OLC MUGOIRI GIRLS

CRE DEPARTMENT NOTES

FORM 2 NOTES
CHAPTER 1
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES ABOUT THE COMING OF THE
MESSIAH
Prophesies Concerning the Messiah in The Old Testament.
The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word ‘Meshiach’ which means ‘the anointed’.
It is used in the Old Testament to refer to kings and priests in Israel because God chose them to
serve Him.
In the Old Testament, there are many messianic prophesies that talked about the coming of the
messiah.
The origin of the messianic prophesies in the Bible starts with prophets Nathans prophesy to
King David
Nathan’s Prophesy (2 Samuel 7:3-17)
i. God would ensure that the kingdom of David lasts forever
ii. An heir from David’s lineage would always be raised to sit on the throne
iii. The king would deliver or save the people of Israel from their enemies. Israel would live
in peace.
iv. God would always support such a king.
v. God would keep the kingdom strong for David’s sons.
vi. God would make David’s name great and bless his descendants forever
vii. God would give Israel their own land

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

Supernatural titles given to the Messiah (9:1-7)
i. Wonderful counselor
ii. Mighty God
iii. Eternal father/Everlasting father
iv. Prince of Peace
v. Immanuel
 Character of the Messiah (Isaiah 61:1-2)
i. He has the Spirit of God
ii. He has been anointed by God
iii. He has been sent to preach the Good News to the poor
iv. He has been sent to bring liberty to the captives
v. He has come to proclaim the year of favour from God

Isaiah’s prophesies concerning the messiah

i. The Messiah would be born of a virgin
ii. He would be called Immanuel
iii. He would be called a wonderful counselor/Mighty God/Everlasting Father/Prince of
peace.
iv. The Messiah would have an everlasting kingdom.
v. He would be a ruler from the house of David.
vi. He would rule with justice/righteousness/peace.
vii. He would be humble/simple/ordinary.
viii. The messiah would be rejected/despised
ix. He would suffer for the forgiveness of the sins of many people.
x. It would be the will of his father for him to suffer.
xi. He would succeed in his work/be highly honored
xii. He would be filled with God’s spirit/anointed
xiii. He would preach good news/set the captives free/declare the year of the Lord.
Micah’s prophesy
i. The messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
ii. He would rule over Israel.
iii. His origin is from the ancient days.
iv. He would be born of a woman.
v. He will feed His flock.
vi. He will rule in majesty/strength of God.
vii. In His time Israel will be secure.
viii. He shall be great to the end of the earth
Jeremiah’s Prophesy (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
i. The Messiah would come from the house of David
ii. He would be righteous
iii. He would reign as a king
iv. The Messiah would rule wisely
v. He would execute justice in the land
vi. He would bring salvation upon Judah
vii. He would provide security in Israel
viii. He sold be called the ‘The Lord Our Salvation’
Isaiah’s prophesy on the Suffering servant
i. The servant will succeed in his work and will be highly honoured.
ii. This success and honour will surprise many who have witnessed his suffering.
iii. The servant is despised, rejected and ignored by those who are him.
iv. He has nothing attractive. He is very ordinary and simple.
v. He is harshly treated, arrested, sentenced to death and killed.
vi. His body is buried with the bodies of rich men.
vii. He endures all that is done to him in humble silence.
viii. He accepts the suffering which should have been received by others for their sins.
ix. Through his suffering, human beings are reconciled to God.
x. It was the will of God that the servant should suffer.
xi. His death is a sacrifice to bring forgiveness of sins.
The concept of the messiah in the New Testament
The New Testament writers, especially the Gospel writers, make it clear that Jesus fulfilled the
Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, we
find the title “Messiah” (or Christ) and “king” appearing several times. The Word “Christ” is a
Greek word which means Messiah or Saviour. The following are some examples in the Gospel
that refer to Jesus as the Messiah;
• During the birth of Jesus, the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem: “Where is he
who has been born king of the Jews… and have come to worship him” (Mathew 2:2)
In answer to this question, Herod asked the chief priests and scribes where “Christ” was
to be born.
• After feeding of the five thousand by Jesus, we are told that when Jesus perceived the
crowd was about to take him by force and make him “king”, he withdrew from them to
avoid such crowning (John 6:15).
• When Jesus asked his disciples whom they thought he was, Simon Peter answered, “The
Christ of God”
• During Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowd acclaimed him as a king by
singing and praising God saying: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the
Lord”
• During the trial of Jesus before the Jewish Religious Council called the Sanhedrin, he
was asked: “ If you are the Christ tell us”
How Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah
i. The Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would be born in the lineage of David is
confirmed when the Angel Gabriel was sent form God to a young woman called Mary,
who was engaged to Joseph. Joseph came from the lineage of David.
ii. Nathan’s prophesy that God would make David’s descendants rule over Israel forever is
affirmed by Angel Gabriel to Mary, during the annunciation.
 iii. Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin conception (Isaiah 7:14) is fulfilled in Angel Gabriel’s
message to Mary that she was going to conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and not
by human intervention.
iv. Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14) is fulfilled in
Angel’s Gabriel message to Joseph that Mary’s son would be called Immanuel. (Mathew
1:18-25).
v. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the small town of Judah, which was also the birth place of
King David. This was in fulfillment of Micah’s prophesy (Micah 5:1) about a ruler of
Israel whom God would raise up from the town of Bethlehem.
vi. Jesus was hailed as the Messiah descended from David by the blind beggar of Jericho.
This was in fulfillment of Nathan’s prophesying that was echoed by Jeremiah that the
Messiah would come from the family of David.
vii. Isaiah’s prophesy of a Messiah who would bring salvation to the whole world (Isaiah
42:6; 46:13; 52:10) is echoed in the prophecy of Simeon in the temple in reference to
baby Jesus.
viii. When Jesus taught in the synagogue in Nazareth at the beginning of his ministry, he
quoted from Isaiah to affirm that he was the Messiah that Isaiah had talked about.
ix. Isaiah’s prophesy about the messiah would work miracles (Isaiah 26:19, 35:5-6, 61:1)was
fulfilled when Jesus raised the dead, cast out demons and carried out a number of healing
miracles. Through these miracles, Jesus was showing that the Messianic age had come.
Like the suffering servant, Jesus suffered humiliation:
i. He bore the sins of human beings.
ii. He delivered humanity by dying on the cross.
iii. He submissively bore suffering and disgrace.
iv. He was despised and rejected.
v. He was mocked and spat on.
vi. He was pierced and wounded on the sides.
vii. He was crucified with thieves.
viii. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb.
ix. Through him, God’s everlasting kingdom was established.
x. He was innocent of sin and yet treated as a criminal.
xi. Through Jesus’ wounds, many have been forgiven their sins.
The relevance of God’s promises to David to Christians today
i. God promised to raise an heir from David’s family to always sit on the throne. Jesus
Christ is descendant of David and is an heir to the Kingdom of God.
ii. God promised David that He would always protect him from his enemies. Today, God
continues to be with his people, the Christians.
iii. God promised to be a Father to David’s descendants. Christians call god as their Father in
obedience to what Jesus taught His disciples.
iv. God promised constant/perpetual forgiveness to the descendants of David. Today
Christians are assured of God’s mercy through Jesus Christ.
 v. God promised David an everlasting kingdom. Christians believe in the kingdom
established by Jesus is everlasting/eternal.
vi. God promised to make David’s name famous. The Christian church has grown to become
universal.
vii. God promised David’s descendants that they would have place of their own in which to
live. Christians believe that as David’s descendants through Jesus Christ, they have been
promised a home of their own in heaven.
The Jewish expectation of the Messiah
i. To come from the lineage of David/Royal descent
ii. To come after the return of Prophet Elijah
iii. To be political leader/overthrow the Romans
iv. He would covert Jerusalem to be a centre of rule/political centre
v. Not expected to associate with the poor/sinners/Gentiles.
vi. He was expected to uphold Judaism
vii. He would perform miracles.
viii. They expected the establishment of the kingdom of the messiah to be preceded by cosmic
signs
ix. To establish the kingdom by conquering the enemies of Israel
x. To rule the whole world
 CHAPTER 2
INFANCY NARRATIVES AND EARLY LIFE OF JESUS
The Annunciation
The Birth of John is announced
Describe Zechariah’s vision in the temple.
 Zechariah was performing his priestly duty at the temple.
 He had gone to burn incense inside the temple as the other worshippers were praying
outside.
 The Angel of God appeared to him standing at the right hand of the altar.
 He felt frightened and scared but the angel reassured him that he had good news.
 He told Zechariah that God had heard his prayers and would bless him with a son to be
named John.
 The angel informed Zechariah the work/qualities of the son to be born.
 Zechariah could not believe because he was too old to have children and his wife was
advanced in age.
 The angel revealed his identity as Gabriel who had been sent by God to bring the
message.
 The people who were outside were wondering why he had taken too long in the temple
and when he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he had a vision

Outline what Angel Gabriel revealed about John the Baptist when he announced his
birth to Zechariah
i. He would be a source of joy to the parents.
ii. Many people will rejoice at his birth
iii. He would be great in the sight of the Lord
iv. He would not take strong drink/wine (Nazirite)
v. He was to be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.
vi. Many Israelites would turn to God through him.
vii. He would have the spirit of Elijah/power
viii. He would prepare the people for Lord/call people to repentance
ix. He would turn the fathers hearts to children/bring reconciliation
Lessons Christian learn from the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist
i. Children are a gift from God
ii. Be persistent in prayer
iii. Having faith/trust in God
iv. Doubting God’s message can lead to punishment
v. Serving God regardless of the circumstances we are
vi. Be patient
vii. God has a purpose for their lives
The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus
 Angel Gabriel was sent and appeared to Mary in Nazareth
 Mary was a young woman who had been engaged to a man named Joseph from the house
of David.
 The angel greeted Mary “Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with you.”
 Mary was troubled by the greeting and wondered what it could be
 The angel told her not to be afraid since she had found favour with God and was going to
conceive and give birth to a son.
 He would be called Jesus.
 The angel told Mary that Jesus will be great and will be called the son of the Most
High/God will give him the throne of his father David.
 Mary asked the angel how she was going to conceive without a husband.
 The angle told her that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 The angel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was six months pregnant.
 Mary accepted the angel’s message and said “I am the hand maid of the lord, let it to be
me as you have said”
Outline the message of angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:26-38
i. She is highly favoured among women
ii. She will bring forth a son and will be named Jesus
iii. He will be called the Son of the Most High/Son of God/will be great
iv. He will be given the throne of his father David
v. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
vi. The kingdom will be everlasting
vii. The Holy Spirit would come upon her.
viii. The child will be called Holy.
ix. That Elizabeth her cousin had also conceived in her old age.
x. With God, everything is possible.
Similarities between the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and that of Jesus
Christ (Luke 1:8-17 & Luke 1:26-38)
i. In both messages was delivered by angel Gabriel.
ii. In both the missions of John and Jesus were specified by the angel.
iii. In both the possibility of the message was doubted by Zachariah and Mary.
iv. In both cases signs were given to confirm the messages
v. In both the children would be God’s servants
vi. In both cases children would be male
vii. In both births were to be through divine intervention
viii. In both the names of the children to be born were given by the angel
ix. In both the angel told Zachariah and Mary not to be afraid
Basing your answer on the infancy narratives in Luke 1:5-56, describe what took place
when Mary visited Elizabeth
 Mary entered Zechariah’s home
 She greeted Elizabeth.
 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greetings the baby in her womb leaped.
 Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
 Elizabeth exclaimed with a loud cry
 She blessed Mary/the child in the womb
 Elizabeth wondered why Mary the mother of the Lord has visited her
 Elizabeth informed Mary that the baby in her womb had leaped for joy in her greetings
 Mary responded by praising God/she sang the magnificat.
 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months.
What Mary highlighted when she sang the magnificat
i. Her soul rejoicing and magnified God for being mindful of the humble.
ii. From then on, all generations would call her blessed.
iii. God had done mighty things for her.
iv. God’s name is holy.
v. His mercy extends to those who fear him.
vi. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm.
vii. He has scattered the proud.
viii. He has brought down the mighty from their thrones.
ix. He has exalted the humble.
x. He has filled the hungry with good things.
xi. He has sent the rich away empty.
 xii. He has helped his servant Israel, and has been merciful to her even in the time of
Abraham.
What the magnificat reveals about the nature of God
i. God is a savior because He remembers the lowly.
ii. God is mighty for He scatters the proud/does great things
iii. God is Holy from generation to generation/Holy is His name.
iv. God is merciful to those who fear Him.
v. God is caring/protective because He exalts the humble.
vi. He is a provider/sustainer because He fills the hungry.
vii. He is faithful because He keeps his promises.
viii. He is kind/helper to His servant Israel.
Lessons Christians learn from the magnificat
i. Christians should always appreciate/thank/glorify God for His favour.
ii. Christians should have faith in God.
iii. Christians should be humble.
iv. Christians should rejoice when they are blessed by God.
v. Christians should obey/respect the will of God.
vi. Christians should depend on God for provision.
Jewish traditions fulfilled in Jesus life
i. Circumcised on the 8th day.
ii. He was named Jesus.
iii. His mother was purified after birth.
iv. Dedicated/presented to God in the temple where the parents offered a sacrifice of a pair
of turtle doves.
v. He obeyed his parents.
vi. Celebrated the Passover festival at the age of 12 years.

