Jesus Meets Sinners The Story of Zacchaeus’ Encounter with Jesus Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Lesson Plan for Christian Religious Studies – JSS 2

Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Jesus Meets Sinners
Sub-topic: The Story of Zacchaeus’ Encounter with Jesus
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Identify Jesus as a merciful Lord to sinners.
2. Narrate the story of Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus from Luke 19:1-10.
3. State at least three moral lessons from the encounter.

Keywords:

• Zacchaeus
• Sinners
• Mercy
• Repentance
• Forgiveness

Set Induction:

Ask students if they have ever received forgiveness after doing something wrong and how it made them feel. Lead the discussion towards mercy and how Jesus shows mercy to sinners.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should be familiar with basic Bible stories and know that Jesus teaches love and forgiveness.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• The Bible
• Story illustrations of Zacchaeus and Jesus
• Poster with moral lessons

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned that Jesus performed miracles and taught love. This story shows how Jesus applies his teachings by forgiving Zacchaeus, a sinner.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Moral reasoning
• Listening skills
• Communication skills

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Bible passage (Luke 19:1-10)
• Flashcards with moral lessons

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies
• Bible (Luke 19:1-10)

Instructional Materials:

• Bible story chart
• Flashcards with discussion questions

Content:

I. Jesus as a Merciful Lord to Sinners:

1. Jesus welcomes all people, including sinners, with open arms.
2. He shows mercy and offers forgiveness to those who repent.
3. Jesus’ mission on earth was to save the lost.
4. He forgives sins and helps people start a new life.
5. Jesus does not condemn but encourages change.

II. Story of Zacchaeus’ Encounter with Jesus (Luke 19:1-10):

1. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and a wealthy man.
2. He was not liked by the people because tax collectors were considered sinners.
3. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed a tree because he was short.
4. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and asked to stay at his house.
5. Zacchaeus repented of his sins, promised to give half of his wealth to the poor, and repay anyone he had cheated.
6. Jesus said salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house because he was a son of Abraham.

III. Moral Lessons of the Encounter:

1. Jesus seeks out sinners to save them.
2. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
3. Repentance and restitution are important in seeking forgiveness.
4. Jesus values a change of heart and actions over wealth.
5. Everyone, no matter their past, can be forgiven and accepted by God.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options:

1. Zacchaeus was a ________ (a. farmer, b. tax collector, c. priest).
2. Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a ________ (a. tree, b. boat, c. house).
3. Zacchaeus promised to give half of his wealth to ________ (a. the temple, b. the poor, c. the king).
4. Jesus said ________ had come to Zacchaeus’ house (a. wealth, b. salvation, c. fame).
5. Zacchaeus was happy to ________ (a. meet Jesus, b. climb the tree, c. run away).
6. Jesus shows ________ to sinners (a. punishment, b. mercy, c. anger).
7. Zacchaeus was from the town of ________ (a. Bethlehem, b. Jericho, c. Nazareth).
8. Jesus’ mission was to save the ________ (a. rich, b. powerful, c. lost).
9. People considered Zacchaeus a ________ (a. saint, b. sinner, c. leader).
10. Zacchaeus said he would repay ________ anyone he had cheated (a. double, b. half, c. fourfold).
11. Jesus did not ________ Zacchaeus but showed him love (a. hate, b. condemn, c. praise).
12. Zacchaeus’ job as a tax collector made him ________ (a. poor, b. rich, c. homeless).
13. Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he was ________ (a. tall, b. short, c. young).
14. The people were surprised Jesus wanted to stay with a ________ (a. tax collector, b. king, c. priest).
15. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus changed his ________ (a. job, b. life, c. name).

Class Activity Discussion:

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers:

1. Who was Zacchaeus?
   • He was a tax collector in Jericho.
2. Why did Zacchaeus climb a tree?
   • To see Jesus because he was short.
3. How did Jesus react to Zacchaeus?
   • He called Zacchaeus down and stayed at his house.
4. What did Zacchaeus promise after meeting Jesus?
   • He promised to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay those he cheated.
5. What was the reaction of the people when Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house?
   • They were surprised and grumbled because Zacchaeus was a sinner.
6. Why did Jesus visit Zacchaeus?
   • To show that he came to save sinners.
7. What did Jesus say about salvation?
   • Jesus said salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house.
8. Why is Zacchaeus’ story important?
   • It shows that Jesus offers forgiveness to all, even sinners.
9. What is the lesson of repentance in the story?
   • Zacchaeus repented and made amends for his wrongs.
10. How does the story show Jesus’ mercy?
    • Jesus forgave Zacchaeus despite his past sins.
11. Why was Zacchaeus considered a sinner?
    • He was a tax collector who likely cheated people.
12. What did Jesus mean by calling Zacchaeus a “son of Abraham”?
    • That Zacchaeus was part of God’s chosen people.
13. What does the story teach about wealth and repentance?
    • Repentance and right actions are more valuable than wealth.
14. How did Zacchaeus change after meeting Jesus?
    • He promised to live honestly and help the poor.
15. What does Zacchaeus’ story teach us about forgiveness?
    • No one is beyond forgiveness if they repent.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “The Call of the Disciples.”
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: “Jesus Meets Sinners.”
3. Step 3: The teacher tells the story of Zacchaeus, explaining the importance of Jesus showing mercy to sinners.
4. Step 4: Students are encouraged to share their thoughts, and the teacher provides corrections where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Tell the story of Zacchaeus.
• Explain Jesus’ mercy and love for sinners.
• Encourage student participation and provide guidance during discussions.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the story of Zacchaeus.
• Share personal thoughts on the importance of mercy.
• Answer discussion questions and contribute to class activities.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer):

1. Who was Zacchaeus?
2. Where did Zacchaeus live?
3. Why did Zacchaeus climb the tree?
4. What did Zacchaeus promise after meeting Jesus?
5. What did Jesus say had come to Zacchaeus’ house?
6. Why were people surprised when Jesus stayed with Zacchaeus?
7. What was Zacchaeus’ profession?
8. How did Zacchaeus show repentance?
9. What did Jesus mean by saying Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham?
10. How does this story show that Jesus loves sinners?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback. The teacher emphasizes that Jesus loves and forgives all sinners if they repent.

More Useful Links

• The Call of the Disciples Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Jesus’ Baptism: The Beginning of His Ministry Christian Religious Studies JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3