QUESTIONS  PAPER 

ANSWERS

(1a)
God told Moses to take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom the Spirit rested, and lay his hands on him In the presence of Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, Moses publicly placed his hands on Joshua, transferring authority and commissioning him as the new leader. God promised Joshua continual divine presence—“Be strong and courageous; the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.  This ceremony assured Israel of continuity, since the leadership passed from Moses to Joshua by divine appointment, not human ambition.

(1b)
(i)Courage Rooted in Divine Assurance Like Joshua, who was told to “be strong and courageous” because God was with him, today’s leaders can face challenges boldly when they trust in a higher purpose or principle.

(ii) Dependence on Spiritual Guidance : Joshua kept the Book of the Law ever before him and sought counsel from God (Joshua 1:8). Modern leaders can mirror this by grounding decisions in values, prayer, or trusted mentors.

(iii) Commitment to Finishing the Mission : Joshua completed the conquest and allotted the land, leaving nothing undone (Joshua 11:15). Contemporary leaders can adopt a “finish‑what‑you‑start” mindset, seeing projects through to completion.
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(2a) Eli’s failure as a father was revealed through the conduct and corruption of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who served as priests at the sanctuary in Shiloh. These sons abused their priestly office by taking the best portions of the sacrifices meant for God and intimidating worshippers who resisted their demands. Their immoral behavior extended further as they engaged in sexual misconduct with the women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting, bringing disgrace upon the priesthood and the nation.

Eli was aware of their sinful actions, and he failed to discipline them effectively. He questioned them mildly but did not take decisive measures to stop their corruption or remove them from office. His passive response revealed a lack of firmness and accountability, particularly given the sacred responsibilities his family held. Instead of correcting them in a manner that would uphold God’s standards, Eli allowed their misconduct to continue unchecked.

God sent a prophet to warn Eli that his failure to restrain his sons was dishonoring to God. The message made it clear that Eli had placed his sons above the Lord by tolerating their wickedness. Despite this divine warning, there was no recorded change in Eli’s handling of the situation. His lack of corrective action demonstrated neglect of his parental and spiritual responsibilities.

As a result, God pronounced judgment on Eli’s household, declaring that his lineage would lose its privileged priestly position and that both of his sons would die on the same day. This showed the gravity of Eli’s failure not only as a father but also as a spiritual leader entrusted with guiding Israel. His inability to enforce discipline allowed corruption to grow within the sanctuary and weakened the spiritual integrity of the nation.

Ultimately, the incident revealed that Eli’s failure was not just in having wayward sons, but in his unwillingness to apply firm correction and uphold God’s standards. His passive parenting resulted in severe consequences for his family and served as a warning about the importance of responsible, principled leadership within both the home and society.

(2b)
(i) Increase in social misconduct: Poor parenting contributes to rising cases of delinquency: Children without proper guidance often engage in crime, violence, and antisocial behavior.
(ii) Breakdown of moral values: The absence of good parental training weakens moral foundations: This leads to dishonesty, disrespect, and a decline in community ethics.
(iii) Emotional and psychological instability: Lack of good parenting exposes children to neglect and insecurity: As adults, they may struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
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(3a) The statement “to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams” was made during the confrontation between the prophet Samuel and King Saul after the battle against the Amalekites. God had commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely, including their king and all their livestock, as judgment for their long-standing hostility against Israel. Instead of carrying out the instructions fully, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best of the animals, claiming they were intended for sacrifice to God.

When Samuel arrived, he immediately recognized Saul’s disobedience upon hearing the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that should have been destroyed. Saul attempted to justify his actions by insisting he had obeyed God “partly” and that the preserved animals were for worship. However, Samuel rebuked him, emphasizing that partial obedience is disobedience in God’s sight. He explained that God desires obedience to His commands more than ritual sacrifices or outward acts of worship.

Samuel then delivered the famous statement, stressing that true devotion to God is demonstrated through obedience rather than religious performance. He reminded Saul that rebellion and stubbornness are as sinful as witchcraft and idolatry. The consequences of Saul’s disobedience were severe. God rejected him as king, and Samuel declared that the kingdom would be given to someone more obedient.

This incident highlighted the importance of wholehearted submission to God. The statement was made to show that sacrifices offered without obedience are meaningless and that leaders are expected to follow God’s instructions fully, not selectively. Saul’s failure became a lesson for all Israel that obedience is the foundation of a genuine relationship with God.

(3b)
(i) Repentance and confession: Acknowledging wrongdoing before God or others. This restores trust and opens the way for reconciliation.
(ii) Forgiveness: Letting go of bitterness and choosing to forgive offenders. This removes barriers and heals emotional wounds.
(iii) Effective communication: Discussing misunderstandings honestly and respectfully. This helps resolve conflicts and rebuild relationships.
(iv) Obedience to God’s teachings: Following biblical principles of love, humility, and peace. This strengthens one’s relationship with God and improves interactions with others.
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(5a) In the early days of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, He was teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret where a large crowd gathered to hear the word of God. The people pressed so closely around Him that He looked for a better position from which to teach. He saw two boats at the shore, belonging to fishermen who had just finished an unsuccessful night of work and were washing their nets. Jesus entered Simon Peter’s boat and asked him to push it a little away from the land. From there He sat down and taught the multitude.

After teaching the crowd, Jesus turned His attention to Simon Peter and instructed him to put the boat into deep water and let down the nets for a catch. Although Peter and his companions had toiled all night without catching anything, he respectfully obeyed Jesus’ instruction. His willingness to act on Jesus’ word showed a level of trust, even though the situation appeared hopeless from a fisherman’s perspective. This act of obedience paved the way for a miraculous event.

When Peter and his partners let down the nets, they enclosed such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. They were forced to call their fellow fishermen in the other boat, James and John the sons of Zebedee, to come and help. Together they filled both boats to the point that they began to sink. This overwhelming catch revealed to the fishermen that they were witnessing divine power at work, far beyond human skill or natural expectation.

On seeing the miracle, Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and confessed his unworthiness, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Peter was overwhelmed with fear and awe because he recognized that the power of God was present in Jesus. His confession showed the depth of his humility and his awareness of the great gap between human weakness and divine authority. The experience transformed his understanding of who Jesus truly was.

In response to Peter’s fear, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” With this statement, Jesus called Peter, along with James and John, to a new mission, to leave their occupation as fishermen and become His disciples. They were now to draw people into the kingdom of God just as they had drawn fish into their nets. The miracle served as both a sign and a call, and the fishermen responded by leaving everything to follow Jesus.

(5b)
(i) Lack of faith: Many Christians doubt God’s ability to sustain them spiritually and materially, leading to reluctance in fully committing to His work.
(ii) Worldly distractions: Pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and social recognition often takes priority over service to God.
(iii) Fear of persecution: Some Christians avoid active service because they fear criticism, opposition, or rejection from society.

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(6a)
i. According to the Synoptic gospels, women were the first to go to the tomb of Jesus.
ii. Matthew wrote that the women went to the tomb after the Sabbath was fully completed, while Mark said it was after the Sabbath had passed, very early in the morning at sunrise.
iii. The women included Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and according to Luke, Joanna, the wife of Chuza.
iv. According to Mark, the women brought sweet spices to anoint Jesus’ body for further embalming.
v. The women wondered who would roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb.
vi. Matthew reported a great earthquake before the women arrived at the tomb, and an angel of the Lord rolled back the stone.
vii. The angel sat on the stone, and the guards were frightened and became like dead men.
viii. The angel told the women not to be afraid, for Jesus had risen, and they should come and see where He was laid.
ix. The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus had arisen and was going to Galilee, where they would meet Him.
x. According to Matthew, the angel appeared to the women, not just the guards.
xi. Mark described a young man in a white robe inside the tomb, who gave the women information about Jesus’ resurrection.
xii. The women were instructed to inform the disciples, with Mark emphasizing Peter specifically.
xiii. The women left the tomb with awe and ran to tell the disciples that Jesus had arisen.
xiv. According to Matthew, Jesus appeared to the women, and they worshiped Him.

