ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Kitwe District Education Board will like to express profound gratitude to the
following members of staff who took part in the compilation of the R.E 2046
Booklet.

1. CHIJINGU.S. AGNESS- H.O.D VALLEY NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL

2. MWEWA. D.N – NKANA SECONDARY SCHOOL
3. SIAME BESSIE- H.O.D CHIMWEMWE SECONDARY SCHOOL
4. MAMBASASA NORIAN : MINDOLO SECONDARY SCHOOL
5. MASAITI SUSAN MWBWA H.O.D MINDOLO SECONDARY SCHOOL
6. BWBUPE CHRISTRIAN – HELLEN KAUNDA SCHOOL
7. MUNTHALIN ALICE - MINDOLO SECONDARY SCHOOL
8. LIPEHO PEZO MWAMBA MINDOLO SECONDARY SCHOOL
9. NDATOYA .N.N. (aka apostle one) KITWE BOYS SECONDARY SCHOOL

This committee prepared the questions and answers for grade 10,11,12 R.E
2046 to enable the learners revise for examinations and improve the results in
the district most model questions have been taken from the past years papers
and marking schemes, since most of the members are markers . Therefore, any
omission in the acknowledgement of the sources of information may be deemed
that the copyright permission did not apply.

The board secretary wishes to thank the Head teachers of the following schools,
Chimwemwe, Mindolo, Hellen Kaunda, and Valley View, Nkana And Kitwe
BOYS for their financial and moral support rendered to the committee member
Special thanks to the chairperson who co-ordinate the work. We are indebted
to Ndatoya Nason and Christine Kaimbi who spent many hours typing the
manuscripts and summarizing the contents. The board also acknowledges the
co-ordination.
Last the committee is grateful to the District Education secretary ALLAN
KAOMA for the initiative and making this project succeed.

Recommendations in improvement in future Edition will be most welcome.

Best wishes in your studies

ALLAN KAOMA

District Education Board Secretary

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 SECTION B

GRADE 11 WORK

UNIT 1. JUDGMENT

Expected Narrations:

a) The parable of final judgment (Mathews 25:31-46).

b) The parable of the ten virgins (girls) Mathews 25:1-13.
c) John the Baptists warming about coming Judgment (Luke 3:1-17).
d) The yeast of the Pharisees (Luke 12:1-12).
e) Unprepared people (Luke 17:20-37).
f) The rich man and Lazarous (Luke 16:19-31)
g) The unbelieving towns (Luke 16:19).
h) Christ’s return is uncertain.
i) The coming of the kingdom (Luke 17:20-37).
j) The parable of the weeds (Mathews 13:24-30).

1.2 What is Judgment?

(i) Judgment is an assessment for reward or punishment of a person’s work.

(ii) Criticism of a person’s actions either for a reward or punishment.

1.3 State how people will be judged by Jesus (consider Mathews 13:24-30)
parable of the weeds teaches.

(a) People’s response to Christ.

i. Sometimes it is difficult for people to tell the difference between believers

and unbelievers.
ii. At the final judgment the separation will be certain.
iii. The son of man knows who belonged to him. Those who don’t belong to
him will be judged according for their response to Christ.

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(b) People’s behavior towards others.

- The two parables; the parable of the final Judgment (Mathews 25:31-46).
The warming about coming Judgment (Luke 3:1-19).

[Link] reflect Christ’s message from his servants is to reflect Christ himself.

1. How should Christian respond to Christ’s return?

i. The duty of the apostle was to go out and tell the good news so that
people could be brought into the spiritual Kingdom. Jesus promised
them the Holy Spirit to give them power for this work.
ii. Today, Christians must also work as Christ’s witnesses, to warn
people about judgment and the way into the Kingdom (Act 1:608) we
must build to last. Each man is personally responsible for his work.
2. Religious comparison on personal judgment.
(a) What are the similar teachings between Christianity and Islam?
(i) Both believe in personal judgement.
(ii) Both believe that they will be judged according to their conducts.
(b) What different teachings do Christians and Islam have on persona;
judgement?
(i) Christians: people will primarily be judged on their response to Christ
and Christian behavior.
Islam: judgment depends on ones behavior

2. Christians: love forward to the Day of Judgment.

Islam: Judgment is fearsome thing

1. Christians: believe that judgment will be done by a God of kindness and

love
a. Christianity Vs Hinduism on person judgment.
Similar points
 In both, there will be reward or punishment on judgment day
 In both they believe in personal judgment.

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  Both believe that they will be judged according to their conduct.

The two stories teaches that:

(i) Jesus will separate believers from non-believers

(ii) Christians should make themselves ready for Christ’s coming by
confessing their sins, helping others, etc
1.0 how will the coming of Christ be like? (Mark 13:32-37)
 Christ will come suddenly
 No one knows the time when Christ will come, hence everyone must
be ready and watch.
1.1 The parable of the waiting servants Luke 12:35-40 –teaches that:
(i) Jesus’ followers are like servants waiting for their master ready at all
times because his return may be sudden those who are ready will be
rewarded.
(ii) Jesus will not announce his coming in the same way that a thief does
not tell when he will come to your house.
(iii) Good servants do their work faithfully and have everything for the
master. They don’t live to please themselves.

(b) List some of the signs of coming judgment (Luke 21:7-11)

 False prophets
 Earthquakes
 Wars, diseases. Like HIV/AIDS T.B Cholera etc.
 Persecutions.
1.0. What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus teach us about?
 Judgment for unbelief

Lessons learnt

(i) It shows the result of not responding to the gospel. The rich man did
not use his wealth for God.

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 (ii) God will judge those who reject the message given by his servant.

Differences

- Christians: people will be primarily be judged according to their response

to Christ.
- Hindus: people will be primarily be judged according to their deeds.
- Christians: when a Christian dies, the soul goes to live with Christ.
- Hindus: when a Hindu dies, his soul enters another body and continues
to live in the world.

Q 1. Relate the parable of the final judgment (Mathew 25:31-46)

- When the son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with
him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
- All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them
one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep fro the goals.
- An he will set the sheep on his right hand but the goals on the left.
- Then the king will say to those on his right hand, come you blessed of
my father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of
the world.
- For I was hungry and you gave we food, I was thirsty and you gave
drink;
- I was a stranger and you took ne in;
- I was naked and you clothed me;
- I was sick and you visited me;
- I was in prison and you came to see me.
- Then the righteous will answer him, saying Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirst and give you a drink?
- When did we see you a stranger and take you in, naked and clothe
you?
- Or when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?

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 - And the king will answer and say to them assuredly, I say to you in as
much as you did it to one of the least of these brothers, you did it to
me.
- Then he will also say to those on the left hand; depart from me you
cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
- For I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave
no drink.
- I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you did not
clothe me, side and in prison and you did not visit me.
- Then he will answer them saying, Assuredly, I say to you in as much
as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it me
and these will go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous
into eternal life.

(b) What picture of judgment did John use and what did he mean by them?
Give two points.
i. The righteous (i.e those who belong to God. He meant that God’s people
show practical love to others and this kind of behavior will be proof that
they belong to him. They did not think of themselves. They did it for
Christ’ sake’s.
ii. The unrighteous, He meant that they have no interest in the misery and
suffering of others and this is the proof that they do not belong to God.
They are condemned for failure to do well.

(c) (i) Peter a Christian at your church says to you, “I have failed to get
Employment because there is too much corruption. I have made up my
mind to bribe top management.” Give one point of argument Peter could
use to support his decision and state two Christian responses you could
give him against such practice.
Argument:
- As long as I get a job to earn a living.
- Others are also doing it.
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Christian Responses
- It is evil and it is not accepted by both God and man.
- He should be honest and truthful to himself.
(ii) How do people in modern Zambia solve a case in a Zambian Village
Situation? State three points
Answers:
i. Having discussions on the issue in order to archive at a lasting solution.
ii. Getting the consensus of the parties in conflict through a go between so
as to reach a neutral and agreeable solution.
iii. The one found to be guilty was made to apologies or pay damage to the
other party with whom they were in conflict.
(d) State two points similarities found in Christianity and Islam about personal
Judgment.

Similarities: Christianity/Islam
- Both believe in personal judgment.
- Both believe that they will be judged according to their conducts.

1. The parable of the ten virgins (Mt. 25:1-13)

- Then the kingdom of heaven shall be.
- Likened to ten virgins who took their.
- Lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
- Now five of them were wise and five were foolish.
- Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.
- But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
- But while the Bridegroom was delayed they all slumbered and
slept.
- And at midnight a cry was heard; behold, the bridegroom is
coming; go out to meet him!
- Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

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 - And the foolish said to the wise, give us some of your oil, for our
lamps are going out.
- But the wise answered, saying, no, least there should not be
enough for us and you.
- But go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves.
- And while they went to buy the bridegroom came, and those who
were ready went in with him to the wedding and the door was
closed.
- Afterwards, the other virgins came also saying “Lord, open for us!”
- But he answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know
you”
- Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in
which the son of man is coming.
(b) Jesus told of signs that would precede his coming to judge. State any two
such signs.
Answers:
- False prophets
- Earth quakes
- Wars
- Disease like HIV/AIDS, TB etc.
- Persecution
- Kingdom will rise against kingdom.
(c) (i) “While others accept the gospel message some reject it”, says Malama,
What important teachings did Jesus bring out on those reject the gospel
Message?
Answer:
- They will be brought down to hell.
- They will never inherit the kingdom of God.
(ii) In modern Zambia, how are people prepared to enter the kingdom of God?
Give two points
Answers:
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 - People’s response to Christ
- People’s behavior towards other
(c) State two differences between Christian and Muslims.

DIFFERENCES:
(1) Christians – People will primarily be judged on their response to Christ and
Christian behavior.
Muslims – Judgment depends on ones behavior.
(2) Christians –Look forward to the Day of Judgment.
Muslims – Judgment is a fearsome thing.
Christians – Believe that judgment will be done by God of love and kindness.
Muslims – Judgment will be done by God of vengeance.

Q 3. Narrate the parable of the weeds (Mathews 13:24-30).

- The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
- But while men slept, his enemy came and showed tares among the wheat
and went his way.
- But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares
also appeared.
- So the servants of owner came and said to him, Sir did you not sow good
see in your field? How then does it have tares?”
- He said to them, “An enemy has done this.
- The servant said to him, “Do you want us then to go and gather then up?
- But he said, “No lest while you gather up the tares you also up roof the
wheat with them.
- “Let both grow together until the harvest and at the time of harvest I will
say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in
bundles to burn them but gather the wheat into my burn.
(b) What does this parable teach Christians today? Give three points.

