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LESSON ONE

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a list of religious and moral imperatives which, according to Biblical tradition, were written by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of two stone tablets. They feature prominently in Judaism and Christianity. The phrase "Ten Commandments" generally refers to the very similar passages in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

The Ten Commandments appear in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible and also in the Jewish scriptures. Jewish people call them the 'Ten Sayings'. Most synagogues have these clearly written, in Hebrew, on a wall plaque. Usually just the first part of each Saying is written and often the first five and second five Sayings are shown in two lists. This reminds Jews that Moses received the Ten Sayings on two stone tablets, on Mount Sinai.

The Ten Commandments are the fundamental laws of the Jews which tell the Jewish people how they should live. Many countries base their laws on these rules too.

The Ten Commandments:

Level One:

1. To whom were the Ten Commandments given? By whom, and where?

2. In what section of the Bible would you find the passage which contains the Ten Commandments?

3. Christians use the Ten Commandments as a guide on how they should live their lives. What other religion also use the Ten Commandments and what is the other title they give it?

Level Two:

1. Explain why the Ten Commandments are also called the ‘Decalogue’?

2. What was the reason behind God issuing these laws to his people?

3. The Ten Commandments were given in two sayings. Explain the reason that the Commandments were issued in this way.

Level Three:

Imagine you are one of God’s followers at the time that these Commandments were given.

Write a journal entry after the Ten Commandments have been given to the people. Describe your feelings towards being given the Commandments, the behaviours and reactions of others before and after the events as well as your own expectations about what the Commandments will achieve.

LESSON TWO

The Meaning of the Beatitudes:

(KWL page 255-256)

Level One:

1. How many versions of The Beatitudes are there?

2. The ‘kingdom’ is about which of God’s systems?

3. Whose promise is God fulfilling in The Beatitudes?

4. What is the ‘final end to which God calls us’?

Level Two:

1. Explain the basic message and purpose of The Beatitudes?

2. Where does the word ‘kingdom’ come from? Describe the ‘kingdom’ that Jesus was referring to in The Beatitudes?

Level Three:

“… when love reigns in our world we will all work hard to ensure that everyone has enough food, shelter, clothing, education.”

Explain the meaning of this sentence.

Describe how you can see this in action in today’s world and what you as an individual can do to implement this in your school, home and local community.

LESSON THREE

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12:

Level One:

1. To whom did Jesus deliver The Beatitudes?

2. What is the first Beatitude?

3. What does it say is the reward for those who work for peace?

Level Two:

1. Pick one of The Beatitudes. Rewrite this Beatitude for today’s world, taking into consideration the world you live in.

2. In The Beatitudes, sometimes the word ‘happy’ is replaced with the word ‘blessed’. Define each of these words and identify the link between the two words ‘happy’ and ‘blessed’.

Level Three:

Imagine you are Jesus before delivering The Beatitudes to the people.

Write half a page describing your thoughts and feelings about having to give these rules to the people. Include how you think the people are going to react to receiving these and any problems you can see arising in society.

LESSON FOUR

THE PURPOSE AND CONTEXT OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

The Ten Commandments were more than just ten good rules. They were a written version of a verbal covenant that had been made by God years earlier with a man named Abraham.

The Ten Commands or Decalogue (name given by Greeks) was also referred to as the Tables of Testimony because they were a testimony to the world of the covenant of God made with Israel.

From the very first sin (Adam and Eve) God designed a plan to restore mankind to relationship and fellowship with himself (see purpose). This plan, given to Israel, was called a covenant. The covenant was originally given to Israel and in turn was to be shared with the whole world. The covenant was binding upon both parties (God and Israel). It could not be broken without severe consequences.

God established a spoken and written (Ten Commandments) set of obligations and responsibilities the people must obey in order to demonstrate their devotion to God and separation from sin. It was through these laws that Israel could learn the character of God and the dangers of sin.

God chose Israel to be the messengers of God's love for all mankind through His covenant. The Ten Commandments were a key element of the covenant God made with Israel.

Those who entered into God's covenant were considered His chosen people. These were not of higher worth or greater value, but as part of the covenant they were separated out and a distinction was made

The covenant was initiated with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15), established with Abram (Gen. 17:1-8), and fulfilled in Christ. It was woven throughout the generations beginning with Adam to Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abram, Isaac, Jacob, etc.

Approximately 2070 BC the Lord established His covenant with a man named Abram. Abram believed God and was renamed Abraham which means "the father of many nations". God promised him that through his children all the people of the earth would be blessed. His children through the generations eventually included Jesus - the Messiah who would make salvation from sin available to all.

The promise continued to Abraham's son Isaac and his son Jacob whom God renamed Israel. Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of the newly established Nation of Israel.

Afterward the Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets twice by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18; 32:15-16; 34:1, 28; Dt. 10:4). The first set of tablets were shattered by Moses when he threw them to the ground upon seeing Israel breaking the law by the sin of the golden calf.

ARK OF THE COVENANT

[pic]

The second set of tablets were kept in the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:16; 40:20).

