Humility, Living Humbly and Jesus’ Example for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Focal competence: Asking questions and seeking help when in need
Key competencies/values: Creativity and Innovation; Collaboration; Innovation
Skills:

• define humility and the need to live a humble life
• discuss Jesus’ demonstration humility

Previous Lesson: Faith in Jesus as a Condition
Topic: Humility
Subject Matter: Meaning of humility and the need to live a humble life Phil. 2, Jesus’ demonstration of humility, Matt. 26, Luke 22, John 13, Ways of demonstrating humility Matt. 18

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define humility and explain the need to live a humble life.
• Discuss Jesus’ demonstration of humility using biblical examples.
• Analyse various ways of demonstrating humility in daily life.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of humility in Christian living.
• Desire to cultivate a humble attitude in their interactions.
• Value the examples of humility found in the Bible.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify specific actions that demonstrate humility.
• Participate actively in discussions about humble living.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group discussions on biblical passages.
• Show respect for diverse opinions during class activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version or New International Version)
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• The Holy Bible
• Charts illustrating biblical events or virtues
• Pictures depicting acts of humility
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it introduces students to the fundamental Christian virtue of humility, which is essential for spiritual growth and harmonious relationships. Understanding humility through Jesus’ example helps students grasp its practical application in their lives. It encourages them to adopt a servant-hearted attitude, fostering a reformed character guided by the Holy Spirit.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of Christian virtues and the life of Jesus Christ as taught in previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Humility

Meaning of Humility and the Need for a Humble Life

Humility is the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s own importance. In a Christian context, it is a spiritual virtue that involves acknowledging one’s dependence on God, recognising the worth of others, and not thinking too highly of oneself.

The Bible encourages believers to live a humble life. Philippians 2:3 states, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This passage highlights that humility involves putting others’ needs and importance before our own.

The need to live a humble life stems from several reasons:

1. It pleases God, as He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
2. It fosters peace and good relationships with others by reducing conflict and promoting understanding.
3. It allows for personal growth and learning, as humble individuals are open to correction and new ideas.
4. It reflects the character of Christ, who exemplified ultimate humility.

Jesus’ Demonstration of Humility

Jesus Christ perfectly demonstrated humility throughout His earthly ministry, providing a supreme example for believers:

1. Accepting God’s Will (Matthew 26:14-39): In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing immense suffering and betrayal, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” This shows His submission to God’s plan, even when it meant personal agony and death.
2. Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17): Before His crucifixion, Jesus, the Lord and Teacher, knelt to wash the feet of His disciples, a task typically performed by the lowest servant. He then instructed them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” This act symbolised servant leadership and selfless service.
3. Teaching on True Greatness (Luke 22:24-27): When the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, Jesus taught them that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in serving others. He said, “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Ways of Demonstrating Humility

Christians can demonstrate humility in various aspects of their lives:

1. Becoming Like a Child (Matthew 18:1-4): Jesus taught that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must humble oneself like a little child. This means having a childlike dependence on God, teachability, and a lack of pride or self-importance.
2. Acknowledging God’s Greatness (Luke 1:47-56): Mary, the mother of Jesus, demonstrated profound humility in her Magnificat, praising God and acknowledging her low estate while recognising His mighty works. Her song, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant,” is an example of humble worship and submission.
3. Serving Others Selflessly: Actively looking for opportunities to help others without seeking recognition or reward, just as Jesus did.
4. Listening and Learning: Being open to advice, correction, and new perspectives from others, rather than assuming one knows best.
5. Admitting Mistakes: Humbly acknowledging when one has erred and seeking forgiveness.
6. Giving Credit to Others: Recognising and celebrating the achievements and contributions of others without envy.

Memory Verse

Philippians 2:3 (NIV): “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 26:14-39; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-17; Matthew 18:1-4; Luke 1:47-56.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Role Play, Bible Reading

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall some good character traits. The teacher then introduces the topic of humility as a key Christian virtue.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning traits like honesty, kindness, and obedience. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Prior knowledge of good character

Step 2: Meaning of Humility and the Need for a Humble Life

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Philippians 2:1-11. The teacher then explains the meaning of humility and leads a discussion on why it is important for Christians to live a humble life, drawing points from the passage.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage and participate in the discussion, sharing their understanding of humility and its importance.

Learning Point: Definition of humility

Step 3: Jesus’ Demonstration of Humility (Part 1)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Bible Study/Narration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Matthew 26:14-39. The teacher explains how Jesus demonstrated humility through His submission to God’s will in Gethsemane, even in the face of betrayal and suffering.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passage and listen to the teacher’s explanation, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Jesus’ submission to God

Step 4: Jesus’ Demonstration of Humility (Part 2)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Discussion/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and provides charts or prompts for John 13:1-17 and Luke 22:24-27. Each group discusses how Jesus demonstrated humility through washing His disciples’ feet and His teaching on servant leadership.

Pupils’ Activity: Students read the passages in groups, discuss Jesus’ actions and teachings, and prepare to share their findings.

Learning Point: Servant leadership example

Step 5: Group Presentations and Reinforcement

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Feedback

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites groups to present their discussions on Jesus’ humility from John 13 and Luke 22. The teacher provides feedback and summarises the key lessons on Jesus’ humble actions.

Pupils’ Activity: Groups present their findings, and other students listen and ask questions.

Learning Point: Jesus’ humility discussed

Step 6: Ways of Demonstrating Humility

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Brainstorming

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Matthew 18:1-4 and Luke 1:47-56. The teacher then leads a discussion on practical ways students can demonstrate humility in their daily lives, drawing from these passages and other examples.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages and contribute ideas on how to show humility at home, school, and in their communities.

Learning Point: Practical humility applications

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What is humility in a Christian context?
2. Mention two reasons why Christians should live a humble life.
3. Describe one way Jesus demonstrated humility from the Bible passages discussed.
4. Suggest two ways you can demonstrate humility in your school.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Lesson understanding assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of humility, Jesus’ demonstration, and ways of showing humility into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board notes copied

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that humility is a core Christian virtue exemplified by Jesus, and encourages students to practice it daily. The teacher reminds them that true greatness comes from serving others humbly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Humility reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Read Philippians 2:5-8. In your own words, explain how Jesus’ attitude described in these verses is an example of humility.
2. Identify a real-life situation where showing humility could prevent a conflict or improve a relationship. Describe the situation and how humility would be demonstrated.

Lesson Keywords

• Humility – The quality of having a modest or low view of one’s own importance; a spiritual virtue of acknowledging dependence on God and valuing others.
• Servant Leadership – A leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve.
• Submission – The act of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.
• Magnificat – Mary’s hymn of praise to God, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, expressing her humble gratitude and recognition of God’s power.

Differentiation

Support for struggling learners: The teacher will provide simplified explanations of biblical passages and focus on key examples of humility. They will be paired with more advanced learners for group activities and receive direct guidance during discussions.

Extension for advanced learners: These students will be encouraged to research other biblical figures who demonstrated humility (e.g., Moses, David) and discuss the impact of their humility on their leadership or spiritual journey. They can also lead group discussions or prepare short presentations.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of humility and Jesus’ example, students can search on YouTube for:

• “Jesus’ humility John 13 CRS SS1”
• “meaning of humility Christian perspective”