Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Death and Burial of Jesus Christ: The Death.
Topic: THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS CHRIST III
Subject Matter: The Burial, Matthew 27: 57, 61 The significance of the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Describe the burial of Jesus Christ.
State the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity.
Value the hope of resurrection that comes through Jesus’ burial.

Psychomotor Domain:

Retell the story of Jesus’ burial using relevant Bible passages.
Identify key figures involved in the burial of Jesus.

Discuss how the burial of Jesus impacts Christian beliefs and practices.
Apply the lessons of sacrifice and hope in their daily lives.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Christian Religious Studies)
State Unified Scheme of Work
Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2.
The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version)
https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/27-57-61.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/significance-Jesus-death-burial.html

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Holy Bible.
Charts depicting the burial of Jesus.
Pictures of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the final phase of Jesus’ earthly life and the importance of His burial. Understanding these events enables pupils to grasp the full scope of God’s plan of salvation and the foundation of Christian faith.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Burial of Jesus Christ and its Significance

The Burial of Jesus

After Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and a secret disciple of Jesus, went to Pontius Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph, along with Nicodemus (who had previously visited Jesus at night), took Jesus’ body down from the cross. They wrapped the body in linen cloths with spices, as was the custom for burial among the Jews. They laid Jesus’ body in a new tomb that Joseph had cut out of rock for himself. A large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were present and saw where Jesus was laid.

Memory Verse

Romans 6:4 “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Bible Reading

Matthew 27:57-61
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:38-42

Significance of the Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of Jesus

The crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus are central to the Christian faith. Their significance includes:

Atonement for Sins: Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for humanity’s sins, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Victory Over Sin and Death: His death and subsequent resurrection demonstrate God’s power over sin and death, offering believers eternal life.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: These events fulfilled numerous prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah.
Foundation of the Gospel: The death, burial, and resurrection form the core message of the Christian gospel.
Identification with Believers: Through baptism, believers identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing a new life in Christ.
Hope of Resurrection: Jesus’ burial confirms His death, making His resurrection a real and powerful event that gives believers hope for their own future resurrection.

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 welcomes the pupils and reviews the previous lesson on the death of Jesus. The teacher then introduces the topic: “The Burial of Jesus Christ and its Significance.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about the previous lesson and listen attentively to the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are prepared for the new lesson.

Step 2: Presentation of The Burial

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Jesus’ burial, highlighting the roles of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, and the custom of burial. The teacher uses a Bible and charts to aid explanation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully, follow along in their Bibles, and observe the charts.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the sequence of events during Jesus’ burial.

Step 3: Discussion of Matthew 27:57-61

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to read Matthew 27:57-61 from their Bibles. The teacher then leads a discussion on the details mentioned in the passage, clarifying any points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage and participate in the discussion by answering questions and contributing ideas.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the Biblical account of Jesus’ burial.

Step 4: Memory Verse

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the memory verse, Romans 6:4, explains its meaning, and leads the pupils in reciting it several times.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and recite the memory verse after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils memorize a key scripture related to the lesson.

Step 5: Significance of Crucifixion, Death, and Burial

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the profound significance of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial, covering points like atonement, victory over sin, fulfillment of prophecy, and hope of resurrection. The teacher writes key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and copy the points from the board into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the deeper meaning and impact of these events on Christian faith.

Step 6: Further Explanation and Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Interaction/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher encourages pupils to ask questions about any aspect of the lesson for further clarification. The teacher provides additional examples or insights as needed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils deepen their understanding and clarify any misconceptions.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Who requested Jesus’ body for burial?
Where was Jesus buried?
Mention two individuals involved in the burial of Jesus.
State two significances of Jesus’ death and burial.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of Jesus’ burial. The teacher assigns homework: Ask your parents or guardians to explain what the burial of Jesus means to them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning and extend it to their home environment.

Lesson Keywords

Burial – The act or process of burying a dead body.
Arimathea – The hometown of Joseph, a wealthy disciple of Jesus.
Nicodemus – A Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who visited Jesus at night and later helped with His burial.
Significance – The importance or meaning of something.
Atonement – The reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to read other Bible accounts of Jesus’ burial (Mark, Luke, John) and compare them. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified summaries of the burial story and focus on identifying the main characters and location.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a respectful and solemn tone when discussing the death and burial of Jesus. Encourage pupils to reflect on the spiritual meaning of these events. Use visual aids effectively to help pupils visualize the narrative. Emphasize the connection between the burial and the hope of resurrection that follows.