Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Year 6 Term 3—Gospel
What would Jesus do?

Background Information
Jesus’ incarnation is ‘good news’ for all people. (‘Gospel’ means ‘good news’.) His life, teaching and ministry embody what it is like to be one of the people of God, what it means to live in relationship with God. Jesus’ example and teaching emphasise loving one’s neighbour — particularly the weak and vulnerable — as part of loving God.

The Wise and Foolish Builders, Matthew 7:24–27 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0YTNdYxIs)
The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW3hH9_7pI
Five Pillars of Islam—https:/www.kidsofcourage.com/?p=1362
The Leprosy Mission: www.leprosymission.org.uk
www.leprosymission.org.uk

In this unit the children will know that...
Christians believe the good news is not just about setting an example for good behaviour and challenging bad behaviour: it is that Jesus offers a way to heal the damage done by human sin.
Christians see that Jesus’ teachings and example cut across expectations — the Sermon on the Mount is an example of this, where Jesus’ values favour serving the weak and vulnerable, not making people comfortable.
Christians believe that Jesus’ good news transforms lives now, but also points towards a restored, transformed life in the future (see Salvation and Kingdom of God).
Christians believe that they should bring this good news to life in the world in different ways, within their church family, in their personal lives, with family, with their neighbours, in the local, national and global community.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Identify features of Gospel texts (for example, teachings, parable, narrative) (M)
Make clear connections between Gospel texts, Jesus’ ‘good news’ and how Christians live in the Christian community and in their individual lives. (I)
Most children will:
Taking account of the context, suggest meanings of Gospel texts studied, and compare their ideas with ways in which Christians interpret biblical texts, showing awareness of different interpretations. (M)
Some children will:
Relate Gospel ideas, teachings or beliefs (for example, about trust, forgiveness or justice) to the issues, problems and opportunities of their own lives and the life of their own community in the world today, offering insights of their own. (C)

Hook—Give pupils scenarios where a choice must be made. What Would Jesus Do?
The Wise and Foolish Builders, Matthew 7:24–27. What do you think the story is about and why? What did the wise and foolish builders learn?
The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–7. Summarise each saying. Complete thought bubble – What are the features of a gospel?
Can pupils make clear connections? Use Resource Sheet 3 to consider what Christians do to build good foundations for living.
Pupils complete the chart comparing the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’ with ‘Christian Foundations’ and their beliefs.
LQ: What would Jesus do about prayer today? Four common components of prayer (praise, confession, asking, thanksgiving—write their own prayers
LQ: What would Jesus do about ill-health? - persuasive writing: ‘Christians should support The Leprosy Mission because…’

Key Vocabulary
Scenario/predicament — a situation Jesus may have been in and had to decide what to do
Gospel— good news Foundation—A foundation is the base for something. You often hear about the structural foundations of buildings, but a good idea can also be the foundation of a successful business. In the simplest sense, foundations support something else
Christians— Followers of Christianity Muslims (followers of Islam)
Incarnate—embodied in human form
Adoration: Praising God. Contrition: Asking for God's forgiveness. Petition: Asking God for a favour. Thanksgiving: Showing God gratitude.
(UE—Understanding Christianity RE Syllabus)