The passion of Christ I

Christian Religious Studies J.S.S2 Third Term

Sub-theme: Religion and National Values

Week 1

The passion of Christ I

Performance objectives

Students should be able to:

1. Narrate the story of the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem

Content

The triumphant entry (Matt.21:1-11, Mark1:1-11, Luke19:28-44)

Jesus knew that his time to die for the sins of man was near; he had to go to Jerusalem to prepare himself ahead of the sufferings. As they approached Jerusalem(Jesus and his disciples), they came to Bethpage on the mount of olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples saying to them “go to the village ahead of you, you will find a donkey tied there, untie it and bring it to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell then that the Lord needs it and he will let you go”. All these took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet- “say to the daughter of Zion, see your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them, they brought the donkey, placed their cloaks on it, and Jesus sat on it. A very large crowd spread their cloaks (garments) on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread on the road. The crowd that went ahead of then and those that followed shouted “Hosanna to the son of David” “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of thy Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest”. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city starred and asked: “who is this?”. The crowd answered, “this is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee”.

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” but he said, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Significance of the triumphant entry of Jesus

1. It signifies Jesus as the prince of peace.

2. Jesus riding on a donkey signifies humility and peace, he came to the world to save us from eternal death and hell.