1ST TERM JSS2 CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE Scheme of Work and Note

FIRST TERM E-LEARNING NOTE

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE CLASS: JSS 2

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEK  TOPIC

1 Preparation for the Coming of Christ.

2 The Birth of Jesus Christ

3 Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple

4 Jesus Christ Prepares for His Life ministry.

5 The Temptation of Jesus Christ

6 Call of the Disciples

7 Jesus Christ Meets Sinners.

8 The Beatitudes/ Christians as Light of the World.

9 Worldly Possession.

10  Revision

11  Examination

REFERENCES

• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS 2 by F.N.O Quarcoopome et’ tal.
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS 2 by Adedeyinkae’tal
• Ilesanmi Christian Religious Studies for JSS 2 by TundeErumeobee’tal
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS 1-3, by A.F Bello.
• Revised Standard Version (R.S.V.) Bible

WEEK ONE

TOPIC: PREPARATION FOR THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

CONTENT

• The annunciation [Isaiah 9:6-7, Matt. 1:22-23, Lk, 1:30-33]
• The value of virginity before and after marriage,
• The Significance

THE ANNUNCIATION [Isaiah 9:6-7, Matt1:22-23,Lk1:30-33]

The promise of the coming of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament was prophesied by Prophet Isaiah. God sent the prophets to announce the coming of the saviour Jesus Christ. Isaiah was one of the prophets sent by God. Isaiah prophesied the birth of the saviour, saying;

‘Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel’ Isaiah also prophesied saying:

“For to us a child is born, to us a child is given

And the government of the world will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called:

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting father,

Prince of peace.

And of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end”.

The promise of the saviour by God became necessary in order to restore the good relationship between God and man and also to establish justice and righteousness in the world.

EVALUATION

• Give the report of the birth of expected Messiah?
• According to the prophecy of Isaiah, what are the names of the Messiah?

THE VALUE OF VIRGINITY

According to the scriptures, Virgin Mary preserved her virginity. This enabled God to make use of her. The great lesson for us today is to keep our self holyand righteous before and after marriage just like virgin Mary did. This will go a long way to prevent us from contacting STDs, HIV/AID unwanted pregnancy, abortion and death.

The following are some of the values of being a virgin before marriage;

1. It reassures the husband that the girl he is marrying has never been wayward.
2. The person is free from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis, candidacies etc.
3. It gives the person the confidence that he/she has none of these diseases before marriage and also prepares the person for God’s use.
4. It prevents the girl from having unwanted pregnancy, abortion and premature death.
5. The person will be free from guilty conscience about virginity.

EVALUATION

1. Mention three values of being a virgin before marriage.
2. What lesson can you learn from Virgin Mary?
3. Give the name of the prophet of Old that prophesied the birth of Jesus Christ.
4. What is the purpose of the Saviour in the world?
5. Mention three consequences of sex before marriage.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PREPARATION FOR THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

Before God carries out his plan most of the time, He always informs His servants. That was the reason why God decided to reveal this to prophet Isaiah. The prophet did not fail to warn the children of Israel, as a result of this, they value their virginity.

It means that God loved us so much.That was the reason why he promised to give us a saviour.

This signifies that God knows the future, and he is able to accomplish anything He plans to do. Just like Jesus promised to come back, this will definitely come to fulfillment. So, be prepared.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. State the significance of what Isaiah prophesied about the birth of the Messiah.
2. Why should we prepare, before we carry out any task?
3. Who is God?
4. Mention five attributes of God.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Christian Religious Knowledge J.S. 2 by T.N.O Quarcoopomeetal page 15-16.
• Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible Isaiah 9:6-7, Matt. 1: 22-23, LK 1:30-33.
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS 1-3 by A.F Bello.Page147-150.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. ____ prophet prophesied the birth of Jesus Christ.

   (a) Isaiah  (b) Jeremiah   (c) John (d) James

2. The fulfillment of the promises of God revealed God as ____

   (a) Dishonest  (b) faithful  (c) Gullible one (d) unreliable

3. The name “Emmanuel” means ____

   (a) God with us   (b) God cares for us (c) God is faithful (d) the fear of God

4. According to Prophet Isaiah the kingdom of Jesus will ____

   (a) Come to an end (b) not come to an end (c) come to an end if we are not faithful (d) show the power of God

5. We can best overcome sexually transmitted diseases by ____

   (a) keeping our self-pure (b) yield to our desires  (c) using preventive measures (d) cleaning our environment

THEORY

1. Give the account of the prophecy of prophet Isaiah about Jesus Christ.
2. What can we do for God to use us like Virgin Mary?

