**Lesson Plan: The Temptation of Jesus**
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 2
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Duration:** 45 minutes
### **Objective:**
- **Knowledge:** Students will be able to recount the events of Jesus' temptation as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11.
- **Comprehension:** Students will understand the significance of Jesus' responses to each temptation.
- **Application:** Students will be able to relate the lessons learned from Jesus' temptations to their own lives and understand how to resist temptation.
### **Materials and Resources:**
- Bibles (New International Version or any other preferred version)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key verses and discussion questions
- Multimedia projector (optional)
- Videos/Images depicting scenes from Jesus’ temptation (optional)
### **Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Begin with a short prayer.
- Briefly introduce the topic by explaining what temptation is.
- Ask students if they can recall any situations where they faced temptation and discuss how they responded (ensure sensitivity and confidentiality).
2. **Bible Reading (10 minutes)**
- Read Matthew 4:1-11 aloud, either by assigning verses to different students or reading it yourself.
- As students read, note the three specific temptations that Jesus faced.
3. **Explanation and Discussion (15 minutes)**
- **First Temptation:** Turning stones into bread.
- Discuss: Why was this a temptation for Jesus? How did Jesus respond?
- Keyword: *Physical Needs* - Jesus' response ("Man shall not live on bread alone...") emphasizes the importance of spiritual sustenance.
- **Second Temptation:** Jumping from the pinnacle of the temple.
- Discuss: What was Satan attempting to do here? How did Jesus respond?
- Keyword: *Testing God* - Jesus' response ("Do not put the Lord your God to the test") highlights trust in God without demanding proof.
- **Third Temptation:** Bowing down to Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world.
- Discuss: What was the lure in this temptation? How did Jesus respond?
- Keyword: *Worship and Allegiance* - Jesus' response ("Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only") emphasizes exclusive devotion to God.
4. **Application (10 minutes)**
- Ask students to think about common temptations they face in their daily lives (e.g., lying, cheating, giving in to peer pressure).
- In groups, have them discuss and write down how they can apply Jesus' example when facing these temptations.
- Share the group's ideas with the class.
5. **Creative Activity (5 minutes)**
- Provide each student with a handout that has an outline of a shield.
- Ask them to write or draw inside the shield how they can protect themselves from temptation, using some of the ideas discussed.
6. **Conclusion and Prayer (5 minutes)**
- Recap the lesson by briefly summarizing the key points discussed.
- Encourage students to seek God's guidance and rely on the scripture when facing temptations.
- Close with a prayer, asking God to help students withstand and overcome temptation in their daily lives.
### **Assessment:**
- Observe students' participation in discussions and group activities.
- Check handouts/shields to ensure students understood the lesson and can relate it to their lives.
### **Homework:**
- Ask students to memorize Matthew 4:4, 4:7, or 4:10 and write a short paragraph on how they can apply the verse in their daily lives.
- Optionally: Assign them to read an additional account of Jesus’ temptation in another Gospel (Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13) and note any differences/similarities.
### **Additional Notes:**
- Be mindful of the various backgrounds and experiences of students when discussing personal temptations.
- Adapt activities to suit students with different learning styles and needs, ensuring inclusivity.