### Lesson Plan: Comparative Account of the Baptism in the Synoptic Gospels
#### Subject: Christian Religious Studies
#### Grade: Senior Secondary 3
#### Duration: 60 minutes
#### Topic: Comparative Account of the Baptism in the Synoptic Gospels
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#### Objectives:
1. **Cognitive:** Students will be able to identify and explain the key events and differences in the accounts of Jesus' baptism in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
2. **Affective:** Students will appreciate the significance of Jesus' baptism in the context of Christian faith.
3. **Psychomotor:** Students will be able to compare and contrast the different Gospel accounts through written and oral expression.
#### Materials Needed:
- Holy Bibles (preferably in the same translation for consistency)
- Chart paper and markers
- Handouts with excerpts from the Synoptic Gospels
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if using digital slides)
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#### Lesson Outline:
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Prayer:**
- Begin with a brief prayer.
- Greet the class and outline the day's lesson.
2. **Motivation:**
- Ask students: "What do you know about the baptism of Jesus?" Encourage a few responses.
3. **Lesson Overview:**
- Introduce the topic: Comparative Account of the Baptism in the Synoptic Gospels.
- Explain that the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke provide different perspectives on Jesus’ baptism.
**Body (40 minutes):**
1. **Reading the Texts (15 minutes):**
- Distribute handouts with the baptism accounts.
- Read aloud as a class or in groups:
- Matthew 3:13-17
- Mark 1:9-11
- Luke 3:21-22
- Students should take note of similarities and differences.
2. **Discussion and Analysis (20 minutes):**
- Break students into small groups.
- **Guided Questions:**
- What are the key events described in each account?
- How does each Gospel writer describe the presence of the Holy Spirit?
- What words are spoken from Heaven in each account?
- Each group will create a comparison chart on chart paper.
- Columns: Matthew, Mark, Luke
- Rows: Location, Events, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Voice, Unique Elements
3. **Class Discussion (5 minutes):**
- Each group presents their findings.
- Highlight the unique aspects of each Gospel's account and discuss why these differences might exist.
**Conclusion (10 minutes):**
1. **Summary:**
- Recap the main points of the lesson.
- Emphasize the significance of Jesus’ baptism and how it reflects in each Gospel.
2. **Reflection:**
- Share how understanding different perspectives of the same event can enhance our faith and knowledge.
3. **Assignment:**
- Write a one-page reflection on how the baptism of Jesus is significant to your personal faith journey.
- Research how the accounts of Jesus' baptism are used in teaching and preaching within different Christian denominations.
4. **Closing Prayer:**
- End with a prayer, thanking God for the lessons learned and asking for deeper understanding.
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#### Assessment:
- **Formative Assessment:** Participation in group discussions and accuracy in comparison charts.
- **Summative Assessment:** Written reflection assignment to be submitted in the next class.
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#### Reflection:
- Consider how well students engaged with the material and the depth of their comparative analysis.
- Reflect on any areas where students struggled or excelled, and how the lesson plan could be adjusted in the future for better understanding.
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This lesson aims to not only impart knowledge but also to foster critical thinking skills and personal faith reflection among Senior Secondary 3 students.