Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Average Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US ON THE CROSS
Content/Learning Area: Reasons for Jesus giving His life for us
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: State at least three reasons why Jesus gave His life for us & recite the memory verse.
- Affective domain: Appreciate the love Jesus showed by giving His life for us.
- Psychomotor Domain: Dramatize the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
- Social Domain: Share with their peers the importance of loving others as Jesus loved us.
Instructional materials
to deliver tis lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- A Bible
- Flashcards with Bible verses
- A cross model
- Pictures depicting Jesus on the cross
- Whiteboard and markers
Reference materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the reasons Jesus gave His life for us helps pupils recognize the depth of God’s love, appreciate the importance of sacrifice, and foster values of love and reconciliation in their daily lives.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have heard Bible stories about Jesus and are familiar with the concept of love and sacrifice from prior lessons.
Lesson Content
JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US ON THE CROSS
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is central to Christian faith. It demonstrates God’s immense love for humanity and Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan. The bible, in John 3:16, tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse covers the core reason for Jesus’ sacrifice: to offer salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Reasons Why Jesus Gave His life for Us
- It Was God’s Will: Jesus’ arrival and sacrifice were not accidental but part of God’s divine plan to redeem humanity.Old Testament prophecies foretold the coming of a Messiah who would suffer for the sins of the people. jesus embraced this role, understanding that His mission was to fulfill these prophecies and carry out God’s will.
- To Save Us from Sin: Sin separates us from God, leading to spiritual death. Jesus, being without sin, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. His death paid the penalty for our wrongdoings, providing a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled with God. This act of redemption is a cornerstone of Christian belief.
- To Reconcile Us to God: Sin creates a barrier between humanity and God. Jesus’ sacrifice bridges this gap, allowing us to have a relationship with God. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience God’s love, forgiveness, and presence in our lives. This reconciliation restores us to a right relationship with our Creator.
- Because He Loved the World: Jesus’ love for humanity is the driving force behind His sacrifice. john 15:13 states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus demonstrated this ultimate love by willingly giving His life for us, even while we were still sinners. his love is unconditional and extends to all people.
Significance of Jesus’ Sacrifice
- It shows the depth of God’s love for humanity: God’s willingness to sacrifice His only Son demonstrates the immeasurable depth of His love for us. This act of love is unparalleled and serves as a constant reminder of God’s commitment to humanity.
- It reminds us to love others and make sacrifices for the good of others: Jesus’ sacrifice sets an example for us to follow.We are called to love others as he loved us, even to the point of making sacrifices for their well-being. This includes acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
- It gives us hope for eternal life: Through faith in Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. His resurrection conquered death, offering us the hope of a future with Him in heaven. This hope sustains us through trials and tribulations, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.
Bible Readings and memory Verse
- Bible Reading: John 3:16; John 15:13-14
- Memory Verse: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Teaching Methods
to deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods:
Discussion,Storytelling,Description,Visual Aids,Group Work,Role Play
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson,the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Advancement | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Narrates the story of Jesus giving His life on the cross,emphasizing the love and sacrifice involved. | Listen attentively and ask questions about the story. | Jesus’ love and sacrifice are introduced as central themes. |
| Step 2: Reasons for Jesus’ Sacrifice | 10 mins | Direct Instruction | Explains the reasons why Jesus gave His life for us using flashcards with key points and Bible verses. | Observe the flashcards, listen to the explanations, and identify the reasons for Jesus’ sacrifice. | Pupils understand the theological reasons behind Jesus’ sacrifice. |
| Step 3: Significance Discussion | 10 mins | Group Discussion | Guides pupils in discussing the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in their lives and the world. | Participate actively in the discussion, sharing their thoughts and feelings about Jesus’ sacrifice. | Pupils relate Jesus’ sacrifice to their daily lives and understand its broader impact. |
| Step 4: Dramatizing the Sacrifice | 5 mins | Role Play | Organizes pupils to dramatize scenes depicting Jesus on the cross and the events leading up to it. | Act out scenes of Jesus on the cross, showing the emotions and events of the story. | Pupils experience the concept through drama, enhancing their emotional connection to the story. |
| Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to copy the lesson notes from the board or a handout. | Copy notes into their notebooks, reinforcing the lesson content. | Reinforces the lesson content through writing and review. |
| Evaluation | 3 mins | Oral Questioning | Asks questions based on the lesson content to check for understanding. | Answer the questions, demonstrating their understanding of the material. | Checks pupils’ understanding of the reasons and significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. |
| Closure | 2 mins | Recap and Summary | Summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to love others as Jesus loved us, reflecting on the sacrifice made. | reflect and share personal insights on how they can show love and sacrifice in their daily lives. | Reinforces the values of love and sacrifice in daily life, promoting practical application of the lesson. |
Lesson Keywords (Key terms used in the lesson)
- Sacrifice – Giving up something valuable for a greater cause
- Redemption – Being saved from sin and its consequences
- Atonement – Making amends for wrongdoing
- Reconciliation – Restoring a broken relationship
- Eternal Life – Life that continues forever with God
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Mention three reasons why Jesus gave His life for us.
- Recite the memory verse (John 3:16).
- Explain the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in their own words.
- Dramatize one reason Jesus gave His life for us.
Assignment/Homework
Write a short paragraph explaining why Jesus’ sacrifice is important to you.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified explanations and visual aids, focusing on one key reason for Jesus’ sacrifice.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on the different interpretations of Jesus’ sacrifice in Christian theology.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use pictures, songs, and role-playing activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Dear Teachers, This lesson provides an opportunity to instill values of love and sacrifice in pupils. When teaching,emphasize practical examples of love and how pupils can show care in their daily lives. Encourage open discussions and be patient with dramatizations to help pupils connect emotionally with the lesson. Use visuals effectively to reinforce learning and make the lesson memorable.