Jesus as Our Guide: The Lamb, the Door, and the Good Shepherd Christian Religious Studies SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Topic: Jesus as the Lamb, the Door, and the Good Shepherd

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Term: First Term

Week: 1

Age: 13-15 years

Instructional Materials:

• The Holy Bible

Reference Materials:

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum

Previous Knowledge:

Students are familiar with the foundational teachings of Christianity from JSS 3.

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Identify Jesus as the Lamb of God.
2. Explain the significance of Jesus as the door and the good shepherd.
3. State the characteristics of a good shepherd.
4. Describe the functions of a door and relate it to Jesus as a spiritual entrance.
5. Differentiate between a good shepherd and a hireling.

Content:

Week 1

Topic: Jesus as the Lamb, the Door, and the Good Shepherd

Sub-Topic 1: Jesus as the Lamb

John the Baptist declared Jesus as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world, signifying Him as the ultimate, sinless sacrifice. Jesus’s death replaced the Jewish sacrificial lamb, offering everlasting forgiveness.

Significance of Jesus as the Lamb:

1. Jesus is the ultimate atonement, replacing traditional sacrifices.
2. He died innocently for the salvation of humanity.
3. His sacrifice was voluntary, in accordance with God’s will.
4. Jesus’s sacrifice is everlasting and sufficient for all sins.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Lamb of God who takes away my sins. I believe that your blood was shed for me on the cross and is sufficient for forgiveness. Amen.

Sub-Topic 2: Jesus as the Door

In John 10:7-9, Jesus describes Himself as the “door” to salvation. This metaphor means He is the only pathway to a relationship with God and eternal life. This also suggests a spiritual gatekeeper role, protecting His followers.

Significance of Jesus as the Door:

1. Jesus provides entrance to eternal life.
2. As a “door,” He offers security and protection to believers.

Sub-Topic 3: Jesus as the Good Shepherd

Jesus explains that a good shepherd is responsible for the safety and guidance of His sheep. Unlike hirelings, who abandon the sheep when danger arises, a good shepherd sacrifices for His sheep.

Qualities of a Good Shepherd:

1. Courage
2. Self-sacrifice
3. Diligence in care for the sheep
4. Humility and honesty

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for being the Good Shepherd. I repent of following false leaders. I receive Your forgiveness. Amen.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the _______ of God.
   A. Son
   B. King
   C. Shepherd
   D. Lamb
2. Jesus is the _______ who takes away the sins of the world.
   A. Messiah
   B. Lamb
   C. Teacher
   D. King
3. In John 10, Jesus calls Himself the _______ of the sheep.
   A. Door
   B. Roof
   C. Wall
   D. Gate
4. Jesus’s role as the door means He provides _______ to eternal life.
   A. Barriers
   B. Entrance
   C. Restrictions
   D. Locks
5. The Good Shepherd _______ for His sheep.
   A. Abandons
   B. Fights
   C. Lays down His life
   D. Ignores
6. False shepherds come to _______.
   A. Teach
   B. Preach
   C. Steal
   D. Protect
7. The qualities of a good shepherd include _______.
   A. Selfishness
   B. Diligence
   C. Pride
   D. Greed
8. Jesus’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God is _______.
   A. Temporary
   B. Insufficient
   C. Eternal
   D. Conditional
9. Jesus as the door provides _______ to believers.
   A. Obstacle
   B. Opportunity
   C. Security
   D. Challenge
10. A _______ does not care about the sheep and will flee from danger.
    A. Good Shepherd
    B. Hireling
    C. King
    D. Savior
11. Jesus is described as the _______ of God by John the Baptist.
    A. Teacher
    B. Angel
    C. Lamb
    D. King
12. The Good Shepherd knows his _______.
    A. Enemies
    B. Followers
    C. Sheep
    D. Wealth
13. Jesus’s role as the Lamb signifies a _______ for humanity’s sins.
    A. Commandment
    B. Payment
    C. Sacrifice
    D. Rule
14. The _______ watches over the sheep with care and love.
    A. Shepherd
    B. Angel
    C. King
    D. Prophet
15. Jesus is the _______ through which believers find salvation.
    A. Fence
    B. Door
    C. River
    D. Star

Class Activity Discussion:

1. Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?
   Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He was sacrificed to take away the sins of the world.
2. What does it mean that Jesus is the door?
   It means that He is the only way to salvation and eternal life.
3. Why is Jesus referred to as the Good Shepherd?
   He cares deeply for His followers and willingly laid down His life for them.
4. Who was John the Baptist?
   A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus.
5. What does a shepherd do?
   A shepherd leads, protects, and provides for the sheep.
6. How does Jesus’s sacrifice impact Christians?
   It offers forgiveness and everlasting life to all believers.
7. Why is a door a good metaphor for Jesus?
   A door symbolizes entry, protection, and the only path to safety.
8. What are the qualities of a good shepherd?
   Courage, self-sacrifice, dedication, and love for the sheep.
9. How does a hireling differ from a good shepherd?
   A hireling flees at danger, but a good shepherd protects his sheep.
10. What is the significance of Jesus’s role as the Lamb?
    He fulfilled the ultimate sacrifice needed for humanity’s salvation.

Evaluation Questions:

1. Define the term “Lamb of God” and its significance.
2. Describe how Jesus is like a shepherd to His followers.
3. How does Jesus’s sacrifice differ from the old sacrificial system?
4. What qualities should a good shepherd have?
5. Explain why Jesus referred to Himself as the door.
6. Who are the hirelings, according to the Bible?
7. How does the Good Shepherd demonstrate His love for the sheep?
8. Describe the role of a door in a believer’s life.
9. In what ways is Jesus’s sacrifice different from that of animals in the Old Testament?
10. What assurance does Jesus give His followers by calling Himself the Good Shepherd?

Conclusion:

The teacher will summarize the lesson by reinforcing that Jesus, as the Lamb, sacrificed Himself for humanity; as the Door, He offers a path to salvation; and as the Good Shepherd, He cares for His followers.