Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1 - Right response to God's call to repentance

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 9

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Right response to God’s call to repentance

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Give an account of Zacchaeus’ response to God’s call to repentance as recorded in Luke 19:1-10

2.) Discuss the right response to God’s call to repentance

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 1

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

CALL TO REPENTANCE

Zacchaeus’ Response to God’s Call to Repentance (Luke 19:1-10)
The account of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10, where he is described as a chief tax collector in Jericho, a wealthy man who was despised by the Jewish people for collaborating with the Roman authorities and extorting taxes. Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus was not satisfied and sought to see Jesus as He passed through the city.

Because he was short in stature, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, telling him to come down because He intended to stay at his house. This personal invitation from Jesus marked a turning point for Zacchaeus.

Overjoyed, Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home, where he experienced an impactful moment of transformation. During this encounter, Zacchaeus expressed his repentance by standing up and proclaiming that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times the amount he had taken. His actions demonstrated a sincere desire to make amends for his past wrongs.

Jesus affirmed Zacchaeus' transformation by declaring that salvation had come to his house, emphasizing that He came to seek and save the lost. This encounter illustrates how a personal relationship with Jesus can lead to true repentance and a change of heart.

The Right Response to God’s Call to Repentance
The right response to God's call to repentance involves several key elements:

• Recognition of Sin: Acknowledging one's wrongdoing is the first step in the process of repentance. This requires self-reflection and an understanding of how one's actions are contrary to God's will.
• Sincere Regret and Remorse: Genuine repentance is marked by sorrow for sin and its consequences. This emotional response is crucial in moving individuals toward a desire for change.
• A Willingness to Change: True repentance involves a commitment to turn away from sinful behaviors and attitudes. This often requires making significant changes in one's life to align with God's teachings.
• Restitution: In the case of Zacchaeus, repentance included making amends for past wrongs, which is an important aspect of responding to God's call. When appropriate, this might involve apologizing to those harmed and taking steps to right wrongs.
• Faith in God’s Grace: Accepting God's forgiveness and grace is essential. Understanding that God offers mercy and a chance for a new beginning encourages individuals to move forward positively.
• Transformation and New Life: Repentance should lead to a changed life, evidenced by actions that reflect a renewed commitment to God. This transformation often results in a desire to share one's faith and help others.

EVALUATION:   

1. What motivated Zacchaeus to climb the sycamore tree to see Jesus, and what does this action reveal about his character and desire for change?
2. Discuss the significance of Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name when He saw him in the tree. How does this personal interaction contribute to Zacchaeus' transformation and repentance?
3. In what ways did Zacchaeus demonstrate true repentance after his encounter with Jesus? Analyze his commitments regarding his wealth and restitution.
4. What does Jesus' declaration that "salvation has come to this house" imply about the nature of repentance and acceptance of God's grace? How does this reflect the purpose of Jesus' ministry?
5. Reflect on the key elements of the right response to God's call to repentance as demonstrated by Zacchaeus. How can these elements be applied to modern-day situations of personal wrongdoing or moral failure?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively