Moses’ Call: From Burning Bush to Leadership Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Lesson Plan

Subject: Christian Religious Studies

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 4

Age: 11–12 years

Topic: The Call of Moses (Exodus 3)

Sub-topic: Moses’ 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 Moses’ call by God from Exodus 3.
2. Describe Moses’ response to God’s call and explain its significance.
3. Discuss the impact of Moses’ response on his life and the lives of the Israelites.

Keywords:

• Call
• Burning Bush
• Moses
• Egypt
• Pharaoh

Set Induction:

Begin with a brief discussion on what it means to be called to do something important. Ask students if they have ever been called to help with something significant and how they responded.

Entry Behaviour:

Students are familiar with basic Bible stories and know about Moses as an important biblical figure.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Bible
• Storybooks about Moses
• Picture illustrations of the burning bush
• Chalkboard and marker

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students know about Moses from previous lessons or Bible stories. This lesson will connect his call and response to broader themes of obedience and leadership.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Reflection
• Understanding leadership

Learning Materials:

• Bible passages (Exodus 3)
• Storybooks on Moses
• Visual aids (pictures of the burning bush)

Reference Books:

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

Instructional Materials:

• Bible
• Storybooks
• Visual aids (pictures)

Content

Narration of the Call of Moses (Exodus 3):

1. The Burning Bush: Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, when he saw a bush that was on fire but not burning up. This was a sign from God (Exodus 3:1–3).
2. God’s Call: From the burning bush, God called Moses by name and instructed him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:4–5).
3. Mission to Egypt: God told Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and had chosen Moses to lead them out of slavery (Exodus 3:7–10).
4. Moses’ Doubts: Moses expressed doubts about his ability to carry out this mission. He questioned why Pharaoh would listen to him and how he would convince the Israelites that God had sent him (Exodus 3:11–13).
5. God’s Assurance: God assured Moses that He would be with him and provided signs to prove that Moses was sent by God, including turning his staff into a serpent (Exodus 3:14–22).

Moses’ Response and Its Significance:

1. Reluctance and Objections: Moses initially resisted the call by raising concerns about his speaking abilities and his lack of confidence (Exodus 3:11; 4:10).
2. God’s Support: God reassured Moses by providing his brother Aaron as a spokesperson and promising His presence (Exodus 4:14–16).
3. Acceptance of the Call: Eventually, Moses accepted the call and returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites, demonstrating his obedience and faith in God (Exodus 4:18–20).

Significance of Moses’ Response:

• Obedience: Moses’ acceptance of God’s call showed obedience and trust in God’s plan, despite his initial doubts.
• Leadership: His willingness to lead the Israelites out of Egypt marked a significant moment in the history of Israel.
• God’s Plan: Moses’ response highlighted how God prepares and equips individuals for important tasks.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

1. Moses saw a _______ that was burning but not consumed by fire.
   a. Tree
   b. Bush
   c. Lamp
   d. House
2. God called Moses from the _______ bush.
   a. Burning
   b. Green
   c. Dry
   d. Red
3. Moses was instructed to take off his _______ because he was on holy ground.
   a. Shoes
   b. Hat
   c. Coat
   d. Gloves
4. God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of _______.
   a. Babylon
   b. Assyria
   c. Egypt
   d. Canaan
5. Moses expressed doubts about his ability to _______ Pharaoh.
   a. Fight
   b. Convince
   c. Escape
   d. Befriend
6. God provided Moses with signs, such as turning his staff into a _______.
   a. Snake
   b. Bird
   c. Fish
   d. Wolf
7. Moses was tending his flock for his _______ in-law when he saw the burning bush.
   a. Sister
   b. Brother
   c. Father
   d. Mother
8. Moses initially _______ the call to lead the Israelites.
   a. Embraced
   b. Ignored
   c. Accepted
   d. Resisted
9. God promised to be with Moses and provide a _______ to speak for him.
   a. Soldier
   b. Friend
   c. King
   d. Spokesperson
10. Moses was _______ by God to perform miracles as signs of His power.
    a. Sent
    b. Taught
    c. Chosen
    d. Tested
11. Moses’ response to God’s call demonstrated his _______ and faith.
    a. Fear
    b. Obedience
    c. Anger
    d. Jealousy
12. God told Moses to tell the Israelites that _______ had sent him.
    a. Pharaoh
    b. His father
    c. The Lord
    d. A prophet
13. Moses’ brother _______ was chosen to assist him in speaking to Pharaoh.
    a. Jacob
    b. Aaron
    c. David
    d. Joseph
14. God’s call to Moses was significant because it marked the _______ of the Israelites from Egypt.
    a. Return
    b. Victory
    c. Exodus
    d. Defeat
15. The burning bush was a _______ from God to show His presence.
    a. Warning
    b. Miracle
    c. Test
    d. Vision

Class Activity Discussion:

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What was the sign that God used to call Moses?
   Answer: The burning bush.
2. What did God ask Moses to do at the burning bush?
   Answer: To take off his sandals because he was on holy ground.
3. What was Moses’ initial reaction to God’s call?
   Answer: He was reluctant and expressed doubts.
4. What mission did God give to Moses?
   Answer: To lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
5. How did God reassure Moses about his mission?
   Answer: By providing signs and giving him Aaron as a spokesperson.
6. What was one of the signs God gave to Moses?
   Answer: Turning his staff into a serpent.
7. Why was Moses concerned about speaking to Pharaoh?
   Answer: He was worried about his speaking abilities and Pharaoh’s response.
8. Who did God choose to help Moses speak to Pharaoh?
   Answer: His brother Aaron.
9. What does Moses’ story teach us about responding to God’s call?
   Answer: It teaches us about obedience, trust, and accepting challenges.
10. What was significant about the burning bush?
    Answer: It was a miraculous sign of God’s presence and call.
11. How did Moses prepare for his mission after God’s call?
    Answer: He accepted the call, returned to Egypt, and prepared to lead the Israelites.
12. What did Moses ask God about how he should identify God to the Israelites?
    Answer: He asked what name he should use to tell the Israelites who had sent him.
13. What was the first thing God told Moses to do when he saw the burning bush?
    Answer: To remove his sandals because the place was holy.
14. How did Moses react when he saw the burning bush?
    Answer: He was curious and went closer to investigate.
15. What does the story of Moses’ call highlight about God’s plans?
    Answer: It shows that God has a plan for individuals and equips them to fulfill their missions.

Presentation:

Step 1:

The teacher revises the previous topic, which was Joseph’s Response to the Call to Service.

Step 2:

The teacher introduces the new topic by narrating the story of Moses’ call from the burning bush, highlighting its significance and Moses’ response.

Step 3:

The teacher facilitates a discussion on the significance of Moses’ response to God’s call and its impact on his life and mission.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Narrate the story of Moses’ call from Exodus 3.
• Discuss Moses’ response and its significance.
• Guide students in answering questions and participating in discussions.

Learners’ Activities:

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

Assessment: Evaluation Questions

1. What did God use to call Moses?
   Answer: The burning bush.
2. What was Moses’ main objection to God’s call?
   Answer: His speaking ability and the challenge of convincing Pharaoh.
3. How did God respond to Moses’ doubts?
   Answer: By providing signs and appointing Aaron as a spokesperson.
4. What does the burning bush symbolize in Moses’ story?
   Answer: God’s presence and miraculous call.
5. Who was Moses’ spokesperson?
   Answer: His brother Aaron.
6. What was Moses asked to do in response to God’s call?
   Answer: Lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
7. What was the initial reaction of Moses to the burning bush?
   Answer: Curiosity and hesitation.
8. What was the mission given to Moses by God?
   Answer: To deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
9. How did Moses prepare for his mission after God’s call?
   Answer: By accepting the call and returning to Egypt.
10. What does the story of Moses’ call teach about leadership?
    Answer: It teaches about obedience, trust, and the importance of accepting responsibilities.

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ answers, provide feedback, and ensure understanding of the lesson on Moses’ call and response.

More Useful Links

• Joshua’s Call: Leading the Israelites into the Promised Land Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Abraham’s Obedience: A Test of Faith Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
• Mid-Term Assessment and Break with Assessment Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 7