Lesson 4 DIGGING DEEPER Make clear links between the story of Abraham and the concept of faith Explain that the stories of the first part of the Old Testament tend to focus on a particular group of people. Pupils have learnt about Noah and his friendship with God, now they are going to learn about Abraham (Noah’s descendant-explain this term) and his relationship with God Tell pupils Genesis 12:1 in pupil-friendly language. Discuss what Abraham was asked to leave behind (everything) and where he was told to go (an unnamed distant land). Do you think Abraham should do this? Tell the rest of the story (until Genesis 12:9). How do you think Abraham would have been feeling? Can you think of any reasons why Abraham followed God’s command to leave Haran? Explain that as a person of God, Abraham was following God’s commands, but also because of the promises God made — remember the term ‘covenant’. Point out to pupils that God repeats his promise to Abraham in Chapter 17. What is faith? Ask the children to create dictionary definitions for ‘faith’. Discuss how we can tell from the story that Abraham had faith. Point out what a huge thing Abraham did in this story to show he had faith. This was a big test What are some easier tasks God could have given Abraham to show that he had faith? Children to be given a sentence starters or write independently about why Abraham is an important person in the OT. Record in books- Possible starters could include:: God wanted Abraham to… Understanding Analysing Can the children: Children to retell the story of Abraham in their own words Explain how Abraham might have felt following God’s commands Explain why God’s promises are important to Christians Describe some of the qualities that Abraham would have needed in order to follow God Genesis 12- Lion Story Bible Sentence prompts
Tell pupils that Jewish and Christian people believe God made a covenant with Abraham. This promise is not just for Abraham but for his descendants — the People of God. Who are the people of God? Christians believe that this is all people Place the People of God on the Big Story timeline and discuss where they come chronologically in the Bible. Explain that although they come before Jesus and well before Christianity, they show Christians and all people what it is like to have a friendship with God and try to live in the way that God wants. Lesson 6 Assessment Tasks Create two lists based on prior learning — promises God makes to people in the Old Testament and actions he asks of People of God. (See Resource Sheet 4 for ideas.) Hear some stories of people who have felt supported by God through tough times. Discuss whether these affect pupils’ opinions at all. (Special People Page 2, 6- eg Desmond Tutu Sister Francis Dominica) Choose from the following assessment tasks: Applying Creating Answer the unit key question, with written and creative responses: what is it like to follow God? Link to the two stories covered, key people in the stories, what this tells Christians about how to follow God, God’s promises etc. Children to write a poem about following God making reference to what has been taught Produce a piece of artwork and write an explanation as to what it shows about following God Assess children’s understanding Resource Sheet 4 Special People- RE Today