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Answers:
- Sometimes it is difficult for people to tell the difference between believers
and unbelievers.
- At the final judgment the separation will be certain.
- The son of man knows who belong to him will be separated and
destroyed.
(c) (i) Your church mate is worried over the Pastor’s preaching on the final
Judgment. He confides his fears in you that he is not ready for judgment.
As a Christian what advice would you give to your church on how he could
Be ready for the final judgment. State three points.
Answers:
- By confessing.
- Helping others in need.
- Obeying Christ’s instructions for Christian living.
(ii) List three ways in which Christian beliefs about the final judgment affect
Christians today. Give three points.
Answers:
- They have a duty to witness to others.
- They warm people about the coming judgment.
- They encourage people to enter the kingdom of God.
- They remain obedient to God’s word and will.
- They should do well to others.
(d) State two differences between Christianity and Hinduism with regard to
Judgment.
Answers:

DIFFERENCES:
1) Christian – People will be primarily judged according to their response to
Christ.
Hindus – People will be primarily judged according to their deeds.
2) Christian – When a Christian dies the soul goes to live with Christ.
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 Hindus – When a Hindu dies, his soul enters another body and
continues to live in the world.

Q 4. Narrate the parable of the waiting servants. (Luke 12:35-40).

- Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.
- And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master when he will
return from.
- The wedding that when he comes and knocks they may open to him
immediately.
- Blessed are those servants whom the master when he comes will find
watching.
- Assuredly I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down
to eat and will come ad serve them.
- And if he should come in the second watch or come in the third watch
and find them so blessed are those servants.
- But know this that if the masters of the house had known what hour the
thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to
be broken into.
- Therefore, you also be ready for the son of man is coming at an hour you
do not expect.
(b) What do Christians learn from this story? Give three points.
Answers:
- Christians must be ready all the time.
- Jesus will not announce his coming.
- Christians should do their work faithfully and have everything ready for
their master.
(c) (i) Chileshe had Bible study with his friends that for one to enter the
Kingdom of God, he must attend church services regularly. State three
points of Christian advice you would give to Chileshe and friends on how
one can enter the kingdom of God.

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Answers
- Repentance (turning to God) – ceasing the way of life lived before hand.
- Faith in Jesus.
- Be born again.
- Obedience.
(ii) In modern Zambia, how will the followers of Christ going be to rewarded.
- Helping the needy.
- Preaching to others.
(d) State one difference between Christianity and Zambian Tradition Religion on
their central ideas.

DIFFERENCES
Christian – communicate through Jesus Christ to the Supreme Being.
ZTR – communicate to the Supreme Being through ancestral spirits.

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UNIT 2 PRAYER

Narrations:

i. Tell the response of Jesus to the disciples Lord teach us how to pray!
Luke 11:1-4
ii. Relate the parable of the friend at midnight: Luke 11:5-13
iii. Tell the story of the widow and the judge: Luke 18:1-8
iv. Describe the incident of the Pharisee and the tax collector Luke 18;9-
14

[Link] is prayer according to Romans

- Prayer is talking to God and listening.

- It is talking with God. Communicating with God

[Link] should we pray?

- Anytime, anywhere
- A good time to pray privately is when reading the Bible each day.
- Christians should also come together for prayer (Mtt 18:19-20)

4. How should we Pray?

- Private prayer: an individual communicate with God

- Community prayer: a group of people meet together to pray
- Prayer of nation: reaching out to others for example helping others.

5. What are common methods of prayer?

(i) Worship and thanksgiving: this involves praising and thanking God that he
is great and Holy.

(ii) Confession: This is telling God about wrong things one has done and if one
has failed him in any way.

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(iii)Intercession: this is praying for others, for example, the sick, poor, widows,
orphans, our families, friends etc.

(iv) For yourself: this is when an individual prays to God about any problem or
needs they might have

(v). Thanksgiving: thanking God for hearing and answering our prayers.

6. Jesus’ examples of private prayer

Jesus often went alone to pray to his father. Some of the occasions when
prayed alone are:

1. After he was baptized Luke 3:21

2. After he had healed many people Luke 4:42
3. When he gave thanks for food provided – Luke 5:16
4. Before he chose the twelve Apostles- Luke 6:12
5. When he gave thanks for food provided – Luke 9:6
6. Before he spoke of his coming suffering. Luke 9:18
7. Before the transfiguration Luke 9:28
8. Before going to the cross. Luke 22:20-45
At each important stage or occasion in his ministry, Jesus wanted to
communicate with God the father. He did this through prayer often. This
is shown especially in Gethsemane. We are aware of the strength Jesus
drew from communication with the Father because of his desire to do his
will. That mattered more to him that his suffering and separation from
God, which he had to experience when he bore the sins of the world.
3. The Lord’s pattern of prayer. Luke 11:1-4 Lessons from the passage
Jesus pattern prayer encouraged us to bring our personal needs to God,
believing that he hears and answers, Jesus made a wonderful promise, if
you ask in my name do it John 14:12-13. Christian prayer is usually
made to God, our father, the name of Jesus. We must be careful to follow

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 Christ’s teaching in Mt 6:7, not to repeat a set of words which we do not
understand or which do not come from the heart.

4. Christians attitudes to prayer

(a) The friend at Midnight, Luke 11;5:13 meaning of the parable/teaching
1. This parable teaches the importance of perseverance or persistence I
prayer.
2. We never ask God in vain, he will always answer.
3. God is never reluctant to answer.
(b) The widow and the judge, Luke 18:1-8 teaching from the story
This story is un ungodly, selfish who was not moved by a widow begging
for justice. He finally settles the case because she is a nuisance. Judges
were supposed to have special concern for the helpless such as the
widows, orphans and the poor but they often corrupt and selfish. Only
people who had influence or money to pay brides could have their cases
attended to. The widow had no money, no one to help her, she got what
she needed by persistence. By contrast, God is not like a judge, God
helps the needy and oppressed. We can rely on him to help us if we trust
him in persistent prayer.
(c) The Pharisee and Tax-collector, Luke 18:9-14 teaching of parable
Prayer must be addressed to God. The Pharisee was only interested in
him and did not have faith in God, but only in his own religious works
and so he was condemned for his pride. The tax-collector had faith in
God and he know he was a sinner, so admitted his sins to God,
humanity and sorrow for his sins he does not listen to those who try to
tell him about their own good deeds.
5. Some ways in which God may answer prayers:
1. Always believe that he will answer: he may not answer at once- or in
the way you want, but believe that he will
2. Pray in Christ’s name: answers because we pray in his sons name.
His name is our authority to come to Christ.
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 3. Pray according to God’s will: we ask God to answer our prayers in the
way he wants to. Sometimes, he has to say no.
4. Always obey: God will answer when we are obedient to him, not just
pleasing ourselves. Right living will make sure our prayers are
answered.

10. Prayer in the three religious traditions

(a) Zambian Tradition Religion
1. In some tradition an alter is made at every house for contact with the
family.
2. At that special place, sacrifices are offered to the spirits. To give them
a share of the food, harvest, esp, in famine and sickness.
3. Many pray without making offerings prayers are commonest form of
worship, some long and formal, most short and direct.
4. Prayers are made through the ancestral spirits, as mediators between
man and Supreme Being (God). He is not worshipped.
5. Most believe that if all is well, there is no need to pray to God as it
may bother him and annoy him.
6. Community prayer is more common than private as most people that
God is more interested in community than an individual.
(b) ISLAM
1. Prayer is one of the essential five pillars of Muslim practice.
2. Islamic law does not excuse the ill from offering prayers as a sick
person may not pray lying down, nor is he excused from prayer
because he cannot go to the mosque. He may pray at home, facing the
direction of Mecca.
3. At noon on Friday, which is the Muslim holy day, special
congregational are said at the Mosque. There is also a sermon given
on the moral, social or political issues. This could be compared with
the Sunday service in the Christian church.

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 (c) Hinduism
1. Prayer has a very important position in the Hindu tradition; it has a
central role in influencing thought processes.
2. The nature of Hindu prayer is very diverse. The Hindu prays basically
to the ultimate God, Brahman, the great soul, but is encouraged to
see God in the form of various gods and goddesses, or even nature.
3. During prayer, a Hindu may chant his own special verse (Mantra),
from the sacred books. He may just sit in a quite spot and try to be
one with nature. This exercise is meant to dive out from his mind all
passions, thoughts and worries, and to help him experience peace
and happiness for a few moments to become one with Brahman.
4. Congregational prayer is not common among the Hindus.

11 Religious comparison on prayer

(a) Christianity Vs Zambian Tradition on Prayer

Similarities

1. Both believe that prayer is a way of communicating with Supreme

Being.
2. Both have special places where they conduct prayer.
3. Community prayer is common in both
4. Both pray through a mediator

Differences

1. Christians: prayer is made thro ugh Jesus as the mediator

[Link] Prayer is only done at special times, e.g when there is famine or
disease, but when all is fine, there is no need to pray.
2. Christian: prayer is done at any time anywhere
Z.T.R Prayer is only done at special times e.g when there is famine or
disease, but when all is fine, there is no need to pray.
(b) Christianity Vs Islam on prayer

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Similarities

1. In both, prayer is an essential part of religious practice

2. In both, there is congregational prayer.

Differences

1. Christians: there is no fixed number of times one can pray in a day.

Islam: Muslim pray five times in a day
2. Christians: one does not need to face in any special direction during
prayer.
Islam: Muslim pray while facing Mecca.
(c) Christianity Vs Hinduism

Similarities

1. Both attach great importance to prayer.

2. Both pray to God.

Differences

Christians: Are not encouraged to see God in various forms of gods or

goddesses, because it’s idolatry.

Hindus: are encouraged to see God in various forms of gods and goddesses.

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Unit 3: Jesus’ Attitude to other people

Bible texts: a) Zaccheaus the Tax-collector (Luke 19:1-10)

b) The Adulterous woman. (Luke 7:36-50)

c) The Good Samaritan: (Luke 10:25-37)

d) The rich man and Lazarous (Luke 16:19-31)

e) The unforgiving servant (mt 18:21-35)

f) The lost sheep and coin. (Luke 15:1-10)

g) A gentle widow and the leper (Luke 4:16-30)

h) The faith of a Roman Officer. (Luke 7:1-9)

i) Jesus and Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-19)

Notes

1. Unpopular and despised people in Zambia

People have different attitudes towards others, particularly the
unpopular or despised people. They may dislike or refuse friendship with
someone. They sometimes mock, ignore and isolate them. Some of the
causes of this dislike are: jealousy, pride, fear, mockery and poverty.
Examples of groups of people who are despised or unpopular are: the
poor, uneducated blind, handicapped, prostitutes, thieves, and people of
other races or nationalities, and HIV/AIDS patients.
2. How the despised and unpopular people can be helped
1. By providing them with practical skills, materials and spiritual help.
2. It is also important to mix with people of other races and the
HIV/AIDS positive patients.
3. Jesus’ attitude to despised and unpopular people

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(a) Lepers
1. At the time of Jesus, leprosy was considered to be a very unclean
disease, which required not only healing but also cleaning.
2. Jesus was supposed to keep away from despised and unpopular,
but he associated with them.
3. He had compassion, love, pit and sympathy for the lepers and
that’s why He healed, mixed and touched them.
4. He however respected the Jewish laws about leprosy and insisted
that healed lepers obey the laws.
(b) Tax – Collector
Tax- collectors were another group of people that was despised at the
time of Jesus. These were treated outcasts in the society because they
were traitors to the nation and they worked for the Roman
Government. They were hated because they were known as cheaters
since they overcharged people.
1. Jesus told the Pharisees that, if tax collectors were bad, they were
the ones who needed his help, e.g. Levi and Zaccheus.
2. To become a friend of God, instead of an enemy, he also had to
make friends with his fellow men.
3. Jesus was able to look beyond the selfishness and cheating and
saw a man was “lost” and needed to be put right with God.
(c) Sinners
According to Jewish thought, “Sinners” were groups of people who did
not keep the Law of Moses in all its detail. Those who mixed with
Gentiles and tax collectors made themselves unclean. Strict Jews
believed that salvation in keeping the law strictly. Those who did not,
were considered outcasts and unclean and no seemingly holy man
would associate with them.
1. Jesus was not interested in social evils as such. He was concerned
about the person who was a victim of such evil. I.e. the adulterous
woman, the parable of the money lender, Lender, Luke 7:36-50.
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 2. In the story above (adulterous Woman) Simon is surprised that
Jesus should allow this show of emotion from such a sinful
woman. In answer to this criticism, Jesus tells him of a Parable of
two men who owed money to a money lender.

