Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary School 2

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE

CLASS:  JSS 2

DATE:

TERM: 3rd TERM

REFERENCES 

• Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 2,by T.N.O Quarcoopomeeta’l . 
• Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 1-3 by A.F Bello.
• Fundanmental of Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 1, by Adeyinka.
• Ilesanmi Christian Religion Studies for JssBk 2 By TundeErumoleta’l..
• Revised Standard Version Bible (Compulsory) 

 
WEEK FOUR

TOPIC: THE TRIALS OF CHRIST

CONTENT

• Christ before the High Priest Matt. 26:36-75, Mk 14:53-72,LK. 22
• Christ  before Pilate and the Roman Authorities Matt 27:11-13, MK 23:1-25, LK. 23:1-5
• Christ  before Herod Lk.23:6-12

THE TRIALS OF CHRIST (MATT 26:57-68)

There were basically two separate trials of Jesus – The Jewish trial and the Roman trial. After Judas hadbetrayed Jesus Christ, he was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the high priest where the members of Sanhedrin– The highest Jewish council- gathered. There Jesus was tried and found guilty of blasphemy for claiming to bethe son of God. The punishment for this offence by Jewish law is the death penalty, but being a colony of theRoman Empire, they did not have power to pass the death sentence. They had to take Jesus to Pontius Pilate, theRoman representative he was tried the second time and found guilty, although he was innocent.

EVALUATION

What are trials?

CHRIST BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST: -  

Christ was arrested and taken away . Those who seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where thescribes and the elders had gathered. Jesus was accused of blasphemy. He was asked to defend himself, but Jesusdid not answer a word.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST JESUS

1. Jesus was accused that he said he was the Christ, the messiah of the world.
2. He was accused that he said he claimed to be the son of God.
3. He was also accused of saying he will destroy the temple built with hands and rebuild it in three 

days.

1. He was accused of turning the heart of people away from the doctrine and law of Moses.
2. He was accused that he claimed to have the power to forgive sins.
3. He claimed to be righteous  without  any sin.

EVALUATION

Narrate the trial of Jesus before the High Priest.

CHRIST BEFORE THE ROMAN AUTHORITY Matt. 27:11-31

Instead of the former religious charge of blasphemy for which the highest Jewish court the Sanhedrin hadcondemned him they now brought three new political charges against him knowing fully that Pilate was moreinterested in political than religious charges. The new charges were as follow:

1. That Jesus was a seditious agitator perverting the nation.
2. That Jesus was inciting people not to pay tax.
3. That he claims to be a king, thereby overthrowing Caesar.

Pilate knowing that Jesus was accused out of envy, tries to set him free, Pilate’s wife told him not to haveanything to do with the death of Christ having told him the dream she had Pilate washed his hands and have

Barabbas released to them. Having flogged Jesus, they led him off to be crucified.

CHRIST BEFORE HEROD – Luke 23:6-12

According to Luke when Pilate learnt that the man was a Galilean which was within Herod’s Jurisdiction hesent him over to Herod who was himself in Jerusalem .When Herod saw Jesus, he was glad, for he had longdesired to see him. He had heard about Jesus and he was anxious to see some signs performed by him.

Herod questioned Jesus at length but Jesus did not reply him, not minding that the chief priest and thePharisees were accusing him vehemently. However, Herod and his soldiers treated Christ with contempt andmockery. The trial of Christ gave Herod and Pilate an opportunity to reconcile for they were enemies before thattime.

EVALUATION

1. Briefly narrate the account of Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod.
2. What charges were leveled against him at each stage.

Significance of the trials of Christ

1. Despite the series of false allegation leveled against Jesus and the fact that he was not found guilty, he was crucified because it was the will of God that it should be so.
2. The messiahship of Jesus Christ could only be accomplished through his death and by this the scripture was fulfilled.
3. Although, it had been destined that Jesus would die because Judas was living in sin, he was used to accomplish the obnoxious task. Christians should therefore be steadfast.

GENERAL EVALUATION/ Revision Questions

1. Give an account of the crucifixion of Jesus and the significance of the
2. Describe Pilate’s attempt to save Jesus and why he failed.
3. Narrate the parable of the ten virgins.
4. Interpret the parable of the unforgiving servant.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 2,by T.N.O Quarcoopome eta’l.Page:107,111-112,119-129

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 1-3 by A.F Bello.Page:193,199.

Fundanmental of Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 2, by Adeyinka et al 24-25.

Ilesanmi Christian Religion Studies for JssBk 2 ByTundeErumol et al.

Revised Standard Version Bible (Compulsory).

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Herod was happy  to see Jesus because (a) Jesus came from Galilee, Herods territory (b) he thought Jesus was John the Baptist reincarnate (c) he hated Jesus greatly (d) He hoped to see Jesus perform signs
2. Who was the first to try Jesus ___ (a) High Priest (b) Sanhedrin (c) High priest (d) Herod
3. The notorious Prisoner released by Pilate instead of Jesus was____. (a)Barabbas (b) Barnabas

(c) Barsabba(d)Bar-Jesus

4. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod when he realized that Jesus was from____. (a)Judea (b)Galilee (c) Cyrene (d)Cyrus
5. Which of the following did Pilate ask Jesus during the trial (a) What is it that these men testify against you?(b)Are you Jesus the prophet from Galilee? (c) Are you the king of kings (d) I adjure you by God, tell me if youare the Christ.

THEORY

1. Write short notes on the role played by the following in the trial, Crucifixion and the burial of Jesus Christ: (i) The chief Priest (Caiaphas) (ii) Pilate (iii) Herod Antipas 
2. Justify the reactions of Jesus at his trial with Pilate.