CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES JSS2

LESSON NOTES FIRST TERM

SCHEME OF WORK

Week Topic
WEEK 1 The Annunciation
WEEK 2 The Birth of Jesus
WEEK 3 The Visit of the Wise Men
WEEK 4 and 5 The Visit of the Shepherds
WEEK 6 Midterm Test
WEEK 7 The Value of Virginity and Faithfulness after Marriage
WEEK 8 Meaning and Significance of the Virgin Birth of Jesus
WEEK 9 Jesus and His Family
WEEK 10 Jesus' Understanding of Family and Baptism of Jesus
WEEK 11 Revision

WEEK 12 Examination

WEEK 1
THE ANNUNCIATION
Scripture Reference: Isa. 9:6-7; Matt 1:22-23; Luke 1:30-33

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Narrate the story of the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary.
2. Explain the meaning of the word 'Annunciation'.
3. State the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the Annunciation.
4. Explain the significance of Mary's response to the angel.
5. Appreciate the humility and obedience of Mary as a model of faith.

INTRODUCTION: The Annunciation is the biblical event in which the angel Gabriel appeared
to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth to announce that she would conceive and give birth to a son to be
called Jesus, the Son of the Most High. It is a hinge moment in salvation history when God's
eternal plan of redemption, foretold centuries earlier through the prophets, began to unfold
through the willing cooperation of a humble young woman. This lesson explores the
 Annunciation as recorded in Luke's Gospel and its roots in Old Testament prophecy.

The Setting: Nazareth and the Betrothal of Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26-27)
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a small and rather insignificant town in
Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. Mary was already pledged (betrothed) to be married to a man named
Joseph, who was of the house and line of King David. Betrothal in Jewish culture was a legally
binding agreement, more serious than a modern engagement; it could only be broken by formal
divorce, even though the couple did not yet live together.
That God chose an obscure town like Nazareth, and an ordinary young woman with no wealth or
status, shows His pattern of working through the humble and the overlooked to accomplish His
greatest purposes.

The Angel's Greeting and Mary's Reaction (Luke 1:28-29)

Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with
you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this could be. Her
reaction shows that this was no ordinary encounter; the sudden appearance of an angel and his
extraordinary words unsettled her, yet she remained composed enough to think carefully about what
was happening.

The Angel's Announcement (Luke 1:30-33)

Gabriel reassured her: "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive
and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of
the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over
Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
This announcement is one of the richest statements in Scripture. It tells us that the child would be
great, divine (Son of the Most High), royal (heir to David's throne), and eternal (a kingdom that will
never end). In a few short sentences, the angel summarised the entire mission and identity of the
Messiah.

Mary's Question and the Angel's Explanation (Luke 1:34-35)

Mary asked, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" Her question was not one of doubt (unlike
Zechariah's earlier question, which brought a rebuke) but of genuine enquiry about the manner of the
conception. Gabriel explained: "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." This explains that
Jesus would be conceived by the direct, miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, without a human father.

Fulfilment of Prophecy (Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:22-23)

Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah had foretold: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and
the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no
end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice
and righteousness from that time on and forever" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Matthew's Gospel later confirms that the virgin conception fulfilled Isaiah's other prophecy: "The
virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means 'God
with us') (Matt 1:22-23; cf. Isaiah 7:14). The Annunciation therefore stands at the meeting point of
centuries of prophecy and its precise fulfilment in history.
 Mary's Response of Faith and Obedience (Luke 1:38)
Mary answered, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." This response, often
called Mary's 'fiat' (Latin for 'let it be'), is one of the greatest examples of faith and submission in the
whole Bible. She did not fully understand how this would happen, nor could she foresee the
difficulties her pregnancy would bring - the risk of public shame, Joseph's possible rejection, and the
demands of raising the Messiah - yet she surrendered herself completely to God's plan.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. God chooses the humble and lowly to accomplish His greatest purposes.
2. True faith responds to God's word with obedience, not mere intellectual agreement.
3. Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
4. God keeps His promises exactly as He said, even after hundreds of years.
5. We must be willing, like Mary, to say yes to God's will even when we do not fully understand it.

