Call to Discipleship, Responses and Challenges for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 17 years
Duration: 1 hour
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Paul and Barnabas on the First Missionary Journey
Topic: Call to Discipleship, Responses and Challenges
Subject Matter: Importance of call of disciples to Jesus’ ministry. Matt; 28:19-20, Mk; 16:15-19, Lk; 5:10; Attitude of Christians today to God’s call; Call of the disciples and their responses. Matt; 4:18-25, 9:9-13, 10-14, Mk. 1:16- 20, 2:13-17, Lk; 5:1-11; Factors that militate against discipleship. Matt; 8:18-22, Lk. 9:51- 63, 14:25-33

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the importance of the call to discipleship in Jesus’ ministry.
• Explain the attitude of Christians today towards God’s call.
• Describe the call of the first disciples and their responses.
• Enumerate factors that militate against discipleship.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the commitment required for true discipleship.
• Value God’s call in their personal lives.
• Understand the challenges associated with following Christ.

Psychomotor Domain

• Read and interpret relevant Bible passages on discipleship.
• Discuss biblical examples of responses to Jesus’ call.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version or New International Version)
• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS3

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk
• Pupils’ Bibles
• Charts illustrating key Bible passages or themes of discipleship

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students understand the fundamental concept of discipleship as taught by Jesus, which is central to Christian faith. It encourages self-reflection on their own responses to God’s call and prepares them for the challenges of living a committed Christian life in today’s world. Understanding these principles is essential for spiritual growth and effective Christian living.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of Jesus’ life and ministry, the concept of following Christ, and basic Bible study skills.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Call to Discipleship, Responses and Challenges

Importance of the Call to Discipleship

The call to discipleship is fundamental to Jesus’ ministry and the spread of the Gospel. It is a call to:

1. Mission and Evangelism: Jesus called His disciples to continue His work of spreading the good news and making more disciples. This is evident in the Great Commission.
2. Transformation: Discipleship involves a personal transformation, where individuals learn to live according to Christ’s teachings and example.
3. Service: Disciples are called to serve God and humanity, reflecting Christ’s selfless service.
4. Building God’s Kingdom: Through disciples, God establishes His kingdom on earth, bringing righteousness, peace, and justice.
5. Witness: Disciples are to be witnesses of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating His power and love to the world.

Bible References:

1. Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
2. Mark 16:15-19: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation… And these signs will accompany those who believe…”
3. Luke 5:10: “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.”

Attitude of Christians Today to God’s Call

The attitude of Christians today towards God’s call varies widely:

1. Enthusiastic Acceptance: Some Christians readily accept God’s call, dedicating their lives to ministry, mission, or service with zeal and commitment.
2. Hesitation and Delay: Many Christians acknowledge God’s call but hesitate due to fear, comfort, worldly attachments, or a desire to pursue personal ambitions first.
3. Conditional Response: Some are willing to follow God’s call only if it aligns with their personal desires, convenience, or does not require significant sacrifice.
4. Outright Rejection: A few may consciously or unconsciously reject God’s call, choosing to live lives completely independent of divine direction.
5. Misunderstanding the Call: Some may struggle to discern God’s call, mistaking personal desires for divine leading or failing to understand that discipleship is a continuous process, not a one-time event.

Call of the Disciples and Their Responses

Jesus called various individuals to be His disciples, and their responses demonstrate different levels of commitment:

1. The Call of the First Disciples (Fishermen):
   1. Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20: Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John while they were fishing. They immediately left their nets and boats to follow Him.
   2. Response: Immediate and unconditional obedience, leaving behind their livelihood and family.
2. The Call of Levi/Matthew (Tax Collector):
   1. Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32: Jesus called Levi (Matthew) from his tax booth. He rose, left everything, and followed Jesus, even hosting a feast for Him.
   2. Response: Immediate and joyful acceptance, demonstrating a willingness to abandon a lucrative but socially despised profession.
3. The Call of Other Disciples:
   1. Luke 5:1-11: After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus told Peter, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” Peter and his partners left everything and followed Him.
   2. Response: Acknowledgment of Jesus’ power and authority, leading to full commitment.

