Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Impartiality: The Golden rule, Negative effects of Nepotism, favouritism and tribalism on society.
Topic: Preparation for Second Coming of Christ.
Subject Matter: Jesus teaching on second coming, last judgement in Matthew 25, signs of second coming, Paul’s teaching on preparation for second coming, readiness and responsible living.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

List at least four signs of the second coming of Christ.
Explain Jesus’ teaching on the Last Judgement as found in Matthew 25.
Describe Paul’s teaching on preparation for the second coming.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of being prepared for Christ’s return.
Develop a sense of urgency to live righteously.

Psychomotor Domain:

Outline practical steps for readiness and responsible living in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Demonstrate a commitment to living a life that reflects preparedness for the second coming.

Discuss with peers the implications of Christ’s second coming for daily Christian living.
Share ideas on how to encourage others to prepare for Christ’s return.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religious Studies (JSS 1-3)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies SSS 1
The Holy Bible (Matthew 24, Matthew 25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J.A. Adeyinka et al.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Holy Bible
Signs checklist handout
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the biblical teachings about the second coming of Christ and the Last Judgement. It enables them to recognize the signs of Christ’s return and encourages them to live responsible and prepared lives, which is important for their spiritual growth and daily conduct.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection, and are familiar with some Bible stories.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Preparation for the Second Coming of Christ

Jesus’ Teaching on the Second Coming and Last Judgement (Matthew 25)

Jesus taught about His second coming and the Last Judgement using parables to emphasize readiness and accountability.

Key parables include:

Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): This parable teaches about watchfulness and readiness. Five virgins were wise and prepared with extra oil, while five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom came, only the prepared ones entered the wedding.
Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This parable teaches about faithful stewardship and using one’s gifts for God’s service. Servants were given talents according to their ability; those who invested theirs were rewarded, while the one who buried his was condemned for laziness.
Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46): This parable describes the Last Judgement, where people will be separated based on their acts of service and compassion towards others (the “least of these”). The righteous (sheep) inherit the kingdom, while the unrighteous (goats) face eternal punishment.

Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

Jesus outlined several signs that would precede His return, indicating the nearness of the end times.

The following are some signs of the second coming of Christ:

Wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6).
Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7).
Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9).
False prophets and false christs deceiving many (Matthew 24:11, 24).
Increase of wickedness, causing the love of many to grow cold (Matthew 24:12).
The gospel of the kingdom being preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
Abomination of desolation standing in the holy place (Matthew 24:15).

Paul’s Teaching on Preparation for the Second Coming

Apostle Paul also taught about the second coming, particularly in his letters to the Thessalonians, emphasizing comfort, watchfulness, and responsible living.

Paul’s teachings include:

Comfort for the Grieving (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18): Paul assures believers that those who have died in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers, to meet the Lord in the air. This teaching brings hope and comfort.
Watchfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11): Paul urges believers to be watchful and sober, not to live in darkness like unbelievers, but to be children of light, prepared for the Lord’s coming which will be like a thief in the night.
Responsible Living (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12): Paul warns against idleness and encourages believers to work hard and be productive, not to be a burden to others while waiting for Christ’s return.

Readiness and Responsible Living

Preparation for the second coming involves living a life that reflects faith, obedience, and service to God and humanity.

The following are ways to ensure readiness and responsible living:

Watchfulness and Prayer: Staying alert spiritually and maintaining a consistent prayer life.
Good Deeds and Service: Actively engaging in acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others, especially the needy.
Evangelism: Sharing the gospel with others to lead them to Christ.
Living Righteously: Adhering to biblical principles, avoiding sin, and pursuing holiness.
Using Talents Faithfully: Employing one’s gifts and abilities for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Patience and Perseverance: Enduring trials and waiting patiently for the Lord’s return.

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 if they know what “coming back” means in a general sense. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils if they have heard about Jesus coming back to earth.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their initial thoughts.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the topic is introduced.

Step 2: Jesus’ Teaching on Second Coming and Last Judgement

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Reading Comprehension
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read Matthew 25:1-46 from their Bibles. The teacher then explains the parables of the Ten Virgins, Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats, emphasizing the themes of readiness, accountability, and service.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the assigned Bible passages and listen attentively to the teacher’s explanation. They may ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand Jesus’ teachings on the second coming and the Last Judgement.

Step 3: Signs of the Second Coming

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils to read Matthew 24:4-14 and asks them to identify specific signs mentioned by Jesus. The teacher distributes a handout listing these signs and discusses each point, clarifying their meaning.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage, identify the signs, and discuss them with the teacher and their peers. They complete the signs checklist handout.
Learning Point: Pupils can list and explain the signs that will precede the second coming of Christ.

Step 4: Paul’s Teaching on Preparation

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Interpretation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to turn to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 5:1-11. The teacher explains Paul’s teachings on comfort for believers, watchfulness, and responsible living in light of Christ’s return.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages and listen to the teacher’s explanation, understanding Paul’s perspective on preparation.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp Paul’s instruction on how to prepare for the second coming.

Step 5: Readiness and Responsible Living

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Brainstorming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on practical ways Christians can live responsibly and be ready for Christ’s return. The teacher lists pupils’ contributions on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils brainstorm and share ideas on how to live prepared and responsible lives, relating the teachings to their daily actions.
Learning Point: Pupils identify practical steps for living in readiness for the second coming.

Step 6: Class Discussion and Summary

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief class discussion, allowing pupils to ask any remaining questions and summarize the main points of the lesson. The teacher ensures all key concepts are clear.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, ask questions, and contribute to the summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

List four signs of the second coming of Christ.
Explain briefly Jesus’ teaching on the Last Judgement.
State two aspects of Paul’s teaching on preparation for Christ’s return.
Mention three ways Christians can live responsibly in anticipation of the second coming.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of watchfulness, responsible living, and faithful service as taught by Jesus and Paul. The teacher encourages pupils to apply these teachings in their lives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s message.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to put the lesson into practice.

Lesson Keywords

Second Coming – The future return of Jesus Christ to earth.
Last Judgement – The final judgement of all humanity by God, as described in the Bible.
Parable – A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
Readiness – The state of being prepared for an event.
Responsible Living – Conducting one’s life in a manner that shows accountability and moral uprightness.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to find other biblical passages related to the second coming or to write a short reflection on what responsible living means to them. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified summaries of the parables and signs, or pair them with stronger pupils for group reading and discussion.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share their personal reflections on the topic, ensuring a respectful and open classroom environment. Emphasize that while the exact time of Christ’s return is unknown, the call to be prepared is constant. Use visual aids like charts or simple drawings to illustrate key concepts if available.