### Lesson Plan: Discipleship
**Grade Level:** Senior Secondary 3
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Topic:** Discipleship
---
**Learning Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define discipleship in the Christian context.
2. Identify characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
3. Understand the commitments and sacrifices involved in being a disciple.
4. Reflect on how they can apply the principles of discipleship in their daily lives.
---
**Materials Needed:**
- Bible (preferably New International Version or any version the class utilizes)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key scriptures and discussion questions
- Projector and computer (for any multimedia content)
---
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greetings and Prayer** - Begin with a short prayer asking for guidance and understanding.
2. **Hook** - Start with a question: "What does it mean to be a disciple in any context?" Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
3. **Connection to Topic** - Explain that today’s lesson will explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
---
**Direct Instruction (20 minutes):**
1. **Definition of Discipleship**: Provide a brief overview.
- **Interactive Definition**: Write on the board "A disciple is..." and invite students to contribute their ideas. Summarize with: "A disciple is a follower and student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher."
- **Christian Context**: "In Christianity, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ and lives according to His teachings."
2. **Biblical Examples of Discipleship**:
- **Jesus Calls His First Disciples**: Read Matthew 4:18-22.
- **The Great Commission**: Read Matthew 28:16-20.
- Discuss the instructions Jesus gives and the implications for His followers.
3. **Characteristics of a Disciple**:
- **Commitment**: Luke 9:23-24 - "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."
- **Love**: John 13:34-35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
- **Obedience**: John 14:15 - "If you love me, keep my commands."
---
**Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
1. **Discussion Questions**: Divide the class into small groups and hand out key scriptures and discussion questions. Questions might include:
- What is the most challenging aspect of being a disciple?
- How can we show our love for one another in practical ways?
- In what ways can we take up our cross daily?
2. **Group Sharing**: Have each group share their insights with the class.
---
**Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
1. **Personal Reflection**: Ask students to reflect individually:
- Write a short paragraph on how they can demonstrate discipleship in their lives.
2. **Application**: Invite students to think of one actionable step they can take in the coming week to live out their role as a disciple of Jesus.
---
**Conclusion (5 minutes):**
1. **Recap Key Points** - Summarize the main points about discipleship.
2. **Encouragement** - Encourage students to support each other in their journey of discipleship.
3. **Closing Prayer** - End with a prayer for strength and guidance in following Jesus daily.
---
**Assessment:**
- Participation in group discussions
- Quality of personal reflection and actionable steps
- Responses to key questions during the recap
**Homework:**
- Memorize Luke 9:23-24 and John 13:34-35.
- Write a one-page reflection on how their understanding of discipleship has evolved after the lesson.
---
**Extension:**
- For students who want to delve deeper, suggest keeping a discipleship journal to document their journey and growth, noting experiences, challenges, and victories as they strive to follow Jesus more closely.
---
This lesson plan aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of discipleship, encouraging students to not only learn but also actively apply Biblical principles in their lives.