Discipleship Journey Impact

Overview

This 50-minute lesson for Year 11 Religious Education classes in New Zealand focuses on "The Disciples After Jesus: The Great Commission and Beyond." It builds upon prior lessons exploring discipleship by examining the biblical Great Commission, the challenges the disciples faced after Jesus’ resurrection, and the subsequent impact of the early church. The lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum by fostering spiritual, cultural, and ethical understanding, and developing the key competencies—particularly Relating to others, Thinking, and Using language, symbols, and texts.

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area

• Religious Education (connected with Social Sciences and English)
• Focuses on understanding beliefs, practices, and impacts of religious traditions, consistent with principles of social and cultural awareness.

Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum pgs 12-13)

• Relating to others: Engage in respectful discussions about religious challenges faced by early disciples.
• Thinking: Critical thinking about historical and theological implications of discipleship.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Engage with biblical texts and communicate understanding through discussion and writing.

Achievement Objectives (Level 5: Years 9-10 in NZ Curriculum)

• Understand the impact of events and beliefs in religious traditions on people and societies.
• Explore and explain diverse perspectives within and across religions.
• Express personal responses and critical understanding of religious texts.

Key Values

• Respect for diversity of beliefs
• Integrity
• Community and participation

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe the Great Commission and its significance for the disciples and the early church.
2. Identify challenges and successes faced by the disciples in spreading Jesus' teachings.
3. Reflect on the ongoing impact of discipleship in shaping communities and faith today.
4. Collaborate and communicate ideas respectfully about religious histories.

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 mins	Introduction & Context Setting	Teacher introduces the topic with a brief recap of previous lessons on discipleship and Jesus’ resurrection. Establish learning objectives clearly.
5-15 mins	Exploring the Great Commission	Teacher-led reading and analysis of Matthew 28:16-20 (or a simplified version). Students identify key commands and promises. Discussion: What does this mean for the disciples?
15-30 mins	Group Discussion - Challenges and Successes	Divide class into 4 groups. Each group explores either a challenge (e.g., persecution, cultural differences) or a success (e.g., conversion of new communities, spread of message). Provide short stimulus texts or scenarios to guide discussion. Groups prepare a 2-minute summary to share.
30-40 mins	Group Presentations and Class Reflection	Groups share their findings. Teacher and students discuss how the disciples’ experiences relate to the broader theme of discipleship: commitment despite hardship.
40-47 mins	Personal Reflection & Written Response	Students write a short paragraph: What can we learn from the disciples’ journey about being committed to our own values or goals? Emphasise use of thoughtful language and personal connection.
47-50 mins	Wrap-up & Assessment Checklist	Recap key ideas. Quick formative assessment through thumbs up/down on confidence with learning objectives. Teacher sets task for next lesson: research one disciple’s story briefly to share next class.

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Resources

• Copies of Matthew 28:16-20 biblical text (printable or digital)
• Stimulus materials outlining historical challenges/successes for groups
• Writing materials or digital devices for reflections
• Whiteboard or chart paper for group presentations

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Assessment

• Formative:

  • Observation of group discussions and presentations (engagement and understanding)
  • Written reflection paragraphs (assessed for personal engagement, use of religious concepts, and clarity)
  • Verbal participation during class discussions

• Summative (Optional Extension):

  • Research project on a disciple’s journey (to be presented in a future lesson) aligned with Level 5 achievement expectations.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide reading materials at varied reading levels.
• Use mixed-ability groups to support collaborative learning.
• Allow students to present reflections orally if writing is a barrier.
• Encourage use of te reo Māori or other home languages for explanations, respecting local tikanga Māori where possible.

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Reflection and Teacher Notes

• Emphasise relevance by linking discipling with students’ lives—commitment to values or actions.
• Create a safe space for exploring religious beliefs and questions.
• Monitor group work to ensure respectful interactions.
• Encourage connection of biblical history to the multicultural and diverse society of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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This lesson plan demonstrates alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum’s principles, values, and key competencies while bringing the religious education topic to life through active learning, critical thinking, and personal reflection as emphasised in the curriculum's vision for learning that is future-focused and inclusive .