Christian Religious Education — Class Notes

Topic: The Life of Jesus Christ | Subtopic: Faith In God

For: Age 11 (Kenya) — Primary school level
Swahili: Faith = Imani 🕊️

Learning Objectives

  • Define faith (imani) in simple words.
  • Give examples from the life of Jesus that teach us about faith.
  • Describe ways to grow our faith at home and at school.

Key Bible Verses (easy to read)

  • Matthew 17:20 — "Faith as small as a mustard seed... can move mountains."
  • Mark 4:35–41 — Jesus calms the storm 🌊.
  • Matthew 8:5–13 — The centurion's faith (he trusted Jesus).
  • Luke 8:43–48 — The woman who touched Jesus' clothes because she believed.

What is Faith? (Simple)

Faith means trusting God even when we cannot see everything. It is believing that God hears us and will help us. In Swahili, faith is imani. Example: trusting that God will keep you safe when you pray before an exam.

Stories from Jesus' Life that Teach Faith

1. Jesus Calms the Storm 🌊 (Mark 4:35–41)

Jesus and his friends were in a boat when a big storm came. The disciples were scared. Jesus told the wind and waves to be quiet. The storm stopped. Jesus asked, "Why were you afraid? Where is your faith?" This story shows Jesus helps when we trust him.

2. The Centurion's Faith (Matthew 8:5–13)

A captain (centurion) believed Jesus could heal his servant without even visiting. Jesus praised the man's faith. This teaches that faith is trusting Jesus' power, even from far away.

3. The Woman Who Touched Jesus' Clothes (Luke 8:43–48)

A woman believed that touching Jesus' clothes would make her well. Her faith made her well. Jesus noticed her faith and said, "Your faith has healed you."

How Jesus Teaches Us to Have Faith

  • Trust God in hard times (like the disciples in the storm).
  • Believe Jesus cares and can help even when things seem impossible.
  • Have faith in action — help others and obey God.

How to Grow Your Faith (Simple Steps)

  1. Pray every day — tell God your worries and thanks.
  2. Read short Bible stories — ask your parent or teacher to read with you.
  3. Go to Sunday school or church, and join a children's group.
  4. Speak about what you believe with friends and family.
  5. Do kind things — faith grows when we show love in action.
Memory Verse (learn this week):
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you." — Matthew 17:20

Class Activities (Easy & Fun)

  • Role-play: Act out the storm story — one group as disciples, one as Jesus.
  • Draw: Draw a picture of someone showing faith at home or at school.
  • Group talk: Share a time you trusted someone and what happened.

Short Questions (For Review)

  1. What does faith mean? (One sentence)
  2. Name one story where Jesus praised someone's faith.
  3. Give one way you can grow your faith this week.
Think about it:

Who can help you grow your faith at home? (Parents, teachers, church leaders). Try to tell them one thing you learned today.

Short Prayer (optional):

Dear God, thank you for teaching us about faith. Help us to trust you every day and to help others. Amen. ✨

Teacher note: Use local language (Swahili or a local Kenyan language) where helpful. Keep stories short and allow children to ask questions. Encourage simple examples from their daily life (school, home, farm, play).

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