Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2 - Jesus and His family

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 5

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Jesus and His family

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

1.) Discuss Jesus’ early life- Jesus Christ becoming a carpenter Mark 6:3

2.) Explain Jesus understanding of family as stated in Matt 12:46-50

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE.

JESUS AND HIS FAMILY

Jesus’ Early Life: Jesus Christ Becoming a Carpenter (Mark 6:3)

In Mark 6:3, Jesus is referred to as “the carpenter,” which signifies His humble beginnings and the trade He learned from Joseph, His earthly father. This passage illustrates several key aspects of His early life:

• Cultural Context: In Jewish society during Jesus' time, it was common for sons to follow in their fathers' trades. By becoming a carpenter, Jesus participated in the everyday life of His community, engaging in manual labor and craftsmanship. This profession not only provided for His family but also allowed Him to understand the struggles and joys of ordinary people.
• Humility and Identification with Humanity: Jesus’ choice to work as a carpenter reflects His humility and willingness to identify with the common man. He did not enter public ministry with wealth or status but rather with a background that many could relate to. This sets the stage for His later teachings about servanthood and the Kingdom of God, which often emphasized humility and accessibility.
• Preparation for Ministry: The years spent as a carpenter likely shaped Jesus’ character, work ethic, and understanding of human labor and relationships. His experiences in this role may have influenced His teachings on building one’s life on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-27) and the importance of integrity in one’s work.
• Community Recognition: When Jesus returned to Nazareth and began to teach in the synagogue, the townspeople recognized Him as "the carpenter," highlighting the tension between their familiarity with His earthly life and His emerging identity as a teacher and miracle worker. This reflects the challenges He faced in His ministry, particularly in gaining acceptance from those who knew Him in His formative years.

Jesus’ Understanding of Family (Matthew 12:46-50)

In Matthew 12:46-50, a significant moment occurs when Jesus is told that His mother and brothers are seeking to speak with Him. His response challenges conventional notions of family:

• Redefining Family: Jesus responds by stating, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” He then extends His hands toward His disciples and declares that anyone who does the will of His Father in heaven is His brother, sister, and mother. This redefinition emphasizes that spiritual kinship is based on obedience to God rather than biological ties.
• Spiritual Family vs. Biological Family: Jesus highlights the importance of spiritual relationships over familial ones. While He values His earthly family, His mission transcends familial boundaries. He calls His followers into a new family—one that is united by faith and the commitment to God’s will. This challenges listeners to consider their priorities and allegiances in light of their relationship with God.
• Inclusivity of His Message: By asserting that anyone who does the will of God is part of His family, Jesus opens the door for all people, regardless of their backgrounds or family histories, to become part of His spiritual family. This inclusivity aligns with His broader mission of salvation and redemption.
• Call to Discipleship: Jesus’ statement serves as a call to discipleship, inviting His followers to prioritize their commitment to God above all else, including their earthly relationships. It emphasizes that the bonds formed through faith and shared purpose in God’s kingdom are paramount.

EVALUATION:

1. What does Mark 6:3 reveal about Jesus' upbringing and the cultural practices of His time regarding trade and family?
2. In what ways does Jesus' choice to work as a carpenter reflect His humility and willingness to connect with ordinary people?
3. How does Jesus’ recognition as "the carpenter" in His hometown present challenges to His ministry, particularly in gaining acceptance from those who knew Him in His early life?
4. How does Jesus redefine the concept of family in Matthew 12:46-50, and what implications does this have for the understanding of spiritual kinship?
5. What significance does Jesus' emphasis on spiritual relationships over biological ones have for the early Christian community, and how does it relate to His overall mission of inclusivity?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively