Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Year 6 Term 2—Incarnation
Was Jesus the Messiah?

Background Information
The New Testament presents Jesus as the answer: the Messiah and Saviour, who will repair the effects of sin and the Fall and offer a way for humans to be at one with God again.
Incarnation means that Jesus is God in the flesh, and that, in Jesus, God came to live among humans.
The idea of a ‘messiah’, or ‘saviour’, is important in Jewish culture, and was central to Jewish belief in
the years that Jesus lived and taught.

The Entry into Jerusalem, Matthew 21:1–9
The Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1–13 or Luke 9:28–36
Comparing Raphael (www.artbible.info/art/large/613.html) and Bellini. (www.artbible.info/art/large/21.html).

In this unit the children will know that...
Jesus was Jewish.
Christians believe Jesus is God in the flesh.
They believe that his birth, life, death and resurrection were part of a longer plan by God to restore the relationship between humans and God.
The Old Testament talks about a ‘rescuer’ or ‘anointed one’ — a messiah. Some texts talk about what this ‘messiah’ would be like.
Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled these expectations, and that he is the Messiah. (Jewish people do not think Jesus is the Messiah.)
Christians see Jesus as their Saviour (see Salvation).

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Explain connections between biblical texts and the idea of Jesus as Messiah (M)
Make clear connections between the texts and what Christians believe about Jesus as Messiah; for example, how they celebrate Palm Sunday. (I)
Show how Christians express their beliefs about Jesus as Prince of Peace and as one who transforms lives, through bringing peace and transformation in the world. (I)
Most children will:
Explain connections between biblical texts and the idea of Jesus as Messiah, using theological terms. (M)
Weigh up how far the world needs a Messiah (C)
Some children will:
express their own insights. (C)

Read Matthew 21: 1-9. Discuss what would be important if you wanted to put this scene in a film called The Messiah. Storyboard—actors and directors notes. (M) Resource 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbWurHq1bCQ Watch Jesus entering into Jerusalem on a donkey. https://www.gotquestions.org/triumphal-entry.html "What is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry?" (I)
‘Followers of Jesus… how do they show peace?’ Share information about some contemporary Christians. Research one. (I) Resource 5.
The Transfiguration—Matthew 17:1-13. What did Jewish people hope for in a Messiah or Saviour? Read the Transfiguration text. Pupils act out—What is happening? What does it mean? (I)
Letters to St.Mary’s church - (I)
Share the statement: ‘The world doesn’t need a messiah — it just needs people to love each other.’ Write a balanced argument. (C)

Key Vocabulary
Messiah or Saviour - ‘anointed one’
Prophet— inspired teacher Prophecy—a prediction of what will happen in the future
Peacemaker -a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries
Transfiguration—transformation Gospel—the teaching or revelation of Christ
Testimonials—a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications.
(UE—Understanding Christianity RE Syllabus)