WEEK 2
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Scripture Reference: Matt 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Narrate the circumstances surrounding Joseph's discovery of Mary's pregnancy.
2. Explain the significance of the angel's message to Joseph in a dream.
3. Describe the census of Caesar Augustus and the journey to Bethlehem.
4. Narrate the events of the birth of Jesus in the manger.
5. Explain the significance of Jesus being born in humble circumstances.

INTRODUCTION: The birth of Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of centuries of prophecy and the
central turning point of human history, yet it took place in the humblest of circumstances - a poor
couple, a long journey, and a manger for a cradle. This lesson combines Matthew's account,
which focuses on Joseph's experience, with Luke's account, which describes the census and the
actual birth in Bethlehem.

Joseph's Dilemma (Matt 1:18-19)

Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be
pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband-to-be, was a righteous man and did
not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Under Jewish law, a
betrothal could only be ended by a certificate of divorce, and unfaithfulness during betrothal was
treated as seriously as adultery, which could carry severe social and even legal consequences. Joseph's
decision to act quietly, rather than publicly shame Mary, shows his character as a compassionate and
righteous man.

The Angel's Message to Joseph (Matt 1:20-21)

While Joseph considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son
of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from
the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins."
The name 'Jesus' (Hebrew: Yeshua/Joshua) means 'Yahweh saves' or 'the Lord is salvation'. The
angel's instruction made the purpose of the child's coming unmistakably clear from the very
beginning: He would save people from their sins, not merely from political oppression, as many Jews
of the time expected of the Messiah.

Fulfilment of Prophecy (Matt 1:22-23)

Matthew tells us that all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The
virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means 'God
with us'). This links the birth of Jesus directly to Isaiah 7:14 and reveals a central truth of the Christian
faith - that in Jesus, God Himself came to dwell among human beings.

Joseph's Obedience (Matt 1:24-25)

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home
as his wife. He did not consummate the marriage until she gave birth to a son, and he gave him the
name Jesus. Joseph's quiet, immediate obedience - despite the social risk of taking a pregnant woman
as his wife - is a model of quiet faithfulness to God's instruction.

The Decree of Caesar Augustus and the Journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5)
In those days, Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, issued a decree that a census should be taken of
the entire Roman world. Everyone had to travel to their own town to register. Because Joseph
belonged to the house and line of David, he went from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the town of
David in Judea, together with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
This ordinary act of imperial administration became the means by which God fulfilled the ancient
prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). God used the decisions of a
pagan emperor, without Augustus even knowing it, to accomplish His sovereign purposes.

The Birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:6-7)

While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born, and Mary gave birth to her
firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest
room available for them. A manger was a feeding trough for animals, usually found in a stable or a
lower level of a home used to shelter animals.
That the King of Kings was laid in an animal's feeding trough, with no room found for His parents in
the inn, is one of the most striking pictures of humility in the entire Bible. God chose to enter human
history not in comfort and grandeur, but in poverty and lowliness, identifying with the ordinary and
the overlooked from the very moment of His birth.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. God fulfils His word exactly, down to details such as the very place of birth.
2. Obedience to God sometimes requires trusting Him with our reputation and making hard, faith-
filled decisions.
3. God identifies with the poor and lowly - Jesus was born in a manger, not a palace.
4. The name 'Jesus' reminds us that dealing with sin is at the very centre of God's purpose for coming
to earth.
5. Even circumstances beyond our control, such as government decisions, can be used by God to fulfil
His purposes.

WEEK 3
THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN
Scripture Reference: Matt 2:1-12

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Identify who the wise men (Magi) were and where they likely came from.
2. Narrate the story of the star and the journey of the wise men.
3. Explain Herod's reaction to the news of the birth of a king.
4. State the gifts given to Jesus and explain their symbolic meaning.
5. Explain the significance of the wise men being warned in a dream.