The Birth of John the Baptist

Describe the events that took place after the birth of John the Baptist. Lk 1:27-67
 Elizabeth’s kinsmen and neighbours came to rejoice with her.
 The baby was circumcised on the eighth day.
 There was an argument about the name to be given to the baby.
 Elizabeth gave the name as John.
 They made signs to Zachariah enquiring what the baby’s name would be.
 Zachariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote the name of the baby as John.
  The people marvelled.
 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he spoke blessing
God
 The people demonstrated fear.
 The people spread the news about the birth of John throughout Judea.
 The people testified that the hand of God was with the child.
 Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and testified about the child.

With reference to the Benedictus, outline what Zachariah prophesied about John the
Baptist.
i. He would be a prophet of God/ most High.
ii. He would prepare the way for the messiah.
iii. He would give people knowledge about salvation.
iv. He would call human beings to repentance of sin.
v. He would give light to those who sit in darkness.
vi. He would guide human beings to the path of peace.

Similarities between the Magnificat and the Benedictus

i. Both were songs of praises.
ii. Both use Old Testament phrases.
iii. Both share thematic and structural features.
iv. Both were recited by people whom Angel Gabriel had been sent to.
v. Both are poetic.
vi. Both songs result from the news about the birth of baby boys.
vii. Both songs talk about the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophesies.
Ways in which a Christian couple should respond to the challenge of being childless
i. They should pray to God to bless them with children.
ii. They should seek guidance and counselling from the church leaders.
iii. The couple should seek for medical assistance.
iv. They should be patient/not anxious.
v. They can adopt children.
vi. The couple should remain faithful to each other.
vii. The couple can take care of children of their relatives.
Lessons Christians learn from the parents of John the Baptist
i. Christians should obey God’s commandment
ii. They should be patient/persevere
iii. Christians should be prayerful
iv. Christians should lead holy lives/be upright/be righteous
v. Christians should desire to be led by the Holy Spirit
vi. Christians should have faith in God/believe in God’s word.
vii. Christians should serve God irrespective of their circumstances
viii. Christians learn doubting Gods word can lead to punishment.
ix. Christians should praise God/worship the lord/should be thankful.
The Birth of Jesus
The events that took place on the night Jesus was born
 When Jesus was born his mother wrapped him in swaddling cloths
 She was placed in a manger
 There were shepherds watching over their flock
 An angel appeared to the shepherds in the region to tell them of the birth of the savior
 The angel gave a sign on how to identify the baby.
 A great company of heavenly angels appeared singing praises to God.
 The shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem
 The shepherds saw the baby.
 They spread the news about the baby to other people.
 The shepherds returned praising God.
Describe the visit of the angel of the Lord to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born.
 The shepherds were looking after the flocks in the field at night.
 The angels appeared to them
 The glory of the Lord shone around them
 They were filled with fear
 The angel reassured them/told them not to fear.
 He told them of the good news of the birth of Jesus.
 They were told where to find the baby
 The angel gave them the sign on how they would find Jesus
 There appeared a host of angels singing / praising God.
 The angel left them/went back to heaven.
 The shepherds went to Bethlehem/found baby Jesus.
Outline ways in which the birth of Jesus was extra-ordinary.
i. His birth was announced by an angel.
ii. His birth had been foretold by God’s prophets.
iii. His birth was brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 iv. He was born to a virgin.
v. He was given name before He was born.
vi. His birth was initiated by God.
vii. His mission was outlined even before He was born
Ways through which Christians in Kenya express their joy for the birth of Jesus
i. They sing/listen to Christian songs
ii. They attend Christian’s worship/service/mass/go to church
iii. They partake of the Holy Communion/Eucharist
iv. They exchange gifts/cards/messages of goodwill
v. They visit friends and relatives
vi. They decorate their homes and churches
vii. They buy and wear new clothes
viii. They prepare special dishes and drinks
ix. They hold Christmas concerts and drama
x. They watch movies/films on the birth of Jesus
xi. The read Christmas stories/the bible
xii. They help the needy/ engage in acts of charity
xiii. They repent/rededicate themselves to God.
Reasons why Christians present gifts to new born babies
i. Christians give gifts in order to welcome the baby into the family.
ii. It is a sign of their love/contribution to the baby’s welfare.
iii. It is a way of appreciating the gift of life.
iv. It is a way of thanking/appreciating his goodness.
v. It is a form of congratulating the mother/parents
vi. It is an expression of their joy.
vii. It is a way of emulating biblical practices.
Virtues Christians acquire when celebrating the birth of Jesus
i. Joy/happiness
ii. Sharing/generosity/helpfulness/kindness/charity
iii. Holiness/righteousness/purity
iv. Respect
v. Humility
vi. Mercy/compassion
vii. Co-operation/unity
viii. Thankfulness/Gratitude
ix. Love
x. Peace
Importance of singing in a Christian service
i. It is an opportunity to praise/adore God.
ii. Christians pass messages/pray through singing
iii. Singing removes tension/make worshippers relax
iv. Singing creates an atmosphere of worship
v. The singing removes boredom because of the varied activities during the service.
vi. Non-members are attracted to the church through singing
vii. Those who feel depressed are encouraged through singing
viii. Singing unites/brings worshippers together as they all join in a song.
The Dedication of Jesus
Describe the activities that took place during the dedication of Jesus in the temple. Luke
2:21-40
 Jesus was taken to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord by His parents.
 Simeon said that he was ready to die since he had seen God’s salvation
 Simeon took up Jesus up in his hands and blessed the Lord.
 Simeon blessed the parents of Jesus.
 Simeon told Mary, Jesus' mother that the child was set for the fall and rising of many in
Israel.
 Anna gave thanks/prayed/spoke of Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of
Jerusalem.
 The parents of Jesus performed everything according to the law of the Lord/offered a pair
of turtle doves/pigeons.
 Parents of Jesus returned home.
Outline six prophesies what Simeon and Ann revealed about the life of Jesus when his
parents presented Him to the Temple for dedication.
i. That Jesus was the son of God/ the promised one.
ii. He would bring salvation to all/ Saviour of the world.
iii. He would be the light of revelation to Gentiles.
iv. He would liberate the Israelites from oppression.
v. He would cause the rise and fall of many in Israel.
vi. He would face opposition and his mother would suffer greatly due to this.
vii. His birth would bring joy to many and glory and praise to God.
viii. He would restore Jerusalem back to its glory.
Lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was dedicated
i. Christians should be righteous before God in order to experience Him in their lives.
ii. Christians should thank God for blessing them.
iii. They have trust/have faith in God.
iv. Christians should reach out to all people/preach salvation to them.
v. Christians should show compassion to the needy.
vi. Christians should be devoted to their worship in God
vii. Christians should dedicate their children to God/fulfil the church obligations.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Describe the incident when Jesus was left behind by his parents in the temple. (Luke 2:41-
52)
 At the age of twelve years, Jesus accompanied His parent to Jerusalem for the Passover
feast.
 He deliberately remained behind talking to the teachers of the law.
 His parents did not know it
 But supposing him to be in the company after a day’s journey they sought and could not
find him
 They returned to Jerusalem seeking him.
 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to
them and asking questions
 He wondered why they were looking for him yet he was supposed to be in his father’s
house.
 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them and his
mother kept all these things in her heart.
Outline lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was left behind by his
parents in the temple.
i. Christians should involve their children in prayer/worship of God
ii. Christians should involve their children in day to day affair.
iii. Parents should be concerned of where their children are.
iv. Children should be taught the word of God/the Bible
 v. There should be communication among family members/they should inform one another
of their where about
vi. Children should obey their parents
vii. Parents should love their children
Qualities shown by Jesus when he accompanied his parents to the Temple at the age of
twelve
i. He was obedient
ii. He was courageous
iii. He was knowledgeable/intelligent/wise
iv. He was respectful
v. He was co-operative
vi. He was patient
vii. He was honest
viii. He was assertive/independent/making independent decisions
ix. He was social/outgoing
Lessons Christians learn about family relationships from the incident when Jesus
accompanied his parents for the Passover feast
i. Children should obey their parents
ii. Parents should teach their children about God.
iii. Parents should provide opportunities for their children to mix with others.
iv. Parents should love/be concerned about their children.
v. Family ties should not be broken/families should live in unity.
vi. Gods work takes priority over the family.
