Class: Primary 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Average Age: 9 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson/Topic: Sacrifice Involved in Jesus giving His life for us (Primary 4)
Topic: JESUS GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US ON THE CROSS III
Content/Learning Area: 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.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Bible (or printed Bible passages)
- Chalkboard or whiteboard
- Visual aids such as an image of the cross and chart illustrations of Jesus’ trials
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
Understanding Jesus’ suffering helps pupils appreciate His obedience to God and the love that led Him to die for humanity.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should already know about Jesus’ life and mission and have learned that He willingly sacrificed Himself for our sins.
Lesson Content
Trials and Suffering of Jesus
The words “trials” and “suffering” mean the difficult, painful, and unfair experiences Jesus went through as part of His journey to the cross. These included false accusations, beatings, mocking, and rejection by the people. Trials are periods of testing and judgment, while suffering includes both physical pain and emotional distress. Jesus endured all of this out of love and to fulfill God’s plan for saving mankind.
Jesus Before Pilate (Luke 23:1–7)
After Jesus was arrested, He was brought to Pilate, the Roman governor, because the religious leaders wanted Him punished. They accused Jesus of misleading the people and claiming to be king. Pilate questioned Jesus but found no fault in Him. Instead of making a decision, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod when he discovered that Jesus was a Galilean. This moment teaches us how Jesus was judged even though He was innocent, and He remained calm without defending Himself harshly.
Jesus Before Herod (Luke 23:8–12)
When Jesus stood before Herod, Herod was excited and hoped to see a miracle. But Jesus did not speak or perform any signs. Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus, dressed Him in a fancy robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. This shows how Jesus was mocked and not treated fairly, yet He chose silence and trusted in God’s plan. It also teaches us to be strong in our faith even when we are wrongly treated.
The Cross as the Point of Remission of Sins
The cross is the place where Jesus completed His mission of saving the world from sin. By suffering and dying on the cross, He took the punishment for the sins of all people. Because of His sacrifice, everyone who believes in Him can have their sins forgiven and live a new life with God. The cross reminds us of God’s love and mercy.
Memory Verse
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” — Luke 23:34
Bible Readings
- Luke 23:1–7
- Luke 23:8–12
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 | Asks pupils what they think “trials” and “suffering” mean, and links to Jesus’ journey to the cross. | Respond to questions and share ideas about the terms. | Understanding that trials involve testing and suffering includes pain and hardship. |
| Step 2: Jesus Before Pilate | 10 mins | Bible Reading | Reads Luke 23:1–7 and explains Jesus’ interaction with Pilate. Asks questions to check comprehension. | Read along and participate in the discussion. | Jesus was wrongly accused but remained calm before Pilate. |
| Step 3: Jesus Before Herod | 10 mins | Bible Reading | Reads Luke 23:8–12 and explains how Herod treated Jesus. Encourages pupils to reflect on Jesus’ silence. | Listen and discuss Jesus’ behavior before Herod. | Jesus was mocked but stayed quiet, showing strength in faith. |
| Step 4: Note Taking | 5 mins | Independent Work | Writes key points from the lesson on the board for pupils to copy. | Copy key points in their notebooks. | Important facts are noted and retained. |
| Step 5: Evaluation | 5 mins | Recap Discussion | Asks evaluation questions to assess pupils’ understanding. | Answer the questions based on what they’ve learned. | Pupils reflect and show their understanding of Jesus’ suffering. |
| Step 6: Conclusion | 5 mins | Summary and Reflection | Summarizes the key message and encourages pupils to remember Jesus’ love. | Share reflections and lessons learned. | The cross is a sign of God’s love and the forgiveness of sin. |
Lesson Keywords
- Trial – A situation where someone is tested or judged.
- Suffering – Experiencing pain or hardship.
- Remission – Forgiveness or removal of sins.
- Pilate – The Roman governor who judged Jesus.
- Herod – A ruler who mocked Jesus during His trial.
Lesson Evaluation
- 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?
Assignment/Homework
- Read Luke 23:13–25 at home and write five things you learned about Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use visual aids and simplified retelling of Bible events.
- For advanced learners: Encourage deeper reflection on how Jesus’ actions show obedience and strength.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use dramatizations, role-play, and storytelling to engage different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Encourage pupils to see Jesus’ suffering not just as a story but as a real act of love. Emphasize the calmness and silence of Jesus during His trials as a model of strength, patience, and obedience to God.