Joshua’s Call: Leading the Israelites into the Promised Land Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Plan

Subject: Christian Religious Studies

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 5

Age: 11–12 years

Topic: The Call of Joshua to Service (Joshua 1)

Sub-topic: Joshua’s Response to God’s Call and Its Significance

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Narrate the story of Joshua’s call to service from Joshua 1.
2. List and explain the significance of Joshua’s response to God’s call.
3. Understand the impact of Joshua’s leadership on the Israelites.

Keywords:

• Call
• Joshua
• Leadership
• Promised Land
• Command

Set Induction:

Start with a discussion about leadership and following a call to serve. Ask students if they have ever been chosen to lead a group or take on an important task.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have knowledge of previous biblical stories about leaders and their roles. They are familiar with the concept of leadership and service.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Bible
• Storybooks about Joshua
• Visual aids (pictures of Joshua and key events)
• Chalkboard and marker

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about leadership from previous lessons and biblical stories. This lesson will connect Joshua’s leadership to the broader theme of serving and following God’s call.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Leadership
• Decision-making
• Faithfulness

Learning Materials:

• Bible passages (Joshua 1)
• Storybooks on Joshua
• Visual aids (pictures)

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Bible
• Storybooks
• Visual aids

Content

Narration of the Call of Joshua (Joshua 1):

1. God’s Call to Joshua: After the death of Moses, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant, and appointed him as the new leader of the Israelites (Joshua 1:1–2).
2. God’s Command: God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and assured him of His presence and support (Joshua 1:3–5).
3. Encouragement: God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, and to obey the law given to Moses (Joshua 1:6–9).
4. Joshua’s Preparation: Joshua prepared to lead the people by giving instructions to the officers and encouraging the people to be ready for the journey (Joshua 1:10–11).

Significance of Joshua’s Response:

1. Obedience: Joshua’s willingness to follow God’s command demonstrated his obedience and faithfulness (Joshua 1:16–18).
2. Leadership: Joshua’s response highlighted his readiness to take on the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
3. Inspiration: Joshua’s example inspired the Israelites to trust in God and follow His guidance.
4. Fulfillment of God’s Plan: Joshua’s leadership was crucial in fulfilling God’s promise to the Israelites about the land flowing with milk and honey.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. Who was appointed as the new leader of the Israelites after Moses?
   a. David
   b. Samuel
   c. Joshua
   d. Solomon
2. God spoke to Joshua after the death of _______.
   a. Abraham
   b. Isaac
   c. Moses
   d. Jacob
3. God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the _______ Land.
   a. Desert
   b. Promised
   c. Forbidden
   d. Lost
4. Joshua was instructed to be _______ and courageous.
   a. Afraid
   b. Happy
   c. Strong
   d. Weak
5. God promised to be with Joshua as He was with _______.
   a. Abraham
   b. Moses
   c. David
   d. Solomon
6. Joshua prepared the people by giving instructions to the _______.
   a. Priests
   b. Soldiers
   c. Officers
   d. Prophets
7. Joshua was encouraged to obey the _______ given to Moses.
   a. Commands
   b. Laws
   c. Prayers
   d. Songs
8. Joshua’s leadership was crucial for the _______ of the Promised Land.
   a. Rejection
   b. Discovery
   c. Fulfillment
   d. Loss
9. What was Joshua’s role according to God’s command?
   a. To stay in the wilderness
   b. To lead the Israelites into the Promised Land
   c. To build a temple
   d. To fight alone
10. Joshua’s response demonstrated his _______ and faithfulness.
    a. Doubt
    b. Obedience
    c. Anger
    d. Indifference
11. What did God assure Joshua about his mission?
    a. It would be easy
    b. He would fail
    c. He would be victorious
    d. He would face no challenges
12. Joshua was encouraged to keep the _______ always on his lips.
    a. Prayers
    b. Laws
    c. Songs
    d. Stories
13. What did Joshua instruct the people to do before crossing into the Promised Land?
    a. Rest
    b. Prepare
    c. Leave
    d. Fast
14. The Israelites were promised a land flowing with milk and _______.
    a. Water
    b. Bread
    c. Honey
    d. Fruit
15. Joshua’s response inspired the Israelites to trust in _______.
    a. Their own strength
    b. Moses
    c. God
    d. The kings

Class Activity Discussion:

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Who called Joshua to lead the Israelites?
   Answer: God.
2. What was Joshua’s main task after being called by God?
   Answer: To lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
3. How did God assure Joshua of his mission?
   Answer: By promising His presence and support.
4. What qualities did God encourage Joshua to have?
   Answer: Strength and courage.
5. What did Joshua need to obey according to God’s command?
   Answer: The law given to Moses.
6. How did Joshua prepare the people for their journey?
   Answer: By giving instructions and encouraging them.
7. What was significant about Joshua’s response to God’s call?
   Answer: It showed his obedience, leadership, and faithfulness.
8. How did Joshua’s leadership impact the Israelites?
   Answer: It inspired them to trust in God and follow His guidance.
9. What was the significance of the Promised Land?
   Answer: It was the land God promised to give to the Israelites.
10. What was God’s promise to Joshua about his mission?
    Answer: That He would be with Joshua and support him.
11. How did Joshua demonstrate his faithfulness?
    Answer: By accepting and carrying out God’s command.
12. What did God ask Joshua to do in relation to the law?
    Answer: To keep it on his lips and obey it.
13. What was the response of the Israelites to Joshua’s leadership?
    Answer: They followed his instructions and prepared to enter the Promised Land.
14. Why was Joshua chosen to lead the Israelites?
    Answer: Because of his faithfulness and readiness to follow God’s command.
15. What does Joshua’s story teach us about leadership?
    Answer: It teaches about obedience, courage, and the importance of following God’s guidance.

Presentation:

Step 1:

The teacher revises the previous topic, which was The Call of Moses.

Step 2:

The teacher introduces the new topic by narrating the story of Joshua’s call to service from Joshua 1 and discussing its significance.

Step 3:

The teacher allows students to contribute their thoughts on Joshua’s response and its impact, correcting them where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Narrate the story of Joshua’s call from Joshua 1.
• Explain the significance of Joshua’s response.
• Facilitate discussions and answer questions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the narration of Joshua’s call.
• Participate in discussions and answer questions.
• Complete the fill-in-the-blank questions and engage in the class activity discussion.

Assessment: Evaluation Questions

1. What was Joshua’s role after Moses’ death?
   Answer: To lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
2. What did God promise Joshua about his leadership?
   Answer: That He would be with him and support him.
3. How did Joshua demonstrate his readiness to lead?
   Answer: By following God’s instructions and preparing the people.
4. What qualities did God emphasize to Joshua?
   Answer: Strength and courage.
5. What was the significance of the Promised Land for the Israelites?
   Answer: It was the land God promised them.
6. How did God encourage Joshua in his mission?
   Answer: By promising His presence and support.
7. What was Joshua’s response to God’s call?
   Answer: He accepted the call and took leadership.
8. What role did the law play in Joshua’s leadership?
   Answer: Joshua was to obey and keep it.
9. How did Joshua prepare the Israelites for their journey?
   Answer: By giving instructions and encouraging them.
10. What does Joshua’s story teach us about responding to a call to service?
    Answer: It teaches about obedience, trust, and leadership.

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ answers, provide feedback, and ensure understanding of Joshua’s call and response.

More Useful Links

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