Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Primary 3

WEEK 5

Subject: Christian Religious Studies

Class: Primary 3

Term: 3^rd Term

Topic: The suffering of Jesus

Performance objectives: At the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to

1 identify the stages at which Jesus suffered.

2 state reasons why Jesus had to suffer.

3 identify the importance of Christ’s suffering for mankind.

Guide to bible passages (Luke 22: 47-53, Matthew 26: 57-68; John 18: 1-13; 19-42; and 19:16)

Building Background connection to prior knowledge:  pupils are familiar with the topic in their previous classes.

CONTENT

Stages of Christ’s suffering

It had been foretold by some Old Testament prophets that Jesus Christ would suffer. Prophet Isaiah said that he would be bruised for our sins. Jesus also knew that he would suffer and die for mankind.

Do you have closest friends that you share your mind, your feelings and your problems with? Jesus himself had his closest friends. When the time came for him to suffer and die for us, he took his three closest friends, Peter, John and James. They went to the garden called Gethsemane to pray. He told these friends when they got to the garden, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation’. Having said that Jesus went further and prayed alone, ‘Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt’. Jesus finished praying and came back to find the disciples sleeping. He was still speaking when Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, came with some soldiers. The soldiers did not know Jesus, so Judas kissed Jesus to identify him as the one to be arrested and taken to Pilate. Pilate was the governor of Jerusalem at that time. When the soldiers brought him before Pilate, all kinds of lies were told against Jesus. Pilate knew the people were telling lies. But he could not be firm and honest. It was a yearly Custom for a criminal to be freed and released. A thief, a chief criminal called Barabas, was released at the request of the Jews. But Jesus who was not a criminal was crucified with two thieves.

Why Jesus had to suffer

Jesus paid the debt for our sins; he died for us to take away our sins. Jesus is the new Adam to save us from our sins. He suffered so that we can live forever. It is his precious blood that he shed on the cross of Calvary that washes our sins away.

Importance of Christ’s suffering

1. Christ suffered and died to redeem us from the curse of the law.

2. It is also to deliver us from our sins and give us eternal life.

Moral lessons

1 We must always trust Jesus who is still able to save us from our sins.

2 Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ treasurer, betrayed him. He was also close to Jesus. We must not put our trust in man because they can disappoint us at any time.

3 We must not be like Pilate who was not honest and firm as a good leader.

4 We can also see Jesus showing human weakness. However, he finally submitted himself to God’s will. We must be ready to submit to God’s will all the time.

Remember:

1 Jesus suffered so that we can be forgiven, and delivered from our sins.

2 Pilate responded to the demand of the Jews to codemn Jesus to death.

Strategies and activities

Step1: Teacher revises the previous topic

Step 2: Teacher introduces the new I

Step 3:  Teacher explains the new topic

Step 4: Teacher welcomes pupils questions

Step 5:  Teacher evaluates the pupils

Assessment and evaluation

1 identify the stages at which Jesus suffered.

2 state reasons why Jesus had to suffer.

3 identify the importance of Christ’s suffering for mankind.

Wrap up (conclusion): Teacher goes over the topic once again to enhance better understanding.

Exercise

1. Give three reasons why Jesus had to suffer for us.

2. Why did Pilate release Barabas for the Jews?