The Call of Joshua Christian Religious Studies JSS 1 Second Term Lesson
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) JSS 1 – Second Term Lesson Notes
Week 5: The Call of Joshua to Service
Lesson Details
- Subject: Christian Religious Studies
- Class: JSS 1
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 5
- Age: 10 – 12 years
- Topic: The Call of Joshua to Service
- Sub-topics:
- The Story of Joshua’s Call (Joshua 1:1-18)
- Joshua’s Leadership Qualities
- Significance of Joshua’s Response
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Narrate the story of Joshua’s call and his leadership over Israel.
- Identify the promises God made to Joshua.
- Explain the importance of courage and faith in leadership.
- Discuss the significance of Joshua’s response to God’s call.
Keywords
- Leadership
- Courage
- Promised Land
- Faithfulness
- Commandment
Set Induction
The teacher asks students:
- Have you ever been given a leadership role?
- How did you feel when asked to take responsibility?
- Why do you think good leaders need courage?
These questions introduce the story of Joshua’s call to lead Israel.
Entry Behaviour
Students have learned about Moses’ call and leadership. They will now learn about Joshua, his successor.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Bible (Joshua 1:1-18)
- Chart showing the journey of Israel from Egypt to Canaan
- Picture of Joshua leading the Israelites
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds students that Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and now, Joshua is chosen to take them into the Promised Land.
Embedded Core Skills
- Leadership skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Lesson Content
1. The Story of Joshua’s Call (Joshua 1:1-18)
- After Moses’ death, God called Joshua to take over as the leader of Israel.
- God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous because he would lead the people into the Promised Land.
- Joshua was assured that God would be with him just as He was with Moses.
- God promised that every land Joshua stepped on would belong to Israel.
- Joshua was to obey the Law of Moses and meditate on it day and night.
- God commanded him not to be afraid because He would never leave nor forsake him.
Joshua’s Actions:
- He took command and led the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan.
- He sent spies to check the land of Jericho before conquering it.
- He trusted God’s promise and led Israel to many victories.
2. Joshua’s Leadership Qualities
Joshua demonstrated:
- Courage – He faced difficult battles but trusted God.
- Faithfulness – He obeyed God’s instructions.
- Wisdom – He carefully planned the conquest of Canaan.
- Obedience – He followed God’s commands without fear.
- Strength – He encouraged the Israelites to remain strong in faith.
3. Significance of Joshua’s Response
-
God is not limited by circumstances.
- Even after Moses’ death, God continued His plan through Joshua.
-
God wants us to trust Him for success.
- Joshua trusted God completely and won victories.
-
God expects a positive response to His call.
- Joshua obeyed without hesitation, showing faith in God’s power.
-
God keeps His promises.
- He fulfilled His promise by giving Israel the Promised Land.
-
Leadership requires courage and faith.
- Joshua succeeded because he relied on God’s strength.
Evaluation
Students will answer the following questions:
-
Who led the Israelites after Moses’ death?
a) Aaron
b) Joshua
c) Caleb
d) Gideon -
What did God tell Joshua to be?
a) Afraid and weak
b) Strong and courageous
c) Silent and obedient
d) Quick and careless -
What land did God promise the Israelites?
a) Babylon
b) Egypt
c) Canaan
d) Assyria -
How did Joshua prepare for battle?
a) By running away
b) By consulting magicians
c) By sending spies
d) By ignoring God’s instructions -
Why did Joshua succeed as a leader?
a) He was physically strong
b) He followed God’s commands
c) He depended on Pharaoh
d) He avoided battles
Class Activity Discussion
-
Why did God choose Joshua to lead the Israelites?
- Answer: Because he was faithful and courageous.
-
What were God’s promises to Joshua?
- Answer: That no one would defeat him, and He would always be with him.
-
Why did Joshua have to be courageous?
- Answer: He had to lead the Israelites into battle and into the Promised Land.
-
How did Joshua prepare the Israelites for conquest?
- Answer: He encouraged them and followed God’s instructions.
-
What was Joshua’s greatest achievement?
- Answer: Leading Israel into Canaan.
-
How can we apply Joshua’s courage to our lives?
- Answer: By trusting God in difficult situations.
-
What does the story teach us about leadership?
- Answer: That great leaders trust in God and follow His guidance.
-
Why did God tell Joshua to meditate on the law?
- Answer: So he would always make the right decisions.
-
What does this story teach us about faith?
- Answer: That faith in God brings success.
-
How can we show courage in our daily lives?
- Answer: By standing for what is right, even when afraid.
Presentation Steps
- The teacher revises the previous lesson.
- The teacher narrates the story of Joshua’s call.
- Students discuss Joshua’s leadership qualities.
- The teacher explains the significance of Joshua’s response.
Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities
- Teacher: Explains the lesson, asks questions, and encourages discussion.
- Learners: Listen, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
Evaluation Questions
- Who called Joshua to lead Israel?
- What were the instructions God gave Joshua?
- What did God promise Joshua?
- Why did Joshua need to be strong and courageous?
- How did Joshua show faithfulness to God?
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages students to trust in God’s promises and have courage in life.