M6 Consul, Daniel Van Zackiri C.

Grade 11 – STEM G Religion 11b

UNIT 2: JESUS AND HIS MISSION

Lesson 1. The Infancy Narratives: The Nativity and Childhood

Context: Metamorphoto

 As we grow from infancy to childhood, we go through a series of developmental changes.

 Being born is one of the highlights of celebration in life of a person, especially in the family.
 The infancy narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide the accounts of Jesus’
birth or the story of the Nativity.
 The Gospel narrative of Luke shows some of the early signs of the wisdom of Jesus and how
people admired His parents’ way of caring and teaching Him.

Inspired Word: The Boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

 The Gospel text tells about Jesus’ family journeying to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
 Here we see Jesus demonstrating a growing awareness that God is His father.
 We can see here a glimpse of the mystery of His calling to a mission that implies His divine
sonship.
 Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus’ words, but they accepted them in faith.

Church Teaching:

Significant Events in the Early Life of Jesus

1. The Annunciation
 The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a child from the Holy Spirit
and she must name Him Jesus.
 Mary expresses her faith and surrender.
2. The Birth of Jesus
 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Herod.
3. The Visit of the Wise Men from the East
 The magi or wise men followed the star from the east and found the baby Jesus. They
presented Him Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
4. The Flight to Egypt
 Herod the Great orders all male children in Bethlehem aged 2 or under to be killed
 An angel warned Joseph in a dream and thus, the family fled to Egypt.
5. Rites of Childhood
 The infancy narratives were not intended to provide biographical accounts of Jesus’
birth but rather, to proclaim the birth of the Messiah.
 They are theological and faith-inspiring.

Words to Study:

 Ketubbah – a document in which the groom agrees to give his bride a sum of money in the
event of his death or if he should divorce her.
 Gratia plena – Latin for “full of grace”
 Kecharitomene – one who was graciously favored.
 Magi – rendered as “magicians”; highly authoritative group of trained practitioners in
mysterious arts, such as astrology and oneiromancy (predicting future through dreams).
 Ethnarch – ruler of a province or people.

Missionary Response:

As members of our families, we will be able to cherish our childhood experiences by:

1. Remembering our family’s love and care by presenting them gifts and flowers.
2. Showing gratitude to our family by taking caring and supporting them.
3. Appreciating their love and kindness through supporting and helping them.
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Lesson 2. Mary in the Gospels

Context: My Dearest Mother

 A mother is one of the greatest blessings of all the gifts in life.

 They nurture and teach their children how to become good persons.
 The Gospels present to us Mary who demonstrated faith and trust in God.

Inspired Word: The Canticle of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)

 Mary was ‘highly favored’ or graced by God and was chosen to give birth to Jesus.
 Mary’s Magnificat reflects the nature of God active in Jesus’ conception.
 The lowly Mary praises God for what He is doing for men and women through her child.
 Being poor is a condition of receiving God’s grace.

Church Teaching:

Events, Attributes, and Common Titles of Mary

1. The Immaculate Conception of Mary

 The angel reveals that Mary was “highly favored by God with His grace as an unmerited
gift”
2. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
 She is recognized as “graced” and “blessed” by God and proclaimed as blessed among
women.
 “Hail, Favored One! The Lord is with you.” (Angel Gabriel)
3. Mary, the Woman of Faith
 Mary entrusted herself to God completely with “full submission of intellect and will”,
manifesting “obedience of faith” to Him who spoke through His messenger.
 “Blessed are you who believe.” (Elizabeth)
4. Mary, the Perfect Model of Discipleship
 Mary was the Church’s example in offering worship to God and inspiring Christian
believers.
 “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
 Her commitment of showing loving service to her neighbor is manifested in her visit to
her cousin Elizabeth.

Words to Study:

 Magnificat anima mea Dominum – Latin for “My soul magnifies the Lord”
 Mary – derived from “Miriam” (Hebrew) or “Mariam” (Aramaic) and is translated “Maria” (Greek
and Latin); a common name in the first-century Israel or Palestine.
 Grace – God’s loving gift of Himself through the Spirit that justifies and sanctifies us.

Missionary Response:

Our faith is strengthened through these different Marian devotions.

1. Like Mary who was steadfast in her faith, we manifest our trust in God by believing in God’s
goodness and providence.
2. Like Mary who offered her life to Jesus, we offer our help by giving financial and moral support
to people, especially the poor and the needy.
3. Just as Mary manifested kindness and humility, we show compassion to people who are
suffering.

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Lesson 3. The Public Ministry of Jesus

Context: Tableau on Social Issues

 Our country is beset with a number of issues today. The justice system has been affected by
corruption and inefficiency.
 There is a need to show solidarity in helping address these issues such as establishing
advocacy and social awareness, instituting youth formation, creating livelihood education and
skills training, launching intensive catechesis and values campaign among others
 The Gospels tell us how Jesus stood up on the side of the poor and the needy and proclaimed
the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Inspired Word: The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-20)

 Jesus encountered many social injustices committed against the poor and the needy.
 The great commandment is not to judge one’s neighbor, for judgement is God’s alone, but to
love one’s neighbor.

Church Teaching:

1) Preparation of Jesus’ Mission

a. The Baptism of Jesus
- Marked the beginning of His public ministry.
b. The Temptation of Jesus
- Jesus began His ministry by undergoing a very hard test: forty days of isolation
and fasting
- Jesus was then put to the test in the desert by the devil three times, however
the devil failed in the end.

2) The Ministry of Jesus

a. Teachings
1. The Kingdom of God
- Jesus has announced the good news of the kingdom which is the central theme
of His proclamation.
- The reign of God means the reign of God’s love in the world.

2. The Parable of Jesus

 The Parable of the Lost Son (Lk. 15:11-32)
 The Parable of the Sower (Mt. 13:1-23)

3. Table Fellowship
 The Last Supper – a table fellowship par excellence.

4. The Beatitudes
 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 Blessed are the meek, they shall possess the land.
 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
 Blessed are those who are pure of heart, for they shall see God.
 Blessed are those who work for peace, for they shall be called children of God.
 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.

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b. Healing
1. Reaching out to sinners and outcasts
2. Cure of diseases
a. Miracle Narratives
 Cure of a Leper (Mt. 8:1-4)
 The Gerasene Demoniac (Mk. 5:1-20)
 Jesus Raises Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45)
 Jesus feeds 5,000 (Jn. 6:1-15)

Words to Study:

 Abba – God the Father

 Baptism – from Greek word baptizein, “to immerse”
 Disciple – from Greek word mathetes, a “pupil” or “learner” of the doctrine of a specific teacher
or movement.
 Malkuth YHWH – “Basilieia tou Theou” for Greek word, speaks of “God’s active reign”.
 Parable – from “parabole” (Greek) and “mashal” (Hebrew for “to be like”), a word that can
denote a proverb, an allusion, a riddle, or a prophetic oracle.
 Beatitudes – “beatitude” (Latin for “blessedness”), “makarios” (Greek for “a sense of inner
contentment unaffected by outward circumstances”)
 Exorcisms – narratives that tells of Jesus’ expulsion of demons.
 Resuscitations – narratives of people that Jesus brought back to life.
 Nature Miracles – narratives that show Jesus’ power to suspend the laws of nature.

Missionary Response:

As Christians and believers, we are enjoined to participate in the mission of Jesus bringing God’s love
and mercy to our fellowmen and women.

1. Jesus preached the primacy of love. We follow Jesus by becoming instruments of love through
conducting gift-giving activities to the poor, the sick, and the aged.

2. Jesus healed the sick and showed compassion to the outcasts during His time. We follow
Jesus by visiting the sick and assisting them in their needs.

3. In all the important events of Jesus’ life, he prayed. We follow Jesus by cultivating a prayerful
life and participating actively in liturgical celebrations such as the Holy Eucharist.

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UNIT 3: THE PASSION, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Lesson 1. The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

Context: Dramatic Entrance

 Significant people are recognized for their great achievements and contributions to the
community.
 Jesus Himself became a public figure during His public ministry, but He never intended to
become dramatically popular or sensational just to call attention, gain fame or power.

Inspired Word: The Entry to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)

 The Gospels narrate that crowds of people came with Him in the procession.
 It was fairly easy to get trapped up in the Messianic eagerness in the light of Jesus’ miracles
and teachings.
 Jesus’ saving work was to be achieved through His death and resurrection, a truth that Jesus
drives home in the three predictions of passion.
 He urged that this truth must be kept secret among His disciples, to be revealed only when He
had been vindicated by actually rising from the dead.

Church Teaching:

 Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem is a sign of the coming of the kingdom.

 His arrival tells us of a king who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not on a horse, not in
regal clothes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble.
 The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is celebrated in the Church on Palm Sunday.

Missionary Response:

We let Jesus enter successfully in our life by:

1. Sharing our resources to those who are materially in need.

2. Participating actively in community or church activities and celebrations.
3. Supporting the needs or projects of the Church.
4. Joining our family on Sunday masses and in receiving Holy Communion.

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Lesson 2. Significant Events Leading to the Death of Jesus

Context: Life is Beautiful!

 Our experiences define who we are as persons – our way of thinking, feeling, acting and
valuing.
 Human experiences is communal, something that is shared and is always grounded in human
relationships.
 Jesus shared His life with his disciples and He treasured His experiences with them.


Inspired Word: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)

 The text recounts that Jesus and His twelve closest disciples had one final meal together
before His arrest.
 Jesus predicts that He will suffer soon after this meal and it will be His last meal prior to
finishing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God.
 He gives His followers symbols of remembrance for His body and His blood sacrificed on
behalf of all mankind.
 To celebrate the Eucharist in memory of Jesus is to share not only His mission but also His
dedication and destiny symbolized by the cross.

Church Teaching:

These events became the main points of faith of the early Christian communities in their
understanding of Jesus and His message.

