Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2 - Parables illustrating God's love

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Parables illustrating God’s love

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

1.) Give an account of the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin

2.) Enumerate the moral lessons from both stories

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.

PARABLES ILLUSTRATING GOD’S LOVE

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

In this parable, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who has one hundred sheep. When one sheep goes missing, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the open country to search for the lost one. After searching diligently, he finds the sheep and joyfully carries it back on his shoulders. Upon his return, he invites his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him because he has found his lost sheep. Jesus concludes by explaining that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

In this parable, Jesus describes a woman who has ten silver coins but loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds the lost coin. When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together to celebrate with her. Jesus emphasizes that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Moral Lessons from Both Parables

• God’s Love and Value for Individuals: Both parables illustrate how much God values each individual. Just as the shepherd seeks out the lost sheep and the woman searches for the lost coin, God seeks out each person who strays from Him, emphasizing that every soul is precious.
• Joy in Repentance: The joy expressed in both parables upon the recovery of the lost sheep and coin highlights the immense joy in heaven when a sinner repents and returns to God. It reflects the celebration that accompanies restoration and forgiveness.
• Diligence in Seeking the Lost: The shepherd’s and woman’s persistent efforts to find what was lost convey the importance of actively seeking those who are lost or in need of redemption. It encourages believers to be vigilant in their own lives and in reaching out to others.
• Community and Celebration: Both parables emphasize the communal aspect of joy and celebration. When the lost are found, it is not just a personal triumph but a reason for collective rejoicing, indicating that God's family thrives on shared experiences of grace and redemption.
• The Heart of God: Ultimately, these parables reveal the heart of God—full of love, compassion, and a longing for all to be in right relationship with Him. They challenge listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards those who are lost or in need of grace

EVALUATION:

1. What actions does the shepherd take in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and what do these actions reveal about his character?
2. In what ways does the woman in the Parable of the Lost Coin demonstrate diligence and determination in her search for the lost coin?
3. How do both parables illustrate the concept of individual value in the eyes of God?
4. Discuss the significance of community celebration in both parables. What does this suggest about the impact of personal repentance on the broader community?
5. What can we learn from the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin about our responsibility to seek out and support those who are lost or in need of redemption?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively