Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1 - Call to freedom

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 3

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Call to Freedom

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

1.) Define freedom

2.) Give account of the birth of Moses as recorded in Exodus 2:1-10

3.) Give account of the Call of Moses as recorded in Exodus 3:1-22, 4:1-17

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 FREEDOM

Freedom is the state of being free from constraints or oppression, enabling individuals to act according to their own will and make choices without external interference. In a broader sense, freedom encompasses personal liberties, social rights, and the absence of coercive control. It allows for the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment in various aspects of life, including political, religious, and personal dimensions. Freedom is often associated with fundamental human rights and is considered a vital component of a just society, where individuals can express themselves, practice their beliefs, and engage in community life without fear of retribution.

The Birth of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10)

The account of Moses' birth occurs in a critical historical context for the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt under harsh conditions. During this time, Pharaoh issued a decree to kill all male Hebrew infants to control the population and prevent potential uprisings.

• Moses' Family: Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, both members of the tribe of Levi. They had two older siblings, Aaron and Miriam. Recognizing the danger posed to their newborn son, Jochebed hid Moses for three months to protect him from Pharaoh's decree.
• The Basket: When it became impossible to hide him any longer, Jochebed devised a plan to save her son. She made a waterproof basket from papyrus reeds, coated it with tar and pitch, and placed Moses inside. She then set the basket afloat on the Nile River, strategically placing it among the reeds near the riverbank.
• Pharaoh's Daughter: As fate would have it, Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe in the Nile. While she was bathing, she spotted the basket among the reeds. When she opened it, she saw the crying infant and felt compassion for him, realizing he was one of the Hebrew children.
• Miriam’s Role: Miriam, Moses' sister, had been watching from a distance and approached Pharaoh's daughter. She offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and Miriam brought their mother, Jochebed, to nurse and care for Moses.
• Moses' Upbringing: After Moses was weaned, he was brought back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her son. She named him Moses, which means "drawn out," for she had drawn him out of the water. Thus, Moses grew up in the Egyptian palace, receiving an education that would later aid him in his mission to lead the Israelites out of slavery.

The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1-22, 4:1-17)

The account of Moses’ call is a significant moment that sets the stage for his role as the leader of the Israelites.

Exodus 3:1-22: The Burning Bush

• Moses’ Encounter: While tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, near Mount Horeb (also known as the mountain of God), Moses noticed a remarkable sight: a bush that was burning but not consumed by the flames. This miraculous occurrence drew Moses’ attention.
• God’s Voice: As Moses approached to investigate, God called to him from the bush, instructing him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. God revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing a connection to Moses' heritage and the covenant made with his forefathers.
• Divine Mission: God informed Moses of His concern for the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and His intention to deliver them from slavery. He appointed Moses as the one who would lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey.
• Assurance of Presence: Moses was hesitant and questioned God about his own authority. God assured Moses that He would be with him and provided him with a sign: when he successfully led the people out of Egypt, they would worship God on that very mountain.
• God’s Name: When Moses asked for God’s name, God replied, "I AM WHO I AM." This name indicated God’s eternal nature and self-sufficiency. God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that "I AM" had sent him, affirming His authority.
• Instructions for Moses: God provided specific instructions for Moses on how to approach the Israelites and Pharaoh, including performing signs and wonders to prove his mission.

Exodus 4:1-17: Moses' Objections

• Moses’ Doubts: Despite the assurances, Moses expressed doubts about his ability to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh. He worried that they would not believe or listen to him.
• Signs from God: To counter Moses’ doubts, God provided three miraculous signs:

1. Staff to Serpent: God instructed Moses to throw his staff on the ground, which turned into a snake. When he picked it up, it became a staff again.
2. Leprous Hand: God then commanded Moses to put his hand inside his cloak. When he withdrew it, it was leprous. God instructed him to put it back, and it returned to normal.
3. Water to Blood: God also told Moses that if needed, he could take water from the Nile and pour it on the ground, turning it into blood.

• Feeling Inadequate: Moses continued to express his inadequacy, saying he was not eloquent and had a speech impediment. God responded by reminding Moses that He is the creator of the mouth and could enable him to speak.
• God's Appointment of Aaron: Finally, God, frustrated with Moses’ hesitations, appointed his brother Aaron to speak on his behalf. He instructed Moses to tell Aaron everything God commanded him to say.
• Moses’ Preparation: After receiving God’s reassurance and signs, Moses returned to Egypt with his family. He took his staff, which symbolized God’s authority, and was prepared to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage

EVALUATION:   

1. How does the birth of Moses exemplify the concept of freedom in the context of the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt?
2. In what ways does Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush highlight the theme of divine freedom for the Israelites?
3. What are the implications of God's assurance of His presence to Moses during the call, and how does this relate to the broader theme of freedom from fear and oppression?
4. How do the miraculous signs given to Moses serve as a foundation for both his leadership and the Israelites' eventual freedom?
5. In what ways do Moses’ objections and feelings of inadequacy reflect common barriers to freedom, and how does God address these concerns?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively