MATTHEW 5:9
THE PEACEMAKERS
Matt Retek
LESSON PLANNING TEMPLATE
Date:
Location: Family Of Hope
Target Group:
1st-6th graders in a classroom environment.
Passage:
Matthew 5:9
Cross-references:
James 3:18
Central Idea of the Text (CIT) “Exegetical Idea”:
Followers of Christ who promote peace will be reflecting the character of their heavenly father
Central Idea of the Lesson (CIL) “Pedagogical Idea”:
As followers of Christ, we should strive to resolve our conflicts peacefully so that we may strive to
live a righteous life
Lesson Aims
Cognitive (Head):
The student will discover the true meaning of what it means to be a peacemaker, and how they are
reflecting their heavenly father
Affective (Heart):
The students will take hold of the principle found in this verse and strive to resolve conflicts in a
peaceful manner in their own lives
Behavioral (Hands):
The students will each practice methods to resolve conflicts peacefully in their everyday lives.
Hook: 2 OPTIONS!!!!!
OPTION1 :
Teacher will have two teenage students perform a drama that is prepared before class
-The Two teenagers will walk in late as if they are late to the class
Teacher: "It's about time you two showed up"
Teen 1 : "It's his/her fault we're late" (points at other teen)
Teen 2: "no it was your fault"
The teens get in an arguement that leads to a pushing match and eventually get each other in a
headlock and make their way out of the room.
Teacher: "Sometimes in our life if we have a problem with someone or someone is angry
with us, our response to them is somewhat harsh. We live in a world today that lives by 'you
hit me, I hit you back.' What should we really do if we are in conflict? What does the Bible
say about peace?"
Option 2
Video Clip from the beginning of Karate Kid II
At the beginning of the movie it gives a recap of what happened in Karate Kid 1.
The Clip to be used takes place after it shows Daniel winning the Karate tournament. (The Clip will
be explained more in the HOOK section of the long lesson plan). Basically Mr. Miyagi has a prime
opportunity to beat up the angry sensei of Cobra Kai but instead makes a joke of it and lets him go.
Keeping peace.
Teacher: "Sometimes in our life if we have a problem with someone or someone is angry
with us, we have the opportunity to respond harshly to them. Like Mr. Miyagi in this clip
many times we are even provided the opportunity to deliver harm to them. What should we
really do if we are in conflict? What does the Bible say about peace?"
Book: Content Outline
--Scripture: Matthew 5:9
-Question:What Is a
Peacemaker
Methods / Methodology
(If using Visual Hook Option#2, Teacher could be wearing Miyagi
Headband)
-Greek Word: eirenopoios /
Peacemaker
-Lecture
-Matthew 5:9:
Jesus Speaking to the
Crowd
-Jesus Describes
being a peacemaker
-James 3:18 when
keeping peace we reap a
harvest vs. conflict in the
church
Story Telling - Personal
story regarding conflict with
a peer.
-pass out conflict: resolution
handout (containing
questions relating to
conflicts with others in the
students lives)
-read Matthew 5:9
-Question: ask: What is a Peacemaker?
- Lecture
-“In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus is speaking to a large crowd about living
a righteous life aka ‘those who are blessed.’ In verse 9 Jesus
specifically talks about a blessing on peacemakers. Jesus is saying
this in a time where keepers of peace are scarce and peacemakers
are almost non-existent. Jesus is saying that the father is the ultimate
supreme peacemaker. The quality of being Supreme peacemaker
marks the disciples (who also strive to be peacemakers) as God’s
sons. The son shares the characteristics of the Father.
-Read James 3:18
-James, Jesus’ brother writes during a period where there was a lot of
conflict within the church. He is trying to tell his audience that
righteousness cannot grow through anger. Stupid disputes will not
help believers in their mission. The only way to produce
righteousness is in an atmosphere of peace. Those that make a
surrounding of peace will get their reward.
Teacher -Personal Story
Look: Pass out “conflict: resolution” handout. Students will break out with their small group leader
and discuss the topics on the handout. Guests will join their friends in a small group. First time
students will discuss with teacher himself if there are more than one.
Teacher: “Right now I would like you all to split off with your small group leader and discuss
the topics listed on this work sheet. If you don’t have a small group leader come to
me....Ready.....BREAK!!”
After 5 to 10 minutes direct the attention back to the front of the class. Ask for volunteers to share
their thoughts about resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner. If there are no volunteers call out
students individually.
After discussion tell the students what Jesus is saying to them where they are at:
Teacher: “Jesus is saying that when we make peace with one another we are reflecting
qualities of the father. We are not simply called to keep peace, we are called to make peace.
It can be hard sometimes to approach others and resolve conflict for fear of one us being
hurt but it is something we must do to bear good and righteous fruit. We can’t proclaim that
we are following Christ and continue to hold a bitter grudge, if we do that we are not making
peace. If we are not making peace, who are we not identifying with.
Took:
Provide each student with a pre-made journal sheet with a place for notes. Also on the sheet the
teacher should include his/her email address and myspace address (if applicable). Keeping in
contact with students on the internt, especially youth, is pretty effective.
Teacher: In our everyday lives there are those that we tend to quarrel with. We should
resolve any problem that we have with someone. Keeping peace but holding something
between you and that person (or people) you have a conflict with is not what needs to
happen. We need to approach those people in a peaceful and humble manner to resolve the
conflict and make peace. When we create an atmosphere of peace we are indeed truly
peacemakers. Take this journal page and write down things that you can do to strengthen
you relationship with others. Write down things that you can do to resolve conflicts with
you peers. If you want you can email me or message me on Myspace. Guys and Gals, when
we make peace who are we identifying ourselves with?
Close in Prayer
Have a great day and see you next week.
HOOK
VISUAL OPTION 1
Teacher will have two teenage students perform a drama that is prepared before class
-The Teacher will begin class as usual - they could be taking attendance or open with a
greeting and some brief conversation about the weekend -The Two teenagers will walk in late as if they are late to the class
Teacher: "It's about time you two showed up"
Teen 1: "It's his/her fault we're late" (points at other teen)
Teen 2: "no it was your fault"
The teens get in an argument that leads to a pushing match and eventually get each other in
a headlock and make their way out of the room.
Teacher: "Sometimes in our life if we have a problem with someone or someone is
angry with us; our response to them is somewhat harsh. We live in a world today that
lives by 'you hit me, I hit you back.' What should we really do if we are in conflict?
What does the Bible say about peace?"
-This option is for those who may not have access to the type of media equipment needed for
video. This is also good for students who want to get involved in any way they can. Use the
talent you have access to.
VISUAL OPTION 2
Video Clip from the beginning of Karate Kid II
At the beginning of the movie it gives a recap of what happened in Karate Kid 1.
The Clip to be used takes place after it shows Daniel winning the Karate tournament.
The teacher could show a lot more of the beginning based on how they feel the class may
respond.
Time code: 00:05:55 to 00:09:27
length 00:03:18
Clip: After Daniel and Mr. Miyagi are leaving the tournament they see John Kreese, sensei of
the Cobra Kai Dojo, abusing his students and treating them like trash. Mr. Miyagi goes to
confront John Kreese and pulls him off of his student. There is a brief stare down between the
two and John Kreese throws a punch. Mr. Miyagi ducks and Kreese punches through a car
window, making his knuckles bleed. He does it again and drops down to his knees. Mr.
Miyagi grabs Kreese by the collar and recites Kreese’s own motto “Mercy is for the week...”
Mr. Miyagi holds his hand up like he is about to strike. John Kreese has fear in his eyes. As
Mr. Miyagi goes to strike, he stops his hand in front of Kreese’s face, and then “honks” his
nose. He goes back to Daniel who asks “you could’ve killed that guy....why didn’t you” Miyagi
responds “because Daniel-San, a person with no forgiveness in heart, lives punishment far
worse than death”
Teacher: "Sometimes in our life if we have a problem with someone or someone is
angry with us, we have the opportunity to respond harshly to them. Like Mr. Miyagi in
this clip many times we are even provided the opportunity to deliver harm to them. But
we find “if we have no forgiveness in heart, we live punishment far worse than death.”
What should we really do if we are in conflict? (^insert Karate comment here). What
does the Bible say about peace?"
^NOTE^- This
hook is appealing to all ages.
Kids 5-11 -most are usually interested in Karate at a young age
Teens 12-18 - This movie is about a teenager overcoming the odds and has a “highschool” feel throughout it
Adults 19-45: for some this is a reflection of their childhood, others watched this in high
school/college. 80's films are also popular among college age.
Adults 50+: it has an older gentleman passively teaching the younger guy a lesson.
A kinesthetic hook that can be attached to this visual would be giving each student a headband
that is just like the one Daniel wears in the film. These can be found online, but if they are too
pricey they are easily made, it would just take some extra time from the teacher.
BOOK
Bible Study- Interpretation
-Word Study
-NIV Concordance 1648- eirenopoios -peacemaker, one who restores peace and
reconciliation between persons and even nations:-peacemakers
-Cross Reference
James 3:18: Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Romans 14:19: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to
mutual edification.
Romans 8:14: because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Commentary Work:
(NIV Study Bible Notes)- Those who promote Peace, as far as it depends on them
(Romans 12:18). In so doing, they reflect the character of their heavenly Father and so
are called “sons of God”
(Fourfold Gospel)- “peacemakers” includes all who make peace between men, whether
as individuals or as communities. It includes even those who worthily endeavor to make
peace, though they fail of success. They shall be called God’s children, because he is
the God of Peace; whose supreme purpose is to secure peace; and who gave his Son
to be born into this world as the Prince of Peace. Here again Jesus varies from human
ideas. In worldly kingdoms the makers of war stand highest, but in his kingdom
peacemakers outrank them, for the King himself is a great Peacemaker. (Also see:
Tyndale commentary, Expositors Commentary, and Crosswalk.com)
Outline
-Scripture: Matthew 5:9
-Question: What Is a Peacemaker?