Jesus shows Simon three things

1. Simon was wrong in condemning Christ’s attitude to this woman,

who had already repented.
2. A repentant sinner is already a better person than proud person
who is into aware of sin.
3. Jesus reinstates the woman in society, admits her sinful past, but
publicly announces that her sins had been forgiven.

Simon had to learn that pride is a great sin before God. Pride is a
great God. Pride does not admit and need for forgiveness. Simon’s
pride stopped him from seeing the spiritual need in his own life, it
made him as great sinner as the woman.

(d) Gentile
Gentiles were non-Jews and as such Jesus was not supposed to mix
with them.
1. Jesus attitude to gentiles showed that he was following the law by
treating them with respect and helping them, Luke 7:1-10
2. The Pharisees followed their traditions, which kept them away from
all contact with gentiles.
4. Kindness and selfishness. (Luke 10:25-37)
In the parables of the good Samaritans, a Jewish lawyer came with a
questions about internal life. Jesus replied that it is not obtained by
some special act. Spiritual blessings does come from knowledge of
scripture in itself, but from how we understand it and apply it to
ourselves.
5. Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness

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 (a) Parable of the unforgiving servant, Mt 18:23-35
Only God’s unlimited forgiveness makes it possible for the sinners to
enter his kingdom. The best evidence that we belong to that kingdom
is the depth of our forgiveness and love to those who wrong us. The
unforgiving servants illustrates that God has forgiven us for debt quite
beyond our means to repay, but we often show lack of forgivingness to
those whose debts of wrong doing to us is very small, in comparison
to what we owe God. The means to repay, but we often show lack of
forgiveness if we are unforgiving (Mark 11:25).
The passage in Mathew 18:15-20 concerns steps which Jesus gave
towards restoring to fellowship Christians who have done wrong.
A personal visit, straight to the off ender, to talk about it, if he refuses
to repent.
Another visit with two or three godly people, not to judge but to try
and bring repentance and reconciliation. If he still refuses.
Take it to the church. The offender is taken before the congregation,
to try to settle the matter. If he still refuses;
treat him as an outsider. No longer a member of the fellowship.
The lust step in such a case must be to continue in prayer, to
stimulate concern for the offender.
(b) Parable of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son (Luke 15:1-30)
The parables were told in reply to the criticism of Jesus by the scribes
and Pharisees, who believed that tax collectors and sinners were
beyond hope of God’s forgiveness. Jews were aware for the mercy of
God, but for the National rather the individual. Jesus emphasized
God’s interests in each person.
6. Love and tolerance
1. Jesus uses the Greek work “Agape’ for love. It describes love, which
takes an active interest in the welfare of others. It does not expect
anything in return. Christians should show this active love to all, even
enemies.
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 2. Love does not more than it needs to, because even people who have
no religion love to their friends. Acts of kindness will receive God’s
reward, if done from proper motives. Mathew 5;43-48

b) Intolerance and lack of love

1. The Samaritans had been enemies of the Jews for centuries. They hated to
have the Jews pass through their province on their way to Jerusalem.

2. Jesus disapproved of the kind of exclusive, intolerant behavior shown by one

of his disciples when he cut off Marcus’s ears Luke 22:47-53. Jesus
demonstrates his love, compassion and forgiveness. Towards his enemies. He
shows his disciples an act of tolerance by healing Marcus wound.

3. Jesus was the friend of Gentiles and tax collectors. He did not despise or
ignore them. He tried to bring them into the Kingdom. Our attitude towards
the despise people in society must be:

(a) Always being willing to pray for them.

(b) To encourage them to repent

(c) Helping them

(d) An attitude of love will often bring such people back into fellowship with
God other Christians.

7. Teaching on love, forgiveness and tolerance in other religions

(a) Zambian Traditional Religion
1. In the traditional Zambian Community
2. There was love to each other especially for the unfortunate ones:
3. Revenge was discouraged strangers and visitors were welcome
4. A deep sense of kingship controlled how people behaved together and to
each other. Each had his place in the system.

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5. If one person offended another in his behavior, they were expected to ask
for forgiveness.
(b) Islam
1. Islam declares that all men are brothers and equal in their status as
human beings. A man’s merit does not depend on his family,
connections or his weather, but on whether he is better than others in
moral conduct and holiness.
2. In any matters to do with their religious, Muslim is unyielding.
3. Revenge is allowed (condoned) by the Qur’an, especially against those
who do not believe in Islam. A host will even go hungry in order to
feed a guest.
(c) Hinduism
1. Hinduism is not an aggressive religion. It has been practices through
love, forgiveness and tolerance.
2. Hinduism has never tried to expand itself by religious persecution, or
by imposing its principles on other. Rather the principle of winning
over all opponents by love and forgiveness has been practiced and
preached at all opponents by love and forgiveness.
3. Hinduism believes in external love, not the kind that expects any
return, not motivated but for the unity of soul and mind. It is a
spiritual love and is above all materials give and take.
4. Forgiveness is the main principle in Hinduism. Wrongdoers are
expected to be forgiven. Forgiveness is not a weakness, but comes
from a strong feeling of liberalism and broadness of mind.
5. Tolerance is an important teaching in Hinduism and it has its own
reward in the long run. Tolerance shows strong character and
spiritual strength of mind. Hinduism itself has survived through
tolerance.
8. Religious comparison on love, forgiveness and tolerance
(a) Christianity Vs Zambian Tradition religion on love, forgiveness and
tolerance
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 1. Both believe that the offender must ask for forgiveness
2. In both, revenge is discouraged and visitors and strangers are
welcome.

Differences

1. Christians: their love for Christ controls how they behave together and
towards each other. Z.T.R.A deep sense of kinship controls how people
together and towards each other.

(b) Christianity Vs Islam on love, forgiveness and tolerance

Similarities

1. Both show hospitality to enemies

2. Both believe in common brotherhood of all mankind.

Differences

1. Christians: No revenge is allowed

Muslims: revenge is allowed to non-believers
2. Muslims: No forgiveness or tolerance for opposes of Allah’s word.
(c) Christianity Vs Hinduism on Love, Forgiveness and Tolerance

Similarities

1. Both forgive wrong doers

2. Both win opponents through love, forgiveness and tolerance.
3. Both don’t condone revenge
4. Both believe in ‘agape” love, which is unconditional.

Differences

1. Christians: show love, forgiveness and tolerance to all through Christ’s

love.
Hindus: show love, forgiveness and tolerance in his/her own strength.

25
 Christians: allow the Holy Spirit to produce unselfishness, humility and
love to counteract intolerance and lack of love.
Hindus: The Hindus religion has survived through tolerance, hence it is a
matter of pride and own effort.

Jesus’ attitude to other people

1. (a) Tell the parable of the unforgiving servant (or the unmerciful servant)
Mt. 18:21-35.
- Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord how often shall my brother
sin against me, and I forgive him?
- Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to
seventy times seven.
- Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to
settle accounts with his servants.
- And when he had began to settle accounts with his servants,
- One was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
- But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be
sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment
be made.
- The servant therefore fell down before him saying, ‘master, have
patience with me, and I will pay you all.’
- Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released
him and forgave him the debt.
- But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who
owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid lands on him and took him
by the throat, saying,
- ‘Pay me what you owe!’
- So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him saying,
- ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’

26
 - And he could not, but went and threw him into prison till should pay
the debt.
- So when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very
grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
- Then his master, after he had called him, said to him,
- ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged
me.
- Should you not also had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I
had pity on you?
- And his master was angry, and delivered him to the tortures until he
should pay all that was due to him.
- So my heavenly father also will do to you if each of you, from his
heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.
(b) (i) What was Jesus’ attitude to Gentiles? Give one point.

Answer:
- He treated them with respect and he helped them
- He associated with them
(iii) Give two reasons why tax-collectors were outcasts in Jewish society.
Answer:
- They were regarded as traitors to the nation because they collected
taxes for the Roman government.
- They were known to be cheats because they overcharged the
people.
(c) Vitumbiko has been offended by his friend Mwiza. He goes on to tell
another friend that he will never talk to Mwiza again. As a Christian
friend, remind him of the necessary steps people need to take to set
wrong – doer’s right according to Jesus teaching. State three of these
steps.

Answer:
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 i. A personal visit, straight to the offender to talk to the offender. If he
refuses to repent.
ii. Then another visit two or three Godly people, not to judge but to try and
bring repentance and reconciliation. If he still refuses,
iii. Take it to the church. The offender is taken before the local church, to try
to settle the matter. If he still refuses, treat him as an outcast. No longer a
member of the fellowship.
(d) What was Jesus illustrating I the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Answer:
- God has forgiven us for a debt quite beyond our means to repay.
- We often show lack of forgiveness to those whose debt of wrong doing to
us is very small in comparison to what we woe God.
 Your uncle Mr. Nkole is a very successful businessman who recently was
swindled out of millions of Kwacha by his nephew. He is so angry that he
has vowed to take his nephew to court and have him imprisoned.

Give three points of Christian advice against his intentions.

Answer:
- We cannot expect forgiveness if we are unforgiving.
- God has forgiven us for a debt completely beyond our means to repay.
- Forgiveness shows the evidence that we belong to the kingdom of God.
(e) Give two points of similarity and two of difference between Christian and
Muslim attitudes to their enemies.

Similarities:
- Both show hospitality to their enemies.
- Both believe in common brotherhood of all mankind.
Differences:
Christians: No revenge is allowed
Muslims: Revenge is allowed to non believers
Christians: forgiveness is encouraged to all mankind.
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 Muslims: No forgiveness or tolerance for opposers of Allah’s word.

2. (a) Tell the story of Jesus meeting with Zacchaeus: (Luke 19:1-10)

- Jesus entered Jericho, and was passing through.

- A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus.
- He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
- He wanted to see who Jesus was.
- But being a short man he could not because of the crowed.
- So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him,
- See Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him,
- Zacchaeus come down immediately.
- I must stay at your house today.
- So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
- All the people saw this and began to say,
- He has gone to be the guest of a sinner,
- But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now
I give half of my possession to the poor.
- And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times
the amount.
- Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to his house, because this
man too is a son of Abraham.
- For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.

(b) Mention three despised groups of people that existed at the time of Jesus and
state why each one of them was despised.

Answer:
i. Lepers
They were despised because at the time of Jesus, the Jews believed that
sickness was caused by either the sin of the sick person, or by the sin of
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 his relatives. The sickness was sent as punishment for that sin. It was
looked upon as a mark of God’s displeasure.
ii. Tax Collectors
They were treated as outcasts in society because they were regarded as
traitors to the nations because they collected taxes for the roman
government.
- They were despised because they were known as cheats because they
overcharged the people.
iii. Sinners
They were despised because they did not keep the Law of Moses in every
detail and that they mixed with Gentiles and so made themselves unclean.
iv. Gentiles
These were non- Jews. Since they did not follow the religion of the Jews,
they were regarded as sinners, disobedient to God.
v. Women

(c) A Christian couple decides to know their status. They go for VCT and discover
that the husband is positive but the wife is negative. The wife accuses the
husband of being unfaithful and decides to leave him.
Give one point of argument she could give to support her decision and state two
Christian responses you could give her against her decision.

Answer: Argument:
- Unfaithfulness in marriage is sin.

Christian Response
- She should forgive the husband because forgiveness is the evidence that
we belong to the kingdom of God.
- We are expected to forgive those who do wrong to us that we can also
receive forgiveness.

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(d) State one similarity and one difference between Christian and Hindu teaching
on forgiveness, love and tolerance.

Similarities:
- Both forgive wrong doers
- Both win opponents through love, forgiveness and tolerance
- Both do not condone revenge
- Both believe in agape love, which is unconditional

Differences:
Christians – show love, forgiveness and tolerance to all through Christ’s love.
Hindu - show love, forgiveness and tolerance in his or her own strength.
Christians – allow the Holy Spirit to produce unselfish, humility and love to
counteract in tolerance and lack of love.
Hindus - the Hindus religion has survived through tolerance; hence it is a
matter of pride and own effort.

3. (a) Relate the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

- On one occasion an expect in the law stood up to test Jesus
- “Teacher,” he asked,” What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
- What is written in the law? He replied.
- How do you read it?
- He answered, love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind;
- And love your neighbor as you love yourself
- You have answered correctly, Jesus replied.
- Do this and you will live
- But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,
- And who is my neighbor?
- In reply Jesus said, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
- When he fell into the hands of robbers,
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 - They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half
dead.
- A priest happened to be going down the same road,
- And when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
- So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the
other side.
- But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was;
- And when he saw him, he took pity on him,
- He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
- Then he put the man on his donkey,
- The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the inn keepers.
- Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra
expense you may have.
- Which of these three do you think was a neighour to the man who fell into
the hands of robbers!
- The expert in the Law replied, “The one who had mercy on him”
- Jesus told him, ‘go and do likewise.’
(b) What does the parable teach about different attitudes to other people?
State one bad and one right attitude.

Answer
Bad Attitude
(i) A priest and Levite by passed the man. They did not show compassion to him.

Good Attitude
(ii) The Samaritan regardless the enemity which existed, went to the man,
bandaged his wounds and took him to an inn. He showed compassion, Love
and had pity on him.
(c) The union leaders had been entrusted to negotiate for better living conditions
for workers, but they decide to give hefty salaries only to those in management

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 positions and very little to junior workers. State three points to Christian
teaching about the right attitudes to other people.

Answer
(i) There should be no segregation.
(ii Accept them the way they are, show them sympathy.
(iii) Mix with them and show them love.

(d) State two similarities and two differences with regard to Christian and
Muslim attitudes to their enemies.

Answer – as in Q ‘1’

4. (a) Tell the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-10)

- Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to him.
- But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law complained that this man
associates himself with sinners and eats with them.
- Then Jesus told them this parable.
- Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.
- Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the
lost sheep until he finds it?
- And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.
- then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with
me;
- I have found my lost sheep.
- I tell you that in the same there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do need
to repent.
- Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and losses one.
- Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she
finds it?
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 - And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and
says; ‘Rejoice with me.’
- I have found my lost coin
- In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of angels of
God over one sinner who repents.
(b) (i) Jesus told this parable in response to a criticism. What was the
criticism? State one point.

Answer
- That he associated himself with sinners and ate with them.
(ii) What two aspects of God’s mercy are portrayed in this parable?

Answer
- His searching for each lost one, and
- His rejoicing when the lost is found.
(c) Misozi leaves her parents’ home to join her friends on the streets who earn a
living through prostitution. Her sister Kamuzyu on what her attitude towards
her sister should be? Give three points.

Answer:
(i) Kamuzyu should forgive her sister because forgiveness is the evidence that
we belong to the God.
(ii) If we expect God to forgive us, we should also forgive those who wrong us.
(iii) She should show love to her sister
(iv) Remember that God has forgiven us for a debt quite beyond our means to
repay.
(d) State one similarity and one difference between Christian and Hindu teachings
on love and forgiveness.

Similarities
- Both forgive wrong doers.
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 - Both win opponents through love, forgiveness and tolerance.
- Both do not condone revenge.
- Both believe in ‘agape’ love, which is unconditional.

Differences
1. Christians: show love, forgiveness and tolerance to all through Christ’s love.
Hindus: show love, forgiveness and tolerance in his or her own strength.

2. Christians: allow the Holy Spirit to produce unselfishness, humility and

love to counteract intolerance and lack of love.
Hindus: the Hindu religion has survived through tolerance; hence it is a
matter of pride and own effort.

5. (a) Relate the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-33)

- Jesus continued, “There was a man who had two sons.”

- The younger one said to his father, ‘Father give me my share of the
estate.’
- So he divided his property between them.
- Not long after that the younger son got together all he had, set off a
distant country, and he began to be in need.
- So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent
him to his fields to feed pigs.
- He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating.
- But no none gave him anything.
- When he came to his senses, he said,
- ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here iam
starving to death.
- So he got up and went to his father
- But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled
with compassion for him;
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 - He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
- The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against you.
- I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
- But the father said to his servants,
Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.
- Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
- Bring the fattened calf and kill it.
- Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
- For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;
- He was lost and is found.
- ‘So they began to celebrate.
- Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.
- When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
- Your brother has come; he replied, and your father has killed the
fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.
- The older brother became angry and refused to go in.
- So his father went out and pleaded with him.
- But he answered his father, ‘look!
- All these years I’ve been saving for you and never disobeyed your orders.
- Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my
friends.
- But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with
prostitutes come home, you kill the fattened calf for him!.
- “My son, the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have
is yours.
- But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was
dead and is alive again;
- He was lost and is found.
(b) State three aspects of God’s mercy which Christians may learn from
this parable.

36
 Answer
(i) God’s concern for the lost.
(ii) God loves the sinner before he repents.
(iii) When a sinner repents, God forgives him and restores him to His great
family.
(c) Mable, a school girl who falls pregnant returns to school to continue her
studies after giving birth. But some of the teachers and pupils harass and
laugh at her. What Christian advice would you give the teachers and pupils
in relation to their attitude towards Mable. State three points.

Answer:
- They should show love to her.
- They should rejoice that she has come to her senses and repents.
- They should forgive her and accept her as a pupil.
(d) Give two similarities and one difference between Christian and Hindu
teaching on love and forgiveness.
Answer as in Q ‘4 d’.

The Adulterous woman (Luke 7:36-50)

- Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him,
- So he went to the Pharisees’ house and reclined at the table.
- When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that
Jesus was eating at the Pharisees’ house,
- She bought an alabaster jar of perfume,
- And as she stood behind him at his feet with her tears.
- Then she wiped them wither hair, kissed them and poured perfume on
them.
- When the Pharisees who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, if
this man were a prophet;
- He would know who is touching him and what kind of a woman she is
that she is a sinner.
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 - Jesus answered him, Simon I have something to tell you,
- Tell me teacher, he said.
- Two men owed money to a certain money lender.
- One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
- Neither of them had the money to pay him back.
- So he cancelled the debts of both.
- Now which of them will love him more?
- Simon replied, I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled.
- You have judged correctly, Jesus said,
- Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this
woman?
- I came into your house, you did not give me any water for my feet,
- But she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
- You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has
not stopped kissing my feet.
- You did not put oil on my feet.
- But she has poured perfume on my feet.
- Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved
much.
- But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
- Then Jesus said to her, ‘your sins are forgiven.
- The other guests began to say among themselves, “who is this who even
forgives sins?
- Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
-
The faith of the Roman Officer (Luke 7:1-9) (The healing of the
Centurion’s Servant)
- When Jesus had finished saying all this, in the hearing of the people, he
entered Capernum.
- And a certain Centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and
ready to die.
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 - So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him,
pleading with him to come and heal his servant.
- And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that
the one for whom He should do this was deserving.
- For he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.
- Then Jesus went with them.
- And when He went with them from the house, the Centurion sent
friends to Him, saying to him.
- Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to come to you.
- But say a word, and my servant will be healed.
- For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.
- And I say to one ‘Go’ and he goes;
- And to another ‘come’ and he comes;
- And to my servant, ‘Do this, ‘and he does it.
- When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around
and said to the crowed that followed Him,
- “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!!”

Marcus’ ear cut by one of the disciples (Jesus’ disapproval of kind of

intolerant behaviour) (Luke 22:47-53)

- And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was
called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to
Jesus to kiss Him.
- But Jesus said to him, “Judas are you betraying the son of man with a
kiss?”
- When those around Him saw what going to happen, they said to Him,
“Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”
- And one of the disciples struck the servant of the high priest and cut off
his right ear.
- But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.”
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 - And He touched his ear and healed him.
- Then Jesus said to the Chief Priests, Captains of the temple, and the
Elders who had come to Him,
- “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs?”
- “When I was with you daily in the temple you not try to seize me.
- But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

N.B:
Jesus demonstrates His Love, compassion and forgiveness towards His enemies.
He shows His disciples an act of tolerance by healing Marcus wound.

Jesus was the friend of Gentiles and Tax-collectors. He did not despise or ignore
them. He tried to bring them into the kingdom.

Our attitude towards the despised people in society must be:

(i) Always be willing to pray for them.
(ii) To encourage them to repent.
(iii) Helping them.
(iv) An attitude of love will often bring such people back into fellowship with
God and other Christians.

A Gentle window and the Leper (Luke 4:16-30)

- So he came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.

- And as His custom was, He went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day,
and stood up to read to read.
- And He was handed the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
- And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was
written;
- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
- Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
40
- He was sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
- To proclaim liberty to the captives.
- And recovery of sight to the blind.
- To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
- Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.
- And He began to say to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your
hearing.”
- So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which
proceeded out of His mouth.
- And they said, “is this not Joseph’s son?”
- He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to me. ‘Physician, heal
yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in
your country’
- But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when
the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great
famine throughout all the land;
- But to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath who was a
widow.
- And many Lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet and none
of then were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.
- So all those in the Synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled
with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city;
- And they led Him out of the city was built, that they might throw Him
down over the cliff.
- Then passing through the midst of them, He went his way.

