WAEC Christian Religious Studies 2001 Theory question 105

Theory question 105

Sermon on the Mount

Section B (Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles). Answer at least one question from this section.
(a) From the Sermon on the Mount, state how Jesus handled the issues of adultery, divorce and swearing
(b) Indicate two lessons to be drawn from Jesus' attitude to these practices.

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Model answer

(a) Adultery: the law said "You shall not commit adultery", but Jesus said whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
If your eye or hand causes you to sin, cut it off; better to lose a member than the whole body go to hell (Matthew 5:29-30).
Divorce: the law allowed a certificate of divorce, but Jesus said whoever divorces his wife except for unchastity makes her an adulteress, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 5:31-32).
Swearing: the law said do not swear falsely, but Jesus said do not swear at all — not by heaven, earth, Jerusalem or your head (Matthew 5:33-36).
Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No; anything more comes from evil (Matthew 5:37).
(b) Any two: God judges thoughts and motives, not only actions; marriage is sacred and permanent; Christians should be truthful at all times; purity of heart is required; Jesus fulfils and deepens the law.

Explanation

Cover Matthew 5:27-37, then two lessons.