Understanding Jesus as the Bread of Life and the Living Water: A Journey of Spiritual Fulfillment Christian Religious Studies SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Term: First Term

Week: Week 3

Instructional Materials:

• The Holy Bible

Reference Materials:

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

Previous Knowledge:

Students are expected to have prior knowledge of Jesus as the Light of the World.

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Explain the meaning of “the Living Bread.”
2. Identify what the Living Bread represents.
3. Discuss the spiritual meaning of the Living Water.

Content:

WEEK 3

DATE: ………………………………………….

TOPIC: Jesus as the Living Bread and Water

Biblical References:

• John 6:25-40 (Jesus as the Living Bread)
• John 4:7-15 (Jesus as the Living Water)

Contents:

1. Jesus as the Living Bread

(John 6:25-40)

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus crossed to Capernaum by boat, but the multitude He had fed tracked Him down. Jesus recognized their intention, saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” He indicated that their focus was on the miracle, not His divine purpose.

Jesus urged them to seek “the food that endures to eternal life,” which only the Son of Man, approved by God, can give. When the people asked for a sign to prove that He was sent by God, Jesus responded by explaining that God provided manna in the wilderness as a temporary relief. He then introduced Himself as the “Living Bread” sent from heaven, declaring, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger; and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

Moral Lessons:

1. Christians should base their faith on Jesus, not solely on miracles.
2. Belief should not focus on material possessions but spiritual fulfillment.
3. Dependence on Jesus as a source of life brings true spiritual satisfaction.
4. Physical needs are secondary to spiritual strength and sustenance.
5. Titles and recognition should not be based on what people can offer us.

Significance:

• The “Living Bread” represents the Word of God, revealed through Jesus.
• Faith in Jesus provides assurance of eternal life.
• Sincere seekers of the Lord find spiritual fulfillment.

Evaluation:

1. Describe the events leading to Jesus’ declaration as the “Bread of Life.”
2. Outline three moral lessons from this story.
3. Explain the significance of this teaching.
4. How does this lesson apply to your personal life?

2. Jesus as the Living Water

(John 4:7-15)

During a stop at Jacob’s well in Samaria, Jesus met a Samaritan woman drawing water. He asked her for a drink, surprising her, as Jews typically avoided Samaritans. Jesus revealed to her that if she understood “the gift of God” and recognized who He was, she would ask Him for the “Living Water.”

The woman questioned His ability to give her water without a bucket, but Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; it will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Moral Lessons:

1. The “Living Water” signifies the Holy Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit is available to all believers and satisfies spiritual thirst.
3. Belief in Jesus opens access to the Living Water, which is eternal life.

Significance:

• The “Living Water” symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
• Believers are spiritually fulfilled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Faith in Christ is the pathway to receive the Holy Spirit.

Evaluation:

1. What is the significance of the Living Water?
2. How does the Holy Spirit impact your life?
3. What is the moral lesson in this story?
4. How does this teaching apply to your life?

3. Jesus as the Light of the World

(John 8:12)

Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Moral Lessons:

1. Jesus is the source of spiritual enlightenment.
2. Those who follow Jesus avoid the darkness of sin and confusion.
3. Jesus brings the “light of life,” which illuminates our path and guides us.

Significance:

• Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual truth and guidance.
• Faith in Jesus leads one out of spiritual darkness.
• Following Jesus brings eternal enlightenment and purpose.

Evaluation:

1. What is the significance of Jesus as the Light of the World?
2. How does this apply to your life?
3. What moral lessons can you draw from this story?

4. Values Beyond Food and Water for Growth and Happiness

Sub-Topic: Love

• Love is patient and kind, does not envy, is not arrogant or rude, and rejoices in truth. True love embraces others selflessly and supports growth in others.

General Evaluation Questions:

1. What did Jesus teach about the Living Bread in the Gospel of John?
2. State two significances of Jesus as the Living Bread and Water.
3. Discuss the importance of food and water in human existence.
4. List other essential values for growth and happiness.
5. Share your personal experiences and thoughts on spiritual growth.

Weekend Assignment:

1. The Living Water is water that _______ (a) flows from Jacob’s well (b) provides eternal life (c) is physically refreshing (d) quenches the physical thirst only.
2. Jesus provides ______ to those who believe in Him. (a) Living Bread and Water (b) only physical nourishment (c) temporary solutions (d) miracles only.
3. Explain how Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman reveals His love for all.
4. Define the term “Living Bread.”
5. What role does faith play in receiving the Living Water?

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Review of the previous lesson topic.
2. Step 2: Introduction of the new topic on Jesus as the Living Bread and Living Water.
3. Step 3: Engage students with open-ended questions, allowing them to share examples or personal insights. Correct misconceptions as needed.

Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank)

1. Jesus referred to Himself as the ______ of Life.
   a) Bread
   b) Light
   c) Water
   d) Shepherd
2. In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not ______.”
   a) sleep
   b) hunger
   c) run
   d) thirst
3. Jesus mentioned the living water to the ______ at the well.
   a) disciples
   b) Samaritan woman
   c) Pharisees
   d) Sadducees
4. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman took place at ______ well.
   a) David’s
   b) Jacob’s
   c) Moses’
   d) Abraham’s
5. Jesus explained that whoever drinks the water He provides will never ______.
   a) eat
   b) hunger
   c) thirst
   d) work
6. The living water represents ______.
   a) physical water
   b) eternal life
   c) money
   d) worldly possessions
7. Jesus said that people who come to Him will not hunger and those who believe will never ______.
   a) be sad
   b) be angry
   c) thirst
   d) complain
8. According to John 6, the people asked Jesus to perform a sign like ______ did for their ancestors.
   a) Moses
   b) Abraham
   c) Elijah
   d) David
9. Jesus’ reference to “bread” symbolizes ______.
   a) His wisdom
   b) material wealth
   c) His teachings
   d) earthly food
10. The woman left her ______ after her encounter with Jesus at the well.
    a) water pot
    b) money
    c) house
    d) book
11. Jesus said, “I am the light of the ______.”
    a) night
    b) world
    c) desert
    d) mountain
12. According to John 8:12, Jesus said that anyone who follows Him will not walk in ______.
    a) peace
    b) joy
    c) darkness
    d) pride
13. The living water also symbolizes the ______.
    a) Holy Spirit
    b) gift of wisdom
    c) prophets
    d) angels
14. Jesus’ teachings on being the bread of life were given after the miracle of ______.
    a) water to wine
    b) feeding five thousand
    c) walking on water
    d) calming the storm
15. Jesus said that the bread that came down from heaven gives life to the ______.
    a) disciples
    b) prophets
    c) saints
    d) world

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. Why did Jesus refer to Himself as the “bread of life”?
   Jesus used this phrase to signify that He provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
2. What does “living water” represent in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman?
   The living water represents the Holy Spirit, who gives spiritual satisfaction and eternal life.
3. Why was the Samaritan woman surprised by Jesus’ request for water?
   Because Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other due to cultural and religious differences.
4. What was the significance of the woman leaving her water pot?
   It symbolizes her leaving her past life and earthly concerns to embrace the truth Jesus offered.
5. How did Jesus use physical needs like hunger and thirst to explain spiritual truths?
   Jesus used these common needs as metaphors to teach that belief in Him fulfills deeper, spiritual needs beyond the physical.
6. What is the purpose of the “living bread” according to Jesus?
   The living bread represents Jesus’ teachings, which nourish the soul and lead to eternal life.
7. Why did Jesus say, “Man shall not live by bread alone”?
   He emphasized that spiritual nourishment from God’s word is just as essential as physical food.
8. How did the people respond to Jesus’ teaching about the bread of life?
   They were initially confused and skeptical, often seeking physical signs to believe in Him.
9. Why is faith essential in understanding Jesus’ teachings on the living bread and water?
   Faith allows believers to see beyond physical sustenance and understand the eternal spiritual life Jesus offers.
10. What does it mean to believe in Jesus as the source of “living water”?
    It means trusting in Him for spiritual fulfillment and eternal life through the Holy Spirit.
11. What lesson do Christians learn from the Samaritan woman’s story?
    The story shows that Jesus reaches out to all people, regardless of background, to offer salvation.
12. How does the Holy Spirit satisfy spiritual thirst in believers?
    The Holy Spirit provides guidance, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment that cannot be found in worldly things.
13. What did Jesus mean by saying He is the “light of the world”?
    He meant that He illuminates the path to truth and salvation, guiding believers out of spiritual darkness.
14. How can Christians live as “light” in the world today?
    By following Jesus’ teachings and reflecting His love and truth in their actions.
15. What values besides food and water are essential for spiritual growth?
    Values like love, faith, humility, and patience are necessary for personal and spiritual growth.

Evaluation

1. Describe the circumstances that led Jesus to declare Himself as the “Bread of Life.”
2. What was the significance of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman?
3. List two key lessons from the story of Jesus as the “living bread.”
4. Why did Jesus refer to Himself as the “light of the world”?
5. How does the concept of living water apply to Christian life today?
6. Explain how Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman shows the inclusiveness of His message.
7. What does Jesus mean by saying, “He who believes in me shall never thirst”?
8. How does faith play a role in accepting Jesus as the “bread of life”?
9. Describe two ways in which Jesus satisfies believers spiritually.
10. Explain the symbolic meaning of the “living water” as it pertains to the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key points of the lesson.
• Ensure students understand that Jesus is the source of spiritual nourishment and growth.
• Walk around to verify that notes are copied accurately and clarify doubts as needed.