**Lesson Plan for Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2**
**Topic: The Great Commission**
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**Lesson Title:** Understanding the Great Commission
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objective:**
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Explain what the Great Commission is.
2. Identify where the Great Commission is found in the Bible.
3. Discuss the importance of the Great Commission to Christians.
4. Understand how they can fulfill the Great Commission in their daily lives.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bible
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector or large screen (optional)
- Handouts with key verses and discussion questions
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Prayer:** Begin with a short prayer asking for guidance and understanding.
2. **Hook:** Show a short video clip or tell a brief story about a missionary. Ask students what they think motivates people to become missionaries.
3. **Objective Statement:** Explain to the students that today they will learn about a command given by Jesus to His disciples, known as the Great Commission.
**Lesson Content (30 minutes)**
1. **Bible Reading (10 minutes):**
- Read Matthew 28:16-20 aloud. Have students follow along in their Bibles.
- Discuss the setting of these verses briefly: Jesus’ resurrection and His appearance to the disciples.
2. **Explanation (10 minutes):**
- Define the Great Commission: The instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to His disciples to spread His teachings to all the nations of the world.
- Break down the key elements of the Great Commission:
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”
- “Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
- “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”
- “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Use the whiteboard to jot down and explain each part.
3. **Importance (10 minutes):**
- Discuss why the Great Commission is important to Christians. Points to include:
- It’s a direct command from Jesus.
- It emphasizes evangelism and spreading the Gospel.
- It reflects the inclusive nature of Christianity, reaching out to all nations.
- Explain how early Christians fulfilled the Great Commission and how the Gospel spread through missionary work.
**Activities (15 minutes)**
1. **Group Discussion (5 minutes):**
- Divide the students into small groups. Give each group a handout with key discussion questions:
- What does it mean to make disciples?
- How can we in our community spread the teachings of Jesus?
- Do you know anyone who is fulfilling the Great Commission?
- Have each group choose a spokesperson to share their thoughts with the class.
2. **Role-playing Activity (10 minutes):**
- Assign different scenarios where students can act out how they might fulfill the Great Commission, such as in school, community, or even at home.
- Provide cues or prompts to guide their role-play, and encourage them to be creative.
**Conclusion (5 minutes)**
1. **Recap:**
- Summarize the key points of the lesson:
- The Great Commission as given in Matthew 28:16-20.
- Its significance and call to action for all Christians.
2. **Personal Reflection:**
- Ask students to write down one way they can contribute to the Great Commission in their own lives.
3. **Closing Prayer:**
- Close with a prayer, asking God to help us understand and live by His command to spread His teachings and make disciples of all nations.
**Homework:**
- Have students read Acts 1:6-8 and write a short paragraph on how these verses relate to the Great Commission.
- Encourage them to share the story of the Great Commission with one person during the week.
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Note: Tailor activities to the specific interests and cultural backgrounds of your students for better engagement.