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Unit 4: Suffering

Bible texts: a) Peter’s Confessions of faith (Luke 9:18-21)

(b)Suffering and death of John the Baptist (Mathew 6:17-29, 7:18-28)

(c) The transfiguration. (Luke 9:28-36: Islam 52:13; 53:12)
(d) The sufferings of Job. (Job 1 and 2)
(e) Jesus’ suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:39-46)

Notes

1. Meaning
Suffering is an experience that all living creatures undergo. Human
beings experience suffering throughout their lives. For instance they
fall sick, lose of friends and relatives or emotional turmoil. These
kinds of suffering affect us spiritually, mentally, emotionally and
physically.
2. Our reactions to suffering
When a person experiences suffering we must help by.
1. Encouraging the person not to give up but try hard
2. Giving material or spiritual support
3. Gathering to mourn and give comfort if it is a funeral
4. Not mocking or rejecting the person who is experiencing suffering.

3. Explanations for suffering

Christians have their own views on why people suffer. Suffering is
basically the result of a sin cursed world.
Before Adam and Eve sinned, there was not suffering. Today God
allows people to suffer for various reasons, i.e
1. To test and purity their faith-1 Peter 1:6-7
2. To punish them for their sins and disobedience – Deut 28:15-24
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 3. To discipline them and teach them – Hebrews 12:5-11
4. To teach them to depend on God for everything. 11 Corinthians
12:7-10
5. It is of the cost of following Christ. Mathew 8:34-35.
4. The different causes of suffering
Many people believe that suffering does not just come; there must be
some sources of causes. Each type of suffering has its own source.
1. It comes from a fallen world containing evil.
2. People sometimes can bring suffering on themselves due to their
own conduct.
3. Because of jealousy or hatred, people have caused suffering for
others.
4. Though it is believed that God in control. He sometimes allows
Satan to bring tragedies to man (Job 1 and 2)
5. Avoidable suffering
Though some sufferings can be avoided, other, such as death, cannot,
examples of avoidable sufferings are cholera, Dysentery, HIV/AIDS is
a deadly and killer diseases, it is completely preventable. It is passed
diseases. (Note: study the causes, symptoms and prevention methods
of AIDS in detail).
6. Effects of AIDS on the family.
1. Disintegration of families as children has to be ‘sanhred”.
2. Loss of breadwinner
3. Stress on the extended family, which traditionally has the
responsibility to care for the orphans.
4. Other members of the family may abandon their jobs to care for
the sick person.
5. Funeral and mourning costs leave the family ill equipped for the
future
6. Many orphans will never receive health care and education.
7. Effects of AIDS on the Nation
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 1. Treatment of the opportunistic infections is expensive and will
place a considerable strain on the government delivery of health
services
2. Increases in the number of orphans make it difficult for them to
provide adequate education and social services.
3. The number of street kids will rise and child labour will become
more common as orphans look for ways to survive.
8. Effects/impact of HIV/AIDS on Education
1. Reduces number of trained teachers and therefore lack of skilled
manpower.
2. Increased absenteeism due to illness, thus affecting performance.
3. Reduces number of education officers due to death
4. Reduces public finance
5. Family resources are reduce as money another resources are spent
on the patient
6. Some children, especially girls, are unable to attend school, as they
have to remain at home to look after patients.
9. Effects of AIDS on the Economy
1. The productive human resources are drastically reduced
2. The quality and quantity of labour and overall production is
affected.
3. Loss of skilled and experienced workers means higher replacement
and training costs.
10. How to avoid various types of suffering
Though some suffering cannot be avoided, there are others that can
be. There are many ways in which various types of suffering may be
avoided. Some of which are:
1. Good moral standards (proverbs 5:7-12)
2. Proper use of drugs
3. Caring for the environment
4. Respect for human rights
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 5. Population control.
11. Peter’s confession of faith (Luke 9:18-21)
The bible passage is mean to show that Jesus’ suffering was the
fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy and the problems that
Jesus’ disciples had in understanding the fact that Jesus had to
suffer die for mankind. In the Old Testament, two vivid sides of Jesus
are shown; i.e.
12. Reasons why the Jews failed understand why Jesus could be the ruling king
and suffering servants.
1. They expected the Messiah to chase the Romans away.
2. They expected the messiah to be the King and live in luxury and
comfort.
3. They expected the Messiah to be a power political leader.
13. Meaning of the Phrase “son of Man”
1. His suffering and glory
2. His life on earth in manhood. (as a human being)
3. His future coming, in glory and power of his Kingdom.
14. Jesus tells of His coming suffering. Luke 9:21:22
1. The cost Christ paid to make salvation possible
2. Often a sign of obedience to God’s will

The disciples had discovered an important truth about Jesus:

1. He was the Messiah, and now.

2. The Messiah must suffer.
15. The meaning of the phrase “I must”
“The son of Man must suffer… ‘Jesus often used the phrase, “I must”
– which showed that:.
1. He saw his mission as the father’s will.
2. He had the father were one- John 10:30
3. God’s will was his will.
16. The transfiguration. Luke 9;28-36
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 This story shows how:
1. Jesus resisted temptation to avoid suffering
2. Jesus’ suffering was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Prophecy
3. Jesus’ disciples found it difficult to understand that Christ had to
suffer.
4. Suffering for the Kingdom of God is:
(a) The cost Christ paid to make salvation possible.
(b) Often a sin of obedience to God’s will
17. The suffering and death of John the Baptist. Mathew 6:17 – 29; Luke
7:8-28from this story, we learnt that:
(a) The way of Christ is not in special signs and great show, it grows
gradually, slowly, often, suffering and persecution.
(b) John’s obedience to God’s will in preaching God’s message, the
testing of his faith, led him to glory and acceptance in the
Kingdom.
(c) The humblest believer in Christ now, is greater than John the
Baptist.
(d) Greater blessings are available to us through faith in Jesus Christ.
(e) If John and Jesus suffered for the Kingdom, we also must be
willing to suffer.
18. Various religious teachings on suffering
(a) Christians
1. Jesus, as the Messiah, came to suffer and die us. It was the
only way God could provide deliverance from sin.
2. Jesus’ followers must be willing to suffer
3. Christ’s followers must be ready to make sacrifice
4. God gives strength to endure suffering
5. Christians can have faith and hope even in suffering
6. During suffering, a Christian should not have fear of man but
trust God
7. Christians should not be afraid to speak for god.
46
 (b) Islam
1. Suffering of any kind in Islam is accepted the will of Allah.
2. Muhammad himself had a difficult time. He was born in a
wealthy family, but became an while still very young and grew
up in poverty.
3. Those who suffer for their religion or in defense of Islam are
especially commended by the Quran.
4. Those who fight in defense of Allah’s true religion will be guided
and led into paradise by God.
(c) Hinduism
1. Hindus believe that suffering is part of our life and we cannot
avoid it
2. Suffering is a gift of God an we have to bear it.
3. Suffering is a way to measure one’s strength of mind and soul.
4. A true Hindu believes that the more holy a person is, the
greater his power to bear suffering
5. According to the Hindus, the more you suffer, the more you are
purified.
6. Suffering may bring you to physical death, but not to spiritual
death.
(d) Zambian Tradition Religion
1. Life is full of suffering because of sickness, famine, death and
hunger
2. Such things are said to be caused by magic, witchcraft, curses
and spirits.
3. Death ends physical suffering, but there is no escape because
the next world also has its suffering.

19. Religious comparison on suffering

(a) Christianity Vs. Islam on suffering

47
 Similarities

1. Both believe that there is suffering in the world.

2. Both believe that suffering can bring physical death.

Differences

1. Christians some suffering are not God’s responsibility, they are caused
by people themselves or others because of jealousy
Islam; suffering of any kind is accepted as the will of Allah
Christianity vs. Hinduism on suffering

Similarities

2. Suffering may bring you to physical death, both not spiritual death.
3. The more one suffers, the more he is purified and stronger the faith.
4. Both expect to suffer and make sacrifices.

Difference

1. Christians: God may allow us to test our faith but too much suffering is
tragic and couldn’t possibly come from a caring God
Hindus: everything comes from the gods even suffering
2. Christians: suffering is a test of one’s faith to prove that it is real
Hindus: suffering is a way to measure one’s mind and soul
3. Christians: all Christians at times suffer; it does not depend on the
amount of holiness, but gives strength to endure it.
4. Christians: it is only God who can end suffering
Hindus: suffering can end if we give our desires and ambitions

(c)Christianity Vs Zambian Tradition Religion

Similarities

1. Both believe that suffering is there

2. Both believe that suffering may lead to physical death

48
Difference

1 Christians: Ask God to remove suffering

Z.T.Z doesn’t ask God to remove suffering because he is not the cause of it.

SUFFERING

(1) A. Relate the story of the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36).

- Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up a hill to
pray.
- While he was praying, his face changed its appearance, and his
clothes became dazzling white.
- Suddenly, two were there talking with him.
- They were Moses and Elijah who appeared in heavenly glory and
talked him about his death at Jerusalem.
- The apostles were asleep.
- Woke up and saw Jesus glory.
- Saw the two men with him.
- Peter said, “It is good that we are here, we will make three tents.
- One for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
- As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them.
- The apostles were afraid,
- A voice spoke from the cloud.
- “This is my son, my chosen, listen to him”.
- When the voice stopped, Jesus was alone.
- The apostles told no one what have seen.

(b) (i) What teaching do Christians learn from this story on suffering? Give one
Point.

49
 - Suffering is the cost Christ paid to make salvation possible.
- Suffering is often a sign of obedience to God’s will.
(ii) Explain why the disciples of Jesus Christ had difficulties in accepting
Jesus as the suffering Messiah, state one point.
- They expected the Messiah to be a powerful political leader.
- They expected Jesus to be king and cloud not accept the idea of
his future suffering and death.
- They expected a national deliverer in the person of Jesus and this
prevented them from understanding the suffering of Messiah.
(c) (i) A newly converted Christian does not understand why Christians should
suffer for the sake of Christ and others. What Christian advice would you
give to such a one. Give three points.
- Because God can use your acceptance of suffering to help others.
- Christians should suffer for the cost Christ paid to make salvation
possible.
- Christians should suffer as an indication of their obedience to the
will of God.
(ii) How do people reach to suffering in modern society? Give three points.
- Some go to witch doctors to se advice
- Christians tend to resort to prayers and sometimes fasting, asking
God for the way forward.
- Others get with drawn from real life and decide to stay alone
quietly.
- Others people can opt for suicide.
- Others may resort to excess alcohol, claiming that they will forget
and sleep.
(d) State two similarities between Christian and Hindu teachings on
Suffering.
Similarities:
- Both accept suffering as coming from God.

50
 - Both believe suffering may bring a person to physical death but no
spiritual death.
- The more you suffer the stronger your faith.
Differences
Christianity: God may allow us to suffer to test our faith but much suffering
is tragic and could not possibly come from a caring God.
Hindu: Everything comes from God even suffering.
Christianity: Suffering is a test of one’s faith to prove that it is real.
Hindu: Suffering is away to measure one’s strength and soul.

