2014 JAMB CRS PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

In the Book of Amos, the prophet emphasizes God’s supreme authority by contrasting Him with the Nile River. The Nile was considered a source of Egypt’s power and prosperity, symbolizing natural and earthly authority. By juxtaposing God with the Nile, Amos illustrates that God’s sovereignty surpasses even the most revered natural forces. The other options refer to natural phenomena but do not directly relate to sovereignty in the same context.

God’s covenant with Israel is a central theme in the scriptures, promising that adherence to His laws would elevate Israel to a special status. Specifically, by keeping the covenant, Israel would be a “kingdom of priests,” serving as mediators between God and other nations. This unique role underscores their distinct relationship with God. The other options, while significant, do not capture the specific promise of becoming a kingdom of priests.

In Jeremiah 31:31-34, the prophet outlines the new covenant where God’s law would be written on the hearts of the people, signifying internal transformation. This covenant emphasizes personal accountability and an intimate relationship with God, differing from the old covenant which was based on external adherence to laws. The other options, while related to divine promises, do not specifically address the internalization of God’s law.

In Genesis, Joseph interprets his rise to power in Egypt as a means to preserve his family during a time of famine. Rather than viewing it as a chance to seek revenge or assert superiority, Joseph recognizes it as part of God’s plan to save his relatives. This perspective highlights his forgiveness and strategic foresight. The other options do not align with Joseph’s character and actions as depicted in the narrative.

This statement is from Judges 4:14, where Deborah speaks to Barak. Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, calls Barak to lead the Israelites against the Canaanite oppressor. Her conditional statement emphasizes the importance of mutual commitment in leadership and battle. The other options (God, Balaam, Jael) do not fit the context of this particular dialogue.

The name Ichabod, found in 1 Samuel 4:21, signifies “departed glory.” It was given by his mother upon hearing the news that the Ark of the Covenant had been captured, symbolizing the loss of Israel’s glory. The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of Ichabod as derived from Hebrew roots.

In 2 Samuel 12:15-18, David learns of the death of his child through the prophet Nathan, who conveys God’s message. This divine revelation is consistent with the biblical narrative where prophets often serve as intermediaries between God and individuals, delivering crucial information and guidance. The other options involve indirect or human-mediated communications, which are not how David was informed.

This lamentation by David reflects his sorrow over the fall of his son Absalom. Absalom’s rebellion against David led to significant turmoil, and David’s grief is expressed through poetic mourning. The other options, while involving significant figures, do not correspond to this specific lamentation in the scriptures.

In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women claim to be the mother of a living child. Solomon’s proposed solution to divide the child reveals his wisdom. The true mother, out of love, asks Solomon to give the child to the other woman to save its life, demonstrating her genuine maternal concern. The other options do not capture the selfless motivation that identifies the true mother.

The Book of Hosea uses Hosea’s troubled marriage to Gomer as a metaphor for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Through this symbolism, God expresses His desire to redeem and restore Israel despite their infidelity. The other options either misinterpret the nature of the relationship or the intended message of the prophecy.

Gomer’s infidelity in Hosea parallels Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness to God. This comparison underscores the betrayal and the broken covenant between God and His people. The other options relate to different aspects of Israel’s failings but do not directly mirror the concept of spiritual adultery as depicted through Gomer’s actions.

This declaration is found in Isaiah 6:3 and is a hymn of praise to God’s holiness and glory. It emphasizes God’s supreme and unapproachable nature, filling the earth with His presence. The other options reference significant events or actions by biblical figures but do not pertain to this specific declaration of God’s holiness.

This statement from Ezekiel 16:46-47 uses Sodom and Gomorrah as symbols of corruption and immorality. By addressing Israel with these references, Ezekiel condemns their sinful behavior and calls for repentance. The other options represent different nations or tribes that do not fit the context of this prophetic message.

Jeremiah initially hesitated to accept his prophetic mission due to his youth and perceived inadequacy. In Jeremiah 1:6, he expresses his concerns about his inability to speak effectively, reflecting his fear and uncertainty. The other options may have been challenges but are not the primary reasons documented in the scriptures for his reluctance.

In the temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), the devil aims to divert Jesus from His mission and authority. By tempting Him to misuse His divine powers or seek worldly gains, the devil attempts to undermine Jesus’ purpose. The other options do not accurately reflect the strategic intent behind the temptations as depicted in the Gospels.

This statement from Matthew 8:20 highlights the sacrifices and hardships associated with discipleship. Unlike animals that have secure shelters, Jesus points out that followers may face instability and lack of material comfort, emphasizing the cost of commitment. The other options do not capture the essence of the intended message about the challenges of following Him.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus teaches that disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross daily, emphasizing self-denial as essential for following Him. This involves prioritizing spiritual commitments over personal desires. The other options, while relevant to Christian life, are not the specific focus of Luke’s teachings on discipleship in this context.

Faith is repeatedly highlighted in the Gospels as a crucial component in Jesus’ healing miracles. For instance, in Matthew 9:22, Jesus heals a woman who believes she will be made well. Faith not only opens individuals to receive healing but also demonstrates trust in Jesus’ divine authority. The other options, while important, are not emphasized as consistently in the context of healing.

In Luke 7:13-15, Jesus heals the widow’s only son out of compassion. Seeing her grief, Jesus is moved by empathy and chooses to restore her child, demonstrating His mercy and power over death. While other factors like the crowd’s plea and the demonstration of faith are present, the primary motive highlighted is Jesus’ compassion.

In Mark 2:1-12, the healing of the paralytic by Jesus is preceded by the faith and determination of his friends. Their actions—lowering him through the roof—reflect their belief in Jesus’ ability to heal, illustrating the importance of faith and community support in receiving divine intervention. The other options focus on different aspects of the miracle but do not capture the role of the friends’ faith.

In Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43, Bartimaeus responds to Jesus’ healing by following Him along the road, demonstrating gratitude and a desire to stay connected. His immediate action to follow Jesus reflects his recognition of the divine intervention he received. The other options do not align with the narrative of Bartimaeus’s response in the scriptures.

The Parable of the Weeds, found in Matthew 13:24-30, illustrates the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the final judgment. It emphasizes God’s ultimate authority in separating the righteous from the wicked. The other parables mentioned focus on different teachings, such as growth, loss, and faith, rather than directly addressing judgment.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and social boundaries, emphasizing compassion and active help for those in need, regardless of their background. It challenges listeners to show love and mercy beyond conventional norms. The other options either generalize Samaritan behavior or misinterpret the depth of neighborliness intended in the parable.

In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to stress the importance of not just hearing His words but also acting upon them. The solid foundation of obedience leads to stability, while neglecting His teachings results in collapse. This emphasizes the necessity of integrating faith into daily actions. The other options do not fully capture the emphasis on both hearing and obeying the word.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-6), Jesus teaches that righteous actions like adultery, prayer, alms, and fasting should stem from a sincere heart rather than mere external compliance. He emphasizes inner purity and genuine devotion over superficial religious practices. The other options do not address the internal motivations and sincerity that Jesus highlights.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus advises against accumulating earthly treasures, which are temporary and vulnerable, and encourages storing up treasures in heaven through righteous actions and good works. This teaching emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions. The other options either misinterpret the directive or miss the focus on spiritual over material richness.

In Luke 10:17-20, the seventy-two disciples rejoice that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name, signifying the authority and power granted to them through their mission. This response highlights the success and divine backing of their evangelistic efforts. The other options do not specifically relate to the reason for their rejoicing as described in the passage.

In Matthew 17:2, during the Transfiguration, Jesus’ appearance changes, and His face shines like the sun while His clothes become dazzling white. This event reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John, affirming His divine sonship and mission. The other options do not accurately describe the events of the Transfiguration as recorded in Matthew.

In Matthew 21:2-7, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Riding a colt, rather than a horse, symbolizes peace rather than war, contrasting earthly kingship with His spiritual mission. The other options mix different animals inaccurately or do not align with the scriptural account.

In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus prays in Gethsemane, expressing deep sorrow and distress, indicating His emotional and spiritual struggle before His arrest. This prayer reveals His human vulnerability and submission to God’s will, rather than lack of preparation or understanding by His disciples. The other options do not fully encapsulate the depth of His prayer as depicted in the scriptures.

In John 18:33-37, when asked if He is the King of the Jews, Jesus responds by highlighting that His kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing a spiritual rather than earthly authority. This response redirects the focus from political titles to His divine mission. The other options do not accurately reflect Jesus’ specific reply in the Gospel accounts.

In Matthew 28:2-7, the women encounter an angel who rolls back the stone and announces Jesus’ resurrection. This divine intervention confirms the miraculous nature of the event and reassures the women of Jesus’ victory over death. The other options do not accurately describe the events as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.

In John 15:5, Jesus likens Himself to a vine and His followers to branches, teaching that abiding in Him is essential for bearing spiritual fruit. This metaphor emphasizes the necessity of a continuous, life-giving connection with Christ for spiritual productivity. The other options do not align with the specific lessons derived from the vine analogy.

