Aim

To explore the Christian belief about Jesus as the Messiah.

Lesson

Begin by revising what was taught in the previous lesson about the temptations of Jesus. Inform them that Christians also believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The Messiah is the name of the special King whom the Jews believe God promised to send them. The Jews believe that when he comes, the Messiah will set up the Kingdom of God. In the Bible, the Book of Isaiah talks a lot about the Messiah.

Once, just after his time in the desert, Jesus was given this book to read aloud in the synagogue.

Share with children Jesus' sermon at Nazareth.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• write an account of this episode from the point of view of one of the people in the synagogue
• find out more about Jewish beliefs concerning the Messiah
• write / talk about a promise made to them which has not yet been fulfilled
• write / talk about a time when their words have annoyed people

Conclusion

Conclude by informing the children that another word for Messiah is Christ.