Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: JSS 1
Week of the Term: 8th Week
Topic: Call to Service
Sub-Topic: Lessons from the Service of Joseph and Ruth
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify key lessons from the lives of Joseph and Ruth regarding service and loyalty, citing specific examples from their stories.
- Explain how the values of service and loyalty can be applied in their daily lives through discussions and role-playing activities.
- Demonstrate their understanding of the topic by creating a visual representation (poster or drawing) that reflects the importance of service and loyalty, showcasing what they learned from Joseph and Ruth.
Entry Behaviour
Before starting this lesson, students should already know about the stories of Joseph and Ruth and their respective roles in the Bible. They should have an understanding of basic concepts of service and loyalty from previous lessons.
Instructional Materials
- Textbooks: Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Olugasa et al.
- Visual Aids: Pictures of Joseph and Ruth, charts summarizing their stories.
- Art Supplies: Markers, colored paper, and poster boards for the visual representation activity.
Reference Materials
- Olugasa, J. O., Davies, S. H., Ochulo, A. U., & Danfulani, U. H. (2017). Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 1. University Press Plc. Ibadan.
- Ekwukoma, V., McOLiver, O. J. E., & Oguniyi, D. (2015). Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary School 1. Spectrum Books Limited. Ibadan.
Contents
Topic: Call to Service
Sub-Topic: Lessons from the Service of Joseph and Ruth
Lessons from Joseph
- Service to Others: Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and provided a plan to store grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the upcoming famine (Genesis 41:14-30). His proactive service not only saved Egypt but also benefited surrounding nations, demonstrating how serving others can have a far-reaching impact.
- Enduring Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, Joseph remained loyal to God and continued to serve those around him (Genesis 39:21-23). He interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker while in prison, which led to his eventual rise to power (Genesis 40:8). This shows the importance of maintaining integrity and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt during the famine, he recognized them but initially concealed his identity. Eventually, he revealed himself and forgave them, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). This act of forgiveness emphasizes the value of loyalty to family and the importance of reconciling past grievances for a greater purpose.
Lessons from Ruth
- Loyalty and Commitment: Ruth displayed incredible loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, by choosing to stay with her after the death of their husbands. She famously declared, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay” (Ruth 1:16). This commitment illustrates the significance of loyalty in relationships, particularly within families.
- Selfless Service: Ruth worked hard to provide for Naomi by gleaning in the fields of Boaz (Ruth 2:2-3). She took on the laborious task of gathering leftover grain to ensure they had food to eat. This selfless act of service highlights the importance of caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need.
- Faithfulness and Trust in God: Ruth’s decision to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem demonstrated her faith in God and trust in the future. Her actions led her to become part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). This teaches that loyalty and faithfulness can lead to blessings and a greater purpose in life.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
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