Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Impartiality.
Topic: The Resurrection and Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Subject Matter: Meaning of resurrection, Paul’s teaching on resurrection, meaning of second coming, Paul’s teaching on second coming, significance of resurrection to Christians.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define the term “resurrection.”
Explain Paul’s teaching concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ and believers.
State the meaning of the “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ.
Describe Paul’s teaching about the Second Coming.
List at least three significances of the resurrection to Christians.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the hope and assurance that the resurrection of Jesus Christ brings to believers.
Discuss the importance of the resurrection to Christian belief.
Develop a positive attitude towards the belief in the Second Coming of Christ.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate actively in discussions about the resurrection and second coming.
Illustrate their understanding by explaining the concepts in their own words.

Collaborate with peers in group activities to discuss the lesson’s themes.
Show respect for diverse opinions during class discussions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religion Studies (Senior Secondary Education).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Christian Religion Studies SSS 1.
The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version, King James Version).
CRK for Senior Secondary Schools by P.C. Njoku.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Holy Bible
A chart illustrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Pictures depicting scenes of the Second Coming (e.g., Jesus descending from heaven)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand two fundamental beliefs of Christianity: the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Understanding these concepts provides hope and shapes Christian conduct, guiding pupils to live lives that reflect their faith in future events.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of the life, death, and ministry of Jesus Christ from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Resurrection and Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Meaning of Resurrection

Resurrection refers to the act of rising from the dead, especially the rising of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. It signifies triumph over death and sin.

Paul’s Teaching on Resurrection

Paul’s teaching on resurrection is primarily found in 1 Corinthians 15. He emphasizes the following:

The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact and the foundation of Christian faith (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
Without Christ’s resurrection, Christian preaching and faith are futile (1 Cor. 15:14).
Christ is the “firstfruits” of those who have died, meaning His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers (1 Cor. 15:20-23).
Believers will receive glorified, spiritual bodies, not the same earthly bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-44).
Death is swallowed up in victory through Christ (1 Cor. 15:54-57).

Meaning of the Second Coming

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ refers to the future event when Jesus will return to Earth physically, visibly, and gloriously to judge the living and the dead, establish His eternal kingdom, and gather His elect.

Paul’s Teaching on the Second Coming

Paul’s teaching on the Second Coming is found in various epistles, notably 1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 1-2. Key points include:

The Second Coming will be heralded by a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God (1 Thess. 4:16).
The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers who will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Believers are encouraged to live expectantly and be prepared for His return (1 Thess. 5:1-11).
Before the Second Coming, there will be a great rebellion and the revelation of the “man of lawlessness” (the Antichrist) (2 Thess. 2:3-4).

Significance of Resurrection to Christians

The resurrection of Jesus Christ holds profound significance for Christians:

It confirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and His divine power.
It assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life.
It provides hope for victory over death and the grave.
It validates the truth of the Gospel message.
It empowers Christians to live a new life, free from the power of sin.
It serves as the basis for Christian hope and faith.

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 briefly. The teacher then asks pupils what they remember about the death of Jesus Christ and what happened afterwards. This leads to the topic of resurrection.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s greetings and questions, recalling information about the death of Jesus.
Learning Point: Pupils connect prior knowledge to the new lesson and are prepared for the topic.

Step 2: Meaning of Resurrection

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of “resurrection,” specifically referring to Jesus Christ rising from the dead. The teacher uses the chart illustrating the resurrection to aid understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the chart, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of resurrection.

Step 3: Paul’s Teaching on Resurrection

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Scriptural Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to open their Bibles to 1 Corinthians 15 and explains Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers. The teacher highlights key verses and points as summarized on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow along in their Bibles, listen to the explanation, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp Paul’s theological perspective on the resurrection.

Step 4: Meaning of the Second Coming

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces and defines the concept of the “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ, explaining it as His future return to Earth.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the definition of the Second Coming.
Learning Point: Pupils comprehend the meaning of the Second Coming.

Step 5: Paul’s Teaching on the Second Coming

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Scriptural Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Paul’s teachings on the Second Coming, drawing from passages like 1 Thessalonians 4. The teacher highlights the signs and events associated with His return as taught by Paul.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and refer to their Bibles if instructed.
Learning Point: Pupils understand Paul’s teachings regarding the Second Coming.

Step 6: Significance of Resurrection to Christians

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a short discussion, asking pupils why the resurrection is important to their faith. The teacher then elaborates on the significances of the resurrection, linking it to hope, assurance, and new life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, share their views, and listen to the teacher’s explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the profound importance of the resurrection to Christian belief and life.

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 “resurrection.”
Mention two key points from Paul’s teaching on resurrection.
What is meant by the “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ?
State two significances of the resurrection for Christians.

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, emphasizing the hope and assurance that the resurrection and Second Coming bring. The teacher gives an assignment: “Research and write down two other Bible passages that talk about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Resurrection – Rising from the dead, especially Jesus Christ’s rising from the grave.
Second Coming – The future return of Jesus Christ to Earth.
Firstfruits – A term used by Paul to describe Christ’s resurrection as a guarantee for believers’ future resurrection.
Hope – The expectation and desire for something good to happen, especially eternal life through Christ.
Immortality – The state of living forever; freedom from death.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to find additional scriptural references for the topics. For those who require more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, use more visual aids, and offer one-on-one guidance during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to actively participate in discussions and share their understanding. Emphasize the practical implications of these beliefs for daily Christian living. Ensure the use of the Holy Bible as the primary source of information throughout the lesson.