INTRODUCTION: The visit of the wise men (Magi) to the infant Jesus, recorded only in
Matthew's Gospel, shows that the birth of the Messiah was of significance not just to the Jewish
people but to the entire world, including learned Gentiles from a distant land. Their journey,
worship, and gifts, alongside King Herod's fearful and murderous response, reveal both the
wonder and the opposition that surrounded the coming of Christ.

Who Were the Magi? (Matt 2:1)

Matthew tells us that Magi (wise men) came from the east to Jerusalem after Jesus was born in
Bethlehem, during the time of King Herod. The Magi were most likely scholars, astrologers, or
priestly advisers from regions such as Persia or Babylon, skilled in the study of the stars and ancient
prophecies. They were Gentiles, not Jews, showing from the very beginning that the good news of
Christ's coming was for all nations, not for the Jewish people alone.
The Bible does not state how many wise men there were; the popular tradition of 'three' wise men
comes from the fact that three gifts were given, not from an actual headcount in Scripture. Their
names, too, are the product of later Christian tradition rather than the biblical text.

The Star and the Journey (Matt 2:2, 9-10)

The Magi came asking, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when
it rose and have come to worship him." A special star, understood as a sign from God, guided them on
their long journey, eventually stopping over the place where the child was. When they saw the star,
they were overjoyed. Their willingness to travel such a great distance in pursuit of the newborn king
is a picture of earnest, determined seeking after Christ.

Herod's Troubled Reaction (Matt 2:3-8)

When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Herod the Great was a
ruthless and paranoid ruler who had executed even members of his own family whom he suspected of
threatening his throne. He called together the chief priests and teachers of the law and asked them
where the Messiah was to be born. They quoted the prophet Micah: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land
of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will
shepherd my people Israel" (Micah 5:2).
Herod then secretly called the Magi and asked them to find out exactly where the child was,
pretending that he too wished to worship him, when in truth he intended to kill the child, whom he
saw as a rival to his throne.

The Worship and the Gifts (Matt 2:9-11)

The star that they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the
child was. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down
and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.
These gifts carried deep symbolic meaning: gold, a gift fit for a king, pointed to Jesus' royalty;
frankincense, a fragrant incense used in worship, pointed to His deity and priestly role; and myrrh, a
spice used in burial and embalming, pointed prophetically to His suffering and death for the sins of
the world.

The Warning in a Dream (Matt 2:12)

Having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, the Magi returned to their country by
another route. This act of divine protection shows God's providence at work, guarding the child Jesus
even before He could speak or defend Himself, and frustrating the murderous plans of Herod.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Gentiles, and indeed all nations, are included in the worship of the true King, Jesus Christ.
2. True worship involves sacrifice - the wise men gave costly and meaningful gifts.
3. Jealousy and pride, as seen in Herod, lead people to oppose and even fight against God's purposes.
4. God protects His own and guides those who genuinely and diligently seek Him.
5. Seeking Jesus should be a determined pursuit, worth even a long and difficult journey.

WEEK 4 and 5
THE VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

 1. Narrate the appearance of the angel to the shepherds near Bethlehem.
2. Explain the significance of shepherds being among the first to hear the good news.
3. Describe the sign given to the shepherds to identify the baby Jesus.
4. Narrate what the shepherds did after visiting Jesus.
5. Explain the meaning of the angels' declaration, 'Glory to God in the highest'.

INTRODUCTION: While the wise men from the East represented the wealthy and learned of
the world, the shepherds who visited Jesus on the night of His birth represented the poor and the
lowly of Jewish society. Luke's account of the shepherds' visit shows the wide reach of the good
news of Christ's birth - it was announced first not to kings and priests, but to ordinary working
men watching their flocks by night.

