Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Average Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson/Topic: Trials and Suffering of Jesus (Primary 4)
Topic: JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US ON THE CROSS
Content/Learning Area: Sacrifice Involved in Jesus Giving His Life for Us; Arrest of Jesus; Trials and Suffering of Jesus; Death of Jesus on the Cross; New Life Through the Resurrection of Jesus
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the events surrounding the arrest, trials, and death of Jesus. Define what new life means in Christian teachings.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus as a pathway to new life.
- Psychomotor Domain: Read and recite the Bible passages related to Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. List evidences of a new life through Jesus’ resurrection.
- Social Domain: Discuss the significance of new life in Christ with their peers.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following instructional materials:
- Bible
- A chart showing the events of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection
- Flashcards with key Bible verses
- Visual aids depicting the arrest, trials, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus
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
- Relevant Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection and how it brings new life to believers.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are familiar with stories of Jesus’ love and miracles.
Lesson Content
Jesus Gave His Life for Us on the Cross
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to give His life on the cross to save humanity from sin. His death was not a mistake or accident; it was a powerful sacrifice that showed God’s love. Jesus gave Himself freely to fulfill God’s promise to save the world.
The Arrest of Jesus
Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, brought soldiers to arrest Him. Even though He had the power to stop them, Jesus allowed Himself to be taken because He wanted to fulfill God’s plan. This event is found in Matthew 26:47–54. Jesus remained calm and loving, even when He was betrayed.
The Trials and Suffering of Jesus
After the arrest, Jesus was taken before leaders like Herod and Pilate. He was accused of wrongs He did not commit. People mocked Him, beat Him, and placed a crown of thorns on His head. Though He was innocent, He remained silent and humble, enduring pain for the sake of saving others. These events are recorded in Luke 23:1–13.
The Death of Jesus on the Cross
Jesus was led to a place called Golgotha, where He was crucified. He hung on the cross, forgiving those who hurt Him, and finally gave up His spirit. The sky turned dark, and the curtain in the temple tore in two, showing that God had made a way for people to come close to Him again. This is found in Luke 23:44–49.
New Life Through Jesus’ Resurrection
Jesus did not stay dead. On the third day, He rose again! His resurrection gives all believers a new chance at life — a life filled with hope, faith, love, and joy. To have new life in Christ means living according to God’s will and leaving sinful behaviors behind.
Evidence of New Life in Christ
- Love for others
- Forgiveness of those who offend us
- Strong faith in God’s promises
- Joy and peace in doing what is right
Memory Verse
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Bible Reading
- Matthew 26:47–54
- Luke 23:1–13
- Luke 23:44–49
Teaching Methods
Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Greets pupils, shows a chart, and asks “What do you know about Jesus’ sacrifice?” | Respond to questions and share their ideas | Engage pupils’ interest in the topic |
| Step 2: The Arrest of Jesus | 5 mins | Storytelling | Narrates Jesus’ arrest from Matthew 26:47–54 and explains its significance | Listen and follow along in their Bibles | Understand Jesus’ willing submission to arrest |
| Step 3: Trials and Suffering of Jesus | 5 mins | Guided Discussion | Explains Jesus’ trials and suffering using Luke 23:1–13 and visual aids | Observe visuals and participate in discussion | Learn about Jesus’ endurance and humility |
| Step 4: The Death of Jesus | 7 mins | Group Work | Reads Luke 23:44–49 with class and leads group reflection on Jesus’ death | Read, discuss and share what they understand | Recognize Jesus’ death as a sacrifice for sin |
| Step 5: New Life Through Jesus’ Resurrection | 10 mins | Question and Answer | Explains what new life means and helps pupils list examples | Contribute ideas and list examples of new life | Appreciate the blessings of resurrection |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to write notes in their notebooks | Copy notes from the board | Reinforce understanding through writing |
| Step 7: Evaluation | 3 mins | Oral Review | Asks questions to assess comprehension | Answer orally and reflect | Gauge pupil understanding |
| Step 8: Conclusion | 1 min | Instructional/Cognitive | Summarizes the lesson and encourages gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice | Listen and reflect | Consolidate understanding of the topic |
Lesson Keywords
- Crucifixion – The act of putting someone to death on a cross
- Resurrection – Rising from the dead
- New Life – A life of faith, love, and obedience in Christ
- Sacrifice – Giving up something valuable for the sake of others
- Forgiveness – Letting go of anger and choosing not to punish someone
Lesson Evaluation
- Who betrayed Jesus and how?
- What happened during Jesus’ trials?
- Why did Jesus die on the cross?
- What does “new life in Christ” mean?
- Mention two evidences of new life in a believer.
Assignment/Homework
Draw a simple chart that shows the events from Jesus’ arrest to His resurrection and write one sentence about each event.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use pictures and short Bible readings to help them grasp key events in the lesson.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to write a short paragraph on the importance of Jesus’ resurrection.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use storytelling, visual aids, and allow dramatization of the arrest and resurrection scenes.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils are actively engaged through storytelling, group discussions, and visual aids. Emphasize the love and sacrifice of Jesus while helping pupils relate the message to their own lives.