(2) (a) Describe how Jesus was mocked by the soldiers and the criminals
(Mathew 27:27-49)
- Then the governors’ soldiers took Jesus into the palace and
gathered the whole troops around him. They took off his clothes
and put a bright red cap on him.
- They twisted some thorns into a crown, placed it on his head and
put a stick, on his right hand.
- They knelt in front of him and made fun of him by saying, “long
live the king of the Jews.”
- After they had spit on him, they took the stick and kept hitting
him on the head with it.
- After the soldiers finished making fun of Jesus, they took off the
cape and put on his clothes on.
- Then they led him away to crucify him.
- On the way they found a man named Simon.
- He was from the city of Cyrene.
- The soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.
- They came to the place called Gologotha (skull).
- They gave him a drink of wine mixed with a drug called gall.
- He refused to drink it after tasting it.

51
 - They crucified him, and divide his clothes amongst themselves by
throwing dice.
- They placed a written accusation above his head, “this is Jesus,
the king of the Jews.”
- Two criminals were crucified with him, one on his right and the
other his left.
- Those who passed by insulted him.
- They shook their heads, and said,
- “You were going to tear down God’s temple and build it again in
three days.”
- Save yourself if you are the son of God, “come down from the
cross.”
- The soldiers made fun of him too, they said,
- “He saved others, but he can’t save himself.
- So he is Israel’s king!
- ‘Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe.’
- Even the criminals crucified with him were insulting the same
way.
(b) Why did the disciples found it difficult to accept the fact that Jesus had to
suffer and die on the cross? Give two points.
- They expected Jesus to be king and could not accept the idea of his
future suffering and death.
- They expected the Messiah to be a powerful political leader.
(c) (i) A Christian has been convicted and imprisoned for a case he did not
commit. How would he relate his suffering to that of Jesus? Give three
points.
- Jesus died for us sinners and this demonstrates God’s great love
love towards us sinners.
- Jesus Christ died in our place. He took our punishment.
- We must believe in Him and put trust in him by faith.
- He must never lose hope but look up to God for help in prayer.
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 (ii) How do people react to suffering in modern Zambian Society? Give three
points.
- Some people stand firm during had times.
- Some look up to God in prayers
- Others resort to medicine man for protection from witches.
- Some seek for counseling from friends, relatives and pastors.
(a) In what ways one Christians teachings on suffering different to those of ZTR.
Give two points.

Differences
- Christianity: Christians can have hope and faith, even in suffering.
- ZTR: Such things one said to cause by magic, witchcraft, causes and spirits.
- Christianity: Jesus followers must be ready or willing to suffer. His kingdom
grows gradually often through suffering and persecution.
- ZTR: Life is full of suffering because of sickness, death, famine and hunger,.
- Christianity: During suffering a Christian should not fear man, but trust in God.
- ZTR: Suffering is physical, not spiritual.

(3) (a) Relate the story of Jesus suffering in the garden of Gethsemane
(Luke 22:39-46)
- Jesus went out as usual on the Mount of Olives.
- His disciples followed him.
- When he arrived he said to them, pray that you wont be tempted.
- He then withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down and
prayed.
- ‘Father if it is your will, take this cup of suffering away from me.
- However, your will must be done, not mine.
- Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.
- So he prayed very hard in anguish. His sweat became like chops of
blood falling to the ground.
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 - When Jesus ended his prayer, he got up and wet to his disciples, he
found than asleep and overcome with sadness.
- He said to them, ‘why are you sleeping?
- Get up and pray so that you won’t be tempted.

(b) Give three points that explain why people suffer?

- People suffer because of their own conduct must have good moral
standards and must have a sense of responsibility.
- In certain situations, people have caused suffering for others. This
could be due to hatred and jealousy.
- Suffering Evil, e.g, crime, robbery, murder
(c) (i) The Copperbelt province is planning to hold a social science fair of which
they intend to invite Mr. Smith who’s a well known motivational speaker.
He intends to speak on a very serious problem to do with HIV/AIDS. Give
three points you feel should not be left out as ways that can be used to
prevent contracting the disease.
- Have self control, avoid sexual immorality.
- Avoid traditional circumcision.
- Avoid blood transfusion with infected blood.
(ii) In what ways do people in Zambian Modern Society react to suffering?
- Same pray to God for help and strength
- Others go to witchdoctors to find out the cause of suffering.
- Others blame themselves.
- Others blame God.
(d) Give one similarity and difference between Christianity and ZTR about
death.
Similarity
They both accept that there is death.
Differences
Christianity: Jesus death is the only way to cancel sin and bring salvation to
man.
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 ZTR: Death is accepted, but it can be prevented because it’s always caused by
another agent, (Satan).

1. (a) Relate the story of Jesus’ suffering in the garden of Gethsemane.

(Luke 22:39-46).
- Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives and disciples followed
him.
- On reaching the place he said to them. “Pray that you will not fall into
temptation.”
- He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and
prayed.
- “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but
yours be done.”
- An angel appeared to him and strengthened him.
- And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was
like drops of blood falling to the ground.
- When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found
them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.”
- “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them, “Get up and pray so that you
will not fall into temptations.”
(b) Give three points that explain why people suffer.
- Modern science says that people experience suffering because of the
laws of nature as arguments are based on tests, experiments and past
experiences.
- Christians say that it is because of sin cursed world.
- Christians still say that God would want to test and purify people’s
faiths.
- To punish people for their sins and disobedience.
- To teach people so that they can completely depend on God for
everything.
- Christians still say that suffering is a cost of following Christ.
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 - 10 discipline and teach people.
- Zambian Tradition however, blames it on displeased spirits and hatred
by witches.
(c) (i) The Copperbelt province is planning to hold a social science fair of which
they intend to invite Mr. Smith who is a well known motivational
speaker. He is to speak on a very serious problem to do with HIV/AIDS.
Give three points you feel should not be left out as ways that can be used
to prevent contracting the disease.
- Abstaining from sex until marriage.
- Remaining faithful to your marriage partner.
- Sterilizing all sharp tools before using them.
(ii) In modern Zambia how can people avoid suffering?
- Maintaining good moral standard.
- Avoid taking harmful drugs such as mandrax, cocaine heroin that may
make the brain dull and damage it.
- Caring for the environment in order to avoid diseases like cholera,
dysentery and malaria, keep the surroundings clean and free from
garbage.
- Respect human rights and their rights will lead to prevail. Lack of respect
such as civil war and tribalism.
- Birth control: some people are opposed to birth control, but the alternative
very large families will cause suffering from poverty, lack of medical and
educational facilities.
(d) State the similarity between Christianity and Hinduism teaching on
suffering.
- Both accept suffering as coming from God.

3 (a) Tell the story of Jesus prediction of his suffering and death. (Luke 9:21-
27)
Answer:
- Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone.
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 - He also told them, “The son of man must suffer much and be rejected by
the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law.
- He will be put to death, but three days later he will be raised to life.
- And he said to them all, “if anyone wants to come with me, he must
forget himself.
- Take up his cross and follow me.
- For whoever wants to save his own life will lose;
- But who ever loses his life fir my sake will save it.
- Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world but is himself lost
or defeated?
- Of course not! If a person is ashamed of me and of my teaching, then the
son of man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of the
Father and of the Holy Angels.
(b) Give three points why the disciples found it difficult to accept the suffering
and death of Jesus?
Answer:
- They did not understand that before the Messiah would rule, he had to
suffer first in accordance with the Old Testament prophecies.
- The disciples did not want to know the whole truth because of the
implications of it.
- The apostles knew the Old Testament, but failed to recognize the kind of
Messiah shown here.
- Their hope for a national deliverer prevented them from seeing the Old
Testament emphasis of a suffering Messiah-one who would overcome sin
and open the gate to eternal life through his death and Resurrection.
- The disciples where thinking as natural men in understanding spiritual
truths until after the resurrection of Jesus could they understand.
- They did not know that salvation would only come through Christ’s
suffering and death.

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(c) (i) A Christian has been convicted and imprisoned for a case he did not
commit. How would he relate this suffering to that of Jesus? Give three
points.
Answers:
- Suffering is often a sign of obedience to God’s will.
- The way of Chris is not in special signs and great show, it grows gradually,
slowly, often through suffering and persecution.
- It is the way our faith is tested and proved to be real.
- The one who wants to follow Christ must be ready to make sacrifices and to
give up comfort and society. Jesus demands total commitment, which may
include suffering.
(ii) What are the effects of AIDS on the Economy of the Zambian Modern
Society? Give three points.
Answers:
- The productive work force is drastically reduced.
- The quantity of the labour force is affected, so production reduces.
- Loss of skilled and experienced workers means higher replacement and
training costs.
- Law productivity due to protracted illness resulting in high absenteeism.
- Increased burial and funeral expenses.

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Unit 5: Opposition to Jesus

Bible texts:

(a) Jesus rejected at Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)

(b) Jesus healing the paralyzed man. (Luke 5:17-26)
(c) Jesus and his disciples picking corn on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-11)
(d) Jesus healing the woman with infirmity. (Luke 13:10-17)
(e) Jesus healing a man with dropsy (Luke 14;1-6)
(f) The plot of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:1-6)
(g) The arrest of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:47-53)
(h) Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:63-71)
(i) Jesus before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1-25)

Notes

1. Reactions to criticism in Zambia

Some people’s reactions to criticism could be:
(a) Strong resentment
(b) Anger

(c) Blame others or blame God

(d) Accept criticism and change for the better
2. Effects of aggressive reactions to criticism and opposition
(a) Violence
(b) Spoilt relationships amongst the people
(c) Misrepresentation of Christ
3. Priests and scribes challenge Jesus’ Authority
(a) The questions about authority
The priests were upset with Jesus because
1. He entered Jerusalem triumphantly riding on a donkey
2. He had been teaching crowds in the temple daily.

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This question was strictly in that:

1. If he answered that he had the right as the Messiah, he would be

accused of rebellion and blasphemy
2. If he failed to publicly claim His Messiah ship, the people could not listen
to him.
4. The wicked tenants, Luke 20:9-15
This parable is a picture of:
1. Israel, as God’s vineyard
2. Tenants, as the religious leaders who be beat and killed God’s
messengers from the Old Testament up to John’s time. They were about
to do the same to Jesus.