The Shepherds and Their Flocks (Luke 2:8)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. In
first-century Jewish society, shepherds occupied a low social position; their work made regular
attendance at temple worship difficult, and some rabbinic traditions of the time even considered their
testimony unreliable in a court of law. That God chose to announce the birth of the Messiah first to
such humble men is deeply significant.

The Angel's Appearance and Message (Luke 2:9-12)

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy
for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
The message emphasised that this good news was 'for all the people' - not for a select few, but for the
whole of humanity. The 'sign' given was strikingly humble: a baby, not in royal robes, but wrapped in
plain cloths and lying in a feeding trough.

The Heavenly Host and the Song of Praise (Luke 2:13-14)

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests." This
declaration links the birth of Christ to two great themes: the glory that belongs to God alone, and the
peace that His coming would bring to those who receive Him in faith.

The Shepherds' Response - Haste and Obedience (Luke 2:15-16)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried
off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Their immediate, urgent
response - hurrying off without delay - is an example of a faith that acts promptly on God's word.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. God reveals Himself to the humble and lowly, not only to the powerful and important.
2. The good news of the gospel is meant to be shared with others, not kept to oneself.
3. A genuine encounter with Christ leads naturally to praise and worship.
4. We should respond to God's call with urgency, just as the shepherds 'hurried off'.
5. Like Mary, we should ponder and treasure God's word carefully in our hearts.

WEEK 6
MIDTERM TEST
(Revision of Weeks 1-5)

WEEK 7
THE VALUE OF VIRGINITY AND FAITHFULNESS AFTER MARRIAGE
Scripture Reference: 1 Cor 6:18-20; 1 Thess 4:3-8; Heb 13:4; Matt 1:24-25

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Explain what virginity and sexual purity mean from a Christian perspective.
2. State Bible passages that teach the value of purity before marriage.
3. Explain what faithfulness in marriage means.
4. State the consequences of sexual immorality and the benefits of purity.
5. Develop personal convictions to remain pure before and within marriage.

INTRODUCTION: Building on the story of the Virgin Birth, this lesson turns to a practical
moral topic that is directly relevant to the lives of young people: the Christian value placed on
virginity before marriage and faithfulness within marriage. The Bible presents sexual purity not
as an outdated restriction, but as God's good design for protecting the dignity of the human body,
the strength of marriage, and the wellbeing of society.

The Meaning of Virginity and Chastity

Virginity refers to a person who has never had sexual relations, while chastity (or purity) refers more
broadly to the discipline of keeping oneself sexually pure - abstaining from sexual relations outside of
marriage, whether one has been sexually active before or not. In Christian teaching, both are viewed
as expressions of self-control and respect for God's design for sex, which He intended to be enjoyed
only within the marriage covenant.

Biblical Teaching on Sexual Purity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)

Paul instructs believers, "Flee from sexual immorality... Do you not know that your bodies are
temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies" (1 Cor 6:18-20).
Similarly, Paul writes, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual
immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and
honourable... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life" (1 Thess 4:3-7). These
passages teach that sexual purity is not simply a rule to be obeyed, but a matter of honouring God
with the body He has given us.

The Example of Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:24-25)

When Joseph took Mary as his wife, he 'had no union with her until she gave birth to a son'. Even
though they were legally married, Joseph exercised self-control and respected God's timing regarding
the birth of Jesus. This is a powerful biblical example of discipline and respect within a relationship.

Marriage as God's Design and the Call to Faithfulness (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4)
From the beginning, God designed marriage as a permanent, exclusive union: "That is why a man
leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
Hebrews 13:4 adds, "Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God
will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Faithfulness after marriage means remaining
sexually and emotionally loyal to one's spouse alone, avoiding adultery (Exodus 20:14; Matthew
5:27-28) and any relationship that threatens the marriage covenant.