1. The Plot to Kill Jesus

2. Jesus is Anointed by a Woman
3. The Last Supper
4. The Betrayal of Judas and the Arrest of Jesus
5. The Trials of Jesus and His Condemnation
a. Religious Inquest by the Sanhedrin
b. Political Trial by the Roman Procurator
c. The Charges and Accusations
1. He is associated with the outcasts and sinners (such as tax collectors and prostitutes)
and therefore, by implication, was a sinner himself.
2. He was accused of not observing the Law of Moses.
3. He was accused of blasphemy.
4. He was accused of being a threat to the security of the nation.

Words to Study:

 Seder – the special meal that is traditionally eaten by Jews in celebration of the Feast of the
Passover or Unleavened Bread.
 Passion – From Latin word “passio”, means suffering.
 Blasphemy – applied only to speaking the holy and unutterable name of God (YHWH);
anything causing serious religious offense.

Missionary Response:

We who believe in Jesus’ word and actions must continue remembering and witnessing to the words
and deeds of Jesus as well as the significant persons who made a difference in our lives. We do this
by:

1. Participating actively in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

2. Praying religiously for the people who guide us and help us live meaningfully.
3. Supporting noble endeavors of the community and nation as a whole.
4. Being honest and doing what is right at all times.
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Lesson 3. The Passion and Death of Jesus

Context: If You Want to Follow Me, Take Up Your Cross…

 Life is a sacred gift from God, so we must take care of it.

 Undesirable things happen to us unexpectedly, and then we become helpless and hopeless.
 Jesus gave His life to us that we may live and live life in abundance.
 The cross is a symbol of salvation and also a symbol of our true selves.

Inspired Word: The Death of Jesus (Luke 23: 44-47)

 Death penalty could only be carried out with the approval of the local Roman governor.
 The soldiers mocked Jesus with the symbols of power and authority, including a scarlet or
purple cloak, a crown of thorns, and a reed instead of a scepter.
 A Roman centurion who witnessed the scene declare, “Truly this man was the son of God”

Church Teaching:

1. Beatings and Scourging

2. Carrying the Cross
3. The Crucifixion
4. The “Seven Last Words of Christ”
a. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing”
b. To His mother: “Woman, here is your son”; and to the beloved disciple: “Here is your
mother.”
c. To the repentant criminal: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
d. “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken
me?”
e. “I am thirsty”
f. “It is accomplished”
g. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”
5. The Entombment of Jesus
6. The Burial of Jesus

Profound Effects of Christ’s Death

a. Universal – Jesus died not for our sins alone, but for those of the whole world.
b. Eschatological – Jesus did not die simply to raise our standard of living, or make life easier. He
died that those who follow Him will receive “eternal life in the age to come”
c. Empowering – When anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the son of God, God remains in him
and he in God.

Words to Study:

 Golgotha – place of the skull

 Via Crucis or Via Dolorosa – Stations of the Cross

Missionary Response:

“We go where we are most needed” is a mission entrusted to every CICM school and we can live it
out by:

1. Practicing the works of mercy by being selfless in order to share and mend broken
relationships.
2. Being involved in Advocacy Programs that promote life.
3. Encouraging others to fulfill their Christian duties by doing kind deeds.
4. Being attentive in your classes and trying to participate in every class activities.

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Lesson 4. The Resurrection of Jesus

Context: I Will Survive!

 Filipinos are known for their resiliency with the sayings “behind the clouds, the sun is shining”,
or “tawanan mo ang iyong problema!” It is the capacity to cultivate strength in the midst of
adversities.
 In Jesus’ time, the apostles had also a significant experience of moving on after Jesus’ death.

Inspired Word: The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24: 1-12)

 Jesus’ tomb was discovered to be empty on the third day after His burial.
 The angels assured the women who visited the tomb that Jesus had risen from the dead.
 The suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus were accomplished in the fulfillment of Old
Testament promises and of Jewish hopes.

Church Teaching:

1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 The resurrection of Jesus is the fundamental truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed
and lived by the first Christian community.
2. Teachings of the Church about the Resurrection
a. On the Third Day He Rose from the Dead
 Christ’s Resurrection was not s return to earthly life. Instead, His body was filled with
the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Salvific Importance of the Resurrection
a. Christ’s Resurrection confirmed everything Christ had done and taught.
b. Through His Resurrection, Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies promising a
savior for all the world.
c. The resurrection confirmed Jesus’ divinity.
d. “Christ’s death freed us from sin, and His Resurrection brought us a share in the new
life of adopted sons or daughters of the Father in the Holy Spirit. “If then we have died
with Christ (freed from sin), we believe that we shall also live with him. (Rom 6:8)
e. Christ is the principle and source of our future resurrection.
4. The Ascension as a Saving Event
 Jesus has been carried into the heavenly realm and seated at God’s right hand.
 He has returned to the divine state He enjoyed before His incarnation.

Words to Study:

Resurgere – Latin word for resurrection, meaning “to rise again”.

Missionary Response:

We are all called to a deep personal witnessing on the life of Jesus in words and in actions. We do
this by:

1. Actively participating in the Holy Eucharist.

2. Practicing the Corporal and the Spiritual Works of Mercy in the context of the school and
community where we belong.
3. Promoting Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation by joining advocacies and activities
promoting them.
4. Allowing God’s love to guide our actions in everyday life.

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