Author: Amanda McGarrigle

RE—Gospel (Term 3)
Jesus and Zaccheus the tax collector.

Background Information
In the ‘Big Story’ of the Bible, after centuries of the relationship between God and humanity breaking down through human failure, Jesus comes to Earth, God in the flesh, to restore the friendship between God and humanity. The story of Jesus’ life is told in a new kind of book, a ‘Gospel’ or ‘Good News’ book.
One way in which Jesus helps to bring people back to God is by showing how much God loves them, and that he wants to forgive them when they do bad things. Some people thought that you could only get to God by being really, really good. Jesus shows that God is keen for everyone to turn to him – they only have to be sorry, and say so.

In this unit the children will…
Why do Christian’s believe Jesus is a friend to everyone?
Which stories from the Bible help us to understand the ‘big idea’ of ‘Gospel’ or good news?
What instructions does Jesus give to people about how to behave?
How do Christians follow the teachings of Jesus about forgiveness and peace, and bringing good news to the friendless?
How do Christians put these beliefs into practice in the Church community and their own lives (for example: charity, confession)?

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Tell stories from the Bible and recognise a link with a concept of ‘Gospel’ or good news.
Give clear, simple accounts of what Bible texts (such as the story of Matthew the tax collector) mean to Christians. Recognise that Jesus gives instructions to people about how to behave.
Give at least two examples of ways in which Christians follow the teachings studied about forgiveness and peace, and bringing good news to the friendless.
Give at least two examples of how Christians put these beliefs into practice in the Church community and their own lives (for example: charity, confession).
Think, talk and ask questions about whether Jesus’ ‘good news’ is only good news for Christians, or if there are things for anyone to learn, exploring different ideas.
Most children will:
Some children will:

JOHN 14:27: JESUS GIVES PEACE
LUKE 11:9–13: GOD IS LIKE A LOVING FATHER
MATTHEW 13:45–46: A PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

KNOWLEDGE BUILDING BLOCKS PUPILS WILL KNOW THAT:
• Christians believe Jesus brings good news for all people. • For Christians, this good news includes being loved by God, and being forgiven for bad things. • Christians believe Jesus is a friend to the poor and friendless. • Christians believe Jesus’ teachings make people think hard about how to live and show them the right way.

Key Vocabulary