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

The trial of Jesus

TERM: 3RD TERM

WEEK: 5

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: The Trial of Jesus

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

1.) Give an account of the Trial of Jesus

2.) State the significance of the Trial 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:

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 Trial of Jesus

Learners pay attention and participate

STEP 3

Explanation

She further states and explains the significance of The Trial of Jesus

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.

THE TRIAL OF JESUS

Account of the Trial of Jesus

The trial of Jesus is a significant event recorded in the Gospels, occurring after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The trial involved several stages and was marked by a series of unjust accusations and procedural irregularities.

  1. Religious Trial Before the Sanhedrin: After His arrest, Jesus was taken to the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. The religious leaders sought false testimony against Him to justify His execution. Despite various testimonies, they could not agree. Eventually, the high priest asked Jesus if He was the Messiah, to which Jesus affirmed, saying, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:64). This admission was considered blasphemy, leading to His condemnation by the council.
  2. Trial Before Pilate: Jesus was then taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, as the Jewish leaders lacked the authority to carry out the death penalty. The religious leaders accused Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews, portraying Him as a threat to Roman authority. Pilate questioned Jesus but found no basis for a charge against Him. However, under pressure from the crowd and fearing a riot, Pilate ultimately sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.
  3. Trial Before Herod: According to Luke’s Gospel, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was curious about Jesus and hoped to see Him perform a miracle. After questioning Him, Herod mocked Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate without charging Him.
  4. Final Sentencing: Pilate, still reluctant to condemn Jesus, offered to release a prisoner for Passover, hoping to appease the crowd. However, they chose to free Barabbas, a notorious criminal, instead. Pilate, succumbing to public pressure, ordered Jesus to be flogged and then crucified, washing his hands of the matter, symbolizing his unwillingness to take responsibility for the unjust verdict.

 

Significance of the Trial of Jesus

The trial of Jesus holds deep significance for several reasons:

  1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The events of Jesus' trial fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the suffering servant and the Messiah's rejection (e.g., Isaiah 53). This emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and the continuation of God’s redemptive plan.
  2. Illustration of Injustice: The trial exemplifies the miscarriage of justice, highlighting the corruption of religious and political authorities. It demonstrates how fear and power dynamics can lead to the condemnation of the innocent.
  3. Demonstration of Jesus’ Obedience: Throughout the trial, Jesus maintained His composure and purpose, illustrating His obedience to God’s will. His willingness to endure false accusations and suffering underscores His commitment to the mission of redemption.
  4. Establishment of the New Covenant: The trial and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus lead to the establishment of the New Covenant. His sacrificial death provides believers with forgiveness of sins and a renewed relationship with God, shifting the focus from the Law to grace.
  5. Call for Faithfulness: The trial serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who follow Christ. The denial of Peter during this time reflects the struggles of discipleship and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith amid adversity

 

EVALUATION:

  1. What were the main stages of Jesus' trial, and how did each contribute to the overall outcome?
  2. How did the responses of key figures, such as Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, and Herod, reflect the themes of power and injustice during Jesus' trial?
  3. In what ways does the trial of Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and why is this significant for understanding His identity as the Messiah?
  4. What does Jesus' behavior during the trial reveal about His character and commitment to His mission?
  5. How can the events of Jesus' trial serve as a lesson for contemporary believers in terms of faithfulness and standing up for justice?

 

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively