entered the tomb where they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the
right side and they were alarmed. The young man told them not to be alarmed. He said that he
knew they were looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified. He told them that Jesus had
risen and that he was not there. He asked them to prove by looking at the place where He had
had been laid. He also asked them to go and inform the disciples including Peter that Jesus had
gone ahead of them into Galilee. He also told them that if they went to Galilee, they would see
Him.
- So the women went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified. They said nothing to
anyone because they were afraid.
The women who went to the tomb
a. Mary Magdalene
b. Mary mother of James
c. Salome
Their purpose in going to the tomb
a. To anoint the body of Jesus
What did they bring along with them?
a. Spices
What problem did they foresee?
a. They wondered on who would roll away the stone for them from the entrance to the tomb since
it was a large stone.
What did the women see at the tomb?
a. A stone had already been rolled back
b. A young man wearing a white robe sitting on the right side
Reaction of the women
a. They were alarmed
Why were the women alarmed when they were inside the tomb?
a. They saw a young man sitting on the right, wearing a white robe.
b. Jesus’ body was not in the tomb.
Describe what the young man said to the women
- Do not be alarmed! I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified.
- He is not here – He has been raised! Look, here is the place where they put him
- Now go and give this message to His disciples including Peter: He is going to Galilee ahead of
you; there you will see Him, just as He told you.
What were the women told to do?
a. To tell the disciples that Jesus is going to Galilee where they will see Him.
 53

What did the women do thereafter?

a. They went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified.
b. They said nothing to anyone.
Reason why the women said nothing to anyone
a. They were afraid.

THE APPEARANCES OF JESUS TO HIS DISCIPLES (MARK 16: 9 – 18)

Narrate the story describing Jesus’ appearance to His disciples
- On the first day of the week, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene from whom He had driven
out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him. They were still mourning
and weeping when she told them but they did not believe. Later, Jesus appeared in a different
from to two of His disciples while they were walking in the country. The two went back and
told the other disciples but still they did not believe.
- Jesus also appeared to His eleven disciples (apostles) as they were eating. He rebuked them for
their lack of faith and stubbornness for refusing to believe those who had seen Him after He
had risen. He then commanded them to go into the entire world and preach the Good News to
all the universe. He told them that whoever believed and was baptised would be saved but
whoever did not would be condemned.
Who was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection?
a. Mary Magdalene
How did the disciples respond to the news that Jesus had risen?
a. They did not believe it
Why did the disciples not believe when Mary Magdalene told them that Jesus had risen?
a. There was a tendency in the Jewish society of underletting women
What did the two disciples do after Jesus appeared to them?
a. They returned and told the others.
What did Jesus do when he appeared to the Eleven Disciples?
a. He scolded the disciples because they did not have faith.
b. He commissioned them to go out and preach the Good News.
Suggest reasons why Jesus scolded the Eleven disciples?
a. They did not have faith
b. They were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive
Describe Jesus’ order (commission) to the Eleven Disciples
- Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to the whole human race
- Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
- Believers will be given the power to perform miracles.
Outline the miracles the believers would perform (Signs that will accompany the disciples’
mission)
a. Driving out demons in Jesus’ name
b. Speaking in strange tongues
c. If they pick up snakes, they will not be harmed
d. If they drink any poison, they will not be harmed
e. They will place their hands on sick people who will get well (They will heal people by placing
their hands on the sick)
 54

JESUS IS TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN (THE ASCENCION OF JESUS) (LUKE 24: 50 -55)

Narrate the ascension of Jesus
- Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to various people. He met His disciples and urged them
not to go out of the city until He would send them the Holy Spirit.
- He went with them to Bethany. He then raised His hands, blessed His disciples and ascended
into heaven. The disciples returned from witnessing Jesus ascend into heaven. They went to
Jerusalem where they praised God and waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
From which place did Jesus ascend to heaven?
a. Bethany
Why were the disciples happy when Jesus ascended to heaven?
b. They knew that Jesus lives and remains with them
c. Jesus promised to come back and bring His Kingdom
d. Jesus promised that he would prepare a place for them in the Kingdom.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW

TEASTAMENT

JESUS AND THE OLD TESTAMENT

Biblical passages showing the link between the old and new testament
1. The Birthplace of Jesus Christ
- Prophet Micah 5:2 in the Old Testament said that the Messiah would be born in
Bethlehem.
- The Gospel of Mathew 2:6 states that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem.

2. The Mission of Jesus Christ

- Prophet Isaiah 61:1 – 2 in the Old Testament prophesied about the coming Messiah
who would deliver His people by bringing good news to the poor.
- The Gospel of Luke 4:18 -19 states that Jesus:
 Proclaimed liberty to the captives
 Recovered sight to the blind

3. The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

- Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament appeared discussing with Jesus.
- The presence of Moses and Elijah was the justification that Jesus came to fulfil the
Law and the Prophecy of the Old Testament.

Relationship between Jesus’ teaching and the Old Testament

a. Jesus taught us to use the scripture when we are tempted by the Devil – Deuteronomy 8:3
states that God taught that human beings must not depend on bread alone to sustain them but
on everything that the LORD says.
b. Jesus’ teaching was the continuation of the teaching of the prophets in the Old Testament
- In explaining the parable of the sower, Jesus said that other people may look and look yet not
see, may listen and listen yet not understand for if they did, they would turn to God. The same
teaching is found in Isaiah 6: 9 – 10.
c. Jesus used parables in His teaching as the people in the Old Testament – Prophet Isaiah
5:1 - 9 used parable of the vineyard in his teaching
 55

Jesus Christ fulfils the Old Testament Concepts of Servant, Lord and Messiah
a. Jesus is the Servant of God
- Both Isaiah 42: 1 – 4 and Matthew 12: 17 – 21 outline qualities of Jesus as the servant
which include:
 Being filled with the Spirit of God
 Will not shout
 Will not break off a bent reed
 Will not put out a flickering lump
 Will establish justice
b. Jesus is the Lord
- Peter in his speech on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:36 declared that God has made
Jesus Lord and Messiah.
- Peter preached that the lame man was healed through the belief in the name of Jesus in
Acts 3:17.
c. Jesus is the Messiah
- Jesus came to save humankind.
- Peter said that Jesus is the Messiah in Acts 2:36

BIBLICAL BELIEFS ABOUT GOD

1. God is Spirit (John 4: 24)
- He has no flesh unlike human beings.
- People can worship Him as He really is only by His power of Spirit.

2. God is creator (Genesis 1: 1 – 3; John 1:3)

- God is the one who created everything out of nothing and owns everything.
Activities NOT ACCEPTED by God as creator
 Killing a person before, during or after birth
 Careless killing of God’s creation
 Setting the bush fire which destroys creation
 Careless cutting of trees
 Poor farming methods
 Trespassing when walking
Activities which could help to conserve God’s creation
 Planting vegetation around school and homes or Church buildings
 Practising good farming methods which maintain soil fertility
 Throwing litter in dust bins or rubbish pits

3. God is saviour (Exodus 14: 28 – 29; Isaiah 43:3)

- God has saved human beings from bondage.
 He saved the Israelites from Egyptian slavery
 He saved the Israelites in Babylonian slavery
 He sent His Only Son, Jesus to die for the sins of mankind
 Everybody is saved by the blood of Jesus
 God is saving people from suffering through prophets and men/women of God
 56

4. God is Judge (Matthew 3: 9 – 10)

- He is a just judge who judges righteously
- There is no need for people to judge others since God is the judge.
- Instead people should assist others to behave according to the will of God

5. God is Father (Luke 11:2)

- He takes care of every human being without any condition.
- He provides care and for every human needs.
- God can also be considered as mother in that he loves His people just as the mother
does.

6. God is provider
- He provides everything for daily survival
- He sustains life
- People should believe that only God provides protection to all the people

BIBLICAL BELIEFS ABOUT JESUS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

1. The incarnation of Jesus (Matthew 1: 23; 16:16; John 1:14)
- God the Son came on earth and took the human body and lived among human beings.
- Jesus is 100% God and 100% human being.
Importance of the incarnation of Jesus
a. It helps us to appreciate that Jesus suffered on the cross to save mankind.

2. Jesus is the Messiah (Luke 9:20)

- Peter declared that Jesus is the Messiah.
Importance of the belief of Jesus being the Messiah
a. It helps us to understand the love of God, sending the Messiah, His only Son, to liberate people

3. Jesus is the Saviour (John 3: 16 – 17)

- Jesus died on the cross for the sins of human kind
- People are saved by the blood of Jesus
Importance of the belief of Jesus being the Saviour
a. It helps people not to sin again

4. Jesus is King (John 1:9)

- Jesus is the King of Kings as well as the King of Jews as confessed by Nathaniel.
Importance of the belief that Jesus is King
a. All the kings on earth rule on behalf of Jesus, the King of Kings
b. The earthly kings should respect the rights of people because the King of Kings is watching
them

