SECTION B: THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Question 5
(a) Narrate the story of Jesus’ appearance to the women after His resurrection as recorded in the gospel of Matthew.
(b) State three significance of Jesus’ resurrection to Christians.
Observation
This question was straightforward and it attracted many candidates. It was noticed that majority of the candidates who attempted this question mixed up the narrative required. They wasted energy discussing about Jesus’ appearances to different people after his resurrection rather than the women who went to His tomb for embalmment. The B part was better answered as candidates understood that Christ’s resurrection is the bedrock of Christianity. Candidates were expected to detailed their points as pointed out below;
A. JESUS’ APPEARANCE TO THE WOMEN AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (MATHEW 28:1-10)
- After Jesus was crucified, on the third day(Sunday), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb.
- These women went there to embalm Jesus’ body.
- A violent earthquake took place and an angel came down to roll away the stone at the entrance of the tomb and sat on it.
- When they arrived at the tomb, they realized that the tomb was empty and Jesus’ body had disappeared.
- The angel’s appearance was like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow.
- The guards at the tomb out of fear fell down as though dead.
- The women were filled with fear as they witnessed what had happened.
- The angel told them that Jesus had risen and that He was not in the tomb.
- The women were then asked to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead.
- The angel further said that Jesus was going before them to Galilee and they would meet Him there
In the B part, candidates were able to list out the significance of Jesus’ resurrection to Christians.Other additional points include;
B. SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION TO CHRISTIANS
- It shows that all people who die in the Lord will resurrect on the last day.
- Jesus’ resurrection is the pillar of the Christian faith.
- Jesus’resurrection gives Christians the courage and hope that the Lord they serve is alive.
- Jesus conquered death and Satan through his resurrection.
- It leaves as evidence of judgment after death.