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      Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Christian beliefs about the incarnation and the importance and influence of these beliefs for Christians today.

      Key learning points

      1. Incarnation refers to the Christian belief that God became human in the form of Jesus.
      2. Most Christians believe that the Book of Isaiah, in the Old Testament, prophesied the coming of Jesus.
      3. Most Christians believe that the New Testament confirms the incarnation and shows Jesus as fully human and fully divine.
      4. John 1:1-18 and 1 Timothy 3:16 can be used to support the belief in the incarnation.
      5. The belief in the incarnation is significant for Christians today and influences practices such as prayer and Christmas.

      Keywords

      • Divine - of or like God, or a god/goddess

      • Incarnation - the belief that God became a human being in Jesus

      • Jesus - a first-century Jewish teacher; believed by Christians to be the Son of God

      Common misconception

      Jesus is entirely distinct and separate from God.

      For most Christians, Jesus is God in human form. Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to print John 1:1-18 for students to support learning cycle 1.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      There are different Christian of the creation accounts in Genesis.

      Correct Answer: interpretations, Interpretations

      Q2.
      How do some Christians interpret the Genesis creation accounts?

      as a modern scientific explanation of the universe
      Correct answer: as literal and factual accounts of history
      as an ancient myth without any truth

      Q3.
      Some Christians take a approach to the Genesis accounts, believing they are metaphorical and symbolic rather than literal.

      Correct Answer: liberal, Liberal

      Q4.
      The Genesis creation accounts can influence a Christian’s beliefs and behaviour towards the and human life.

      Correct Answer: environment, Environment

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the doctrine of the incarnation refer to in Christianity?

      the belief that Jesus was only a prophet
      Correct answer: the belief that God became human in the form of Jesus
      the belief that God created the universe
      the belief that humans can become gods

      Q2.
      Most Christians believe that the Book of in the Old Testament prophesied the coming of Jesus.

      Correct Answer: Isaiah, isaiah

      Q3.
      How does the New Testament support the belief in the incarnation?

      It describes Jesus as only a teacher.
      Correct answer: It shows Jesus as fully human and fully divine.
      It states that Jesus was an angel.
      It focuses on Jesus as a philosopher.

      Q4.
      How does the belief in the incarnation influence Christian practices today?

      It leads to the rejection of Christmas celebrations.
      It influences how Christians view Jesus as a teacher, but not as God.
      Correct answer: It influences practices such as prayer and the celebration of Christmas.
      It leads Christians to avoid any discussion about Jesus.

      Q5.
      For most Christians, Jesus is in human form. Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.

      Correct Answer: God

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...