**Lesson Plan: Jesus Welcomes All People**
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Topic:** Jesus Welcomes All People
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**Learning Objectives:**
1. Students will understand that Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, status, or ethnicity.
2. Students will identify key Bible passages that illustrate Jesus' inclusivity.
3. Students will discuss the importance of welcoming others in their own communities.
4. Students will relate the concept of inclusivity to their daily lives.
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**Materials Needed:**
- Bibles (one per student or groups of students)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen (optional for visual aids)
- Handouts with Bible verses (John 4:1-26, Luke 19:1-10, Mark 10:13-16)
- Notebooks and pens
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**Lesson Structure:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Greet the students and lead a short prayer.
- Briefly introduce the topic, highlighting that Jesus welcomed all people.
- Present the learning objectives.
2. **Bible Exploration (15 minutes):**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group one of the following passages: John 4:1-26 (Jesus and the Samaritan Woman), Luke 19:1-10 (Jesus and Zacchaeus), Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus Blesses the Children).
- Ask each group to read their passage and discuss these questions:
- Who is Jesus interacting with in this passage?
- How does Jesus show that He welcomes them?
- What lessons can we learn from this passage about welcoming others?
3. **Group Presentations (10 minutes):**
- Have each group present a summary of their passage and discussion points to the rest of the class.
- Write key points on the whiteboard for visual reinforcement.
4. **Class Discussion (10 minutes):**
- Facilitate a class-wide discussion on the importance of inclusivity and welcoming all people. Ask:
- Why do you think Jesus welcomed everyone?
- How can we apply this teaching in our school and community?
- Can you think of a time when you or someone you know needed to be welcomed?
5. **Reflection Activity (10 minutes):**
- Hand out paper and pens to each student.
- Ask students to write a short reflection on how they can welcome others in their daily lives, drawing inspiration from the Bible passages they studied.
- Invite a few students to share their reflections with the class.
6. **Conclusion (5 minutes):**
- Summarize the main points of the lesson.
- Reinforce the idea that Jesus' example teaches us to welcome everyone with love and kindness.
- Provide an opportunity for any questions or final thoughts.
7. **Closing Prayer (5 minutes):**
- Lead a closing prayer, asking for guidance in becoming more welcoming and inclusive, following Jesus' example.
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**Assessment:**
- Participation in group activities and discussions.
- Quality of reflections written by students.
- Informal observation of student engagement and understanding throughout the lesson.
**Homework Assignment (Optional):**
- Ask students to find another story in the Bible where Jesus welcomes someone who is different or marginalized and prepare to share it in the next class.
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This lesson plan aims to foster a deeper understanding of Jesus' inclusive nature and encourages students to emulate His kindness and acceptance in their own lives.