Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2 - The temptation of Jesus

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 7

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: The Temptation of Jesus

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

1.) Define the term “Temptation”

2.) Give an account of the temptation of Jesus according to the gospels

3.) State the significance of the temptation of Jesus

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.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

Temptation refers to the enticement or invitation to engage in sin or to do something contrary to God's will. In a biblical context, it often involves a test of one's faith, character, or obedience, where an individual is confronted with choices that challenge their commitment to God. Temptation can arise from external sources, such as the devil or worldly influences, or from internal desires and weaknesses.

Account of the Temptation of Jesus According to the Gospels

The temptation of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (4:1-11), Mark (1:12-13), and Luke (4:1-13), with some variations in detail. Here’s a summary of the accounts:

• Matthew 4:1-11: After His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and nights, after which He was hungry. The devil approached Him with three specific temptations:

1. Turning Stones into Bread: The devil urged Jesus to use His divine power to satisfy His hunger. Jesus responded by quoting Scripture, stating that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
2. Jumping from the Temple: The devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and challenged Him to throw Himself down, citing Scripture that angels would protect Him. Jesus replied that one should not put the Lord God to the test.
3. Offering the Kingdoms of the World: The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, offering them in exchange for worship. Jesus firmly rejected this temptation, stating that one must worship the Lord God alone and serve Him only.

After these temptations, the devil left Jesus, and angels came to minister to Him.

• Mark 1:12-13: Mark’s account is more succinct, stating that the Spirit immediately drove Jesus into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan for forty days. During this time, He was with wild animals, and angels ministered to Him.
• Luke 4:1-13: Luke's account is similar to Matthew's but presents the temptations in a different order. It emphasizes that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. After the three temptations, Luke also mentions that the devil departed from Jesus until an opportune time.

Significance of the Temptation of Jesus

The temptation of Jesus holds several significant meanings:

1. Demonstration of Jesus’ Humanity: The temptations illustrate Jesus’ true humanity, showing that He experienced the same struggles and vulnerabilities as all people. This allows believers to relate to Him as a compassionate and understanding Savior.
2. Model of Resistance: Jesus’ responses to temptation provide a model for how believers can resist temptation. He relied on Scripture and His relationship with God to overcome each challenge, highlighting the importance of knowing and using God's Word.
3. Affirmation of His Mission: The temptations reinforced Jesus’ commitment to His divine mission. By rejecting the shortcuts and false paths proposed by the devil, He affirmed His dedication to fulfilling God’s plan for salvation through obedience and sacrifice.
4. Preparation for Ministry: The temptation period served as a preparation for Jesus’ public ministry. Overcoming these trials strengthened Him for the challenges He would face as He began His mission of teaching, healing, and ultimately sacrificing Himself for humanity.
5. Spiritual Warfare: The encounter with the devil illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and reliance on God to withstand the temptations and challenges faced in life.

EVALUATION:

1. Define "temptation" in the context of the Bible and explain its significance in testing one’s faith and character.
2. Describe the three specific temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness according to the Gospel of Matthew. How did Jesus respond to each of them?
3. Compare the accounts of the temptation of Jesus as presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What are the key similarities and differences in their narratives?
4. Discuss the significance of Jesus’ temptation experience in relation to His mission and public ministry. How did overcoming these temptations prepare Him for His role as Savior?
5. Analyze the implications of the temptation of Jesus for modern believers. What lessons can be drawn from His responses to temptation, and how can they be applied to the spiritual struggles individuals face today?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively