Mission of the Twelve and the Seventy for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Topic: Mission of the Twelve and the Seventy
Curriculum Theme: Mission
Previous Lesson: Temptation of Jesus, Significance and Ways of Overcoming Temptation
Subject Matter: Mission of the Twelve. Matt; 10:1-15, Mk. 6:7- 13, Lk. 9:1-16; Achievement of the Twelve Disciples; Mission of the Seventy. Lk. 10:1-; Achievement of the Seventy; Disciples; Differences in the Synoptic; Accounts of The Mission of the Twelve: Mathew had The Jewish audience in mind; Luke had a more universal outlook; Differences and similarities in the mission of the twelve and seventy disciples; Significance of each mission

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Describe the mission of the twelve disciples as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• State the instructions Jesus gave to the twelve disciples.
• Identify the achievements of the twelve disciples during their mission.
• Describe the mission of the seventy disciples as recorded in Luke.
• Identify the achievements of the seventy disciples.
• Outline the differences in the synoptic accounts of the mission of the twelve, specifically regarding Matthew’s Jewish audience and Luke’s universal outlook.
• Compare and contrast the mission of the twelve and the seventy disciples.
• Explain the significance of each mission.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of evangelism and spreading the Gospel message.
• Value obedience to divine instructions in Christian service.

Psychomotor Domain

• Read and interpret relevant gospel passages concerning the missions.
• Discuss biblical accounts of the missions of the twelve and seventy.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS 3
• The Holy Bible (New International Version or King James Version)
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Copies of the Holy Bible for students
• Charts showing key instructions given to the disciples
• Pictures depicting the disciples on mission
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the foundational principles of Christian mission and evangelism as established by Jesus. It highlights the call to spread the Gospel, the challenges involved, and the different approaches taken by the early disciples. Understanding these missions provides a historical and theological basis for contemporary Christian outreach.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of Jesus’ calling of the twelve disciples and some basic understanding of the synoptic Gospels.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Mission of the Twelve and the Seventy

The Mission of the Twelve Disciples

Jesus sent out the twelve disciples with specific authority and instructions to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. The accounts are found in:

1. Matthew 10:1-15: Emphasizes the mission to the “lost sheep of Israel,” giving instructions on what to take (nothing) and what to preach (“The kingdom of heaven is near”).
2. Mark 6:7-13: Focuses on their authority over evil spirits and instructions on taking only a staff, no bread, bag, or money, and wearing sandals. They were to preach repentance and cast out demons.
3. Luke 9:1-6: Highlights their power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, to preach the Kingdom of God, and heal the sick. Instructions included taking nothing for the journey (no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra tunic).

Instructions to the Twelve

1. Preach the Kingdom of God.
2. Heal the sick and cast out demons.
3. Take no money, bag, or extra clothes.
4. Eat what is set before them.
5. Shake off the dust from their feet if rejected.
6. Go only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew’s account).

Achievements of the Twelve Disciples

1. They preached the Gospel and called people to repentance.
2. They healed many sick people and cast out numerous demons.
3. They returned with joy, reporting their successes to Jesus (Mark 6:30, Luke 9:10).
4. Their mission laid the groundwork for the wider spread of Christianity.

The Mission of the Seventy Disciples

After the mission of the twelve, Jesus appointed seventy (or seventy-two) other disciples and sent them out in pairs to every town and place He was about to visit. This account is found in Luke 10:1-20.

Instructions to the Seventy

1. Pray for more labourers in the harvest field.
2. Go out like “lambs among wolves.”
3. Take no purse, no bag, no sandals.
4. Greet no one along the road.
5. Say, “Peace to this house,” upon entering.
6. Eat and drink what is offered.
7. Heal the sick and declare, “The Kingdom of God has come near you.”
8. Shake off the dust from their feet if rejected.

Achievements of the Seventy Disciples

1. They returned with joy, reporting that even the demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name.
2. They successfully prepared the way for Jesus’ arrival in various towns.
3. Their mission demonstrated the power of God working through ordinary believers.
4. They experienced the authority given to them by Christ.

Differences in the Synoptic Accounts of the Mission of the Twelve

1. Matthew (10:1-15): Primarily addressed a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The mission was specifically to the “lost sheep of Israel,” with a strong focus on Jewish tradition and law.
2. Luke (9:1-6): Had a more universal outlook, presenting Jesus as the Saviour for all humanity, including Gentiles. While the initial mission was within Israel, Luke’s broader narrative often highlights inclusivity and the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries.
3. Mark (6:7-13): Presents a more concise account, focusing on the disciples’ immediate actions and authority.

Differences and Similarities in the Mission of the Twelve and Seventy Disciples

Similarities:

1. Both groups were sent out by Jesus.
2. Both were given authority to preach the Kingdom of God, heal the sick, and cast out demons.
3. Both were instructed to travel light, relying on God’s provision.
4. Both were to shake off dust from their feet as a sign against those who rejected them.
5. Both missions were a training ground for future evangelism.

