Lesson Note on Joshua and Deborah as Leaders: Courage, Succession and Victory for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Leadership in Ancient Israel
Previous Lesson: Moses as a Leader: Call, Courage and Leading Israel.
Topic: Joshua as a Leader
Subject Matter: Meaning of leadership succession, Joshua is chosen and equipped to lead Israel, Deborah as a leader.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define leadership succession.
• Explain how Joshua was chosen and equipped to lead Israel.
• Describe Deborah’s role as a leader in Israel.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of faithfulness and courage in leadership.
• Value obedience to God’s call in leadership roles.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Identify qualities necessary for effective leadership.
• Outline the advantages and disadvantages of succeeding a great leader.

Social Domain:

• Discuss the impact of good leadership on a community or nation.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Revised Standard Version (RSV) Bible
• Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A Bible
• Relevant textbook
• Charts illustrating key leaders

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the concept of leadership succession and the qualities required for effective leadership. It enables them to learn from biblical examples like Joshua and Deborah, highlighting the importance of courage, faithfulness, and trust in God when leading people.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of some biblical leaders and stories from the Old Testament.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Joshua as a Leader

Meaning of Leadership Succession

Leadership succession means the process of continuing the work of a great leader after they have departed or retired. It involves taking over the responsibilities and vision of the previous leader and faithfully carrying them forward.

Joshua Chosen and Equipped to Lead Israel

Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. He was equipped for this role through:

• Divine appointment: God specifically called Joshua to lead.
• Mentorship by Moses: Joshua served Moses closely and learned from him.
• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: God promised to be with Joshua and give him strength and wisdom.
• Public commissioning: Moses laid hands on Joshua in the presence of the people (Numbers 27:15-23).
• Assurance of God’s presence: God repeatedly promised Joshua success and courage.

Memory Verse

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Bible Reading

• Numbers 13:16
• Numbers 14:10
• Numbers 27:15-23
• Judges 4:1-24

Deborah as a Leader

Deborah was a prophetess, judge, and military leader in ancient Israel. She led the people of Israel to victory against the Canaanite army led by Sisera. Her leadership demonstrated:

• Wisdom and discernment: She judged Israel under a palm tree.
• Faith in God: She trusted in God’s power to deliver Israel.
• Courage: She accompanied Barak to battle, inspiring the army.
• Inspiring leadership: She motivated Barak and the Israelites to fight for their freedom.

Qualities Needed to Succeed a Great Leader

To succeed a great leader effectively, one needs:

• Courage and boldness
• Faithfulness to God and the vision
• Obedience to God’s commands
• Integrity and honesty
• Humility and teachability
• Dependence on God’s guidance

Advantages and Disadvantages of Succeeding Great Leaders

Advantages:

• Established foundation and vision to build upon.
• Guidance and mentorship from the previous leader (if still available).
• Existing support structures and followers.
• Divine backing and promises (as seen with Joshua).

Disadvantages:

• High expectations from the people and comparisons to the predecessor.
• Pressure to maintain or exceed previous achievements.
• Potential for resistance from those loyal to the former leader.
• The heavy burden of responsibility.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some great leaders they know, either from history or the Bible.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming various leaders.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated.

Step 2: Meaning of Leadership Succession

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of leadership succession and discusses its importance in maintaining continuity and progress.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and contribute to the discussion by sharing their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what leadership succession means.

Step 3: Joshua’s Call to Leadership

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Joshua’s selection and equipping to lead Israel after Moses, referencing Numbers 27:15-23. The teacher highlights the qualities that made Joshua suitable.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the narration and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Joshua’s call and the qualities he possessed.

Step 4: Memory Verse and Bible Reading

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation/Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils to recite the memory verse (Joshua 1:9) and reads relevant Bible passages (Numbers 13:16, Numbers 14:10).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recite the memory verse and follow along as the teacher reads the Bible passages.
Learning Point: Pupils internalize key scripture about leadership.

Step 5: Deborah’s Leadership

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses Deborah’s leadership role, her wisdom, courage, and how she led Israel to victory as described in Judges 4:1-24.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify the key aspects of Deborah’s leadership.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about Deborah as another example of a strong biblical leader.

Step 6: Qualities and Challenges of Succession

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Brainstorming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a class discussion on the qualities needed to succeed a great leader and the advantages and disadvantages associated with such a role.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and share their thoughts on the qualities and challenges.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the practical aspects of leadership succession.

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. What is leadership succession?
2. Mention two ways Joshua was equipped to lead Israel.
3. Recite Joshua 1:9.
4. Describe Deborah’s role in leading Israel.
5. State two advantages and two disadvantages of succeeding a great leader.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson and encourages pupils to develop leadership qualities in their own lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and see the relevance of the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

• Succession – The process of inheriting a title, office, or property.
• Leadership – The action of leading a group of people or an organization.
• Equipped – Supplied with the necessary items for a particular purpose.
• Prophetess – A female prophet.
• Courage – The ability to do something that frightens one.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research other biblical leaders and their succession stories. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and focus on key definitions and examples, using visual aids more frequently.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should emphasize the spiritual aspect of leadership, highlighting that true leadership comes from God and requires obedience to His will. Encourage pupils to reflect on how these biblical principles apply to leadership in contemporary society. Ensure pupils understand that succeeding a great leader is not just about taking over a position, but about faithfully continuing a divine mandate.