Factors that Militate Against Discipleship

Various factors can hinder or prevent individuals from fully embracing and living out discipleship:

1. Worldly Possessions and Riches: The desire for wealth and material comfort can make it difficult to prioritize God’s kingdom and make necessary sacrifices.
   1. Matthew 8:18-22: Jesus warned a scribe who wanted to follow Him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another disciple wanted to bury his father first, but Jesus said, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
2. Family Obligations and Attachments: While family is important, excessive attachment can sometimes compete with the demands of discipleship.
   1. Luke 9:59-62: A man wanted to bury his father first, and another wanted to say farewell to his family. Jesus responded, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
3. Fear of Persecution or Suffering: The cost of discipleship can include hardship, rejection, and even death, which deters many.
   1. Luke 14:25-33: Jesus emphasized the need to count the cost, stating that one must “hate” (love less by comparison) father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even one’s own life to be His disciple. He also spoke of carrying one’s cross.
4. Lack of Understanding or Commitment: Some do not fully grasp what discipleship entails, or they lack the deep commitment required to persevere through challenges.
5. Self-Preservation and Comfort: The natural human desire for security and ease can make the radical demands of discipleship seem too challenging.
6. Peer Pressure and Social Expectations: The influence of friends, society, or cultural norms can make it difficult to stand out as a committed follower of Christ.

Memory Verse

Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Bible Reading

Matthew 4:18-25, Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 9:51-63, Luke 14:25-33

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Question and Answer, Explanation, Bible Reading, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they understand by the term “disciple” or “follower.” The teacher then introduces the topic, “Call to Discipleship, Responses and Challenges.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Meaning of discipleship

Step 2: Importance of Discipleship

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Bible Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of the call to discipleship in Jesus’ ministry, guiding students to read Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-19, and Luke 5:10. The teacher highlights how discipleship is central to mission and the spread of the Gospel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages and participate in the discussion on the importance of discipleship.

Learning Point: Discipleship’s importance explained

Step 3: Attitude of Christians Today

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the attitude of Christians today towards God’s call, asking students what their reactions should be if God calls them. The teacher encourages honest reflection.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts and discuss potential reactions to God’s call, relating it to modern Christian attitudes.

Learning Point: Contemporary Christian attitudes

Step 4: Call of the First Disciples

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read passages about the call of the first disciples (Matthew 4:18-25, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11). The teacher then leads a discussion on their immediate responses.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages and discuss the prompt responses of the first disciples.

Learning Point: First disciples’ call, responses

Step 5: Call of Levi/Matthew

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Bible Study/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read about the call of Levi/Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32). The teacher discusses his response and the significance of a tax collector becoming a disciple.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages and discuss Matthew’s response, noting his immediate obedience.

Learning Point: Matthew’s call and response

Step 6: Factors Militating Against Discipleship

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Case Study

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the factors that militate against discipleship, guiding students to read Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:51-63, and Luke 14:25-33. The teacher leads a discussion on the different responses some gave to Jesus (e.g., “Lord let me first go and bid my people bye,” “Lord let me first go and bury my father”) and how Jesus reacted to them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages and discuss the challenges and conditional responses, understanding Jesus’ emphasis on total commitment.

Learning Point: Hindrances to discipleship

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. State two reasons why the call to discipleship is important.
2. Describe the response of Peter and Andrew to Jesus’ call.
3. Mention two factors that can hinder someone from becoming a disciple.
4. How should Christians today respond to God’s call?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding discipleship concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the importance, responses, and challenges of discipleship into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of an unreserved response to God’s call and the need to overcome challenges to discipleship. The teacher encourages students to reflect on their own commitment to Christ.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s implications for their lives.

Learning Point: Commitment to discipleship

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. In your own words, explain what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
2. Read Luke 14:25-33 again. What does Jesus mean by “counting the cost” of discipleship? Give two examples from the passage.
3. Identify one modern-day challenge to discipleship in Nigeria and suggest how a Christian can overcome it.

Lesson Keywords

• Discipleship – The state of being a disciple or follower of Jesus Christ, involving learning from Him and imitating His life.
• Call – A divine invitation or summons from God to a specific purpose or way of life.
• Response – The way an individual reacts to God’s call, which can be immediate, hesitant, or conditional.
• Challenges – Obstacles or difficulties that hinder one from fully embracing or living out discipleship.
• Great Commission – Jesus’ command to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concepts quickly, encourage them to research and present on other biblical figures who responded to God’s call (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Isaiah). For students who need more support, provide simplified summaries of the Bible passages and guide them through the questions in smaller groups, focusing on one concept at a time.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search on YouTube for: “The Call to Discipleship explained SS3 CRS” or “Meaning of Discipleship in Christianity”