Class: Primary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 8 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religious Knowledge
Curriculum Theme: God’s Plan for Salvation
Previous Lesson: The Promise of the Saviour – Meaning of Emmanuel
Topic: Promise of the Saviour
Content/Learning Area: Significance of a Saviour, The Kind of Saviour Jesus Is, the type of Saviour the Jews were Expecting
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning and significance of a saviour and explain the type of saviour the Jews were expecting.
Affective Domain: Appreciate the compassionate and sacrificial nature of Jesus as a saviour.
Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate understanding by identifying and describing the qualities of Jesus using storytelling or visuals.
Social Domain: Reflect on how Jesus’ life encourages kindness, patience, and sacrifice in everyday interactions.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the use of the following materials:
- The Holy Bible
- Pictures or drawings depicting Jesus being arrested, tried, and crucified
- Flashcards with key traits of Jesus
- Visual aid or chart comparing the Jews’ expectation versus the real Saviour
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- “Why Did Jesus Have To Die? – BibleProject”
- The Jews Were Expecting The Wrong Kind Of Saviour
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand that Jesus came not as a political ruler, but as a divine redeemer. It builds a foundational understanding of God’s plan for salvation and helps learners appreciate the spiritual significance of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned that God made a promise to send a Saviour who would redeem mankind from sin and restore the relationship between God and humans.
Lesson Content
Promise of the Saviour
The Promise of the Saviour refers to God’s declaration to send someone who would rescue humanity from sin and restore fellowship with Him. This promise is found throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. God’s promise shows His love and desire to save us from eternal separation caused by sin.
The Kind of Saviour Jesus Is
Jesus is a different kind of saviour than many expected. He came not to conquer kingdoms with swords, but to heal, love, and lay down His life for all people. Some key attributes of Jesus as a Saviour include:
- Compassionate – He had deep love for people, especially the suffering.
- Humble and sacrificial – He lived simply and gave His life for others.
- Merciful – He forgave sins and healed even those who wronged Him.
- Patient and kind – Jesus treated everyone with gentleness.
- Prayerful and obedient – He always communicated with God and followed His will.
- Intercessor – He prays for us and defends us before God.
The Type of Saviour the Jews Were Expecting
The Jews expected a strong, warrior-like king who would free them from Roman rule and restore Israel’s physical kingdom—someone like King David or Solomon. They believed the Messiah would be a political leader, not a suffering servant.
However, Jesus clarified in John 18:36 that, “My kingdom is not of this world.” His mission was spiritual—to defeat sin and death, not the Romans.
Significance of a Saviour
A saviour is someone who rescues or delivers from danger or destruction. Jesus is our Saviour because:
- He saves us from the power and consequence of sin.
- He reconciles us with God and brings peace to our hearts.
- He gives us eternal life through His death and resurrection.
- He offers hope to those who believe in Him.
Memory Verses and Bible Readings
- Memory Verse: John 18:36 – “My kingdom does not belong to this world.”
- Supporting Passages:
- Acts 1:6 – Disciples asking if Jesus would restore Israel’s kingdom
- John 18:36 – Jesus explaining His kingdom is spiritual
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: storytelling, explanation, visual aids, demonstration, discussion, question-and-answer, role play
Instructional Procedures
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Revises the previous lesson. Asks questions like “What did God promise us?” and introduces the lesson using a short story or picture of Jesus’ arrest. | Pupils answer questions and observe the materials. | Activates interest and recalls prior knowledge. |
| Step 2: Explanation | 10 mins | Explanation | Explains the difference between the Jews’ expectation and the true Saviour using Acts 1:6 and John 18:36. | Pupils listen attentively and ask questions. | Understand the spiritual mission of Jesus. |
| Step 3: Demonstration | 10 mins | Storytelling, Discussion | Lists and explains qualities of Jesus as a Saviour using visuals or descriptive examples. | Pupils identify traits and link them with real-life situations. | Recognize who Jesus truly is. |
| Step 4: Analysis | 5 mins | Explanation | Discusses the importance and significance of having a saviour. | Pupils respond and discuss in groups. | Deepens understanding of salvation. |
| Step 5: Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Writes summary note on the board. | Pupils copy the note. | Reinforces key facts from the lesson. |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 5 mins | Questioning | Asks: Why is Jesus our Saviour? What kind of saviour is Jesus? What kind of saviour did the Jews expect? | Pupils answer orally. | Checks comprehension and retention. |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 2 mins | Instructional Closure | Recaps the lesson and encourages pupils to reflect on how they can follow Jesus’ example of love and sacrifice. | Pupils respond and share personal reflections. | Applies lesson to real life and ends on a reflective note. |
Lesson Keywords (Key terms used in the lesson)
Saviour – One who rescues or delivers from danger
Messiah – The promised deliverer of the Jewish nation
Sacrifice – Giving up something valuable for others
Intercessor – One who prays or pleads on behalf of another
Lesson Evaluation
- Why is Jesus our Saviour?
- What kind of saviour is Jesus?
- What kind of saviour were the Jews expecting?
- Recite John 18:36.
- List two characteristics of Jesus as a Saviour.
Assignment/Homework
Draw a picture of Jesus on the cross and write two reasons why He died for us.
Differentiation
For slower learners: Use simple explanations with pictures and storytelling to explain who Jesus is.
For advanced learners: Ask them to find more Bible verses showing Jesus as a saviour and present them.
For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners:
- Visual: Pictures of Jesus and story illustrations
- Auditory: Storytelling and Bible verse recitation
- Kinesthetic: Role-playing the arrest or teachings of Jesus
Note for Teachers
This lesson should emphasize love, sacrifice, and the spiritual nature of Jesus’ mission. Use creative methods to ensure pupils connect emotionally and spiritually to the lesson. Reinforce the message that Jesus is still saving lives today through faith.