Consequences of Immorality and Benefits of Purity

Sexual immorality can bring broken trust, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, deep
guilt, damaged relationships, and family breakdown. In contrast, purity before marriage and
faithfulness within it build trust, mutual respect, peace of conscience, and God's blessing on the home.
• Guard the eyes and the mind against tempting images and thoughts.
• Choose friends and relationships that encourage godly living.
• Dress modestly and avoid situations that could lead to compromise.
• Stay busy with worthwhile activities - academics, sports, ministry, hobbies.
• Pray regularly and seek accountability from trusted parents, teachers, or church leaders.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Our bodies belong to God and should be honoured, not defiled.
2. True love is patient and respects boundaries; it does not demand what belongs only within
marriage.
3. Purity before marriage lays a strong foundation of trust for marriage.
4. Faithfulness in marriage reflects God's own faithfulness to His covenant people.
5. God offers grace and a fresh start to anyone who has failed in this area and turns back to Him in
repentance.

WEEK 8
MEANING and SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS
Scripture Reference: Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23; Luke 1:34-37

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES
 By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Explain what is meant by the 'Virgin Birth' of Jesus.
2. State the Bible passages that teach the Virgin Birth.
3. Explain the doctrinal significance of the Virgin Birth for the identity of Jesus.
4. Explain why the Virgin Birth was necessary for Jesus to be both fully God and fully man, and
sinless.
5. Give a simple, faith-based response to common questions about the Virgin Birth.

INTRODUCTION: Having studied the story of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus, this
lesson focuses specifically on the doctrine of the Virgin Birth - what it means, where it is taught
in Scripture, and why it matters so deeply for the Christian understanding of who Jesus is. Far
from being a minor detail, the Virgin Birth is a foundational truth that safeguards both the true
deity and true humanity of Christ.

What is the Virgin Birth?

The Virgin Birth is the Christian doctrine that Mary conceived Jesus by the direct, miraculous work of
the Holy Spirit while she remained a virgin - that is, without any human father involved in His
conception. This is distinct from an ordinary human birth in that the conception itself, not merely the
birth, was miraculous.

The Prophecy of Isaiah and Its Fulfilment (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23)
The prophet Isaiah declared, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him
Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). Matthew's Gospel presents the birth of Jesus as the direct fulfilment of this
prophecy, translating Immanuel as 'God with us' (Matt 1:22-23). This shows that the Virgin Birth was
not an unexpected or isolated event, but something God had planned and announced long before it
happened.

Luke's Account of the Conception (Luke 1:34-35, 37)

When Mary asked the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?", Gabriel answered, "The Holy
Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be
born will be called the Son of God." He added, "For no word from God will ever fail" (v.37), assuring
Mary - and us - that what seems humanly impossible is entirely possible with God.

Why the Virgin Birth Matters Doctrinally

The Virgin Birth is not just an interesting detail; it carries deep theological weight for who Jesus is
and what He came to do.
• It confirms the deity of Christ: His conception by the Holy Spirit shows that He is truly the Son
of God, not merely a specially gifted human being.
• It confirms the true humanity of Christ: born of a woman, He fully shared in human nature and
experience (Galatians 4:4), and could therefore represent humanity.
• It helps explain His sinlessness: unlike every other human being descended naturally from Adam,
Jesus was conceived by a direct act of God, so that He could be fully human yet without the
inherited guilt and corruption of sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15).
 • It shows that salvation is entirely God's initiative: the Virgin Birth was not achieved through any
human effort or plan, but was God's own sovereign act of grace, foreshadowing that salvation
itself would be a gift from God, not something earned.

Answering Common Questions about the Virgin Birth

Some people ask whether the Virgin Birth is scientifically possible. From a Christian standpoint, the
Virgin Birth is understood as a miracle - a special, direct act of God that goes beyond the ordinary
laws of nature, not a claim that virgin conception happens by natural means. The same God who
created Adam without any human parents at all, and who created Eve from Adam without a human
mother, is able to bring about the conception of Jesus through Mary by the power of His Spirit.
Christians hold this by faith, resting on the trustworthiness of God's word rather than on unaided
human reasoning alone.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Salvation is entirely the work of God's grace and initiative, not human effort.
2. Nothing is too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:37).
3. The Virgin Birth reminds us that Jesus is uniquely qualified to save us, being fully God and fully
human.
4. We should hold firmly to the truths of Scripture, even when they go beyond ordinary human
experience.
5. Mary's humble submission shows that great things happen through simple, trusting faith.