Differences:

1. Number: Twelve vs. Seventy (or seventy-two).
2. Scope: The Twelve were Jesus’ inner circle, apostles; the Seventy were a larger group of disciples.
3. Audience (implied): The Twelve’s mission was initially more focused on Israel (Matthew), while the Seventy’s mission was broader, preparing for Jesus’ wider travels.
4. Instructions: Slight variations in what to take (e.g., staff allowed for the Twelve in Mark, not for the Seventy in Luke).

Significance of Each Mission

1. Mission of the Twelve:
   • Established the apostolic foundation of the Church.
   • Trained Jesus’ closest followers for future leadership.
   • Demonstrated Jesus’ authority and power through His chosen representatives.
   • Prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah.
2. Mission of the Seventy:
   • Showcased that the call to mission extends beyond the immediate inner circle.
   • Emphasized the urgency of the harvest and the need for more labourers.
   • Demonstrated that ordinary believers can participate in God’s work with divine authority.
   • Prepared the way for Jesus’ wider ministry and the eventual Gentile mission.

Memory Verse

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” – Luke 10:1 (NIV)

Bible Reading

Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-16, Luke 10:1-20

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall how Jesus called His first disciples. The teacher then introduces the topic: Jesus sending out His disciples on mission.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about the calling of the disciples and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Recall of disciples’ calling

Step 2: The Mission of the Twelve Disciples

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, and Luke 9:1-6. The teacher explains the context and purpose of this mission, highlighting Jesus’ instructions and the authority given to the twelve.

Pupils’ Activity: Students read the passages and listen to the teacher’s explanation, noting the instructions and purpose.

Learning Point: Mission of the Twelve

Step 3: Achievements of the Twelve Disciples

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on what the twelve disciples achieved during their mission, drawing from the biblical accounts of their return and reports (e.g., Mark 6:30, Luke 9:10).

Pupils’ Activity: Students contribute to the discussion, identifying the successes of the twelve disciples.

Learning Point: Achievements of the Twelve

Step 4: The Mission of the Seventy Disciples

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Luke 10:1-20, focusing on the appointment of the seventy, their instructions, and the purpose of their mission. The teacher emphasizes the broader scope of this mission.

Pupils’ Activity: Students read the passage and identify the instructions given to the seventy disciples.

Learning Point: Mission of the Seventy

Step 5: Achievements of the Seventy Disciples

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Question and Answer

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students to identify what the seventy disciples achieved and how they reported back to Jesus, as described in Luke 10:17-20.

Pupils’ Activity: Students answer questions about the achievements and report of the seventy disciples.

Learning Point: Achievements of the Seventy

Step 6: Comparison of Missions and Synoptic Differences

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Comparative Analysis/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the similarities and differences between the mission of the twelve and the seventy. The teacher also highlights the differences in the synoptic accounts of the mission of the twelve (Matthew’s Jewish focus vs. Luke’s universal outlook).

Pupils’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, identifying comparisons and contrasts, and noting the synoptic perspectives.

Learning Point: Mission comparisons and differences

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. Mention two instructions Jesus gave to the twelve disciples.
2. In which Gospel account is the mission of the seventy disciples found?
3. State one achievement of the seventy disciples.
4. How did Matthew’s account of the mission of the twelve differ from Luke’s in terms of audience?
5. Identify one similarity and one difference between the mission of the twelve and the seventy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding mission details

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the missions of the twelve and seventy disciples into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson summary

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of mission and evangelism in Christian life, and encourages students to reflect on their role in spreading the Gospel.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s implications.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of mission significance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Discuss the moral lessons derived from the missions of the twelve and seventy disciples.
2. How are the instructions given to the disciples relevant to Christian missionaries today?
3. Research and write a short paragraph on how the early Church continued the mission of evangelism after Jesus’ ascension.

Lesson Keywords

• Mission – A special task or purpose, especially one involving travel.
• Disciples – Followers of Jesus Christ.
• Apostles – The twelve chief disciples of Jesus, sent out to preach the Gospel.
• Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which describe events from a similar point of view.
• Evangelism – The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.

Differentiation

Support for weaker learners: Provide simpler summaries of the Bible passages and focus on identifying key instructions and achievements. Use visual aids like charts with bullet points. Allow them to work in pairs to discuss the passages before sharing with the class.

Extension for faster learners: Encourage them to research the historical context of the regions where the disciples were sent. Ask them to write a short essay comparing the challenges faced by the disciples then and by missionaries today, or to explore the theological implications of Jesus sending out both a small and a larger group.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search on YouTube for: “Mission of the Twelve Disciples explained” or “Mission of the Seventy Disciples Bible study”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have copies of the Bible or access to a digital Bible for all students. Prepare charts outlining the key instructions and achievements for both missions. During the lesson, actively engage students in reading the biblical passages and discussing their content. Pay close attention to the differences in the synoptic accounts of the mission of the twelve, guiding students to understand the different perspectives of Matthew and Luke. Encourage students to think critically about the similarities and differences between the two missions and their enduring significance. Ensure students copy the Board Summary notes accurately after the main teaching points have been covered and reviewed. Emphasize the practical application of these missions to contemporary Christian life and evangelism.