Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 6

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: Parables of the kingdom

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

1.) Give an account of the parable of the hidden treasure and wicked vinedressers

2.) Give the interpretation of the parables

3.) Enumerate the moral lessons from both parables

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:

PRESENTATION	TEACHER’S ACTIVITY	PUPIL’S ACTIVITY
STEP 1 Review	The teacher revises the previous lesson	Learners pay attention
STEP 2 Introduction	She then introduces the new topic by giving an account of the parable of the hidden treasure and wicked vinedressers and explains their interpretation	Learners pay attention and participate
STEP 3 Explanation	She draws out moral lessons from the parables	Learners pay attention and participate
STEP 4 NOTE TAKING	The teacher writes a short note on the board for the learners to copy	The learners copy the note from the board

NOTE.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
In this brief parable, Jesus describes a scenario where a man stumbles upon a hidden treasure in a field. Realizing the immense value of the treasure, he joyfully goes and sells all that he has to buy that field. The focus of the parable is on the man's willingness to sacrifice everything to obtain the treasure, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven.

Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matthew 21:33-46)
In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a landowner who plants a vineyard and leases it to vinedressers (farmers). When the time for harvest comes, the landowner sends his servants to collect his share of the fruit. However, the vinedressers mistreat and kill the servants. The landowner then sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but they also kill the son in hopes of seizing the inheritance. Jesus concludes by asking what the landowner will do to those vinedressers, illustrating the judgment that will come upon them for their wickedness.

Interpretation of the Parables

Interpretation of the Parable of the Hidden Treasure
This parable illustrates the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven. The treasure represents the ultimate spiritual fulfillment and salvation that one can find in a relationship with God. The man’s action of selling all he has signifies the necessity of prioritizing one's spiritual life over earthly possessions, demonstrating that true happiness and fulfillment come from embracing God's Kingdom.

Interpretation of the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
This parable serves as a condemnation of the religious leaders of Jesus' time. The landowner represents God, the vineyard symbolizes Israel, and the vinedressers represent the religious leaders who have been entrusted with the care of God's people. The servants symbolize the prophets sent by God, and the son represents Jesus Himself. The parable warns of the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God’s authority.

Moral Lessons from Both Parables

Value of the Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable of the Hidden Treasure emphasizes that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any earthly possession or security. Believers are encouraged to seek and prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
Sacrifice for Spiritual Gain: The man’s willingness to sell everything he owns reflects the idea that true discipleship may require personal sacrifice, including giving up worldly attachments to fully embrace God's Kingdom.
Accountability and Judgment: The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers teaches that there are consequences for rejecting God’s messengers and misusing what God has entrusted to us. It highlights the accountability that comes with leadership and stewardship.
God’s Patience and Justice: The repeated sending of servants and ultimately the son indicates God’s patience in giving people opportunities to repent. However, the eventual judgment on the vinedressers underscores that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
Rejection of God's Grace: Both parables illustrate the tragic consequences of rejecting God’s grace. The wicked vinedressers' rejection of the son mirrors how some people respond to the message of salvation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accepting God’s offers of grace and mercy.

EVALUATION:

In the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, what action does the man take after discovering the treasure, and what does this action symbolize?
Who do the landowner and the vinedressers represent in the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, and what is the significance of the landowner's son in this story?
What lesson does the Parable of the Hidden Treasure teach about the value of the Kingdom of Heaven and the sacrifices one might make to obtain it?
How does the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers illustrate the concepts of accountability and judgment for those entrusted with God’s resources?
What message do both parables convey about God’s grace, and what are the potential consequences of rejecting it?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 2 - Parables of the Kingdom