Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1 - God's law in the new testament

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 12

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: God’s law in the new testament

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

1.) explain the meaning of obedience to the first law

2.) discuss how Jesus shows obedience to existing laws. Mark 1: 40 – 45, Matthew 22:15-22

3. Identify Old Testament laws and what Jesus teaches about them Matt 5:21-48
4. Explain Jesus’ prioritization of human needs above the demands of the law Mark 2:23-28, 3:1- 6

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

GOD’S LAWS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Meaning of Obedience to the First Law

The first law, often referred to as the greatest commandment, can be found in Deuteronomy 6:5: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." Obedience to this commandment means:

• Total Commitment: It calls for an all-encompassing love for God that involves every aspect of a person's life, including thoughts, emotions, actions, and decisions.
• Prioritization of God: Obeying this commandment places God at the center of one's life, prioritizing divine authority over worldly concerns or influences.
• Living in Alignment with God’s Will: It encourages believers to seek a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and adherence to His teachings, fostering a lifestyle that reflects God's character and values.

Jesus’ Obedience to Existing Laws

• Mark 1:40-45: In this passage, a leper approaches Jesus for healing, acknowledging His ability to cleanse him. Jesus shows obedience to the law by initially instructing the leper to present himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices commanded by Moses. This act demonstrates respect for the established laws of ritual purity and societal structure.
• Matthew 22:15-22: In this interaction with the Pharisees, they ask Jesus whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by stating, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This illustrates His obedience to civil law while simultaneously affirming the higher moral obligation to God. Jesus' answer highlights the balance between fulfilling civic duties and maintaining devotion to God.

Old Testament Laws and Jesus’ Teachings (Matthew 5:21-48)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to several Old Testament laws, providing deeper interpretations:

• Murder: Jesus teaches that even anger towards a brother can be grounds for judgment, emphasizing the need for inner purity and reconciliation (Matthew 5:21-26).
• Adultery: He expands the definition of adultery to include lustful thoughts, indicating that true obedience starts in the heart (Matthew 5:27-30).
• Divorce: Jesus addresses the complexities of divorce, teaching that it should only occur in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:31-32).
• Oaths: He instructs against the need for oaths, advocating for honesty and integrity in speech (Matthew 5:33-37).
• Retaliation and Love for Enemies: Jesus challenges the principle of “an eye for an eye,” urging love for enemies and prayer for persecutors, reinforcing the call to love as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:38-48).

Jesus’ Prioritization of Human Needs Above the Demands of the Law

• Mark 2:23-28: In this account, Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, prompting criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds by reminding them that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This teaching emphasizes that human needs (like hunger) take precedence over strict adherence to Sabbath laws, demonstrating God's compassion and understanding of human circumstances.
• Mark 3:1-6: In this passage, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the law. He questions whether it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath and highlights the importance of mercy and healing over ritualistic observance. This act illustrates that Jesus prioritizes human well-being and love over legalistic interpretations of the law.

EVALUATION:   

1. What does total commitment to loving God with all your heart, soul, and might entail in a believer's daily life? Provide specific examples of how this commitment can manifest in thoughts, emotions, actions, and decisions.
2. In Mark 1:40-45, how does Jesus demonstrate obedience to the law when healing the leper, and what does this reveal about His attitude towards existing religious laws? Discuss the implications of His actions on the understanding of ritual purity.
3. Analyze Jesus' response to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:15-22 regarding paying taxes. How does this interaction illustrate the relationship between civil duties and spiritual obligations?
4. Reflect on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:21-48. How does He expand the understanding of Old Testament laws such as murder and adultery? Discuss the significance of these interpretations in promoting inner purity and ethical conduct.
5. Discuss the importance of prioritizing human needs over legalistic interpretations of the law as demonstrated in Mark 2:23-28 and Mark 3:1-6. How does this principle challenge conventional views of obedience to religious laws?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively