Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Trial and Peter’s Denial: Matthew 26.
Topic: THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS CHRIST
Subject Matter: The crucifixion. Matt 27: 32-44

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify the location where Jesus was crucified.
Narrate the events of Jesus’ crucifixion as recorded in Matthew 27:32-44.
Mention the individuals involved in Jesus’ crucifixion.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for humanity.
Show reverence for the suffering Jesus endured.
Develop a deeper understanding of God’s love through the crucifixion.

Psychomotor Domain:

Locate and read the passage Matthew 27:32-44 in the Bible.
Recite a relevant memory verse related to the crucifixion.
Discuss the significance of Jesus’ death and burial.

Share the story of the crucifixion with others.
Relate the lessons from the crucifixion to their personal faith and daily living.
Participate respectfully in discussions about Jesus’ sacrifice.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
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/27-32.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27:32-44&version=NIV

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Holy Bible.
Pictures or charts depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the central event of Jesus’ crucifixion, which is fundamental to Christian faith. It enables pupils to appreciate the depth of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice, fostering a stronger foundation for their religious beliefs.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of the events leading up to Jesus’ arrest and trial, and basic understanding of the New Testament stories.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS CHRIST

The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-44)

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christian faith, demonstrating God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. After being condemned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus was led away to be crucified.

He was forced to carry His own cross to a place called Golgotha, which means “Place of a Skull”. On the way, Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus carry the cross.

At Golgotha, Jesus was crucified between two robbers. Soldiers cast lots for His garments. Those who passed by mocked Him, including the chief priests, scribes, and elders, challenging Him to save Himself if He was the Son of God. Even the robbers crucified with Him reviled Him.

The crucifixion signifies Jesus’ complete obedience to God’s will and His willingness to suffer for the sins of the world. It is a powerful symbol of redemption and forgiveness.

Memory Verse

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Bible Reading

Matthew 27:32-44
Mark 15:21-32
Luke 23:26-43
John 19:17-27

Significance of the Crucifixion

The following are reasons why the crucifixion is important:

It is the ultimate act of God’s love for humanity.
It brought about atonement and forgiveness of sins.
It demonstrates Jesus’ obedience and humility.
It provides hope for eternal life to believers.
It broke the power of sin and death.

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 reviews the previous lesson. The teacher then introduces the new topic by asking pupils what they know about Jesus’ death.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, recall the previous lesson, and share their initial thoughts on the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson.

Step 2: Presentation of the Story

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, focusing on the events from Matthew 27:32-44, using simple language and vivid descriptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively to the narration of the story.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a clear understanding of the events of the crucifixion.

Step 3: Bible Reading

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reading/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the pupils to open their Bibles to Matthew 27:32-44 and asks some pupils to read the verses aloud, one by one.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils locate the passage and take turns reading from the Bible.
Learning Point: Pupils develop Bible reading skills and confirm the narrated events.

Step 4: Explanation of Key Events

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains key aspects of the crucifixion, such as the location (Golgotha), Simon of Cyrene, the two robbers, and the mocking by onlookers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions for clarification and contribute to the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the details and context of the crucifixion.

Step 5: Discussion on the Significance of the Crucifixion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion, highlighting its importance for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their understanding of the crucifixion’s meaning.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the deeper spiritual meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Step 6: Memory Verse Introduction

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Memorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the memory verse, John 3:16, writes it on the board, and leads the pupils in reciting it several times.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the memory verse and recite it with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn a key scripture related to God’s love.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Where was Jesus crucified?
Who helped Jesus carry His cross?
How many robbers were crucified with Jesus?
State two significant lessons from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and encourages pupils to always remember this event.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and make final notes.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and reflect on the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

Crucifixion – The act of executing someone by nailing or binding them to a cross.
Golgotha – The place where Jesus was crucified, meaning “Place of a Skull”.
Simon of Cyrene – The man who was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross.
Sacrifice – An act of offering something precious for a cause or for others.
Redemption – The act of being saved from sin, error, or evil.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will provide simplified summaries and focus on key characters and events. Advanced learners will be encouraged to discuss the theological implications of the crucifixion and research additional Bible passages.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure a sensitive and reverent approach when discussing the crucifixion. Encourage pupils to reflect personally on the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice. Use visual aids effectively to help pupils visualize the events.