Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
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 Crucifixion. Matt 27.
Topic: THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS CHRIST II
Subject Matter: The Death, Matthew 27: 45, 56 Seven words of Jesus on the cross

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

State the time of Jesus’ death according to the Bible.
List the seven words Jesus spoke on the cross.
Explain the meaning of at least three of Jesus’ words on the cross.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made through His death.
Show reverence for the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.

Psychomotor Domain:

Locate and read relevant Bible passages about Jesus’ death.
Recite the memory verse.

Discuss the importance of Jesus’ death for Christian belief.
Share insights on how Jesus’ words on the cross apply to their lives.

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/topical-verses/7-last-words-of-jesus-from-the-cross/
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27%3A45-56&version=NIV

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Holy Bible
A chart displaying the seven words of Jesus on the cross
Pictures or illustrations depicting the crucifixion scene

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the significant event of Jesus’ death and the profound meaning behind His final words on the cross. It enables pupils to grasp the central message of sacrifice and redemption in Christianity, fostering their faith and moral understanding.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including His trial and journey to Calvary.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Death of Jesus Christ

Introduction to Jesus’ Death

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified on a cross at a place called Golgotha (Calvary). His death was a fulfillment of prophecy and a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Time and Events of Jesus’ Death

According to Matthew 27:45, darkness covered the whole land from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3 PM). At about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice and then gave up His spirit. The curtain of the temple was torn in two, the earth quaked, rocks split, and tombs opened. These events showed the profound significance of Jesus’ death.

The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross

During His suffering on the cross, Jesus spoke seven profound statements. These words reveal His character, His mission, and His agony.

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) – A prayer for His persecutors.
2. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) – A promise of salvation to the repentant thief.
3. “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27) – Showing care for His mother, Mary, and entrusting her to John.
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34) – Expressing the depth of His suffering and separation from God due to carrying the world’s sin.
5. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) – A statement of His physical agony and fulfillment of prophecy.
6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30) – Declaring that His work of redemption and salvation was complete.
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) – A final act of trust and surrender to God before His death.

Memory Verse

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

Bible Reading

Matthew 27:45-56
Luke 23:34-49
John 19:26-30

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, reviews the previous lesson on Jesus’ trial, and introduces the topic of Jesus’ death and His words on the cross.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and recall aspects of the previous lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of the preceding events and prepared for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Jesus’ Death

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the circumstances of Jesus’ death, focusing on the period of darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour and the earthquake, referencing Matthew 27:45-51.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the biblical account of Jesus’ death and the accompanying supernatural events.

Step 3: Introduction to the Seven Words

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of the seven words Jesus spoke on the cross and displays a chart listing them. The teacher briefly explains why these words are significant.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart and listen to the teacher’s introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with the existence and importance of Jesus’ seven words.

Step 4: Discussion of the First Three Words

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read and discuss the first three words, explaining their meaning and context, such as Jesus’ forgiveness, promise to the thief, and care for His mother.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the words from the Bible or chart and contribute to the discussion on their meanings.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the compassion and love demonstrated in Jesus’ early statements on the cross.

Step 5: Discussion of the Remaining Four Words

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues the discussion with the remaining four words, explaining Jesus’ cry of dereliction, His thirst, the declaration “It is finished,” and His final surrender to God.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, analyzing the deeper meanings of these words.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the theological implications and fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ later statements.

Step 6: Memory Verse and Bible Reading

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation/Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in reciting the memory verse (John 3:16) and directs them to read key passages from Matthew 27:45-56, Luke 23:34-49, and John 19:26-30.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recite the memory verse and take turns reading the specified Bible passages.
Learning Point: Pupils memorize a key verse and reinforce their understanding through direct engagement with the scriptures.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

According to Matthew 27:45, what happened from the sixth to the ninth hour during Jesus’ crucifixion?
Mention any three of the seven words Jesus spoke on the cross.
Explain the meaning of “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Why is Jesus’ death considered important in Christian belief?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the significance of Jesus’ death and His seven words. The teacher assigns homework: research how each of Jesus’ seven words applies to our lives today.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given a task for further reflection.

Lesson Keywords

Death – The end of life.
Crucifixion – A method of execution where the victim is nailed or bound to a cross.
Calvary – The place where Jesus was crucified, also known as Golgotha.
Forgive – To pardon someone for an offense.
Paradise – A place of perfect happiness; often used to refer to heaven.
Finished – Completed or brought to an end.

Differentiation

For pupils who need additional support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations of the Bible passages and focus on memorizing just three of the seven words. Advanced learners will be encouraged to explore the theological implications of each word and discuss how they relate to other biblical teachings.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to bring their Bibles to class to follow along with the readings. Emphasize the emotional and spiritual depth of Jesus’ words, helping pupils to connect with the suffering and love expressed. Use visual aids effectively to make the lesson vivid and memorable for the pupils.