What Is Ministry? Basic 2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

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

1. Define ministry
2. Identify the events that prepared Jesus for ministry
3. Explain the baptism of Jesus Christ

Introduction

When Jesus grew up, He had special work to do for God. Before He started this work, He had to prepare. Today we will learn about how Jesus got ready for His ministry.

Lesson Content

What is Ministry?

• Ministry means serving God and helping people
• It means doing God’s work on earth
• It means teaching people about God’s love
• Jesus’ ministry was to save people and show them God’s love

Events That Prepared Jesus for Ministry:

1. Growing Up in Nazareth
   1. Jesus lived with Mary and Joseph
   2. He learned to be a carpenter like Joseph
   3. He studied the scriptures and grew in wisdom
   4. He obeyed His parents
2. Learning in the Temple (Age 12)
   1. Jesus went to Jerusalem with His parents
   2. He stayed in the temple talking with teachers
   3. He amazed everyone with His understanding
   4. He said the temple was His Father’s house
3. Living a Perfect Life
   1. Jesus never did anything wrong
   2. He always obeyed God
   3. He was kind and loving to everyone
   4. He prepared His heart to serve God

The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)

Who Baptized Jesus:

• John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin
• John baptized people in the Jordan River
• John baptized people when they said sorry for their sins
• John told people to get ready because Jesus was coming

What Happened at Jesus’ Baptism:

1. Jesus came to John at the Jordan River
2. Jesus asked John to baptize Him
3. John was surprised because Jesus had no sins
4. Jesus said it was the right thing to do
5. John baptized Jesus in the river

Special Things That Happened:

• When Jesus came out of the water, heaven opened
• The Holy Spirit came down like a dove
• God’s voice spoke from heaven
• God said: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”

Why Jesus Was Baptized:

• To show us the right way to live
• To show He was ready to start His ministry
• To receive the Holy Spirit’s power
• To please God the Father

Memory Verse

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17

Activity

Draw a picture of Jesus being baptized with the dove representing the Holy Spirit.

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. Ministry means: a) Playing games b) Serving God and helping people c) Making money d) Going to school
2. Who baptized Jesus? a) Peter b) Paul c) John the Baptist d) Moses
3. When Jesus was baptized, what came down like a dove? a) An angel b) The Holy Spirit c) A bird d) Rain
4. God’s voice said Jesus was His: a) Friend b) Helper c) Son d) Student

Answers: 1(b), 2(c), 3(b), 4(c)