Here are the solutions to the questions:
1. (a) Outline Micah's prophecies about the Messiah. Micah 5:1-5
Micah's prophecies about the Messiah include:
• The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, a small town in Judah.
• He would be a ruler whose origins are from ancient times, from eternity.
• He would shepherd his flock with the strength of the Lord.
• His greatness would extend to the ends of the earth.
• He would bring peace and deliver his people from their enemies, specifically the Assyrians.
• He would gather the remnant of his brethren back to the people of Israel.
1. (b) Outline the differences between the work of John the Baptist and that of Jesus Christ.
• John the Baptist was a forerunner, preparing the way for the Messiah, while Jesus Christ was the Messiah himself.
• John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, while Jesus' baptism was with the Holy Spirit and fire, bringing salvation.
• John pointed people to Jesus, stating he was not worthy to untie Jesus' sandals, whereas Jesus proclaimed himself as the Son of God and the way to the Father.
• John's ministry was primarily one of judgment and calling to righteousness, while Jesus' ministry was one of grace, healing, and establishing the Kingdom of God.
• John performed no miracles, but Jesus performed numerous miracles as signs of his divine authority.
• John's message was limited to his lifetime, but Jesus' message and work brought eternal salvation and established the Church.
1. (c) Give six lessons Christians learn from the incident when Jesus was dedicated.
Christians learn the following lessons from Jesus' dedication:
• The importance of obedience to God's law and religious traditions, as Mary and Joseph followed the purification rites.
• The significance of dedicating children to God and raising them in a godly environment.
• God reveals His plans through prophecy and faithful servants, as seen with Simeon and Anna recognizing Jesus.
• The humility of God's chosen ones, as Mary and Joseph offered a modest sacrifice.
• The importance of patience and waiting on God's timing, exemplified by Simeon and Anna.
• Jesus' dedication affirmed His divine identity and future role as the Messiah, bringing salvation to all people.
2. (a) Explain the teaching of Jesus on the qualities of a true disciple. (Luke 6:20-49)
Jesus taught that a true disciple possesses several key qualities:
• They are blessed in their humility and dependence on God, such as the poor, hungry, and those who mourn, for they will inherit the Kingdom.
• They demonstrate unconditional love, even towards enemies, doing good to those who hate them and praying for those who persecute them.
• They are merciful, non-judgmental, and forgiving, extending grace to others as God extends grace to them.
• They are generous givers, understanding that what they give will be returned to them in abundance.
• They are characterized by inner goodness, as a good tree bears good fruit, reflecting their transformed heart.
• Most importantly, a true disciple is one who hears Jesus' words and puts them into practice, building their life on a solid foundation that can withstand challenges.
2. (b) Describe the incident in which Jesus calmed the storm (Luke 8:22-25).
One day, Jesus and His disciples set out in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly, a furious squall came down on the lake, and the boat began to fill with water, putting them in great danger. The disciples, terrified, woke Jesus up, crying out, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and immediately the storm subsided, and all was calm. He then turned to His disciples and asked, "Where is your faith?" Filled with awe and wonder, the disciples asked each other, "Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
2. (c) Explain the importance of the transfiguration of Jesus to Christians today.
The Transfiguration of Jesus holds significant importance for Christians today:
• It confirms Jesus' divine identity as the Son of God, validating His authority and teachings.
• It foreshadows Jesus' resurrection and ultimate glorification, offering hope for believers' future transformation.
• It affirms the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Moses representing the Law and Elijah the Prophets, both testifying to Jesus.
• It strengthens faith by providing a glimpse of Jesus' heavenly glory, especially in times of doubt or suffering.
• It emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus ("This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him!"), as His words are paramount.
• It offers a vision of the Kingdom of God and the spiritual reality that transcends earthly existence.
3. (a) Outline six instructions that Jesus gave to the Seventy-Two Disciples when He sent them on a mission.
When Jesus sent out the Seventy-Two Disciples, He gave them these instructions:
• To go two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.
• To pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers into His harvest field.
• To carry no money bag, no sack, and no sandals, relying on God's provision.
• To greet no one along the road, indicating the urgency of their mission.
• To say, "Peace to this house," upon entering, and to