Lesson Plan: Christian Religious Studies
Topic: Jesus Christ Improves the Existing Laws
Grade Level: Junior Secondary 2
Duration: 60 Minutes
**Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand how Jesus Christ improved the existing laws.
2. Identify key examples where Jesus interpreted or expanded upon Old Testament laws.
3. Explain the significance of Jesus’ teachings in the context of Christian living.
**Materials:**
- Bible (preferably New International Version or any other student-friendly version)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key Bible verses
- Projector and screen (optional)
- Notebook and pens for students
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. Begin with a short prayer.
2. Briefly recap the Old Testament laws, focusing on the Ten Commandments and other mosaic laws.
3. Introduce the topic, “Jesus Christ Improves the Existing Laws,” and explain that during His ministry, Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, not just its letter.
**Bible Reading and Discussion (20 minutes):**
1. Divide the students into small groups and assign each group the following Bible passages to read and discuss:
- Matthew 5:17-20 (Jesus fulfilling the Law)
- Matthew 5:21-22 (Murder and Anger)
- Matthew 5:27-28 (Adultery and Lust)
- Matthew 5:43-45 (Love for Enemies)
2. After reading, each group will discuss the passages, noting how Jesus reinterprets or expands upon the original laws.
3. Provide the following questions for discussion:
- What is the original law mentioned in the passage?
- How does Jesus deepen or expand the understanding of this law?
- What is the broader principle Jesus is teaching through this reinterpretation?
**Class Discussion (15 minutes):**
1. Reconvene the class and ask each group to briefly present their discussions.
2. Use the whiteboard to summarize key points and emphasize how Jesus' teachings shift the focus from outward compliance to inward transformation and love.
**Application Activity (10 minutes):**
1. Distribute a handout with scenarios that require moral decisions. Examples:
- A friend is spreading rumors about you. How do you respond?
- You find a wallet with money on the school grounds. What do you do?
2. Ask students in pairs to discuss how Jesus’ teachings might guide their actions in these scenarios. Discuss how His improvements on existing laws provide a deeper framework for moral living.
**Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes):**
1. Summarize the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of understanding the spirit behind the laws.
2. Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply Jesus’ teachings in their daily lives.
3. Close with a prayer, asking for wisdom and understanding to live according to Jesus’ teachings.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in group discussions and presentations.
- Responses to the application activities.
- A short written reflection on how they plan to incorporate Jesus' teachings into their lives, to be submitted by the next class.
**Closure:**
Encourage students to read further into the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) for more insight into Jesus' teachings and to come prepared to share their reflections in the next class.