JHS Portal/Religious & Moral Education/Early Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ

RMEJHS 1 • Term 3Topic 11Free Trial Lesson

Early Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ

Trace the birth, baptism, wilderness temptation, selection of disciples, and core teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Curated Video Lesson

Visual explanation and practical step-by-step walk-through

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Comprehensive Study Notes

Aligned with Ghana NaCCA & WAEC BECE syllabus standards

Topic Introduction & Real-World Context:

The life and public ministry of Jesus Christ form the bedrock of Christian faith and ethical behavior. From His humble birth in Bethlehem to His radical teachings on unconditional love, forgiveness, humility, and sacrificial service, Jesus established moral benchmarks that transformed human civilization.

What You Will Master in This Lesson (NaCCA Objectives):

Narrate the birth and childhood of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem and Nazareth.

Explain the significance of Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan.

Analyze the three wilderness temptations of Jesus and how He overcame them.

Describe the selection of the Twelve Disciples and the nature of servant leadership.

Examine the core ethical teachings of Jesus: Sermon on the Mount, forgiveness, and the Golden Rule.

1. Early Life, Baptism, and Wilderness Temptations

Jesus' journey to public ministry was marked by humility, obedience, and total reliance on God's Word:

Birth and Upbringing: Born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem; raised in Nazareth where He grew in wisdom, physical stature, and favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). Worked as a carpenter with Joseph.

Baptism by John: Baptized in the River Jordan at age 30 to fulfill all righteousness and inaugurate His public mission. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God the Father spoke approval from heaven.

Temptation 1 (Appetite): Satan urged Him to turn stones into bread after 40 days of fasting. Jesus replied: 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'

Temptation 2 (Sensationalism / Pride): Satan urged Him to throw Himself off the temple pinnacle. Jesus answered: 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'

Temptation 3 (Political Compromise / Idolatry): Satan offered all earthly kingdoms if Jesus would bow and worship him. Jesus commanded: 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'

Key Takeaway: Jesus conquered temptation not by debating, but by standing resolutely on the written Word of God.

Real-World Application: Refusing to cheat in exams because the Word of God commands truthfulness and honest labor.

2. Discipleship and Core Ethical Teachings

Jesus selected ordinary men to lead His movement and taught revolutionary moral values:

The Twelve Disciples: Fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John), a tax collector (Matthew), and a political zealot (Simon). Jesus washed their feet at the Last Supper, teaching that true greatness is serving others.

The Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes): 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.'

Love for Enemies: 'Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you' (Matthew 5:44).

The Golden Rule: 'Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them' (Matthew 7:12).

Unlimited Forgiveness: Forgiving offending brothers 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), illustrated in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

Key Takeaway: Christian ethics demand love that extends even to adversaries, boundless forgiveness, and humble servant leadership.

Real-World Application: A class prefect helping sweep the classroom floor alongside classmates demonstrates Jesus washing the disciples' feet.

Common Mistakes Students Make in BECE Examinations:

⚠️Thinking Jesus chose highly educated scholars and kings as His disciples (He chose ordinary, hardworking fishermen and working-class people).

⚠️Assuming 'seventy times seven' means a literal count of 490 times (it is a Hebrew idiom meaning unlimited, continuous forgiveness).

Teacher's BECE Exam Pro-Tips:

⭐In BECE Section B, be ready to list the three wilderness temptations and Jesus' exact scriptural rebuttal for each.

⭐Explain the moral lessons of the Beatitudes (e.g. meekness, peacemaking, mercy) with practical school examples.

Quick Revision Summary Checklist:

Can describe Jesus' birth, childhood growth (Luke 2:52), and baptism.

Can narrate the three temptations and Jesus' answers from Deuteronomy.

Can explain the Golden Rule and unlimited forgiveness.

Can describe how Jesus demonstrated servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet.

Step-by-Step Worked Examples (2)

Real BECE exam-standard problems with complete solution steps

Example 1: Overcoming Youth Temptation using Jesus' Wilderness Strategy

Problem StatementHow can a JHS student apply Jesus' response to temptation when peer-pressured into exam malpractice or alcohol?

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Jesus did not argue with feelings or succumb to appetite; He quoted the written Word of God: 'It is written...'

Step 2: When peer pressure urges cheating or drinking, the student should firmly recall moral and spiritual truths (e.g. 'Honesty honors God and protects my future').

Step 3: Speaking the truth with conviction and stepping away breaks the momentum of temptation.

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Key Takeaway / Exam Rule: Resisting temptation requires knowing moral principles beforehand and standing firm upon them without compromise.

Example 2: Analyzing the Golden Rule in Student Relationships

Problem StatementExplain the practical meaning of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) in resolving schoolyard bullying.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: The Golden Rule states: 'Treat others the way you want to be treated.'

Step 2: A senior student who hates being insulted, mocked, or robbed should realize that junior students feel the exact same pain when bullied.

Step 3: Following the Golden Rule naturally eliminates bullying, teasing, and extortion on school compounds.

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Key Takeaway / Exam Rule: The Golden Rule instills empathy by requiring us to treat everyone with the respect we desire for ourselves.

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