-Greek Word: eirenopoios/Peacemaker
-Lecture
-Matthew 5:9: Jesus Speaking to the Crowd
-Jesus Describes being a peacemaker
-James 3:18 when keeping peace we reap a harvest vs. conflict in the church
Story Telling - Personal story regarding conflict with a peer.
Teacher read Matthew 5:9
Question: ask: What is a Peacemaker? (Always ask for the person who has the answer to
raise their hand, this is so you don’t have a number of students blurt out the answer. If nobody
raises their hand, call on someone)
Teacher: say “Lets take a look at the Greek word for “Peacemaker”
-Greek Word
eirenopoios: (#1648 NIV Concordance)- peacemaker, one who restores peace and
reconciliation between persons and even nations:-peacemakers.
^note^ any time you try to pronounce a Greek word that is hard to read, it is entertaining to
young people because of how funny the word may sound. This word will stick in their head
because of the way it sounds.
Teacher should try to pronounce the word and comment on how it sounds funny to us.
Then read the entire definition
-Lecture: (when doing the lecture, feel free to elaborate during the lecture)
-Read Matthew 5:9
“In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus is speaking to a large crowd about living a righteous life
a.k.a. ‘those who are blessed.’ In verse 9 Jesus specifically talks about a blessing on
peacemakers. Jesus is saying this in a time where keepers of peace are scarce and
peacemakers are almost non-existent. Jesus is saying that the father is the ultimate supreme
peacemaker. The quality of being Supreme peacemaker marks the disciples (who also strive
to be peacemakers) as God’s sons. The son shares the characteristics of the Father.
-Read James 3:18
James, Jesus’ brother writes during a period where there was a lot of conflict within the church.
He is trying to tell his audience that righteousness cannot grow through anger. Stupid disputes
will not help believers in their mission. The only way to produce righteousness is in an
atmosphere of peace. Those that make a surrounding of peace will get their reward.
Storytelling- The teacher should tell about a personal story of conflict
-ex: friends, enemies, family, co-workers
This storytelling will act as a transition to LOOK
LOOK
Look: Pass out “conflict: resolution” handout. Students will break out with their small group
leader and discuss the topics on the handout. Guests will join their friends in a small group.
First time students will discuss with teacher himself if there are more than one.
Teacher: “Right now I would like you all to meet with your table leader and discuss the
topics listed on this work sheet.
There should already be adult leaders assigned to each table to lead the discussion
with the students.
After 5 to 15 minutes (depending on how much time you have left), direct the attention back to
the front of the class. Ask for volunteers to share their thoughts about resolving conflicts in a
peaceful manner. If there are no volunteers call out students individually.
After discussion, tell the students what Jesus is saying to them where they are at:
Teacher: “Jesus is saying that when we make peace with one another we are reflecting
qualities of the father. We are not simply called to keep peace, we are called to make
peace. It can be hard sometimes to approach others and resolve conflict for fear of one
us being hurt but it is something we must do to bear good and righteous fruit. We can’t
proclaim that we are following Christ and continue to hold a bitter grudge, if we do that
we are not making peace. If we are not making peace, who are we not identifying with.
CONFLICT: RESOLUTION
Discussion topics
List conflicts you may have had with the following:
Friends
Teachers
co-workers
Family
-parents
-siblings
Enemies
How Can we resolve our conflicts with each of these?
Took
Provide each student with a pre-made journal sheet with a place for notes. Also on the sheet
the teacher should include his/her email address and myspace address (if applicable).
Keeping in contact with students on the internet, especially youth, is pretty effective. Also if
using Hook Option #2, give each student (including adults) a “Karate Kid” headband.
Teacher: In our everyday lives there are those that we tend to quarrel with. We should
resolve any problem that we have with someone. Keeping peace but holding something
between you and that person (or people) you have a conflict with is not what needs to
happen. We need to approach those people in a peaceful and humble manner to
resolve the conflict and make peace. When we create an atmosphere of peace we are
indeed truly peacemakers. Take this journal page and write down things that you can
do to strengthen you relationship with others. Write down things that you can do to
resolve conflicts with you peers. If you want you can email me or message me on
Myspace. Guys and Gals, when we make peace who are we identifying ourselves with?
Close in Prayer
Have a great day and see you next week.
FINAL NOTES: As stated above the Karate Kid headband could be found online, like on
ebay. If it cost too much to fit in the budget, make your own, the design can be found online.
For Journal sheet, just type up a paper that says “journal” at the top of it. The best way is to
print one up and make copies of it. If the church doesn’t have a copier, use the printers at the
SAGU library. If you are no longer a SAGU student, go to Kinkos and make copies, same
goes for the discussion sheet. If you are using Hook Option # 2 It would be wise to watch the
Karate Kid movies, you can find them pretty cheap at about $4.50 a DVD, or buy the whole
collection (including the Hilary Swank movie) for about $20. Wax on, Wax off....