5. Paying tax to Caesar. Luke 20:20-26

1. If Jesus accepted to pay, he would be treated as a traitor to the Jews.
If he had refused to pay, he would have been guilty of treason against
Rome.
2. Jesus’ answer showed that duty to both God and civil authority were
not opposed to each other
6. The question about resurrection Luke 20:27-40
1. Jesus told his disciples that if they were rejected in any village, they
should simply leave that village and shake the dust of that village off
their feet.
2. Jesus taught his disciples to rejoice and be glad when they are
persecuted because they would have a great reward in heaven
(Mathew 5:11-12).
3. Answer with argument or explanation (Luke 1:14-23)
4. Reactions to persecution and Opposition in Christianity and other
religious.
(a) Christianity

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 1. They stand firm, walk away or use argument in the face of
persecution or opposition.
2. They will rejoice when persecuted because it is for Christ’s sake
3. They will forgive their persecutors (Mathew 5:10-12; 44 – 45; 6:12-
15
4. Persecutions identifies Christians with Christ persecution can
build strong Christians character Romans 12;19-20, James 1:3-4
(b) Islam
1. Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina in 622A.D. the Jews in
Medina refused to accept him as a prophet, he expelled two Jewish
clans and had the men of the third clan executed.
2. The Qu’ran encourages vengeance to persecutors
3. An announcement by an man, that they are involved in a Holy war,
will send zealous into the streets to bring vengeance to
persecutors.
4. The Muslim believes that his life, property and everything else
belong to Allah and he decreases everything that happens, even
persecution.
5. A Muslim is ready to sacrifice everything for Allah.
(c) Hindus
1. Hinduism is not mere religion. It is a culture and thus, a way of
life, it is very difficult to exterminate
2. Hindus faced oppositions in ancient times, but these came more as
reforms.
3. Hinduism is based on tolerance and non-violence.
4. Sometimes the opposes themselves change their attitude and
accepted Hindu philosophy
5. There are extremists as well, who do not like their religion to be
suppressed by others, and want to retaliate
6. Hinduism is based on the idea of love, tolerance and forgiveness

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 7. A true Hindu never accepts a moral defeat. Physical defeat by
persecution or oppression is not a real defeat.
8. Religious comparison on opposition and persecution.
(a) Christianity Vs Islam on opposition

Similarities

1. Both face opposition or persecution

2. Both accept that sometimes opposition or persecution is the will
of God
3. Both are ready to sacrifice for God.

Differences

1. Christians: revenge is not allowed to persecutors

Muslims: the Koran encourages revenge after persecutions
2. Christians: forgive their persecutors
Muslim: forgiveness is regarded as a weakness.
(b) Christianity Vs Hinduism

Similarities

1. Both believe in non- violence /tolerance

2. Both forgive their persecutors

Differences

1. Christians: pray for their persecutors

Hindus: often threaten fasting until death.
2. Christians: rejoice when persecuted
Hindus: stage a “site-down” on the street.

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Unit 6: The supper and the Crucifixion

Bible texts:

(a) Preparation for the Passover (Luke 22:13-14, Exodus 12:1-30)

(b) The Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-23)
(c) The crucifixion of Jesus Christ. (Luke 23:26-49, Jeremiah 31-34)
(d) The burial of Jesus Christ. (Luke 23:50-56)

Notes

1. Introduction
Sooner or later, everyone has to face death; it concerns everyone and
brings sorrow and loss to families, communities families. We learn from
some death and burial ceremonies that death is not the end of existence,
but rather “a departure” or “sleep” there are several rituals that express
this belief:
1. There are several rituals that express this belief
2. Burying the dead with certain objects like cups, plates, guns etc.
3. The use of words like “departure”, or sleeping’ are used instead of
‘dying”

2. The last supper. Luke 22:7-23

a) Preparations for the Passover Luke 22:7,13, Exodus 12;1-30
Annually Jews celebrated the Passover least to remember how they
were delivered from slavery in Egypt. The lamb’s blood had been
applied to the doorposts and the lintel causing the Lord to pass over
them and not allow the angel of death to enter and kill the first born
sons
b) The Lords Supper, Luke 22:14-23
1. On this occasion, Jesus announced his death; it would be a
sacrifice, like sacrifice of animals whose blood sealed the Old
Testament Covenant. (Exodus 24:3-8)

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 2. Jesus’ death was going to replace the sacrifice of the Old
Testament which was to deliver people from slavery and sin.
3. This blood of Christ sealed God’s new covenant with man-the
promise of forgiveness and eternal life, to all who receive Jesus as
Saviour and Lord.
4. Jesus wanted those who have eternal life through his death to join
together to remember him, eating bread and drinking wine in
thanksgiving and worship.

3. The significance of the Last Super

a) To the Early Church (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)

Today, Jesus is physically absent, so we need a reminder of what he did

for us. At this service Christians today can:

1. Look back in thankful remembrance of the cost of their redemption.

2. Look up in faith to sense Christ’s presence and his welcome.
3. Look around. To rejoice in their unity with other Christians
4. Look forward. To the Lords return and visible presence
5. Look within. To make the act meaningful, to admit their
unworthiness, and come ready to receive all he has to give.

4. Other Names for the Lord’s super

1. Eucharist – meaning “thanksgiving’.
2. Holy communion
3. Mass or the breaking of bread. Acts 2:42

5. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Luke 23:26-49; Jeremiah 31:31-34

The book of Luke gives emphasis on the reactions of those who represent
and Jesus’ saving power demonstration through the prayer of his
enemies, his word to the criminal and the centurion’s cry. It is a custom
for Jewish woman to mourn condemned men as they went for execution,
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 but jaws warns them here to weep for them; a time for great trouble was
coming. Here we learn that:
1. Even in great suffering, Jesus forgave his enemies
2. Jesus’ final cry shows his trust in his father to the end. V 46
3. The tearing of the curtain which blocked the entrance to the most
holy place showed that way into the presence of God was now open
through the death of Jesus Christ.
4. The crucifixion of Christ fulfilled prophecies about the messiah, i.e
Psalms 22, Islam 53 and the fulfillment of God’s of the new covenant
with mankind.

6. The burial of Jesus Christ Luke 23:50-56

Jewish would have buried in a common grave for executed criminals, but
Joseph of Arimethea prevented this. He was a member of the
Sanheridon, but had not agreed with their decision about Jesus. V51. He
buried Jesus in private burial cave, which had never been used. Here we
learn that:
1. Animal sacrifices are not necessary (Hebrews 10:8-12)
2. Barriers are broken down Eph. 2:12-18. Jews and Gentiles are
brought by Jesus death
3. Jesus death is a way to cancel sin and bring man salvation
4. Man, who was separated from God, can now be reconciled to him.
5. Christ sacrifice is sufficient for redemption
6. We have died to sin. Sin no longer has power over our lives.

7. The effects of Christ death to Christians today

People are accepted by God; because their sin is forgiven and they are
reconciled to God Christians now have the hope of eternal life
Christian should not place barriers between themselves and people of
other tribes and races. Christians now have new life in Christ, their sin is
forgiven
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Funerals, burials and teaching about death in other religions
(a) Zambian Tradition
1. Man has accepted death, but every human death is believed to
have an external causes
2. People must discover the cause of death
3. Causes of death include magic and witchcraft, spirits who may
have been offended and bear a grudge a powerful curse.
4. Death can be prevented because another agent always causes it.
5. Burial is the usual method of depositing the dead. The dead may
be buried in the house, near the house or the place of birth of the
person
6. Graves differ in shape and sizes. Rectangular, circle, like a cave.
Some bury the dead in pots and bury them with food, weapons,
tobacco etc.
(b) Islam
1. Physical death must come physical death must end.
2. There is life after death. That life will depend on how one has lived
in the present life- one’s deeds will be rewarded or punished
3. When a person dies, relatives gather at home. The body is ashed,
scented, and camphor put on it. It is wrapped in a white cloth.
People go to see the body to pay respect (if the deceased is female,
only very close relatives may view the face).
4. The coffin is carried to the graveyard by male relatives and friends.
Each male takes a turn to carry the coffin at each of the four
corners.
5. They may go first to the Mosque, where prayers are conducted. The
moaners stand in rows, and prayers are led by an imam.
6. Once lowered into the grave, the face is again uncovered so that it
can be seen for the last time.

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 7. Mourners take a hand full of sand, recite the Qur’an, and blow on
the sand, which is then collected in a container and place under
the head of the deceased.
8. Mourners fill the grave with soil, the area is watered and flowers
are put on the grave and incense burned. Most graves are left flat.
9. Mourners pray again and recite from the Qur’an asking for
forgiveness for the deceased and present. They return home and
food is offered.
10. After the burial, people gather again at the mosque to pray and
read the Qur’an.
11. For 40 days, all the males of the immediate family visit the grave
and offer prayers and recite he Qur’an. On the 1st Anniversary of
the dead, there is a special gathering at the mosque to recite the
Qur’an and offer prayers for the forgiveness of the deceased.
12. If a woman losses her husband, she stays in the house 41/2
months and is called ideate she refrains from wearing jewels or
ornaments or cosmetics and tries to avoid seeing or talking to
people outside her close family. After that she leads a normal life.
(c) Hinduism
1. God plays three important roles in the universe: He creates, he
maintains and he destroys. Death as part of the third role. God
wishes us to die.
2. Hindus accept death as God’s decision. It is God’s wish that we
should die one day. Total belief in God means total submission to
his wishes.
3. Hindus do not have burials. Dead bodies are usually burnt. There
are special places for funerals. Bodies are taken for burning.
Usually such places are besides a lake or river but it can be just a
space, not far from the town.

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 4. Relatives and friends carry the body to that place and the
traditional way is to put the body on the bed of firewood and then
the wood is set alight.
5. Religious comparisons on funerals, burials and teaching about
death.
Similarities
1. Both mourn the dead
2. Both accept death
3. Both bury the dead

Differences

1. Christianity: accept death as coming from God

Z.T.R. though they accept death, they believe it is caused by
unworshiped spirits or other external causes
2. Christianity: Death cannot be prevented as it comes from God.
Z.T.R: Death can be prevented as it is caused by external agents

b) Christianity Vs Islam on their attitudes when faced with death

Similarities

1. Both believe that physical death must come and physically life must end
2. Both believe that there is life after death

Differences

1. Christians: After the committal prayer at burial, the mourners disperse

Islam: the day after burial, they gather at the mosque to pray
2. Christians: may just pray on memorial service usually after a year
3. Christians: After death there is no hope of God’s forgiveness of sin.
Islam: Muslims continue praying for the forgiveness of the deceased for
Allah to reward the dead.
b) Christians Vs Hinduism on their attitude when faced with death

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 Similarities
1. Both accept as god’s decisions

Differences

1. Christians: they bury the dead

Hindus: Do not have burials, dead bodies are burnt.

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UNIT 7: TRIUMP OVER DEATH

Bible texts:

(a) Jesus raises the widow’s son Luke. 7:11-16

(b)Jesus raises Jairus daughter from death Luke 8:40 -42; 49-56

(c) Jesus raises Lazarous from death John 11:1-44

(d) The woman at the tomb Luke 24:1-12

(e) Jesus on the road to Emmaus and in the upper room Luke 24:13-53

(f) Peter preaches about resurrection Acts 2:22-36

(g) Jewish beliefs about life after death Luke 20:27-38

(h) Paul writes about the resurrection 1Corrinthians 15-1-58

Notes

1. Ideas about life after death

Many people have different ideas about life after death. Some believe that
there is no life after death, while others believe that there is. There are
also those who believe that the dead have dealings with the living. There
are two basic beliefs about life after death.