WEEK 9
JESUS AND HIS FAMILY
Scripture Reference: Matt 13:53-56; Mk 6:1-3; Lk 2:51-52

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Identify the members of Jesus' earthly family as recorded in Scripture.
2. Narrate the account of Jesus' rejection in His hometown, Nazareth.
3. Explain the reasons for the people's reaction to Jesus' teaching in Nazareth.
4. State what Luke 2:51-52 teaches about Jesus' obedience to His parents and His growth.
5. Apply the lesson of Jesus' obedience and balanced growth to their own lives.

INTRODUCTION: Although Jesus is the divine Son of God, He also grew up in a real, ordinary
human family in Nazareth, with a mother, a foster father, and siblings. This lesson examines the
account of Jesus' rejection in His hometown, where familiarity with His family led many to doubt
Him, as well as Luke's brief but rich account of His obedience and growth as a child and young
man.
 The Family of Jesus (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3)
Scripture identifies Joseph, the carpenter, as Jesus' legal (foster) father, and Mary as His mother. Mark
6:3 names four brothers of Jesus - James, Joseph (Joses), Judas, and Simon - and mentions that He
also had sisters, though they are not named. Christian traditions differ on the precise nature of this
relationship: some understand these to be Mary's own children born after Jesus, while others,
following a longstanding tradition of Mary's perpetual virginity, understand them to be close relatives,
such as cousins. What all traditions agree on is that Jesus grew up within a close, ordinary family
circle in Nazareth.

Jesus Returns to Nazareth and Teaches (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:1-2)

Jesus went to His hometown, Nazareth, and began teaching the people in their synagogue. They were
amazed and asked, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" His teaching
and works clearly impressed them at first, since they recognised His unusual wisdom and power.

The People's Scepticism (Matthew 13:55-57; Mark 6:3)

Their amazement quickly turned to doubt: "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name
Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where
then did this man get all these things?" And they took offence at him. Their familiarity with Jesus'
ordinary background - His trade, His family, His upbringing among them - made it difficult for them
to accept that this same man could be the promised Messiah. This is a classic case of familiarity
breeding contempt.

Jesus' Response and the Effect of Unbelief (Matthew 13:57; Mark 6:4-6)
Jesus responded, "A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in
his own home." Mark adds that He could not do many miracles there, except lay His hands on a few
sick people and heal them, and He was amazed at their lack of faith. This does not mean that unbelief
limits God's power itself, but rather that unbelief can hinder people from receiving and benefiting
from what God is willing to do, because faith is the normal channel through which God's blessings are
received.

Jesus' Growth and Obedience to His Parents (Luke 2:51-52)

After the incident of the twelve-year-old Jesus being found in the Temple, Luke records that He went
down to Nazareth with His parents and was obedient to them, while His mother treasured all these
things in her heart. Luke then summarises Jesus' growth: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and
in favour with God and man."
This single verse describes a beautifully balanced development: wisdom (intellectual and spiritual
understanding), stature (physical growth), favour with God (spiritual relationship), and favour with
man (social relationships). Even though Jesus was the divine Son of God, He fully experienced
normal human growth and remained obedient to His earthly parents.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Familiarity can sometimes blind people to the greatness of what, or who, is right before them.
2. Unbelief can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God's work in our lives.
3. Jesus, though fully divine, modelled perfect obedience to His earthly parents - a lesson for every
child and young person.
4. True growth is balanced - involving wisdom, physical health, spiritual life, and social relationships
- not one-sided.
5. We should honour, and not despise, those whom God is using, even when we know them
personally.
 WEEK 10
JESUS' UNDERSTANDING OF FAMILY and BAPTISM OF JESUS
Scripture Reference: Matt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35; Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-20; Matt 3:13-17

