2011 JAMB CRS PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

In Genesis 1:26-28, God commands man to have dominion over all the earth, including fish, birds, and every living creature. This means humans are to rule and manage the earth responsibly. The other options are either introduced later in the Bible or are general commandments not specific to Genesis 1.

This statement from Genesis 9:6 establishes the principle of retributive justice, or ‘an eye for an eye’. It explains the existence of blood revenge, emphasizing the sanctity of human life made in God’s image. It is not about the significance of blood or prohibition of revenge, but about the consequence of shedding blood.

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham laughs upon hearing that Sarah would bear a child because they were both very old—Abraham was about 100, and Sarah was 90. The idea seemed impossible due to their advanced age. The other options are not accurate reasons for his reaction.

In Genesis 28:20-22, after his dream at Bethel, Jacob vows to give a tenth of all he receives back to God if God keeps him safe. This is significant as an early mention of tithing. He did not plan to live there forever or settle immediately; rather, he was on a journey.

In Genesis 37:26-27, Judah suggests selling Joseph rather than killing him, reasoning that Joseph is their brother and they shouldn’t kill him. Additionally, he saw an opportunity to gain materially. Thus, the reason was both familial connection and the prospect of profit.

In Exodus 2:24-25, God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when He hears the groaning of the Israelites. This covenantal faithfulness prompts God to act. While the Israelites’ suffering was great, the primary reason was His promise to the patriarchs.

In Exodus 14:31, after witnessing the drowning of the Egyptians, the Israelites feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. They did not build an altar, become afraid of Moses’ rod, or make a golden calf at that time.

In Exodus 32, the golden calf represented a return to the gods of Egypt. The Israelites, impatient for Moses’ return, demanded a god to lead them, reverting to idol worship they had known in Egypt. It marked a significant act of apostasy, not the beginning of idolatry but a relapse.

In Exodus 20:18-19, the people were afraid and trembled when they saw the thunder, lightning, and heard the trumpet. They feared they would die if God spoke directly to them, so they asked Moses to speak on God’s behalf. Their fear was due to the overwhelming presence of God.

In Joshua 24:1, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, where he renewed the covenant between the people and God. Shechem was significant as a central location for important events. The other options are either not related or not the correct location for this event.

In Numbers 13:23-24, the valley of Eshcol is where the Israelite spies cut down a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men. This demonstrated the fertility of the Promised Land. It wasn’t where they fought the Amalekites or where they challenged Moses.

In Numbers 13:32, the men who went with Caleb gave a negative report, saying the land “devours its inhabitants,” discouraging the Israelites. While they acknowledged the land’s richness, their focus was on the dangers, not on it being desolate or flowing with milk and honey.

The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, declares, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” It emphasizes the unity and singularity of God, foundational to Jewish belief. It doesn’t directly discuss God’s omnipotence or Israel’s importance to the world.

This statement is from 1 Samuel 2:20, where Eli blesses Elkanah and his wife Hannah after she dedicates her son Samuel to the LORD. The “loan” refers to Samuel’s service to God. Therefore, the child in question is Samuel.

Asa is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD (1 Kings 15:11). Unlike Eli’s sons who were corrupt, Samuel’s sons who took bribes, and David’s sons who rebelled, Asa exemplified good upbringing.

David’s public demonstration of leadership was when he killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Though he was anointed earlier by Samuel, this act showed his courage and faith to all Israel. Sparing Saul or killing Philistines came later and were less public initial demonstrations.

In 1 Samuel 26:10, David says that the LORD will strike Saul, or his day will come to die, or he will go into battle and perish. David trusted that God would deal with Saul in His own way. He didn’t necessarily believe Saul would repent or be killed by the Philistines specifically.

In 1 Samuel 26:25, Saul speaks these words to David after David spares his life for the second time. Saul acknowledges David’s future success. This happened after David spared Saul’s life, not when he was blessed by his father or met Saul on Mount Gilboa.

In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks for an understanding mind to discern between good and evil, so he can govern God’s people rightly. His request wasn’t for long life, wealth, or power over enemies, but for discernment to administer justice.

Rehoboam’s harsh response led to a rebellion (1 Kings 12:16-19), resulting in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes broke away, which was not a war or his overthrow but a significant schism.

In Jeremiah 31:33, God says He will put His law within them and write it on their hearts. This signifies an internalization of God’s laws. It wasn’t for Judah alone but for all Israel, and it’s described as everlasting but specifically about being written on their hearts.

In Luke 3:8, John tells the crowds to “bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” He emphasizes the need for genuine repentance demonstrated by actions, not relying on heritage as Abraham’s children. Fleeing from wrath and being charitable are mentioned, but bearing fruits is central.

In Matthew 2:8, King Herod tells the wise men to find the child (Jesus) so he can “worship him,” but his true intention was to kill the child to eliminate a potential rival. Therefore, his real motive was to kill Jesus.

Jesus’ temptation prepared Him for His earthly ministry by testing His obedience and commitment to God’s mission (Matthew 4:1-11). It wasn’t to prove He was the Son of God, though it affirmed it, nor specifically to prepare for crucifixion or to understand human suffering, though those are related themes.