1. Death is the end of all things

2. Life goes beyond the death of grave

Christian’s preachers believe and teach that there will be resurrection, a

time when all the dead will come back to life. In traditional Zambia, people
believe that life continues beyond death. Though they may not say that the
present life determines the next life, they believe that those who die badly,

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either by a disease or away from home, tend to deal with the living in a bad
way. They bring curses, bad luck, diseases, death and barrenness

2. Jesus raising dead people

During his time Jesus raised a lot of people from death. From all the
accounts of Jesus raising dead people there are lessons we can learn about
Jesus and death itself.

a) Jesus raises the woman’s son Luke 7:11-16

Nain was a small town, about 10km east of Nazareth. The widow lived
there and only had one son. Unfortunately, her only son died. This
means that the widow will remain the terrible state of poverty here we
learnt that:
1. Jesus out of deep pity for the mother raised the widow’s son from
death
2. Jesus uses his divine power to triumph over death.
3. The command, “get up” was proof that he was the one promised in the
old testament
4. Jesus demonstrated the proper attitude toward widows as demanded
by the law.
5. The miracle made people to recognize Jesus as a great prophet
b) Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter from Death Luke 8:40-56
1. Jesus is Lord of both life and death
2. It is only faith in him that serves
3. Jesus is an assurance of life
4. He uses His divine power to triumph over death.
c) Jesus Raises Lazarous from Death John 11:1-44
1. Jesus was in unit with the father as son of God
2. Jesus is the resurrection and the life
3. Those who are spiritually dead through sin may have eternal life
through him

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 4. Those who physically dead but spiritually alive will meet Christ no
matter how long they have been dead.
3. Jewish beliefs about life after death Luke 20:27-38
1. The soul of a dead person remains near the grave for three days after
death.
2. On the fourth day there was a climax to the period of mourning
3. The teaching about resurrection is not found in the Torah (Jewish
written law) however, they have an idea of life after death.
4. Pharisees’ beliefs about life after death.
The Pharisees believe in:
1. Angel’s
2. Spirits
3. The resurrection of the dead for God’s judgment
5. The Sadducees beliefs about life after death
1. There is no life after death
2. No resurrection from the dead (the Pharisees and the Sadducees were
continually in conflict over the subject of the resurrection of the dead)
6. Teaching about life after death
From the miracles of Jesus raising dead people and his teaching: it is
clear that:
1. Jesus is the resurrection and the life
2. Everyone who believes in Him will live again though he dies
3. Jesus has life and He will give it to those that believe in Him.
4. Jesus is Lord over death and death cannot get hold of him and
conquer him.
5. All who are bound by the power of death can be set free by the power
of Jesus
7. The meaning of the resurrection of Jesus for the early church
1. The time for salvation had come
2. The death and resurrection had brought new life

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 Paul writes about the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-58) and show that
to deny the resurrection of Christ:

1. Leave the Messiah in Martyr’s grave

2. Makes our faith a useless imagination
3. Makes sin triumphant
4. Reduces our hope of glory to a myth.
8. Why Christians believe in Jesus’ resurrection today
2. Christians see it as God’s approval of Jesus after he was rejected and
put to death.
3. It is confirmation that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God
4. It showed that he triumphed over sin and death.
5. It shows that man can be reconciled to God through Christ.
6. It gives us hope for the future.
7. It is the fulfillment of Gods plan of salvation.

Differences

1. Christians: spirits of the dead do not return to earth.

Z.T.R: some spirits may become wondering spirits and may cause
harm.
2. Christians: Spirits of the dead may not be contacted. (They go to live
with Christ).
Z.T.R: Spirits of the dead can be contacted.

b). Christians Vs. Hinduism on life after death

Similarities

1. Both teach that the soul does not die.

2. Both teach there is

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Differences

1. Christians at death, the spirit of the dead Christian goes to live with God.
Hindus: after death, the soul can take another form and come back to
earth as another person or animal
2. Christians: there is no coming back to this world once you die. The spirit
will be clothed with an immortal body at the second coming of Christ

c). Christianity vs Islam on life after death

Similarities

1. Both believe in life after death.

2. Both believe that God will judge them in the life to come.

Differences

1. Christians: they know whether they belong to God or the devil before
judgement.
Muslims: in the life to come people will be judged according to their
deeds.

(a) Tell the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from death.

(b) What does this story teach Christians about Jesus as the Messiah

and son of God? State three points.

(c) (i) Reality who is a non-Christian says to you, I do not believe in life

after death. State one point of argument she could use to support her
statement and two points of Christian and two points of Christian
response you would give her with regard to life after death.
(ii) State two points on what Christians believe about life after death
today.

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Give two similarities between Christianity and Muslim.

(a) John 11:1-14

- Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha was very sick.
- The two sisters sent for Jesus to come and heat their brother.
- Although Jesus loved this family, he stayed two more days
where he was.
- He said this was so that God and God’s son may be glorified.
- When he decided to go to Bethany, his disciples reminded him
that the Jews tried to stone him there.
- Jesus said he was going to wake Lazarus from sleepy.
- The disciples thought sleep warmed him recover.
- Jesus there told them plainly that Lazarus was dead.
- Martha went to meet Jesus and said to him, if you had beer
here my brother would not have died.
- But I know that God would give you what ever you ask.
- Jesus told her your brother will rise again.
- Martha thought he meant at the resurrection of the dead.
- But I know that God would give you what ever you ask.
- Jesus told her your brother; your brother will rise again.
- Jesus told her, I am the resurrection and the life.
- The one who believes in me will live ever if he dies.
- Martha said, she believed this and also that Jesus was Christ
the son of God.
- She then went and told her sister that Jesus had come and
has asking for her.
- Mary then went out to meet Jesus.
- She also told him that if he had been there his brother would
not have died.
- When Jesus saw them all weeping, he was very moved and
asked where the grave was.

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 - They showed him and Jesus wept at the grave.
- He told them to take away the stone which covered the grave.
- Martha at first objected because she thought the body has
begun to decay.
- But Jesus reassured her and they took away the stone.
- Lazarus appeared at the entrance of the grave.
- Jesus told them to free him from his grave clothes.
(b) – Jesus is the life and the resurrection.
- His divine power over death.
- Lord of life and death.
- As the son of God, Jesus brings joy and gladness instead of
grief, praise instead of sorrow.
- He had compassion, pity for people.

(d) In what ways are Christian teachings about life after death similar

to those of Hindus. State two points.

(9) Luke 8:40-42

- When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake.

- The people welcomed him because they had all been waiting for him.
- When a man named Jairus arrived.
- He threw himself down at Jesus feet and begged him to go to his home.
- Because his only daughter who was twelve years old was dying.
- While Jesus was saying this, a messenger came from the officer’s house.
- Your daughter has died, he told Jairus, don’t bother the teacher any
longer.
- But Jesus heard and said to Jairus,
- Don’t be afraid only believe and she will be well.
- When he arrived at the house, he would not let anyone go in with him
except Peter, John and James and the father and mother.
- Everyone there was crying and mourning for the child.

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 - Jesus said, don’t cry, the child is not dead, she is only sleeping.
- They all laughed at him because they know that she way dead.
- But Jesus took her by the hard and called out, get up my child.
- Her life returned.
- She sat up at once and Jesus ordered them to give her something to.

(c) (i) Argument.

- I have never seen anyone coming back from the dead.

- How can a dead body come back to life? Christian Response.
- Although your body dies, life continues in your spirit and soul.
- When your body dies, your spirit goes to be with God.
- Physical death simply separates your soul and spirit from your body, the
real person goes on living with God.
- God raised Jesus from the death; there will be life after death for us also.

(ii) – Believe that man has a spirit which survives the death of their physical

Body.

- If we die with Christ, we shall also live with him.

- Death is not the end of everything, there is a better life after death.

(d) – Both believe in life after death.

- Both believe God will judge them in the life to come.

1. (a) Give an account of the story of Jesus raising Jairus daughter.

(b) What do Christians learn from this incident about the authority of
Jesus? Give two points.
(c) (i) Halubono confides in his friend that even if I in Jesus
resurrection, I don’t know it is meaning. As a Christian friend, give
Halubono the meaning of the resurrection of Jesus to Christians

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 today. Give three points.
(ii) What are the views of people in modern Zambia today on life after
death. Give three points.
Her parents where astonished but Jesus commanded them not to
Tell anyone what had happened.
(b) – Jesus is the son of God.
- Jesus has power to raise the dead.
- Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
- Jesus has power over death.
(c) (i) - It brought God’s salvation to mankind.
- Jesus had brought a new beginning in God’s relationship with
mankind because he triumphed over death.
- People are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
(ii) - There is resurrection after one dies.
- Others do not believe in life after death. To them death is the end
of life.
- There are those who believe that the dead have influence on the
living.
- Other people believe that a person’s action in the life determines the
next life.
(d) – Both believe in life after death.
- Both believe that physical death separatism the soul from the body.

2. (a) Tell the stay of Elijah rousing the windows son at Zarephath.
(b) What did Jesus mean when he called himself, the resurrection and
the life? Give two points.

(c) (i) During a history lesson, a teacher challenged Christian

to prove that Jesus rose from the death if he is to be converted
Christianity show three proofs as the teacher from the New
Testament teachings on the resurrection of Jesus.

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 (ii) What ideas do people hold about life after death in modern
Zambian society? State three points.
(d) In what ways are Christian beliefs in life after death similar to those of
Hindus? State two points.

(b) 1 Kings 17:17-24

- Some time later the widows son fell ill.
- He got worse and worse finally he dies.
- She said to Elijah, man of God, why did you do this to me? Did you come
here to remind God of my sins and so cause my son’s death?
- Give the boy to me, Elijah said, he took the boy from her arms, carried
him upstairs to the room where he was sleeping and laid him on the bed.
- Then he prayed aloud, o Lord my God, why have you done such a terrible
thing to this widow?
- She has been kind enough to take care of me and now you kill her son?
- Then, Elijah stretched himself out on the boy and prayed.
- “O Lord my Lord my God, restore this child to life”.
- The Lord answered, Elijah’s prayer, the child started breathing and
revived.
- Elijah took the boy back downstairs to his mother and said to her, look,
your son is alive.
- She answered, now I know that you’re a man of God and that the Lord
really speaks through you.
(c) – He meant, he is Lord over death and death cannot get hold of him and
conquer him.
- He meant he has power over death; all who are bound by the power of
death can be set free by the power of Jesus.
(d) (i) – Jesus was appointed by God; therefore his death was not an
accident at all but part of God’s plain.
- The Old Testament talked about, was revealed as Messiah and proved as
the Lord.

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- Peter wrote that Christians have received new birth because; God raised
Jesus Christ from death.
(ii) – Our bodies die physical death, our spirits continues to live.
- In the resurrection life we shall know each other.
(e) – Both believe that there will be judgment after death.
- Both believe that there will be life after death.

3. (a) Narrate the story of the woman at the tomb of Jesus.

(b) From this and the other resurrection experiences by the disciples,
explain three things that the disciples learnt about Jesus.
(c) (i) Chinyama was troubled at his father’s death that he thought he
would never ever see his father again. This thought sent him into
depression. Explain to Chinyama what Christians believe about life
after death. Give three points.
(ii) State three points what Christians believe about Jesus resurrection
today.
(d) In what ways are Christians beliefs in, life after death different to
those of Zambian Tradition? State two points.

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