In Acts 6:5, Stephen and Philip are among the seven chosen to oversee the distribution of food, highlighting their roles in serving the community and supporting the apostles’ ministry. This selection underscores the importance of service and organization within the early church. The other options list individuals who were either not part of this selection or are not documented as serving in this capacity.

This plea reflects Peter’s desire for the apostles to have the authority to bestow the Holy Spirit upon believers, facilitating the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church. It underscores the importance of spiritual empowerment for ministry. The other options (very crafty, money conscious, ignorant, fraudulent) do not relate to the context of spiritual authority and empowerment.

In Acts 3:1-10, Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. This miracle demonstrates the apostles’ divine authority and the power of faith in Jesus Christ, attracting attention and leading to conversions. The other options list different types of ailments not associated with this specific healing account.

In Acts 9:27, James, Cephas (Peter), and John are recognized as key leaders or “pillars” of the Jerusalem church. They endorse Barnabas and Paul, granting them acceptance and support for their missionary work, which is crucial for the expansion of the early church. The other options mix different individuals inaccurately or include those not documented in this context.

In Romans 5:1, Paul states that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or adherence to the law. This foundational Christian doctrine emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace accessed through belief in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The other options involve factors that Paul explicitly rejects as means to justification.

Faith must align with the principles of grace and righteousness as outlined in the scriptures. If faith is based on adherence to the law for salvation, it contradicts the doctrine of grace and would render the promise of salvation void. The other options either affirm the necessity of faith or the basis of salvation through grace, which do not nullify faith.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges Christians to present themselves as living sacrifices and to be transformed by renewing their minds, not conforming to worldly standards. This metaphor emphasizes complete dedication and transformation in alignment with God’s will, akin to those who have been spiritually reborn. The other options do not fully capture the essence of yielding oneself as described by Paul.

In Romans 8:3, Paul explains that Jesus was sent in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh, fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law. This mission underscores Jesus’ role in redeeming humanity by addressing both sin and its consequences. The other options do not accurately reflect the theological purpose described by Paul.

Philippians 2:10-11 emphasizes the universal recognition of Jesus’ authority and divinity, asserting that all creation acknowledges His lordship. This declaration extends beyond Christians to all of creation, highlighting the comprehensive scope of His sovereignty. The other options limit His lordship to specific groups, which is not the intent of the statement.

In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul instructs the church to expel a member who causes scandal, emphasizing the need for discipline to maintain the church’s purity and integrity. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of sin and to uphold the community’s moral standards. The other options either advocate for excessive punishment or fail to address the need for corrective measures.

In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul advises believers to excel in love, stating that it surpasses all other spiritual gifts. Love is foundational for all Christian conduct and relationships, embodying the essence of God’s character and the purpose of spiritual gifts. The other options, while valuable, are secondary to the primacy of love in Christian teachings.

Romans 13:1-7 instructs Christians to submit to governing authorities, recognizing their role in maintaining order and justice in society. This obedience reflects respect for law and order as part of living out one’s faith in the public sphere. The other options focus on personal or spiritual aspects that, while important, do not specifically address civic responsibilities.

In Acts 20:34-35, Paul mentions that he did not burden anyone, working with his hands to support himself and those with him. This dedication ensured that his ministry was not seen as imposing on others financially, demonstrating integrity and self-sufficiency. The other options either misinterpret his motives or do not align with the scriptural account.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul describes believers who have died (“fallen asleep”) before Christ’s return, assuring the living of their resurrection and reunion. This passage offers comfort and hope regarding the fate of deceased Christians. The other options do not accurately reflect the theological context of “fallen asleep” as used by Paul.

In James 2:1-9, believers are instructed to show no favoritism, treating all people equally regardless of social status. This impartiality reflects God’s own unbiased love and justice, promoting unity and fairness within the community. The other options either miss the specific directive or do not fully capture the essence of impartiality as taught by James.

James 1:6 describes a doubting person as one who seeks without faith, being double-minded and unstable. Such an individual lacks the steadfast trust required for effective prayer, undermining the purpose and power of seeking God sincerely. The other options do not precisely capture the instability and divided focus implied by doubt in prayer.

In 1 Peter 4:17, Peter encourages believers to endure suffering as a commendable act, leading to God’s praise and glory. This perspective transforms suffering from a negative experience to a means of spiritual growth and divine honor. The other options do not accurately reflect the theological outcome Peter associates with suffering for Christ.