**Lesson Plan: God's Law in the New Testament**
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 1
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Learning Objectives:**
1. Students will be able to understand the concept of God's Law in the New Testament.
2. Students will be able to explain how Jesus summarized the law.
3. Students will learn to apply the principles of God's law in their daily lives.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bibles (preferably New International Version for ease of understanding)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Notebooks and pens
- Handout with key Scriptures and questions
**Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with an opening prayer.
- Icebreaker: Ask students to briefly share what they know about laws and rules, including their importance in everyday life.
- Introduce the topic: Explain that today's lesson will focus on God's Law in the New Testament and particularly how Jesus summarized the law.
**2. Direct Instruction (20 minutes)**
- Define God's Law: Explain that God's Law includes His commandments and teachings meant to guide how we live.
- Transition to the New Testament: Explain that while God's Law was given in the Old Testament (e.g., Ten Commandments), Jesus provided a new understanding in the New Testament.
- **Scripture Reading:**
- Matthew 22:37-40: "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
- Discuss the Greatest Commandment: Highlight how Jesus summarized the entire Law with these two commandments.
- **Practical Examples:**
- Discuss how loving God and loving others can manifest in daily actions (e.g., kindness, honesty, helping those in need).
**3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
- Group Activity: Divide students into small groups and give each group a scenario (e.g., a friend in need of help, a family conflict, someone being bullied at school).
- Each group should discuss how the Greatest Commandments apply to their scenario.
- Have each group share their scenario and response with the class, reinforcing the application of Jesus' teachings.
**4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)**
- Handout Activity: Distribute a handout with key Scriptures (e.g., John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8-10) and questions for students to answer individually in their notebooks.
- Questions can include:
1. How does this scripture expand on Jesus’ teachings about love?
2. How can you apply this teaching in your own life?
**5. Conclusion (5 minutes)**
- Recap: Summarize the key points of the lesson – the Greatest Commandment, loving God, and loving others.
- Reflection: Ask students to share one way they plan to apply these teachings in their own lives this week.
- Closing Prayer: Lead a prayer asking for God's help to live out His commandments of love.
**6. Assessment:**
- Observe student participation in group discussions and scenarios.
- Review responses to handout activities to ensure understanding.
- Provide feedback and clarification as needed.
**7. Extension Activity:**
- Encourage students to memorize Matthew 22:37-40.
- Suggest students find and write down other verses in the New Testament that talk about love and discuss them with their families.
By the end of the lesson, students should have a deeper understanding of how the New Testament encapsulates God's Law through love for God and love for others, and practical ways to apply these principles in their lives.