Christ and His Church - Lesson 10

By Stafford North

Christ: The Example for the Church

The Life of the Church

Background Information for the Teacher

Objectives:

  1. The student can repeat a passage that says we should take Jesus as our example.
  2. The student can explain what Jesus example would mean in several situations.
  3. The student will commit himself/herself to using Jesus' life as a model.

Preparation:

  1. Each student will have a Bible.
  2. The teacher will have access to a chalk board or marker board. No PowerPoint needed.
  3. Songbooks or copies of songs will be available for the class to sing "Footprints of Jesus" and "O To Be Like Thee" as desired.

Theme:

Peter tells us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and, as Christians we should both understand what this means in practical terms and be committed to using Him as our model.

Lesson Plan for the Teacher

Introduction:

  1. Call the roll, recognize visitors, and have a prayer.
  2. Q: What is something we learned last week from the lesson about Jesus is our Chief Shepherd. A: The three terms for church leaders are elders, overseers (bishops), and shepherds. Q: What does each of these suggest about what they do? Q: What principle did we learn about the qualifications for elders? A: That each qualification is connected to what elders are to do. Q: How are we to respond to the elders' leadership? A: Submit, obey, follow.
  3. Ask the class if someone knows what WWJD means. (What Would Jesus Do?) Tell them today's lesson is about following the example of Jesus. Connect this to the two songs and sing them: "Footprints of Jesus" and "O To Be Like Thee."

Learning Experiences:

  1. Read 1 Peter 2:14-23. Q: How does Peter teach slaves to bear up under mistreatment and suffering? A: By reminding them that Jesus suffered unjustly.This, he says, is an example for us to follow. Q: What thought does Peter say enabled Jesus to suffer wrongfully? A: That He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly. That is, that God will work out everything in the end.
  2. Q: What suffering might we have to which we could apply this teaching? A:Someone may ridicule us for refusing to sin with them. We might lose a job because we refused to do something dishonest. We might accept an insult without retaliation. We might decide not to retaliate against a family member who treats us wrongfully. We might show good sportsmanship even when we think the official is wrong. We might be in a place sometime where there is not religious freedom and we would suffer physically for our faith.
  3. Read Philippians 2:3-8. Q: What does this passage teach us about following the example of Jesus? A: Have the attitude of Christ in being humble and unselfish.
  4. Q: Let's think of some situations in which Christ left an example that we need to follow. A: (Teacher: Following are situations that would fit but your class may bring up equally good ones. As each person brings up a situation in the life of Christ, discuss how and when we might be in similar circumstances and how we can use His example as a way of knowing and doing the right thing. A: (1) Christ was tempted to do wrong but stood for right by knowing and quoting scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). When might we have temptations and how should we meet them? (2) When Christ faced a difficult time, He prayed, as in the Garden (Matthew 26:36-46). When might we follow this example of prayer? (3) Christ kept His focus on His mission when He went to Jerusalem knowing He would be killed there (John 12:27-28; Luke 18:31-34). What are some situations in which we need to keep our focus on our mission? (4) Christ associated with sinners so he could help them (Matthew 9:9-13). When and how do we need to follow this example? (5) Jesus comforted those who were sad (John 11:33-35).When do we need to be following this example? (6) Jesus worked hard to share the gospel with others (Matthew 4:17; 5:1-2; 8:20). When do we have opportunities to follow this example? (7) Jesus gave a high priority to obedience to the will of God (Matthew 3:13; 26:39). What are some commands of God that we need to follow and for which Jesus' example could be an encouragement?

Application:

  1. It is clear that for almost every situation in life, Jesus left us an example to follow.
  2. Let's re-commit our selves to following his example.
  3. Let's quote together a couple of times the passage from 1 Peter 2:21- "leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps."

Evaluation:

  1. Next class period, we will say this verse together and will ask the class for occasions this week when they found remembering Christ's example useful.

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