WEEK TWO

TOPIC: BIRTH OF JESUS

CONTENT

• Birth of Jesus, Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32

  Visit of the shepherd LUKE 2:8-20

• Visit of the wise men, Matt 2: 1-12

  The significance of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men

  Flight to Egypt Matt: 2: 15

BIRTH OF JESUSLuke 2: 1-20, 30-32; Matt 2: 1-12

In those days during the reign of Caesar Augustus, there was a decree that people should go to their city for census. During this period, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem of Judea. Mary was pregnant and was due to give birth. She went to an inn but there was no space for her. She found a space in the manger where she eventually gave birth.

EVALUATION

• Give account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Why did Mary give birth to Jesus in a Manger?

VISIT OF THE SHEPHERD LUKE 2:8-20

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, an angel appeared to some shepherds who were taking care of their sheep in the field. The angel informed them that a saviour has been born in Bethlehem the city of David, and that the baby would be found wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

After the angel had gone, the shepherds went to see the baby and told the parents what the angel had told them and they left.

EVALUATION

• Where were the shepherds when the angel appeared to them?
• What was the message of the angel to the shepherds?

VISIT OF THE WISE MEN Matt 2: 1-12

Later some wise men (magi), from the east went to ask from King Herod, where the new born king was so that they would worship him. The wise men led by a star met Jesus and his parents in a manger. They worshipped him and gave him the following gifts:

Gold,

Frankincense and

Myrrh.

THE GIFTTHE FUNCTIONS

GOLD KINGSHIP

FRANKINCENSE PRIESTLY

MYRRH PROPHETIC

Gold represents kingship, frankincense represents priestly function and myrrh represent prophetic function.When the wise men left, they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod for he sought to kill the child, and so they went on their way. Herod later sought to kill Jesus but he was taken to Egypt. He was brought back after the death of Herod to Nazareth.

Flight to Egypt Matt: 2: 15

After departure of the wise men, an angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream and ordered him to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus and his mother and remain there until the next instruction .This was because King Herod was planning to kill Jesus. After the death of Herod, they returned to Jerusalem. These were the fulfillment of what Isaiahprophesized “out of Egypt have I called my son”. We learn a lesson here to be obedient to instruction like Joseph and Mary.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Explain briefly how Jesus was born.
2. Explain briefly the actions of Herod to kill Jesus.
3. List four things which man created.
4. Summarise the Bible account of creation.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Christian Religious Education for JSS BK 2 ADEYINKA et al
• ILESANMI Christian Religious Studies for JSS 2 by TUNDE ERUMEOBA et al
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 2 by I.O. ADEYEMI.
• RSV Bible Read Luke 2: 1-20, 30-32, Matthew 2: 1-12

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The birth of Jesus took place in the city called (a) Nazareth (b) Galilee (c) Bethlehem of Judea (d) Jericho
2. Who made a decree that census should be conducted throughout the world at that time? (a) Pharaoh (b) Herod (c) Caesar Augustus (d) Pilate
3. Who appeared to the shepherds at the night a child was born? (a) an angel (b) a Prophet (c) a star (d) a seer
4. Why was Jesus not given birth to at the inn? (a) the owner was wicked (b) It was too costly (c) It was full (d) the midwife was not around
5. Gold represents___ function. (a) kingship (b) priestly (c) prophetic (d) spiritual

THEORY

1. State the gifts given to Jesus.
2. What are the functions of the gifts presented to Jesus?

WEEK THREE

TOPIC: PRESENTATION OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE

CONTENT

• PROPHECY OF SIMEON
• PROPHECY OF ANNA
• SIGNIFICANCE
• THE VISIT OF JESUS TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE [LK 2:41-51,MARK 6:1-5]

According to the Bible, Joseph and Mary carried Jesus to the temple for purification and dedication. There were priests and anointed men of God in the temple during the period.

It was eight days after the Jesus birth, he was circumcised and his name was called Jesus, the name given by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. Then, the time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification as the law of Moses prescribed “Every male that opens the womb shall be called Holy to the Lord”.

The law also says that the parents of the first male child should bring the son to the temple and offer a sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Jesus’ parents presented him in the temple in order to fulfill this law.

EVALUATION

1. Why did Jesus’ parents take him to the temple?
2. How old was Jesus Christ when he was circumcised?

PROPHECY Of SIMEON ( Luke2 : 25-35)

A man in Jerusalem called Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to come to the temple at that particular time. He was the first to pray for Jesus, When Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple for the presentation ceremony, he was good and righteous. He was highly devoted to God. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was expecting the Messiah to come. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. He carried the baby in his arms and declared thus: “Now Lord, you have kept your promise, and now let your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel”.

After this, he said to Mary “This child is chosen by God for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken” [LK 2:34] It means for the destruction and salvation of many people in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart”. Jesus’ parents were surprised at what Simeon said about the child.

EVALUATION

• Give account of the prophecy of Simeon at the time of Jesus’ dedication.
• Why was Jesus for the rising and falling of many in Israel?

PROPHECY OF ANNA (Luke 2 : 36-40)

There was a very old prophetess named Anna. She was a widow; she lost her husband seven years after marriage, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in age she was already eighty four (84) years old. She was worshipping God with prayer and fasting. She came to the temple at that moment. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. She told the people in the temple that Jesus was the provision, made for the redemption of Israel.

SIGNIFICANCE

1. The prophecy confirmed Jesus Christ as the expected messiah.
2. The prophecy revealed Jesus Christ as the son of consolation.

EVALUATION

1. Give account of the role of Simon during the child dedication of Jesus Christ.
2. State the significance of the prophesy of Simeon and Anna.
3. What was the role of the Anna at the presentation of Jesus?
   

THE VISIT OF JESUS TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE [LK 2:41-51 MARK 6:1-5]

At the age of twelve (12), Jesus went with his parents to Jerusalem to attend the feast of Passover as was the custom every year. At the end of the feast, Jesus stayed behind at Jerusalem and discussed the scriptures with the elderly teachers in the temple.

The parents of Jesus were not aware that Jesus was not with them .After they realized this, they returned from their journey to Jerusalem. They had to return to Jerusalem to look for him, they found him in the temple, listening to the elders and also asking them questions, his parents as well as the audience were surprised at the level of his understanding. When his mother asked why he had behaved that way, he replied “Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house”

Also, the people of Nazareth, did not accept him as the saviour, they only knew him as the carpenter’s son, the son of Mary and the brother to James.

The action prompted Jesus to say that a prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his kin and house.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Explain briefly the encounter of Jesus with teachers and doctors of the law in the temple.
2. Describe the relationship of Jesus with his parents.
3. How is man a special creation of God?
4. What is dignity? Show how Adam and Eve were dignified by God.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Ilesanmi Christian Religious Studies for JSS BK 2 by TUNDE ERUMORBA et all
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS RK 2 by I.O ADEYEMO
• Christian Religious Education for JSS BK 2 by ADEYINKA et all
• RSV Bible read Matt 2: 13-15; Luke 2: 41-51; Mark 6: 1-5

READING ASSIGNMENT

Read Fundamentals of Christian Religious Studies, Basic Eight by A.E. OSUBELE, pgs 14-15

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Joseph was asked to flee from Bethlehem to____. (a) Egypt (b) Judea (c) Jerusalem (d) Syria
2. After the death of Herod, they returned to _______ (a) Egypt (b) Jerusalem (c) Jericho (d) Nazareth
3. At what age did Jesus accompany his parents to the temple in Jerusalem (a) 10 (b) 12 (c) 15(d) 17
4. Jesus was not accepted at _____ city (a) Nazareth (b) Bethany (c) Ai (d) Bethany
5. A prophet is not without _____ except in his own country. (a) place (b) honour (c) brother (d) pride

THEORY

1. Describe the reaction of Jesus to the people of Nazareth.
2. “Jesus is the greatest teacher”, explain.

WEEK FOUR

TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST PREPARES FOR HIS LIFE’S MINISTRY

CONTENT

• The Forerunner of Jesus Christ Mk 1:1-8, LK3:1-20
• The Baptism of Jesus Christ Matt 3:3-17, Mk1: 9-21, LK3:21-22
• The Significance of the Baptism and Moral Lesson

   

THE FORERUNNER OF JESUS CHRIST[Mk 1:1-8, LK3:1-20]

THE MEANING

A Forerunner is the messenger sent to prepare the road for the coming of the chief one. Thus, the forerunner of Jesus was John the Baptist. He came to prepare the minds of the people to understand Jesus and receive him.

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

John the Baptist was the fore runner of Jesus Christ. He was born by Zachariah and Elizabeth. They lived in Jerusalem in the days of king Herod of Judea. Zachariah was a Priest and his wife was barren for many years. While in the temple one day, angel Gabriel from the Lord appeared to him, and told him that his wife was going to bear a son. He said the child shall be great; his name shall be called John and must not drink strong wine. Zachariah doubted this message and he was made dumb until later the child was born. Elizabeth later conceived and bore a male child, on the eighth day, the family of Zachariah wanted to name the child Zachariah after his father; but the mother said No. they asked the father to write his name and he wrote the name John on the slate. Immediately his tongue was loosed, and he spoke. There was great rejoicing that day.

The lessons:

• We should not doubt God,
• With God all things are possible and that we should have faith in God

THE MESSAGE OF THE FORE-RUNNERMatt 3: 1-12

John started his mission by calling on the people to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. He was preaching in the wilderness, he wore .a garment of Carmel’s hair and a leather girdle around his waist. His food was locust and wild honey. People went to him from all parts of Jerusalem, Judea and Jordan.

They confessed their sins and were baptized by him in River Jordan. He referred to many of the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him as “brood of vipers”. He preached to them and many were baptized. He told them that someone was coming after him whose sandal he was not worthy to carry and who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John told them to do things that would show that they had turned from their sins, instead of assuming that God would save them because they were Abraham’s descendants. The people asked him what they should do. He told them that anyone with two shirts should give one to the man that had none; and anyone who had food should share with those who did not have.

As the people were thinking whether John was the Christ, He told them that, he who was coming after him was greater than he was and that he was not good enough to untie his sandals. He was only baptizing them with water but that one would baptise them with the Holy Spiritand fire.

EVALUATION

1. What was Isaiah’s prophecy about the birth of Christ?

2. What was the message of the fore runner?

BAPTISM OF JESUSMatt 3: 13-17

Jesus Christ came from Galilee to river Jordan to be baptized by John, and Jesus said he should allow it to be so, to fulfill all righteousness.

When Jesus was dipped in water and baptized, the heavens opened and the spirit of God came upon him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”. The lesson we learn from Christ here is that we should be humble, should be a good example in school, home and society

EVALUATION

Give account of Jesus’ baptism.

SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS BAPTISM

1. It confirms the son ship of Jesus’ Christ.
2. It signifies the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
3. It presented Jesus as the expected Messiah.
4. Jesus demonstrated himself as a humble Messiah, because he accepted to be baptized by John even when he has no sin to confess.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What is baptism?
2. State the significance of the voice from heaven during the baptism of Jesus.
3. How do you know that man is an image of God?
4. Explain how human beings can be said to create.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• IlesanmiChristian Religious Studies for JSS BK 2 by TundeErumeobaet all
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 2 by I.O Adeyemo
• Christian Religious Education for JSS BK 2 by Adeyinkaet al
• RSV Bible read Matt 3: 3-17; 4:1-11

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Jesus came from _____ to be baptized (a) Galilee (b) Nazareth (c) Jordan (d) Jericho
2. Jesus was baptized in river _____ (a) Nile (b) Jordan (c) Taraba (d) Tekoa
3. Jesus fasted for ____ days and night (a) 40 (b) 30 (c) 20 (d) 70
4. The father of John the Baptist was____. (a) Nehemiah (b) Heber (c) Jonash

   (d) Zachariah

5. John was preaching in the_____. (a) forest (b) bush (c) wilderness (d)neighbourhood

THEORY

1. Describe the baptism of Jesus.

2. State the significance of Jesus’ baptism.

WEEK FIVE

TOPIC: THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS Matt. 4: 1-11

CONTENT

• Meaning ofTemptation.
  
• TheTemptation of Jesus Christ.
• The Significance of theTemptation ofJesus Christ.
• Temptation in Nigeria Today and How to Overcome Them

MEANING OF TEMPTATION

To tempt someone is to make that person do something that he or she is not supposed to do because it is evil. To do something that is contrary to the will of God. Temptation in itself is not a bad thing. It is only when we fail to overcome it that it becomes a bad thing.

EVALUATION

What is temptation?

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST

After his baptism, Jesus was led by the power of the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the devil. The temptation started after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights and He was hungry.

Temptation to turn stone to bread:

In the first temptation the tempter said: “if you are the son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread”. This was to make Jesus appear as an economic messiah, Jesus rejected this temptation by quoting the scriptures saying: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”.

Temptation to jump down:

In the second temptation, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him. “If you are the son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will give his angels charge of you and on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone”.

This was to make Jesus become a wonder working Messiah by performing great miracles to amaze the people. Jesus made the right choice by rejecting this temptation. He did this by quoting the scriptures and said: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God”.

