Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Resurrection and Appearance of Jesus.
Topic: The Appearance of Jesus Christ after Resurrection
Subject Matter: The Appearances of Jesus Christ after resurrection, Matthew 28: 16-20, Mark 16: 9-18, John 21: 1-25, Luke 24: 13-49

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify at least three instances of Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection.
Explain the significance of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.

Affective Domain:

Believe in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and His subsequent appearances.
Appreciate the comfort and reassurance these appearances brought to His disciples.

Psychomotor Domain:

Narrate some of the accounts of Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection.
Locate and read the relevant Bible passages describing these appearances.

Discuss with peers the impact of Jesus’ appearances on the early church.
Share their understanding of the resurrection with others.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religion Studies JSS 2
State Unified Scheme of Work
Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Bible
Pictures depicting Jesus’ appearances to His disciples
A chart listing key appearances

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand that Jesus truly rose from the dead and appeared to many people. Knowing this strengthens their faith in the resurrection and the power of God, which is important for their Christian walk.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Appearances of Jesus Christ after Resurrection

Memory Verse:

Matthew 28:20b: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Bible Reading:

Matthew 28:16-20
Mark 16:9-18
John 21:1-25
Luke 24:13-49

Introduction to Jesus’ Appearances:

After Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day, He did not immediately ascend to heaven. Instead, He appeared to many of His disciples and followers over a period of forty days. These appearances proved that He was truly alive and strengthened the faith of those who had seen Him.

Key Appearances of Jesus:

Jesus appeared to different individuals and groups, including:

To Mary Magdalene: She was the first person to see the risen Jesus near the tomb (Mark 16:9-11, John 20:11-18).
To other women: As they were leaving the tomb to tell the disciples, Jesus met them (Matthew 28:9-10).
To Peter: Jesus appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5).
To two disciples on the road to Emmaus: Cleopas and another disciple walked with Jesus without recognizing Him until He broke bread with them (Luke 24:13-35).
To the disciples (without Thomas): Jesus appeared to His disciples in a locked room, showing them His hands and side (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-23).
To the disciples (with Thomas): A week later, Jesus appeared again, allowing Thomas to touch His wounds and believe (John 20:24-29).
To seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee: Jesus appeared to them while they were fishing and shared a meal (John 21:1-25).
To over five hundred people: Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to a large group of believers at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6).
To the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee: This was where Jesus gave them the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

Significance of Jesus’ Appearances:

The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection were important because:

They provided undeniable proof that Jesus had conquered death and truly risen.
They comforted and reassured His disciples, who were initially fearful and doubtful.
They strengthened the faith of His followers, preparing them to spread the Gospel.
They confirmed the prophecies about the Messiah’s death and resurrection.
They gave His disciples their final instructions and the Great Commission.

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 reminds them of the previous lesson on Jesus’ resurrection. The teacher then asks what happened after Jesus rose from the dead.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by stating that Jesus rose from the dead. They share their understanding of the resurrection.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of the Concept of Appearance

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what “appearance” means in the context of the lesson, clarifying that it means Jesus showed Himself physically to people after rising from the dead.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of “appearance” in the context of the lesson.

Step 3: Narration of Key Appearances

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates some of the key appearances of Jesus, such as to Mary Magdalene, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the disciples in the upper room. The teacher uses pictures to illustrate these events.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and observe the pictures.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge of specific instances of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.

Step 4: Bible Reading and Confirmation

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Bible Reading/Verification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read relevant Bible passages like Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:13-35, and John 20:19-29 to confirm the narrated appearances.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages aloud or silently.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to locate and confirm biblical accounts.

Step 5: Discussion on the Significance of the Appearances

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on why these appearances were important, prompting pupils to think about what they proved and how they affected the disciples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute their ideas on the significance of the appearances.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the spiritual and historical importance of Jesus’ appearances.

Step 6: Summary of Lesson Points

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the reality of the resurrection and the various appearances of Jesus.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes from the board summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Name two people or groups to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection.
State one reason why Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection were important.
Which Bible book contains the account of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus?
What was the significance of Thomas seeing Jesus’ wounds?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives pupils an assignment: “Write down three lessons you learned from Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and how they can strengthen your faith.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Lesson Keywords

Resurrection – Jesus rising from the dead.
Appearance – Jesus showing Himself physically to people after His resurrection.
Disciples – The followers of Jesus.
Galilee – A region in northern Israel where Jesus often taught and appeared.
Emmaus – A village where Jesus appeared to two disciples.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to find more instances of Jesus’ appearances in the Bible. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified summaries and focus on one or two key appearances, allowing them to retell the stories in their own words.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to emphasize the reality of the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Encourage pupils to read the Bible passages themselves to deepen their understanding. Use visual aids effectively to make the stories more engaging and memorable for the pupils.