CHAPTER 7 : THE

PERSON AND
PREACHING OF JESUS.

Date: 26/01/2015
Time: 11.15 a.m.
Class Group: 1A

TODAYS LEARNING
OUTCOMES.
At the end of this lesson , students should be
able to :
(i) Distinguish what a parable is and be able to
discuss examples of parables.

WHAT DO YOU
REMEMBER ?

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF

GOD
When we read or think about a Kingdom , we
immediately
think of a place or a piece of land. However, the
Kingdom of God cannot be found on a map. It is
instead found inside people when they show
kindness or love towards others as it is a way in
which someone lives out his/her life.
Key Definition:
The Kingdom of God: Is a way of living based on Jesus message
of truth, justice, peace and love.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN

PARABLE
What is a
?
Parable

A parable is a simple story wit a moral or spiritual meaning. They

are easy to understand and remember. Jesus used parables as in
biblical times, people learned through the spoken word such as
through stories or conversation. Jesus was using a way of learning
that the people were already familiar with in order to teach them
this new and difficult concept of the Kingdom of God.

Key Definition:
Parable: A parable is a short story told by Jesus to teach people about the
Kingdom of God. The story is based on earth with a message about heaven. It
is a story with a meaning.

PARABLES

In general, parables are used to teach us a lesson about life. Jesus

used parables for different reasons:
1. To command attention from the disciples
2. To challenge and encourage their growth in faith
3. To use stories to explain difficult ideas so that they could
understand. E.g. stories about fishermen and tax collectors.

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD

SAMARITAN
(LUKE
10:25-37)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO4qSAhI1sIarable
(i)Which of these three men proved to be the mans true
neighbour?
(ii) Why/ Why not?
Literacy Library:
Samaritan: The Samaritans were Jewish people from the province of
Samaria.
Saducee: The Saducees were a religious group who accepted only the
written Law of Moses as the word of God.

THE PARABLE OF THE

PRODIGAL SON
(LUKE 15:11-32)

Literacy Library.
To squander : to waste

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNW-dZ8GOm0
(i)What is the main message of this parable?
(ii) What role does the father play? Do you think he is fair to both
sons? Why/Why not?
(iii) What do you think would have happened to the son if his father
had not welcomed him home?
(iv) Do you think that the parable of the prodigal son is
relevant to life today ? Why/Why not ?

THE PARABLE OF THE

MUSTARD SEED
(MARK 4:30-34)
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Again he said,What shall we say the kingdom of God is like,or what parable
shall we use to describe it?31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of
all seeds on earth.32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all
garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.

30

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they
could understand.34He did not say anything to them without using a parable.
But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
33

Activity:
(i) What is the story of the parable of the mustard seed about?
(ii) Write a modern day version of this parable.

RESOURCES USED:
Department of Education and Skills: Junior Certificate Religious Education Syllabus:
Section B Foundations of Religion Christianity:
http://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/c0c1f394-79c8-4455-bea5c9e014a9945d/JCSEC22_religion_syllabus.pdf

Textbook: A Question of Faith (3rd Edition), Lori Whelan and Niamh Mc Dermot. EDCO.

Whiteboard & whiteboard markers

Duster

Overhead projector

Laptop

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO4qSAhI1sIarable
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNW-dZ8GOm0

Worksheets

PowerPoint

Google Images: http://www.google.ie

http://www.tes.co.uk

http://www.pdst.ie.