Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: The Triumphant Entry: Matthew 21.
Topic: THE LAST SUPPER
Subject Matter: Significance of the last supper Matthew 26: 57, 68

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define the Last Supper.
Identify the key elements of the Last Supper (bread and wine).
Explain the symbolic meaning of the bread and wine.
State the significance of the Last Supper in relation to Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant.
Describe the events in Matthew 26:57-68 and relate them to the significance of the Last Supper.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the love and sacrifice of Jesus demonstrated in the Last Supper.
Develop reverence for the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Psychomotor Domain:

Recite the memory verse.
List aspects of the Last Supper’s institution.

Discuss the importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.
Relate the Last Supper to communal worship and fellowship.

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 Knowledge for Junior Secondary Schools Book 2
The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Holy Bible
Pictures or charts depicting the Last Supper
Symbolic elements such as bread and a cup

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the historical event of the Last Supper and its deep spiritual meaning. It enables them to connect this event to Jesus’ sacrifice and the institution of Holy Communion, which is central to Christian faith and practice.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with some aspects of Jesus’ ministry and His teachings, and they know about the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE LAST SUPPER

Introduction to the Last Supper

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus Christ shared with His twelve apostles in Jerusalem before His crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist), giving new meaning to the Passover meal.

Key Elements and Their Meaning

During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, giving them symbolic meaning:

Bread: Jesus broke the bread and said, “This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” The bread symbolizes Jesus’ body, which was broken and offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
Wine: He then took a cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” The wine symbolizes Jesus’ blood, which sealed the New Covenant, promising salvation and eternal life through His sacrifice.

Significance of the Last Supper

The Last Supper holds profound significance for Christians:

It foreshadowed Jesus’ imminent death and sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity.
It established the New Covenant through Jesus’ blood, replacing the Old Covenant based on the Law.
It instituted Holy Communion as a lasting memorial for believers to remember Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.
It demonstrates Jesus’ deep love and selfless giving for His disciples and all humanity.
It calls believers to live in fellowship and unity, sharing in the spiritual meal as a community.

Connection to Matthew 26:57, 68

Matthew 26:57-68 describes Jesus’ arrest and trial before Caiaphas, the high priest, immediately after the Last Supper. These verses are significant because they show the beginning of Jesus’ passion and suffering, which gives the Last Supper its ultimate meaning as a sacrificial meal. The events of His trial and condemnation confirm that His body was indeed broken and His blood shed, as symbolized by the bread and wine.

Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NIV):
“and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”

Bible Reading

Matthew 26:17-30 (The Institution of the Last Supper)
Matthew 26:57-68 (Jesus’ Arrest and Trial Before Caiaphas)
Mark 14:22-26 (Parallel account of the Last Supper)
Luke 22:19-20 (Parallel account of the Last Supper)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Paul’s account of the Last Supper)

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 about important meals they have shared with their families or friends. The teacher then introduces the topic, “The Last Supper,” as a very significant meal in Christian history.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively as the topic is introduced.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of important shared meals and the topic of the lesson.

Step 2: Explanation of the Last Supper

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what the Last Supper was – the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. The teacher narrates the events of the Last Supper as recorded in the Bible, focusing on its context as a Passover meal.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the historical context and basic events of the Last Supper.

Step 3: Elements and Their Meaning

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the key elements of the Last Supper: bread and wine. Using real or symbolic items, the teacher explains the symbolic meaning of the bread representing Jesus’ body and the wine representing His blood, establishing the New Covenant.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and explain the meaning of the bread and wine.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the symbolism of the bread and wine in the Last Supper.

Step 4: Bible Reading

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reading/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read selected passages from Matthew 26:17-30, focusing on the institution of the Last Supper. The teacher ensures correct pronunciation and understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the assigned Bible passages aloud and silently.
Learning Point: Pupils engage directly with the biblical account of the Last Supper.

Step 5: Significance of the Last Supper and Matthew 26:57, 68

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the significance of the Last Supper, including its role in foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrifice, instituting the New Covenant, and establishing Holy Communion. The teacher then guides pupils to read Matthew 26:57, 68 and explains how these verses, describing Jesus’ arrest and trial, highlight the immediate consequences of His decision at the Supper to offer Himself as a sacrifice, thus deepening the Supper’s significance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, state the significance of the Last Supper, and connect it to the events in Matthew 26:57, 68.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the profound significance of the Last Supper and its connection to Jesus’ passion.

Step 6: Memory Verse

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the memory verse (1 Corinthians 11:24-25) on the board and leads the pupils in reciting it several times.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy and recite the memory verse.
Learning Point: Pupils memorize a key scripture related to the Last Supper.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define the Last Supper.
What are the two main elements used by Jesus in the Last Supper?
Explain the symbolic meaning of the bread and wine.
State two significances of the Last Supper for Christians.
How do the events in Matthew 26:57, 68 relate to the significance of the Last Supper?

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 lesson by reiterating the importance of the Last Supper as a foundation of Christian faith and practice. The teacher encourages pupils to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. The teacher gives homework: “List five ways Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice today.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson.

Lesson Keywords

Last Supper – The final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion.
Eucharist – Another name for Holy Communion, meaning “thanksgiving.”
Holy Communion – The sacrament instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, involving bread and wine.
Covenant – A sacred agreement or promise between God and His people.
Sacrifice – The act of offering something precious to God, in this case, Jesus’ life.
Remembrance – The act of recalling and honoring Jesus’ actions and suffering.
Betrayal – The act of being disloyal to someone, exemplified by Judas Iscariot.
Trial – A formal examination of evidence in a court to determine guilt or innocence, referring to Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research other biblical accounts of the Last Supper (e.g., Mark, Luke, 1 Corinthians) and compare them. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or use more visual aids and repeat key explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that the discussion on Matthew 26:57, 68 clearly links back to the significance of the Last Supper, explaining that these verses show the immediate unfolding of Jesus’ passion, which the Supper foreshadowed. Emphasize that the Last Supper is not just a historical event but a foundational act that continues to shape Christian worship and belief. Encourage pupils to participate respectfully in discussions and to handle the Bible with reverence.