In John 2:3-5, Mary shows her deep insight into Jesus’ abilities by informing Him of the wine shortage and telling the servants to do whatever He tells them. This indicates her understanding of His divine power, beyond just attending feasts or interceding for miracles.

In John 11:25-44, Jesus demonstrates that He is the giver of life by raising Lazarus from the dead, showing His power over death. While He did love Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, the primary lesson is His authority over life and death.

In Luke 7:6-7, the centurion expresses faith in Jesus’ word alone to heal his servant, demonstrating great faith in Jesus’ authority. He wasn’t avoiding contact or afraid; rather, he felt unworthy and believed Jesus could heal from a distance.

In Matthew 17:19-20, Jesus explains that the disciples couldn’t heal the boy due to their little faith. They needed greater faith and prayer. It wasn’t because they hadn’t received power, the disease being incurable, or waiting for Jesus.

In Luke 6:20, part of the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” The promise is the kingdom of God, not food, the earth, or satisfaction (though similar statements are in Matthew’s Beatitudes).

In Luke 6:22-23, Jesus says those who are hated and excluded on account of the Son of Man should rejoice, for their reward is great in heaven. They are promised a heavenly reward, not necessarily seeing God, being called sons of God, or receiving mercy (though these are mentioned elsewhere).

In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sends out the twelve to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick, effectively training them in His ministry. It wasn’t primarily to teach Gentiles, indicate His crucifixion, or divert Herod’s attention.

In Luke 9:30, during the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus. This represents the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to Him. Samuel, Elisha, and others were not present.

In Mark 10:35-40, Jesus tells James and John that to sit at His right or left is not His to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. It wasn’t due to their lack of qualification or the disciples’ disagreement, but because such positions are determined by the Father.

In Matthew 21:17, after cleansing the temple, Jesus left Jerusalem and went to Bethany, where He lodged. Bethphage is nearby but not mentioned as where He lodged; Nazareth is His hometown, and Jerusalem is where the temple is located.

In Matthew 27:14, Pilate was amazed that Jesus gave no answer to the charges against Him. Despite serious accusations, Jesus remained silent, which perplexed Pilate. While the lack of genuine charges and the choice of Barabbas troubled him, the immediate cause of his perplexity was Jesus’ silence.

In John 18:28, the accusers did not enter the Praetorium to avoid ceremonial defilement so they could eat the Passover. Entering a Gentile’s residence would make them unclean according to their customs. It wasn’t forbidden to follow the accused, nor were they prevented from entering.

In Luke 23:26, Simon of Cyrene is seized by the soldiers and made to carry the cross behind Jesus. Peter, Joseph of Arimathea, and Andrew were not involved in carrying the cross.

In Luke 23:43, Jesus says this to the repentant robber (thief) crucified beside Him who asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. It wasn’t said to Zacchaeus, the centurion, or Cleopas.

In Luke 24:1-10, Mary Magdalene and other women (including Joanna and Mary the mother of James) went to the tomb first. Peter and John visit later upon hearing the women’s report. It wasn’t Mary the mother of Jesus specifically, nor just Peter and John.

In John 10:17, Jesus says, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” His willingness to sacrifice His life for the sheep (believers) is the reason for the Father’s special love. While He does care for the sheep, laying down His life is the key point.

Jesus makes this statement in John 11:25-26 during the raising of Lazarus, speaking to Martha before performing the miracle. It wasn’t at His own resurrection, with Thomas, or with Jairus’ daughter.

In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul emphasizes that without love, even the greatest sacrifices profit us nothing. Love is essential for any action to have true value. Being like a noisy gong or clanging cymbal refers to speaking in tongues without love.

In Acts 4:32, the early believers shared everything they had in common, indicating unity and communal living. They didn’t necessarily pray every hour, celebrate communion daily, or were always filled with the Holy Spirit (though these might be true elsewhere), but the focus here is on sharing possessions.

In Acts 6:2-3, the twelve apostles called the disciples together and suggested selecting seven men to serve, so they could focus on prayer and ministry of the word. It wasn’t Paul (who wasn’t yet an apostle) or Peter individually, but the collective twelve.

In Acts 2:16-17, Peter cites the prophecy from Joel during the event of Pentecost, explaining that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they were witnessing was its fulfillment. It wasn’t during Jesus’ baptism, Transfiguration, or crucifixion.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs the apostles to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” meaning they are to spread the gospel globally, including Gentile nations. It wasn’t limited to Jewish cities or Palestine alone.

In Acts 9:10-17, Ananias is the disciple in Damascus whom God sends to lay hands on Saul (Paul) to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t Simon, Stephen, or Aeneas.

In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit speaks to the prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch, instructing them to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work. It wasn’t the church, elders, or apostles who initiated this, but the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 13:12, after witnessing the miracle of Elymas the sorcerer being struck blind, the proconsul Sergius Paulus believed the gospel, being astonished at the teaching about the Lord. He didn’t dismiss them or request another time; he believed.