vii. Parents should recognize their children’s talents/abilities.
viii. There should be open communication among family members.
Reasons why children should take part in church activities
i. They are made in the image of God.
ii. To follow the example of Christ who went to the Synagogue/Temple
iii. To prepare them for future roles as leaders.
iv. To teach them religious beliefs/practices
v. To lay foundation for Christian morals at an early age.
vi. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God belongs to them.
vii. For the continued growth of the church.
viii. To help them develop/improve their talents
ix. To give them opportunity to socialize with others
x. To help them spend their leisure positively
Ways in which Christians show respect in places of worship in Kenya today.
i. Christians maintain cleanliness in places of worship.
ii. Places of worship are treated with reverence (e.g In some cases they remove their shoes)
 iii. Christians dress in decent clothing as they go to places of worship.
iv. Order is maintained in the places of worship/only authorised people are allowed to talk.
v. Posters/Notices/Decorations/Flowers are always put to remind people that they are in
sacred places.
vi. Constructing and dedicating special places for worshipping God.
From the story of the early life of Jesus up to twelve years, identify ways through which he
is seen as coming from a poor background
i. He father was a poor carpenter
ii. His mother was an ordinary village girl
iii. He was born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes
iv. He was born in a small town of Bethlehem
v. The first people to visit him were shepherds who were lowly regarded
vi. He was revealed to Simeon and Anna who were simple.
vii. During his dedication the parent offered birds.
viii. He grew up in Nazareth a town of low status.
Similarities between the role of Jesus and that of John the Baptist
i. Both called sinners to repent
ii. Both proclaimed judgment on sinners.
iii. Both faced political leaders courageously.
iv. Both led exemplary lives.
v. Both taught about the nature of God
vi. Both condemned evil ways of people.
vii. Both played the role of prophets.
State the differences between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus Christ.
i. John the Baptist preached mainly in the wilderness/desert of Judah while Jesus preached
in the synagogues/home/cities/temple.
ii. John the Baptist called people to repentance while Jesus forgave and died for their sins.
iii. The emphasis of John the Baptist preaching was in the promised Messiah, while that of
Jesus was about the kingdom of God.
iv. John the Baptist message was direct whereas Jesus preached in parables.
v. While John the Baptiste disciples fasted the disciples of Jesus ate and drank.
vi. John and Baptist did not perform miracles but Jesus ministry was full of signs/ wonders.
vii. John the Baptist was the fore runner/ prepared the way while Jesus was the Messiah.
 CHAPTER 3
JOHN BAPTIST AND JESUS
The role of John the Baptist
i. John was the link between Old Testament and the New Testament.
ii. He prepared people for the messiah’s coming by asking them to repent and be baptized.
He baptized people in the Jordan.
iii. John held a prophetic ministry and is believed he had the power and the spirit of Elijah.
iv. He preached to the people about Jesus, Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the
world. John 1:29
v. He introduced Jesus Christ to the people of Israel as the Messiah.
vi. John the Baptist condemned evils that were being carried out in Israel by Herod.
vii. He condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
viii. He foretold that the messiah was greater than him.
The teachings of John the Baptist
i. He told the people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
ii. He told them to be faithful and obedient to God and not take pride in Abraham as their
ancestor.
iii. He warned them of God’s punishment on sin.
iv. He encouraged the rich to share with the needy.
v. He told the tax collectors not steal/be honest.
vi. He told the soldiers to stop robbing and accusing people falsely.
vii. He told them that the messiah who was to come after him was mighty and he unworthy to
untie his sandals.
viii. The messiah would baptize people with fire and the Holy Spirit.
ix. The messiah would separate the good from the evil/The evil punished.
x. He condemned King Herod’s immoral behaviour including marrying his own brother’s
wife, Herodias.
Challenges that John the Baptist faced during his ministry.
i. He preached in the wilderness.
ii. He was imprisoned for challenging Herod’s behavior.
iii. He lived on locusts and honey in the wilderness.
iv. He led a solitary life.
v. He was beheaded.
vi. He was misunderstood to be the Messiah Luke 3:16
vii. Rebuking Herod the tetrarch because of marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife and other
evils he had committed.
viii. He had the challenge in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. Luke 7:19-20