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES

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

1. Narrate the account of Jesus redefining true family (Matt 12:46-50; Mk 3:31-35).
2. Explain what Jesus meant by 'whoever does the will of my Father is my brother and sister and
mother'.
3. Describe the ministry and message of John the Baptist as forerunner of Christ.
4. Narrate the baptism of Jesus and explain its significance.
5. Explain what the voice from heaven and the descending dove reveal at Jesus' baptism.

INTRODUCTION: This final lesson of the term brings together two important events: Jesus'
teaching about the true nature of spiritual family, and the account of John the Baptist and the
baptism of Jesus, which marks the beginning of His public ministry. Together, these passages
show what it truly means to belong to God's family and how Jesus, though sinless, humbly
identified with sinners at the very start of His mission.

Jesus Redefines True Family (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35)

While Jesus was still speaking to the crowd, His mother and brothers arrived, wanting to speak to
Him. Someone told Him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you."
Jesus replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to His disciples, He said,
"Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my
brother and sister and mother."
Jesus was not disrespecting His biological family - He continued to care for His mother even from the
cross, entrusting her to the care of John (John 19:26-27). Rather, He was teaching that the deepest and
most enduring bond is the spiritual family formed by obedience to God's will, a family open to
anyone, of any background, who chooses to follow Him.

John the Baptist - The Forerunner of Christ (Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-6)
Luke carefully anchors the ministry of John the Baptist in real history, naming the rulers of the time -
Tiberius Caesar as emperor, Pontius Pilate as governor of Judea, and Herod as tetrarch of Galilee
(Luke 3:1-2) - showing that these events are grounded in verifiable history, not myth or legend.
John's coming had been foretold by the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him'" (Isaiah 40:3; Mark 1:2-3). John lived a
simple, austere life in the wilderness, wearing clothing made of camel's hair with a leather belt around
his waist, and eating locusts and wild honey (Mark 1:6). His unusual lifestyle matched his prophetic
role as one calling the nation back to God.

John's Message of Repentance (Luke 3:7-14; Mark 1:4-5)

John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and people from Judea and
Jerusalem went out to him, confessing their sins and being baptised in the Jordan River. He
challenged the crowds not merely to feel sorry, but to 'produce fruit in keeping with repentance' (Luke
3:8) - that is, to show genuine change through their actions.
When different groups asked him what they should do, he gave practical instructions: those with two
coats should share with those who had none; tax collectors should not collect more than what was
required; soldiers should not extort money or falsely accuse anyone, but be content with their pay
(Luke 3:10-14). John also spoke of himself with great humility: "I baptise you with water, but one
who is more powerful than I will come, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you
with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:16).

The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-15)

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. John tried to deter Him, saying, "I
need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper
for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness." Although Jesus had no sin requiring repentance, He
willingly identified with sinful humanity and set an example of humility and obedience, showing that
He fully embraced the mission of standing in the place of sinners.

The Trinity Revealed at the Baptism (Matthew 3:16-17)

As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and
He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said,
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
This event is one of the clearest revelations of the Trinity in the entire Bible: God the Father speaks
from heaven, God the Son stands in the water having just been baptised, and God the Holy Spirit
descends visibly like a dove - three distinct Persons, yet one God, present together at this pivotal
moment marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Doing God's will makes us part of God's true, spiritual family, open to all who believe.
2. True greatness is shown in humility - John pointed people away from himself and toward Christ.
3. Genuine repentance must be shown in changed, practical, ethical living, and not mere words.
4. Even the sinless Jesus submitted to baptism to fulfil righteousness, teaching us humility and
obedience.
5. The baptism of Jesus reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three Persons in one God.