Christian Religious Studies - Senior Secondary 2 - Concerns for one's nation

Concerns for one's nation

TERM: 3RD TERM

WEEK: 4

CLASS: Senior Secondary School 2
AGE: 16 years
DURATION: 40 minutes (2 periods)
DATE:
SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge
TOPIC: Concerns for One’s Nation

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

  1. Describe the destruction and captivity of Jerusalem
  2. Identify the concerns of Nehemiah, Ezra, and Zerubbabel for their nation
  3. Explain the importance of patriotism and national responsibility
  4. Analyze how believers can respond to the state of the nation
  5. Develop a personal action plan to contribute positively to Nigeria

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Storytelling, Bible reading, discussion, reflection, singing of national anthem, class debate

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Bible (II Kings 24; 25:1-17; Nehemiah 1:1–11; 2:9–20; Ezra 1:5–11; 7:1–10), chart containing National Anthem and National Pledge, CRK textbook

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
PERIOD 1 and 2
PRESENTATION

STEP

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S ACTIVITY

STEP 1

Review: The teacher revisits the previous topic on “Religious Reforms” and asks learners to summarize key points.

Learners respond with their summaries.

STEP 2

Introduction: The teacher begins by singing the National Anthem and asking the class what they know about patriotism.

Learners sing and share their views.

STEP 3

Explanation: The teacher explains:

a. The fall of Jerusalem due to sin and rebellion (II Kings 24–25).

b. Nehemiah’s report and response in prayer and action (Nehemiah 1 & 2).

c. Ezra and Zerubbabel’s efforts to restore spiritual and national life. d. Application: How students can show concern for Nigeria today.

Learners read the Bible passages, participate in discussion and debate.

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING: The teacher writes key points on the board.

Learners copy into their notebooks.

NOTE
CONCERNS FOR ONE’S NATION
A. Destruction of Jerusalem (II Kings 24; 25:1-17)
• The people of Judah disobeyed God; Jerusalem was captured, and the temple was destroyed.
• The nation was taken into exile as a result of their rebellion.

B. Nehemiah’s Concern (Nehemiah 1:1–11; 2:9–20)
• He was moved by the poor state of Jerusalem.
• He fasted, prayed, and sought the king’s permission to rebuild the wall.
• He faced opposition but remained committed.

C. Ezra and Zerubbabel’s Role (Ezra 1:5–11; 7:1–10)
• Ezra restored the law and spiritual discipline.
• Zerubbabel led in rebuilding the temple.
• They both acted out of love for their nation.

D. Application to Nigeria
• Believers must be concerned about moral decay, corruption, insecurity, and poor governance.
• Students can pray, study hard, speak up for truth, and avoid negative societal habits.

E. Patriotism
• Love for one’s nation expressed through action and concern.
• The National Anthem and Pledge teach loyalty and service.

EVALUATION:

  1. What led to the destruction of Jerusalem?
  2. How did Nehemiah respond to the condition of his nation?
  3. What did Ezra and Zerubabel do to help their people?
  4. In what ways can young people show concern for Nigeria today?
  5. What lessons can you learn from the National Pledge?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher encourages students to live as agents of national change and reminds them that God honours those who care for their nation.