5. The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24: 1 – 8)

- Jesus was killed and after 3 days God raised Him to life.
Importance of the belief in the resurrection of Jesus
a. It gives hope that there is life after death
b. It brought salvation to human beings
 57

6. The ascension of Jesus

- After appearing to His disciples for 40 days after resurrection, Jesus was taken up to heaven
and sat at the right side of God.
- Before ascending, Jesus gave the following instructions to his disciples:
 Be in Jerusalem
 Wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit
 The Holy Spirit will give you power
 That power will help you to preach the Good News in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
and to the ends of the earth
Importance of the belief in the ascension of Jesus
a. It gives people hope of being with Jesus since He said that he was going to prepare a place and
he will come again to take them.
How can one differentiate a preacher with the Holy Spirit and a preacher without the Holy
Spirit?
a. The preacher with the Holy Spirit acts according to the Word of God unlike the one without
the Holy Spirit.
Behaviours observed in a student with the Holy Spirit
a. Being a hard worker at school
b. Being obedient
c. Displaying good manners to teachers, prefects and other students
d. Reporting in time for school activities
e. No cheating during examinations
Behaviours observed in a student without the Holy Spirit
a. Being disobedient
b. Being lazy at school
c. Being rude to teachers and prefects
d. Reporting late for school activities
e. Cheating during examinations
A type of country Malawi could be if Leaders Are Guided by the Holy Spirit
a. There could no corruption
b. There could be no injustices
c. There could be no rigging of elections
d. Albinos could not be killed for rituals
Signs that Malawi leaders are not guided by the Holy Spirit
a. There is corruption in Malawi
b. There is a lot of injustices taking place
c. There are reported cases of rigging of elections
d. Albinos are killed for rituals

BIBLICAL PRACTICES

1. Naming ceremony
- The Jews gave a name to the child on the 8th Day of the child.
- The name to be given to the child was supposed to be for one of the family members.
- A name has a special meaning.
Importance of the naming ceremony
a. It gives a person identity.
 58

b. It is one way of respecting human rights, the right to be given a name.

2. Circumcision
- Every male among the Jews was circumcised at the age of 8 days as a sign of belonging to
God.
- However, Abraham was circumcised when he was 99 years old and Ishmael was
circumcised when he was 13 years old.
- Nowadays, circumcision is practised among Muslims and Christians but mostly among
Muslims.
Importance of circumcision for the Jews
a. It was used as a sign of belonging to God.
b. Uncircumcised male was not allowed to enter the Temple or Synagogue.
Importance of circumcision now
a. It helps to reduce the spread of HIV and Aids
b. It promotes hygiene in male genitals
c. It prevents a sexual partner from cervical cancer.

3. Baptism
- This is the symbolical application of water on the head or immersion of the body in
water as a sign that the person has been cleansed from sin and has been constituted
as a member of the Church.
Categories of baptism
a. Baptism of Gentiles (Non-Jews)
 Gentiles were baptised to be made clean and be converted to Judaism since they were
considered to be unclean.
b. Baptism of Jews
 John the Baptist asked the Jews to be baptised because they were unclean just like
Gentiles due to their unfaithfulness to God.
c. Baptism of Jesus Christ
 Jesus was baptised as a sign that He accepted and started His mission in obedience to
God His father.
d. Baptism after Pentecost
 This is baptism in the name of Jesus with faith in Jesus Christ as a condition.
 Believers are baptised as a sign of belonging to the family of God.
Importance of Baptism
a. It is a condition of being accepted in Christianity.

4. Holy Communion
- Christians celebrate Holy communion because Jesus Christ asked them to celebrate it in
memory of Jesus Christ (to remember Jesus)
Importance of Holy Communion
a. It is one way of worshipping God
b. It encourages people to repent their sins since it is taken with clean hearts.
c. It is one of the sacraments in most Christian Churches.
 59

PRAYER, FASTING AND WORSHIP AS BIBLICAL PRACTICES

1. PRAYER
- Prayer is an instrument that is used to communicate with God, spending time with God
alone or with others.
- Praying means communicating with God.
- Prayer can be made in silence or speaking, thanking and praising God, asking for forgiveness,
telling God our needs and for the knowledge of His will.
Key Points or Aspects or Characteristics of Prayer
f. Adoration or glorifying God – a prayer must respect and admire God because He is worth of
worshipping. For example: “I praise you God because of your holy name”.
g. Thanksgiving – a prayer is used to thank God for His free gifts He provides us. For Example:
God gave us life, we did not pay for it”.
h. Intercession – a prayer should have an aspect of intervention, offering mediation services
between the sinner and God. – A prayer should act as an arbitrator who could remind a person
to act according to the will of God.
i. Confession or asking for forgiveness – a prayer must acknowledge that the one who is
praying is a sinner and he or she must show willingness to be admitted into the righteous
community. For example: “Father I know that I am sinner, but give me one more time”.
j. Supplication – we pray to ask God to provide us what we need, hence an aspect of request and
appeal should be seen in a prayer. For example: “God may You give me wisdom”.
Hannah’s Prayer
- Almighty LORD, look at me your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don’t forget me!
- If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will
never have his hair cut.
Analysis of Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1: 11)
a. It was glorifying God – She addressed God as Almighty LORD
b. It was thanksgiving – she would dedicate the child to God as a way of thanking God for the
gift of the child.
c. It was asking for the will of God – she asked God to see her trouble and remember her.
d. It was a request for provisions – she asked God to look at her, His servant and give her a
son.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven:
may your holy name be honoured;
may your Kingdom come;
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need
Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.
Do not bring us to hard testing,
but keep us safe from the Evil One
 60

Analysis of the Lord’s Prayer

a. Adoration or glorifying God – Our Father in heaven, may your name be holy
b. Asking for the will of God – May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
c. Supplications or Request for provisions – Give us this day our daily bread.
d. Confession or Forgiveness of sins – Forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive the
wrongs that others have done to us
e. Protection from Temptation – do not bring us to the hard testing, but keep us safe from the
evil one
Why do people pray today?
g. For Thanksgiving – people pray to thank God because He is good all the time. God loves
His people so much and His love is eternal hence there is need to thank God.
h. For guidance – people pray to ask God to guide them in their day to day undertakings. For
example, when a congregation wants to choose leaders, they pray for guidance to choose good
leaders.
i. For wisdom – people pray to ask for wisdom. Leaders can pray to ask God to help them to
govern people with kindness and wisdom.
j. For protection – people pray to God for protection on their journey or from any harm.
k. For adoration – people pray to praise God since He is worth to be praised.
l. For worship – God created every human being to worship Him. Just like Birds and other
animals do worship God, people too must worship their creator.

2. FASTING
- Fasting is depriving oneself food or drink for religious or other purposes.
Reasons for Fasting
a. For religious reasons
i. As a way of doing self – punishment (penance) for sins, asking for God’s
forgiveness.
ii. As a means of asking God for a special favour.
iii. As a means of preparing for prayer and meeting God.
iv. To show obedience to the Church rules that demand fasting.
b. For protesting reasons (Hunger Strike)
i. People fast as a way of protesting to something and this is called hunger strike.
ii. Children go for hunger strike if parents are failing to provide relish of their
choice.
iii. Prisoners go for hunger strike to demand for their rights which are denied them
c. For health reasons
i. If a patient is going for an operation, fasting is demanded on the day of
operation.
ii. When a person is going for diabetes testing, fasting is demanded
iii. When a person wants to reduce his weight, he fasts.

3. WORSHIP
- Worship is a religious feeling of love, respect and admiration when shown to God.
- Worship is the practice of showing respect for God by saying prayers and singing.
Ways of worshipping
a. Singing joyful songs of praise
b. Kneeling down before the LORD
c. Bowing down before the LORD
d. Lifting hands in prayer
 61

e. Obeying God’s commands

f. Fasting
g. Doing charity work
h. Giving offerings to God
Why do people worship today?
a. To pay back to God who created them
b. As a routine of what they do on every day of prayer
c. To obey the demands of their masters
d. So that they should have a colourful burial ceremony

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

1. HIV AND AIDS

- The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- HIV causes damage to the immune system of the body such that the disease can easily
attack the body.
Difference between HIV and AIDS
a. The body is infected by the HIV that destroys the body’s defence and then the person
becomes an AIDS patient.
Similarities between HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
a. Both can be transmitted through sexual intercourse
b. Both can be controlled by same measures such as abstinence
Differences between HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
a. HIV/AIDS has no cure yet STIs can be cured
b. The symptoms and signs in STIs can be seen within a short period of time unlike in HIV/AIDS
Ways of contracting HIV/AIDS
a. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person – The virus is transmitted from one
body to the other through scratches, cuts and blisters caused due to friction during sexual
intercourse. This is the most common way of transmitting HIV/AIDS in Malawi.
b. Blood to blood contact
i. Blood transfusion – if the blood donor is infected, HIV can be transmitted through
blood donations. It can be controlled if the blood in screened before giving it to any
person.
ii. Use of unsterilized instruments such as needles and razors – If two or more people
use the same unsterilized needles and razors, the virus can be transmitted if one of them
is infected.
c. Infected Mother to child – the infected mother can transmit HIV to the child before birth,
during birth and during breastfeeding.

Christian ways of preventing the contraction of HIV/AIDS

a. Abstinence (1 Thessalonians 4: 3 – 8) – Refraining from sexual intercourse activities
completely is the best way of preventing HIV/AIDS and STIs.
b. Self-control (Galatians 6 :2) – one can control oneself from sexual desires hence prevent
prostitution and rape.
c. Love (Matthew 22: 34 -40)
- If people love their spouses, they cannot cheat.
- If you love your friends, you cannot take their children as sexual partners.
 62

Christian perspective on the use of condom

- Some Christians say sex is a precious gift to be enjoyed by married people and should lead
to procreation hence use of condoms is never allowed.
- Some Christians say condoms can be used to save lives if one spouse is HIV positive and the
other is HIV negative.
- Some denominations are silent on the use of condoms giving their followers a chance to
decide whether to use condoms or not.
Christian response towards people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and STIs
a. Pray for those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and STIs (James 5: 13 – 16)
- There is need to pray for them for the following reasons:
i. God should have mercy on them and heal them
ii. God should lessen the pain they feel
iii. The patients should have a kind heart of not spreading the disease to others
b. Help those who are infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS or STIs (Luke 10: 25 – 37)
- Give them:
i. Physical support
 Washing their clothes
 Bathing them
 Helping them to go to the toilet
ii. Spiritual support
 Read the Bible and share the Word of God with them that God loves them
iii. Social and moral support
 Chat with them and update them with current affairs of their society
Difference between an infected person and an affected person
- An infected person is the patient suffering from the disease while an affected person is
the one taking care of or worried with the patient.

2. GENDER ISSUES IN THE BIBLE

Identifying gender issues in the bible
a. Discipleship (Luke 8: 1 – 3) – Jesus had male and female disciples such as Mary Magdalene,
Joanna and Susanna.
b. Fellowship (Mark 16: 9 – 11; Acts 1: 12 – 14) – When Jesus rose from dead, He appeared
first to Mary Magdalene. The apostles and other disciples including Mary the Mother of
Jesus used to gather to pray as a group after the ascension of Jesus.
c. Leadership
 Religious leaders (Luke 2: 25 – 38) – Jesus was presented to the Temple when Simeon
and Anna were religious leaders.
 Civil Leaders (Judges 4: 4 – 24) – Deborah was the first female judge of Israel

The place of women in the Bible (Genesis 1 26 – 27; 5: 2)

- The Bible depicts men and women as equals in that both were:
 Created by God as equals
 Made in the image of God and they resemble God
 Given authority over God’s creation
 Blessed by God
 Named human beings or humanity
 Jesus appeared first to a woman after resurrection
 63

Is the Bible gender sensitive?

a. Yes, in that it gives balanced stories about men and women
The place of women in Malawi
- Women have been given chance of promotion in the history of Malawi in that:
 Joyce Banda was the first female vice president and later on president
 Anastazia Msosa was the first female Chief Justice
 Jane Ansa was the first female Attorney General
How can women be empowered at Church level?
a. Giving them vocational trainings such as tailoring, weaving and carpentry at Church level
b. Giving them capital in form of cash to open business
c. Sending them to different colleges to learn different skills
d. Giving them farm inputs to grow crops for business

3. DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Negative effects of Drug and substance abuse
a. It impairs reasoning capacity of an individual (Genesis 19: 30 – 38)
- If people are drunk, their reasoning capacity is impaired and may indulge in immoral
behaviours.
b. It makes people forget laws and ignore the rights of people (Proverbs 31: 4 – 7)
- Fighting and robbery are common characteristics of people under the influence of drugs
and alcohol.
- Kings are advised not to drink alcohol because they forget the laws and ignore the
rights of other people.
c. It has healthy risks (Ephesians 5: 18)
- It can damage lungs and liver.
d. It costs a lot of money (Isaiah 55: 2)
- Most abusers are addicted to drugs hence it costs people a lot of money.
Christian approach in dealing with Drug and Substance Abuse
a. Providing civic education and literacy – this helps the church as well as the nation to be
assured of a bright future.
b. Encouraging the youth to be engaged in productive occupation – this helps them to make
use of their leisure time instead of being in bars
c. Providing guidance and counselling – this helps the youth to stop engaging in drug and
substance abuse
d. Encouraging Family help and intervention – this will lead to having a good society and a
healthy nation.

All The Best on Your Way to Grade A