The Ark of the Covenant was a gold plated wooden box containing the two tablets of Decalogue, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It served as a symbol of God's guidance and presence with the people. It was a constant reminder of God's covenant with His people and played a significant role in various times of Israel's history such as the crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho.

PURPOSE:

Keeping the Ten Commandments meant more than just obeying the law. Keeping the commandments was synonymous with keeping the covenant with God. Practicing a life of obedience to the law demonstrated loyalty and dedication to God and faith in His promise to send a Savior who would redeem mankind from their sin. Thus, salvation was obtained through faith, not in the works of the law – though the works of the law are what God required as a demonstration of faith and commitment to God's covenant.

DISOBEDIENCE:

Disobedience to the law symbolized a breaking of the covenant with God and brought with it severe consequences. Sin alienates mankind from God. After Adam's sin God knew man was not capable of living a sinless life. God's covenant with His people, was not for the purpose of eliminating sin. Sin would be ever present. Nor did God sit in the heavens waiting for His people to disobey so He could enjoy punishing them. The purpose of the covenant was to separate a people unto Himself, provide the promise and hope of salvation, and to demonstrate the need for the "new covenant" in Jesus Christ.

The purpose and context of the Ten Commandments:

Level One:

1. Who committed the first ever sins?

2. What was the key element of the covenant that God made with Israel?

3. What new name did God give to Abram? What was the meaning of his new name?

Level Two:

1. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses twice. In your own words, describe the box where the Ten Commandments were kept, and the symbolism and significance of the box.

2. Explain the purpose of the Ten Commandments in your own words.

Level Three:

‘Sin alienates mankind from God’.

Discuss the meaning of this sentence.

Explain reasons why individuals choose to isolate themselves from God and religion.

Consider if it is easier in today’s world to follow religion or to believe in no religion at all. Provide reasons and examples.

LESSON FIVE

The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:2-17

Level One:

1. Which country had God brought his people out of? What were they there?

2. If you respect your parents what does God Promise you?

3. What Commandment is given in verse 17?

Level Two:

1. “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.”

Outline the reasons given for having one day of the week where work is not allowed.

2. What does God promise to those who worship God other than himself? How is this different to the promises made to those who obey his laws?

Level Three:

Pick two of the Commandments.

Compare the two you have chosen giving two similarities and two differences in these rules.

LESSON SIX

The Beatitudes

The text of St. Matthew runs as follows:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)

• Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land. (Verse 4)

• Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)

• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)

• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)

• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)

• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)

• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)

They are simply stated, but are profound in meaning. They guide. They point. They teach. They show us the values that Christ cares about. These values if followed, can not only bring a believer into a state of peace and happiness, but also right into the Kingdom of God after our journey on this earth is over.

The Latin word for blessed is beatus, from which we get the word beatitude.

The beatitudes are found at Matthew 5: 3-12

Jesus Christ gave us the eight Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded for all posterity in the Gospel of Matthew, the first Book of the New Testament of the Bible. Jesus offers us a way of life that promises eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The teachings of Christ Jesus were simple but unique and innovative at the time of his life on earth. He began teaching about 30 AD in the time of the ruthless Roman occupation of Palestine. The four groups in the Jewish religion, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes and the Zealots, presented a different viewpoint to the Jewish people. The Pharisees and to some degree the Sadducees demanded strict observance of the Mosaic law as well as Jewish customs and rituals. Nazareth was in Galilee, an important center of the Zealots, a militant Jewish group who wanted freedom for their homeland. The Essenes awaited a Messiah that would establish a Kingdom on earth and free the Israelites from oppression.

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament Book of Exodus, relates a series of "Thou shalt nots," evils one must avoid in daily life on earth.

In contrast, the message of Jesus was one of humility, charity, and brotherly love. He taught transformation of the inner person. Jesus presents the Beatitudes in a positive sense, virtues in life which will ultimately lead to reward. All of the Beatitudes have an eschatological meaning, that is, they promise us salvation - not in this world, but in the next. The Beatitudes initiate one of the main themes of Matthew's Gospel, that the Kingdom so long awaited in the Old Testament is not of this world, but of the next, the Kingdom of Heaven.

One of the first contemplations on the Beatitudes came from St. Gregory of Nyssa, a mystic who lived in Cappadocia around 380 AD. He described the Beatitudes this way:

"Beatitude is a possession of all things held to be good,

from which nothing is absent that a good desire may want.

Perhaps the meaning of beatitude may become clearer to us

if it is compared with its opposite.

Now the opposite of beatitude is misery.

Misery means being afflicted unwillingly with painful sufferings."

The Beatitudes:

Level One:

1. In The Beatitudes, what values is Christ concerned with?

2. Where does the word ‘Beatitude’ come from?

3. How many Beatitudes are there?

Level Two:

1. Briefly describe the four groups who made up the Jewish religion and the ideas each group was struggling with at around 30 AD.

2. The Beatitudes have been written from a positive perspective. Explain the effect this perspective has on encouraging people to live a good moral life.

Level Three:

Explain the underlying message of the Ten Commandments and the underlying message of The Beatitudes.

Compare and contrast these two sets of guidelines which define how you should live and discuss which set of guidelines you favour more, giving reasons for your answer.

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