4.1 This unit explores the ‘law of love’. It begins by recalling with students the purpose of rules in groups and communities. It then examines the Ten Commandments, focussing on their purpose and principles for living in relationship with God and each other. This forms the basis for introducing and exploring Jesus’ ‘new commandment’ with reference back to the Commandments. The unit leads to a deeper understanding of how the Commandments and Jesus’ ‘new commandment’ guide us in living in relationship with God and others. Values & Attitudes Students will demonstrate that they are: Knowledge & Understandings Students will demonstrate that they can: Skills Students will demonstrate that they can: S2.2 attentive to the opportunities in their own lives where the actions and teachings of Jesus might be applied. identify the actions and teachings of Jesus apply the actions and teachings of Jesus to their own lives 02.2 attentive to ways in which they can apply the message of Jesus in reaching out and relating to others identify the connection between the message of Jesus and their relationships the message of Jesus in making decisions in their relationships with others – 2 Students will be able to: recall the ten commandments and identify guiding principles relate Jesus’ ‘new commandment’ to the ten commandments identify how the ten commandments and Jesus’ ‘new commandment’ influence their living as followers of Jesus identify how individuals and organisations in the Church “show they are Christians by their love” Exodus 12-15 The Exodus Deuteronomy 5:1–22 The Ten Commandments Jeremiah 31:33-34 Deep within them I will plant my law John 13:34–35 I give you a new Commandment Related Matthew 12:9–14 Cure of a man with a withered hand God gave the chosen people the Commandments to direct their way of life gives us a new commandment – the law of love Jesus loves all people calls us to live the law of love
Now they were free they needed to live well together as God’s holy people. God loved and cared for them and so God called Moses up the mountain and gave him the Commandments to help them to live in peace with God and one another. Take out heart with ‘Love God’ and put it in sand to the back facing children (commandments will go in front of it). The first three commandments are about loving God. Put ‘Love People’ heart beside ‘Love God’ facing students The other seven are about loving people All the commandments are to help people to live good and happy lives. Now announce each commandment slowly and clearly as you put it down in the sand in of whichever heart it belongs in. (1,2,3, with ‘Love God’, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 with ‘Love people’). Engage with ‘I wonder’. I wonder why many important things in the story of God and God’s people happen in the desert. I wonder if you’ve ever been in the desert. I wonder what it be like to be in the desert. I wonder which commandments you think would help the people live well together. I wonder which one of the commandments you think is most important. I wonder commandment you like the best. Carefully pack materials into storage box and put on shelf. Ensure that students are watching so they know how to pack the materials away and where to find them. Resource Sheet 4 The Ten Commandments Joint Passage Cloze ‘A’ I am the __________ your God. You shall have no other gods besides Me. You shall not take the ____________ of the Lord, your God, in vain. ___________ to keep holy the Lord’s day. Honour your ____________ and your mother.