ix. Pharisees and the tax collectors rejected the baptism of John/they hadn’t been baptized by
John the Baptist.
 x. He was falsely accused of/ considered being demon possessed. Luke 7:33
Reasons why Christians find it hard to apply the teachings of John the Baptist in their lives
i. They lack faith in God’s word.
ii. Divisions along tribal/race/denomination lines affects unity among Christians.
iii. Clinging to the past/inability to abandon previous life.
iv. Negative attitude by the rich towards the poor.
v. The negative influence of mass media.
vi. Some Christians lack what to share with others/poor
vii. There is rampant corruption in the society.
viii. The emergence of cults/false prophets in the society.
ix. Some Christians lead hypocritical life.
Describe the baptism of Jesus by John. Luke 3:21-22
 All the people had been baptized by John.
 Jesus also went to him to be baptized.
 Jesus then started praying
 The heaven opened
 The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in a bodily form as a dove
 Then a voice came from heaven
 Then it said, ‘Thou art my beloved son with thee am well pleased’
Reasons why Jesus submitted to John baptism, although he was sinless
i. Jesus wanted to confirm and show his approval of John’s ministry
ii. He saw as God’s plan for saving humankind.
iii. He saw it as the last act of preparing those who were ready to receive the messiah in
person.
iv. He saw it as a way of fulfilling the Old Testament prophesies about the messiah.
v. He wanted to identify himself with the sinful mankind.
vi. Accepting baptism meant His final acceptance of the work of salvation which was too be
completed through his suffering.
vii. Baptism provided an opportunity for the manifestation of the Holy Trinity, which is God
the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What do Christians learn about Jesus from the incident when he was baptized?
i. Jesus is prayerful
ii. Jesus is obedient/loyal to God
iii. Jesus has a human nature
iv. Jesus is humble
v. Jesus is the son of God/divine/Messiah
 vi. He is loved/pleases God
vii. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit
Reasons why Christians undergo baptism
i. Baptism enables them to become children of God.
ii. It enables one to become a member of a Christian community/Christian denomination.
iii. It enables them to receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
iv. It enables them to identify with Christ.
v. It symbolizes that one has died and resurrected with Christ, leaving the old sinful nature
and acquisition of a new life in Jesus.
vi. Through baptism one receives complete forgiveness of sins.
vii. It prepares Christians for the kingdom of God.
viii. It unites Christians as members of the body of Christ which is the church/unity among
believers.
ix. It symbolizes obedience to Jesus’ teaching.
x. It acts as an outward sign of their inner faith as it is done publicly.
xi. It is a sign of a new covenant with God.
Problems faced by new converts in the church today
i. They are sometimes not fully accepted/integrated in the church
ii. The older Christians may not serve as good role models
iii. They may not be involved in activities/not given responsibilities
iv. They are tempted to backslide to previous lifestyles
v. Older Christians may expect them to change faster than they can
vi. Some experience problem of communication/language barrier
vii. They may lack Christian literature to strengthen their faith/guidance and counselling
viii. In large churches, they get lost in the crowd
ix. The financial demands of the church may be too much for them
x. Lack of assistance when a new member is in need
xi. Some get frustrated when their expectations are not met
xii. Sometimes they are given duties which they can’t manage
xiii. They maybe rebuked/embarrassed in public when suspected to be in the wrong
Describe the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.
Luke 4:1-12
 After baptism Jesus was led into the wilderness where he stayed for forty days.
 He ate nothing and therefore he felt hungry.
 The devil asked him to command a stone to become bread if he was the son of God.
 Jesus told him that man could not live by bread alone
 The devil took up Jesus and showed him the kingdoms of the world and asked him to
worship him, so that he could give him everything
 Jesus told the devil that only God alone is to be worshipped and served
 The devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and asked him to throw himself down
for God would command angles to guard him
 Jesus told the devil that one should not tempt God
 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune
time.

Lessons Christians learn from the temptations of Jesus

i. Christians learn that they should be knowledgeable in scriptures
ii. They should resist the devil
iii. Temptations are part and parcel of Christian life.
iv. They should have faith in God
v. They should worship God alone
vi. They should not put God to test.
vii. They should desire to have the Holy Spirit.
viii. They should be content with what they have.
ix. Fasting is important in their life.