Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Sacrifice Involved in Jesus Giving His Life for Us
Topic: JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US ON THE CROSS III
Content:
- Trials and Suffering of Jesus
- Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:1–7)
- Jesus before Herod (Luke 23:8–12)
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the terms “trials” and “suffering” in the context of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the depth of Jesus’ suffering for the forgiveness of our sins.
- Psychomotor Domain: Recite the key Bible passages relating to Jesus’ trial and suffering.
- Social Domain: Discuss the importance of the cross in the forgiveness of sins for all people.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from Bible Gateway – Luke 23
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Bible (or printed Bible passages)
- Chalkboard or whiteboard
- Visual aids (cross image, charts for the trials of Jesus)
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the trials and suffering of Jesus is essential for grasping the depth of His sacrifice for humanity. By studying this, pupils will learn about Jesus’ obedience to God’s will and His love for mankind, which led Him to the cross. This will help them appreciate the significance of the cross as the ultimate point of remission for sins.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have a basic understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry, particularly His role as the Savior. They should be familiar with the concept of sacrifice, having learned about Jesus’ willingness to die for our sins.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupil’s Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction (Set Induction) | 5 mins | Questioning | Discussion | Teacher introduces the terms “trials” and “suffering” using questions like: “What do you think ‘trial’ and ‘suffering’ mean?” | Pupils listen and respond to the teacher’s questions. | Trials and suffering involve tests and painful experiences. |
| Step 2: Jesus Before Pilate (Luke 23:1–7) | 10 mins | Direct Instruction | Bible Reading | Teacher reads the Bible passage aloud and explains the events of Jesus before Pilate, asking questions to check comprehension. | Pupils read the Bible passage along with the teacher and discuss. | Jesus was accused and questioned before Pilate. |
| Step 3: Jesus Before Herod (Luke 23:8–12) | 10 mins | Guided Discussion | Bible Reading | Teacher explains Jesus’ trial before Herod, asking pupils to identify key actions of Jesus and Herod. | Pupils discuss what they learned from the Bible passage. | Herod mocked Jesus, but Jesus remained silent. |
| Step 4: Note-Taking | 5 mins | Independent Work | Copying Notes | Teacher writes key points on the board and asks pupils to copy them into their notebooks. | Pupils write the key points in their notebooks. | Jesus’ trials show His suffering and willingness to fulfill God’s plan. |
| Step 5: Evaluation | 5 mins | Questioning | Recap Discussion | Teacher asks evaluation questions to check pupils’ understanding of the lesson. | Pupils answer questions to show their understanding. | Jesus’ suffering was for the forgiveness of our sins. |
| Step 6: Conclusion | 5 mins | Recap & Discussion | Summary and Reflection | Teacher recaps the lesson, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ suffering and the cross. | Pupils reflect on what they learned and share thoughts. | The cross is the point of remission of sins for the world. |
Lesson Content/Note
Trials and Suffering of Jesus
The terms “trials” and “suffering” refer to the painful and difficult experiences Jesus went through as He faced false accusations, beatings, and rejection. These were part of the plan to save humanity. Trials are times when someone is tested or questioned, and suffering refers to enduring pain, both physical and emotional.
Jesus Before Pilate
After Jesus was arrested, He was taken to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate could not find any reason to punish Jesus, but because of the pressure from the crowd, he allowed Jesus to be condemned to death. In Luke 23:1–7, Pilate questions Jesus but does not find any fault in Him. Pilate then sends Jesus to Herod, hoping that Herod would make a decision.
Jesus Before Herod
Herod, who was also a ruler, was eager to see Jesus perform a miracle, but Jesus did not answer him. Instead, Herod mocked Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate. This passage (Luke 23:8–12) shows that even though Jesus was treated unfairly, He did not respond with anger. Instead, He remained calm and focused on God’s will.
The Cross as the Point of Remission of Sins
The cross is where Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins was completed. His suffering and death on the cross paid the price for all the sins of the world. It is through Jesus’ death on the cross that we are reconciled to God, and our sins are forgiven.
Memory Verse
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34)
Bible Reading
- Luke 23:1–7
- Luke 23:8–12
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What does the term “trial” mean in the context of Jesus’ life?
- How did Jesus respond to the accusations before Pilate and Herod?
- What is the significance of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross?
- Why is the cross important in the forgiveness of sins?
Note for Teachers
Hi there! As you deliver this lesson, remember to emphasize the emotional and spiritual significance of Jesus’ trials and suffering. Guide the pupils to understand that even though Jesus was unjustly accused and treated harshly, He remained silent, trusting in God’s plan. Encourage the pupils to reflect on how Jesus’ actions show His love for them.