Temptation to worship Satan:

In the final temptation, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them and said to him: “All these I will give you, if you shall fall down and worship me”.

Jesus was here being tempted to become a political messiah by worshipping the devil. Again, Jesus quoted from the scriptures to reject this temptation saying;

“Be gone Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve. Jesus preferred to come as the Messiah who will suffer to save people from their sins than to appear as an economic or miracle or political messiah. He triumphed over temptation because he made the right choice

Moral instructions and application to practical daily living today:

To overcome temptations to sin you should:

(i)  Avoid situations that could lead to temptation.

(ii)  Fill your mind with good and holy thoughts all the time.

(iii)  Have strong self-control or self-discipline.

(iv)  Be satisfied with what you have and your lot in life.

(v)  Shurn any thought of achieving success through unholy means.

(vi)  Have the courage to say no all the time to whatever is unholy.

(vii)  Pray to God always to lead you not to fall into temptation.

EVALUATION

1. State the three temptations of Jesus Christ in the wilderness.
2. Mention two significance of Jesus’ temptation.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Each of the temptation was directed to cause Jesus to be false to his messiahship. The first temptation was to make false his perfect humanity. Despite his hunger, Jesus did not submit to the temptation. He knows he has the power but avoided unnecessary show of power. The second was to make him win men’s heart not by love as required by the messiah but by startling signs. This is quite true because man always wants to see signs before they believe. Man doubts a lot but only believes if he is given a sign of evidence. The third was to make him not to win his kingdom through suffering as required of the messiah. If Jesus had loved political power, he would have bowed down and worshiped the devil but he did not do so.

EVALUATION

Discuss the significance of the temptation of Jesus.

TEMPTATION IN NIGERIA TODAY AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Temptations in Nigeria are numerous these days. Some of them are:

1. The desire to be rich overnight without work.
2. The desire to pass an examination without studying.
3. The greed for wealth at all cost
4. The greed for political power at all cost.
5. Setting unrealistic ambitions.
6. Uncontrolled sexual desire.

The followings are ways of overcoming these temptations mentioned;

• Patience and hard work.
• Taking one’s study seriously.
• Setting realistic goals for one.
• Avoiding the desire to rule at all cost.
• Avoiding unrealistic ambitions.
• Taming one’s sexual desire.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. How can we overcome temptation?
2. State the three temptations of Jesus Christ according to Luke accounts.
3. State the four stages Ape-man passed through according to Charles Darwin?
4. Give two ways in which man is totally unique to other animals.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Read Fundamentals of Religious Studies, Basic Eight, by A.E. Osubele, pgs 20  

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.  _____ is the suggestion to do evil.

 (a) trial (b) temptation (c) persecution (d) low self esteem

2.  The first temptation of Jesus was to ________.

 (a) Turn stone to bread (b) jump down (c) worship Satan (d) show off his power

3.  Thou shall not tempt the Lord your God was said by ____.

 (a) Jesus Christ  (b) John the Baptist   (c) Satan (d) Caiaphas

4.  According to Matthew’s account the third temptation of Jesus Christ was to _____

 (a) turn stone to bread   (b) jump down (c) worship Satan (d) walk on water

5.  The first temptation of Jesus Christ was to make him _______ Messiah.

 (a) economic   (b) political   (c) peaceful (d) geographical

THEORY

1. State the three temptations of Jesus Christ according to Matthew and Luke’s account.
2. Compare the similarities and differences.

WEEK SIX

TOPIC: CALL OF THE DISCIPLES

CONTENT

• Jesus Calls the First Four Disciples Matthew 4: 18-22; Mark 1:14-20; Luke 5:1-11
• Jesus Calls the Twelve Disciples/Apostles Mark 3: 13-19
• The Demands of Disciples. Matthew 8:18-27, Luke 9: 59-63, Luke 14:25-33

Jesus calls the first four disciples Matthew 4: 18-22; Mark 1:14-20; Luke 5:1-11

Jesus went to the shore of Lake Genesarret to preach the gospel. He went aboard a boat and pushed out a little from the shore, where the audiences stood facing him. He sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he finished teaching, he asked Simon, who owns the boat, to push out his net into the deep water for the catch. Simon replied that he and his companion had worked all night and caught nothing but at Jesus’ word, he would let down the net.

And when Peter did, they caught an enormous shoal of fish. It was so big that their nets began to tear. Thus, they signaled their partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, in the other boat, to come and help them. They came and both boats were filled to a sinking point. Simon was so surprised that he fell at the feet of Jesus and asked Jesus to depart away from him because he, Peter, was a sinful man. Jesus told him that he should not be afraid, adding that Simon will now be catching men. Simon and his partners brought their boats ashore. They left everything and followed Jesus. The others were Andrew, James and John.

EVALUATION

Narrate the call of the first four disciples.

The call of the twelve Disciples/Apostles Mark 3:13-1

Jesus selects His disciples Matt 4: 18-22; 9: 9, Mark 3: 13-19

Jesus chose twelve disciples to be with him and to assist him in preaching the gospel. He called them one by one and told them that he would make them fishers of men. They immediately left their jobs and followed him. Some of them were fishermen, while some were tax collectors. Four of them were referred to as member of the inner circle. This is because they were specially close to him. They were Simon Peter, Matthew, James and John sons of Zebedee.

When Jesus was on a mountain, he called the men of his choice after healing some people in Galilee. Out of these men, he selected twelve as his immediate companions and friends. These he wanted to send out to proclaim his message, the gospel, with the authority to drive out demons and heal all kinds of diseases.

These twelve are as follows:

1. Simon Peter
2. James
3. John
4. Simon the Canaanites
5. Andrew
6. Philip
7. Bartholomew
8. Thomas
9. Thaddeus
10. Matthew
11. James the son ofAlphaeus
12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him

They all willingly responded to the call of the master without excuse, the most important qualification Jesus sough for was willingness and self-denial. We learn a lesson here to be obedient to the call of God.

These twelve were to be his messengers, who will carry the message of Christ to all parts of the world and to all people. In the Acts of the Apostles, these disciples were referred to as apostles. After the death of Judas, following his betrayal of Jesus, Matthias was elected as the twelfth apostle.

EVALUATION

Mention the twelve disciples.

The Demands of Discipleship Luke 9:57-63; 14:25-33

To be a disciple of Jesus has its demands and obligations. Jesus’ encounter with three would-be disciples shows the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. To the one who voluntarily told Jesus would follow him, Jesus told him that birds and foxes have holes but he, the son of man, had no home. Another one who decided to follow him asked for a time to say farewell to his relations. Jesus told him that anyone who put his hands on the plough and look back was not fit for the Kingdom. The one whom he invited to follow him requested to be allowed to go and bury his father. Jesus told him to let the dead bury the dead.

There was a time many people were following Jesus. He turned and told them that any would-be follower who did not love him more than his father, mother, wife, children, family and even his own self could not be his disciple. Jesus concluded that no one could be his disciple, unless he or she was ready to give up everything he or she had.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS:

1. Mention six disciples of Christ.
2. Explain the demands of discipleship.
3. Mention the first five books of the Old Testament.
4. State the last five books of the New Testament.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Ilesanmi Christian Religiuos Studies for JSS Bk 2 by TUndeErumeoba et all
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS bk 2 by I.O Adeyemo
• Christian Religious Education for JSS bk 2 by Adeyinka et al
• Fundamentals of Christian Religious Studies, Basic Eight by A.E. Osubele et al, pgs 22-23.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Who was referred to as the tax collector among the twelve disciples (a) Andrew (b) Matthew (c) Peter (d) James
2. Who among the disciples betrayed Jesus Christ? (a) Simon Peter (b) John (c) Judas Iscariot (d) Philip
3. How many disciples were they in number? (a) 12 (b) 10 (c) 15 (d) 20
4. The following are part of the first four disciples of Jesus except____. (a). Philip (b). Andrew (c). James (d). John
5. Jesus was _____ years old when he began to teach and preach (a) 30 (b) 33 (c) 40 (d) 25

THEORY

1. What is the third temptation according to St. Matthew’s gospel?
2. Write the names of six out of the twelve disciples.

WEEK SEVEN

TOPIC: JESUS WELCOMES ALL PEOPLE

CONTENT

• JESUS AND THE ELITE: NICODEMUS [ JOHN 3:1-17]
• THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN

JESUS AND THE ELITE: NICODEMUS [JOHN 3:1-17]

When Jesus told Nicodemus that one has to be baptised with both water and spirit for one to enter the kingdom of God, he was disturbed and wanted to know more. Jesus was surprised that an educated man like Nicodemus did not understand or believe the simple examples he had been given. Jesus wondered how he could understand and believe heavenly or spiritual things. Jesus further told Nicodemus that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so would he be lifted up and that only those who believed in him would have eternal life. Jesus then told him that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. This led to his teaching on judgement. He told Nicodemus that God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to make the world good and safe.

EVALUATION

Narrate the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus

MORAL LESSONS

There are numerous lessons one can learn from what happened between Jesus and Nicodemus. One of such was that Nicodemus wanted to know more. He had heard about the teachings of Jesus because he is a Pharisee. The Pharisees are the teachers of the law. Yet, Nicodemus wanted to know more. This shows that there is no limit to human knowledge. So, Christians should seek to know more about the word of God. Another lesson is that we should share our knowledge with others. Jesus knew who Nicodemus was; yet, he welcomed him, listened to him and taught what he did not know. Another would have dismissed Nicodemus, for he would have thought, quite wrongly, that he had come to tempt him rather than to learn from him. So, when anybody comes to us to explain things which will help him understand more, we should always try as much as possible to help him. Also, one of the lessons is that of a rebirth, that is, a kind of change of heart or repentance, a new life, guided by the Holy Spirit. It is only with these that any man could hope to enter into the kingdom of God.

EVALUATION

Discuss the lesson you gained.

THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN

Jesus was in the temple and all the people came to him and he taught them. The Pharisees and the Scribes brought a woman who had committed adultery, placed her in the midst of the congregation and asked Jesus, “Teacher, this woman had been caught in the act of adultery. Now, in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such, what do you say about her? They asked this question to test him, so that they might find some charge to bring against him and get him arrested, tried and killed. Jesus bent down and wrote something with his finger on the floor of the temple. As the people waited, he stood up and said to them, “Let him which is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her”. He bent down again and started writing on the floor with his fingers. None of them was able to stone the woman. They went away one by one, from the eldest to the youngest, until Jesus was left in the temple, with the woman before him. Jesus looked up the woman and said,” Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? When the woman answered,” No one, Lord”, Jesus assured her that he too had not condemned her and asked her to go away and sin no more.

EVALUATION

Narrate the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman.

MORAL LESSON

There are so many lessons to be learnt in this story. One of them is that one must not plan evil against others. The Pharisees had set a trap or a plot to accuse Jesus so as to get him arrested, tried and killed. But, their plan failed because Jesus knew their aim well in advance. So, it is wrong to plan evil against others. Also, Christians should know that if anybody plans any evil against them, God is always able and willing to help them out. Another lesson is the need for a change of heart. Jesus in his dialogue with the woman said to her, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no again”.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What was written in Mosaic Law concerning adult?
2. What should be our attitude to sinners?

   3. Compare the attitude of Jesus and the Pharisees/Scribes.

   4.List the books that make up the gospel and underline the synoptic gospel

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 2 by I. O. Adeyemo
• R.S.V. Bible Read John 8:1-11
• Christian Religious Knowledge, made simple for J.S.S. by Pastor A.F. Bello.pgs 179-180.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her”. This statement was made by _____. (a) the Pharisees (b) Jesus Christ (c) the scribes (d) the Herodians
2. Which of the following is not correct? Nicodemus was ____. (a) Jew (b) a Pharisee (c) a theologian (d) an enemy of truth.
3. Which of the following is most correct? “God so loved the world so much that he gave his only Son_____” (a) so that he might heal them whenever they were ill (b) so that he might preach to them (c) that he might baptise them with water and with the Holy Spirit (d) that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life
4. The Pharisees belonged to the Jewish _____ class. (a) peasants (b) middle-class

   (c) elite (d) military

5. The woman that was to be stoned was accused of_____. (a) stealing (b) adultery

   (c) witchcraft (d) rebellion

THEORY

1.  Describe the attitude of the woman caught in adultery to her sinfulness.

2.  “Him who is without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her? What happened after?

WEEK EIGHT

TOPIC: JESUS TEACHING ON THE MOUNT/THE DEMAND OF THE KINGDOM

CONTENT

• The Beatitudes (Matt. 5; 1-12).
• Christian as Salt and Light of the World (Matt. 5; 13-16).
• Forgiveness (Matt. 6; 14-15).

THE BEATITUDES (Mathew 5:1-12)

The word “beatitude” is derived from a Latin word “Beatus” which means different things. It means blessedness, successful or prosperous. It describes the state of people who are truly happy.

The beatitude is the beginning of Jesus’ sermon on the mountain. It contains a blessing which are as follows.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.
2. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted
3. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
5. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy
6. Blessed are the pure in hearts for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
9. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account “rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven for so persecute you, the prophets who were before you.

    

   EVALUATION QUESTIONS
   

10. What are the beatitudes?
11. Who are the merciful?

Christian as salt and light of the word (Matt. 5; 13-16)

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said that Christian should be the salt of the earth and light of the world. As the salt of the earth, He said, they should keep up its taste, or else it would become useless and thrown away.

As the light of the world, He said they were like a city on top of a high hill, which could not be hidden. They were also like a lamp placed on a lamp stand which gave light to everybody in the house. Jesus therefore told them, ‘Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. In what way are the Christians the salt of the earth?
2. What will happen if the Christians failed to shine as light of the word?

Forgiveness (Matt. 6; 14-15).

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus Christ emphasized the need for forgiveness. He said: “For if you forgive men their trespasses (offences), your heavenly father will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly father forgive your trespasses.”

He realized that if we can forgive and also forget the offences of others, the word will be peaceful. There would not be need to retaliate, as this can cause more problems.

On revenge, Jesus said in (Matthew 5:38-42), that we should not follow the Law of Moses that says: “An eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth.”

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

• Can we forgive and also forget as human being the offences of others to us? Explain.
• Explain the teaching of Jesus on revenge according to Matthew 5:38-42.
• What was the sin of Adam & Eve?
• What was the curse placed on the woman by God?

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 2,by T.N.O Quarcoopomeeta’l.Page:107,111-112,119-129
• Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 1-3 by A.F Bello.Page:193,199.
• Fundanmental of Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 1, by Adeyinka.24-25.
• Ilesanmi Christian Religion Studies for JssBk 2 By TundeErumoleta’l.Page:
• Revised Standard Version Bible (Compulsory)

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit is the____.(a) 1^st (b) 2^nd (c) 3^rd (d) 4^th
2. The blessing for the meek is that they will____. (a) be comforted (b) inherit the earth

   (c) Obtain mercy (d) Called sons of God.

3. Blessed are the ____ for they shall obtain mercy. (a) Pure in hearth

   (b) Poor in spirit (c) Merciful (d) meek

4. The category of people to see God is the ____ (a) Peacemakers

   (b) Pure in heart (c) Merciful (d) persecution

5. The peacemakers are in ___ blessing. (a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10

    

   THEORY
   

   1.  Explain what Jesus meant by the following:

    “Ye are the salt of the earth…”

    Ye are the light of the world”

   2.  Define ‘Beatitude’.

WEEK NINE

TOPIC: WORLDLY POSSESSION

CONTENT

• Worldly Possession
• Anxiety

WORLDLY POSSESSION Matt 6: 19-24

Worldly possessions are material wealth on earth such as buildings, cars, money, industrial machineries etc.

Jesus said when people pay much attention to material wealth; it affects their spiritual and moral growth. He emphasized that people should pay attention to the things of heaven by seeking God first in all things.

This would qualify them for eternal life in the kingdom of God. If they seek much material wealth or things that can easily be destroyed, they are left with nothing. So, we cannot serve Christ and mammon at the same time.

WHAT TO DO WITH MATERIAL WEALTH?

1. Use your wealth to help the needy and the poor.
2. Donate to the community or your church.
3. Visit the sick in hospital, prisoners and do other good works and God will bless you.
4. Pay more attention to God and other heavenly things.

ANXIETY Matt. 6:25-34

Jesus advised Christians not to be anxious about their basic needs but to put their trust in God who would always supply them with all their needs according to His riches in glory.The important thing about Jesus teaching is that Christians should not place too much emphasis on materialism, because these things disturb their spiritual and moral growth.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What does Jesus teach about worldly possession?
2. What did Jesus teach about the qualities of a true Christian in the sermon on the mount?
3. Describe the job of Cain and Abel.
4. Explain the reason for the enmity between Cain and Abel

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu pages 119 -121
• RSV Bible read Matt5, 6:1-18, 7: 1-27, 6:19 – 24.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. We should seek first the kingdom of God and His_____. (a) faithfulness (b) varieties (c) vanities (d) righteousness
2. The opposite of anxiety is_____. (a) faith (b) hope (c) unfaithfulness (d) strength
3. Trials and persecution is expected to make the Christian to be_____. (a)fearful

   (b) ashamed (c) alive (d) steadfast

4. The biggest gift God gave to mankind is_____. (a) gratitude (b) hope (c) assurance

   (d) love

5. Jesus condemned empty prayers because (a) God does not answer long prayers (b) God has foreknowledge of all our needs (c) They are way of showing off in public

   (d) the prayers are numerous

THEORY

1. What does Jesus teach about worldly possession?
2. What did Jesus teach about the qualities of a good Christian in the Sermon on the Mount?