New
New
Year 9

Two great Commandments

I can explain the meaning of the two great Commandments and their relevance for Christians today.

New
New
Year 9

Two great Commandments

I can explain the meaning of the two great Commandments and their relevance for Christians today.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The two great Commandments are contained in the New Testament.
  2. You could categorise the Ten Commandments under the two great Commandment headings.
  3. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to help people understand what it means to 'love your neighbour'.
  4. Christians may be guided by these Commandments when making moral decisions.

Keywords

  • Commandment - refers to an important rule given by God that tells people how to behave

  • Neighbour - in the Bible, refers to anyone in need of help or compassion

  • Parable - a story used to illustrate a moral lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels

Common misconception

The two Commandments form part of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.

The two Commandments are taught by Jesus.


To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Two great Commandments, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

To consolidate the learning in this lesson, ensure pupils are familiar with the Good Samaritan parable.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Match each term to its correct meaning.

Correct Answer:Moses,prophet who received the Ten Commandments

prophet who received the Ten Commandments

Correct Answer:Commandment,a divine rule given by God

a divine rule given by God

Correct Answer:Mount Sinai,the place where Moses received the Commandments

the place where Moses received the Commandments

Q2.
Which book of the Bible contains the Ten Commandments?

Genesis
Correct answer: Exodus
Leviticus

Q3.
What was the purpose of giving the Israelites the Ten Commandments?

Correct answer: to help them form a strong and respectful community
to reward them for escaping Egypt
to replace other religious texts

Q4.
Why are the Ten Commandments important to many Jewish people today?

they help decorate the synagogue
they are part of a museum collection
Correct answer: they guide moral behaviour and strengthen faith

Q5.
How do some Christian countries reflect the Commandments in law today?

Correct answer: Sunday trading laws partly reflect Sabbath rules
they only apply them in church services
they remove all religious influence

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are the two great Commandments?

pray every day and read the Bible
follow church leaders and love your friends
Correct answer: love God and love your neighbour

Q2.
Where are the two great Commandments found?

Gospel of Luke
Correct answer: Gospel of Matthew
Book of Exodus

Q3.
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to people understand what it means to love your neighbour.

Correct Answer: help, Help

Q4.
Marcus Rashford helped ensure that children continued to get school meals during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Correct Answer: free, Free

Q5.
One of the Ten Commandments says love your neighbour as yourself.

True – it is one of the Ten Commandments.
False – it comes from the Book of Psalms.
Correct answer: False – Jesus said it as one of two great Commandments.

Q6.
Rachel Lampard's ‘Walking with Micah’ initiative shows her following which Commandment?

Love the Lord your God
Correct answer: Love your neighbour as yourself
Honour your mother and father
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy