## Lesson Plan: Jesus as the Door and Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
### Subject: Christian Religious Studies
### Grade Level: Senior Secondary 1
### Duration: 70 minutes
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### Objectives:
1. Understand the metaphorical significance of Jesus as the "Door" and "Good Shepherd" as described in John 10:1-18.
2. Identify the key characteristics of a shepherd and how they relate to Jesus.
3. Explore the implications of Jesus being the door through which believers must enter.
4. Discuss the role of the Good Shepherd in the life of a Christian.
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### Materials Needed:
- Bibles (preferably NIV or KJV versions)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen for video illustration (optional)
- Handouts with guiding questions and key points
- Audio-visual aids (images of sheep, shepherd, sheepfold, etc.)
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### Lesson Outline:
#### Introduction (10 minutes)
1. **Welcome and Opening Prayer**:
- Begin the class with a short prayer asking for understanding and insight.
2. **Ice-Breaker Question**:
- Ask students: "What do you know about the duties of a shepherd?" Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
3. **Set the Context**:
- Briefly introduce the passage of John 10:1-18, explaining that Jesus often used parables and metaphors to teach.
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#### Reading and Initial Discussion (15 minutes)
1. **Read the Text**:
- Ask a few students to read John 10:1-18 aloud, one section at a time (verses 1-6, 7-10, 11-15, and 16-18).
2. **Contextual Explanation**:
- Provide background on shepherds in the Israelites' culture and the significance of sheepfolds during biblical times.
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#### Deep Dive into the Metaphors (20 minutes)
1. **Jesus as the Door (verses 7-10)**:
- Explain that Jesus describes Himself as the door, meaning He is the entryway to salvation and eternal life.
- Discuss the role of the door in providing safety and security for the sheep.
2. **Jesus as the Good Shepherd (verses 11-18)**:
- Highlight the qualities of a good shepherd: knowing his sheep, guiding them, protecting them, and being willing to lay down His life for them.
- Use images or video clips to illustrate the daily life of a shepherd.
3. **Interactive Activity**:
- Divide the class into small groups and distribute handouts with guiding questions.
- Questions to consider:
- "How does Jesus, as the door, impact our daily lives?"
- "In what ways does Jesus demonstrate being the Good Shepherd in His life and ministry?"
- "What can we learn from the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep?"
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#### Group Presentations and Discussion (15 minutes)
1. **Group Presentations**:
- Have each group present their insights from the discussion.
2. **Class Discussion**:
- Encourage students to share personal experiences or thoughts on how they see Jesus as their Good Shepherd in their lives.
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#### Application and Conclusion (10 minutes)
1. **Practical Application**:
- Discuss how students can apply the principles of Jesus as the Door and Good Shepherd in their lives. For example:
- Trusting in Jesus for guidance
- Recognizing His voice in their everyday decisions
- Finding safety and security in His promises
2. **Summary**:
- Recap the key points discussed: the significance of Jesus as both the Door and Good Shepherd, His protective and sacrificial nature, and the importance of following Him.
3. **Closing Prayer**:
- End with a prayer thanking God for Jesus' guidance and asking for continued trust and faith in Him as the Good Shepherd.
4. **Assignment**:
- Ask students to read and reflect on Psalm 23, noting similarities between it and John 10:1-18, and how it further emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd. Write a one-page reflection to be shared in the next class.
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### Evaluation:
- Participation in discussions and group activities.
- Quality of group presentations and insights shared.
- Completion and depth of reflection in the assignment.
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**Note**: Adjustments can be made based on the students' comprehension levels and the time available for the lesson. Include multimedia aids to enhance visual learning if technology permits.