(6b)
(i)Confirmation of Divinity: The resurrection confirms Jesus’ divinity and identity as the Son of God.
(ii)Victory over Death and Sin: The resurrection demonstrates Jesus’ victory over death and sin, providing salvation for humanity.
(iii)Foundation of Faith: The resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus’ power and authority.
(iv)Assurance of Future Hope: The resurrection provides assurance of future hope for believers, promising eternal life and resurrection.
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(8a) (i) Peter urged elederly brethren to tend the flock of God that is in their charge not by constraint but willingly.
(ii) They should not do it for shameful gain but eagerly.
(iii) Not as domineering over those in their charge but being examples to the flock.
(iv) The younger brethren should be subject to the elders.
(v) They should clothe themselves with humility towards one another.
(vi) For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
(vii) All Christians should humble themselves under the mighty hand of God that in due time, He may exalt them.
(viii) They should cast all their anxieties on him, for He cares about them.
(ix) He urges them to be sober, and watchful since Satan, roaring like lion, is seeking whom to devour.
(x) They should resist the devil firmly in their faith.
(xi) Since their brethren, throughout the world, face the same sufferings.
(xii) In the end, the Lord God will himself restore, establish and strengthen them.

(8b)
(i) Covetousness/ greed.
(ii) Power/position.
(iii) Love of money
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9a) James addresses the believers with a passionate call to reject favoritism and embrace impartiality in all aspects of church life. He observes that some members were showing preferential treatment to those who were wealthy or socially influential, while neglecting or looking down upon the poor and marginalized. He warns that such behavior is contrary to the faith in Christ, who treats all people with equal dignity and love. James stresses that God does not show favoritism and expects the church to reflect His character by treating everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of social status, appearance, or wealth.

He further emphasizes that showing partiality is a violation of the law of God, particularly the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself. James underscores that faith in Jesus Christ must manifest in concrete actions that honor the intrinsic value of every human being. Treating the rich with undue honor while despising the poor contradicts the very essence of the gospel, which is rooted in equality, justice, and mercy. Through this, James challenges believers to examine their hearts and behaviors, ensuring that their treatment of others aligns with the principles of God’s kingdom.

James also teaches the spiritual consequences of favoritism. He notes that such discrimination not only damages relationships within the church but also reflects a misunderstanding of God’s judgment. Favoring some members over others demonstrates partiality in human terms, but God’s judgment is impartial, and those who practice favoritism may face His disapproval. James encourages believers to remember that faith without deeds is dead, and treating all members of the church with love, respect, and equality is an essential demonstration of genuine faith.

Moreover, James points out that the rich are not inherently more righteous than the poor, and wealth or status does not confer divine approval. By giving preferential treatment to the wealthy, believers risk valuing worldly status over spiritual maturity. He calls for a shift in perspective, urging the church to honor faith, character, and godly conduct rather than material wealth. This teaching reinforces the idea that the church is a spiritual family where each member has equal standing before God, and social hierarchies must not dictate relationships or influence ministry decisions.

James provides practical guidance on how believers can embody equality. He encourages humility, love, and active care for one another, reminding the church that treating people with partiality undermines their witness and disrupts unity. By consistently practicing impartiality and embracing the inherent worth of every member, the church can reflect God’s kingdom values on earth. James’ message is both a corrective and an encouragement, urging believers to live out their faith authentically through just and equitable treatment of all members.

(9b)
(i) Encouraging Mutual Love: The church can promote unity by fostering an environment where members genuinely love and care for one another, reflecting the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
(ii) Promoting Equality: The church can ensure that all members are treated fairly and without favoritism, valuing each person’s contribution and recognizing their worth before God.
(iii) Facilitating Communication and Fellowship: The church can strengthen unity by creating opportunities for open dialogue, shared worship, and collaborative activities that build strong relationships and a sense of belonging among members.