Lesson twelve - pages 24/25 Jesus standing at the door

AIM for the book

To bring to life the story of Jesus by exploring the way we use our senses.

Learning objectives

• To know that Jesus is the central figure in Holman Hunt's 'The light of the world'. Also to know that Christians believe Jesus is God's son and that he is always there for everyone.
• To be able to imagine who or what is behind the door.
• To understand that sometimes we have to wait expectantly for things to happen.

Background

Christians believe that Jesus is God's son and that he is always there for everyone. When Holman Hunt painted this picture he wanted to demonstrate the world's inability to recognize this. Hence the painting is full of symbols to emphasize this viewpoint: the closed door represents the closed mind; the bat flying around in darkness is a symbol of ignorance. So the figure with the lamp, Jesus, stands outside knocking at the door. Notice that the door has no handle; it can only be opened from the inside. Metaphorically, Jesus can only be part of a person's life if they are prepared to open the door and let him in.

Bible references

Luke 11.9-10
Revelation 3.20

Ways of using the picture

• Imagine who or what is behind the door.
• Discuss what the children think is going through Jesus' mind as he stands there. What awaits him?
• Explore how the children feel when they wait expectantly for things that are about to happen.

Key words

• Jesus
• Knocking
• Door
• Light
• Lantern
• Overgrown

Activity one - a work of art

• You will need
  If it's possible, and you are near enough, take the children to see one of the three original Holman Hunt paintings. There's nothing like the real thing for a wow factor! (Two of the originals are at Keble College, Oxford and St Paul's Cathedral.)
  Otherwise, obtain good quality postcards or OHP acetates to show them.
  Drawing materials.
  Writing materials.

• Start
  What do you notice about this Victorian painting? What can you see?

• Develop
  What is Jesus thinking? Who or what is behind the door?
  On their own or in small groups the children can write down words and draw pictures to help them.

• End
  Collect their responses to the art work. Who would like to share their thoughts?

Activity two - behind the door

• You will need
  Card model of a door which opens but at the moment is closed.

• Start
  Show the children the closed door.
  Ask what they like to keep hidden. Think about that for a moment.

• Develop
  What can everyone see about you? The children might describe physical features such as brown hair, scuffed knees, or hairstyle.
  Then they can go on to describe other characteristics such as being good at maths, a fast runner and so on.
  Then encourage them to go further and describe other qualities such as: being a good friend, helpful, kind and so on.
  In a circle time activity, one member of the class might be in the centre and other children may contribute (positive) qualities such as: Mark is good at reading aloud, Hannah is a brilliant artist.
  Talk about waiting for Christmas, holidays or a birthday. You wait expectantly for an exciting time. At Christmas, Christians get ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ. How about waiting for a baby? Have any of the children had to wait for a baby brother or sister?
  When they are expecting a birthday card from someone what is the waiting like?
  Are they disappointed when it arrives late or doesn't come?
  Do they count the days before going on holiday? On a school visit? Do they look for it on the map, find out how to get there and learn something about it before they go?

• End
  Emphasize that we are all special, unique and different. We all have different qualities and abilities. Isn't it a good thing we are all so different?

• Assessment opportunities
  Can you get the children to explain why things don't always happen immediately? For example, if snow has been forecast, they might look for it and wait for it. Finally it comes. Explore the wonder/relief/delight or joy they might feel.

Activity three - open the door

• You will need
  Card.
  Art materials.
  Scissors.
  Paper fastener for door handle.

• Start
  Now we are going to make a house with a door that opens. Close your eyes and think what the colour of the front door to your house is going to be. What shape will it be? Maybe a rectangle, or with an arch at the top?
  Think about what you might draw on the other side. It might be a picture of yourself, or it might be your favourite book or pet.

• Develop
  Children make their houses with a door.
  If it's a country cottage maybe there will be roses round the door.
  Perhaps it's an elegant town house.
  I wonder who would like to live in a castle? If they let the drawbridge down, what would be there?

• End
  Have a row of houses displayed in the class all with different doors.
  In turn knock on each door to see what is behind. You can look if the owner says, 'Come in!'

• Assessment opportunities
  How did the children select their materials?
  Can they talk about their choice of person or object behind the door?

Activity checklist

Activity one - a work of art

If it's possible, and you are near enough, take the children to see one of the three original Holman Hunt paintings. There's nothing like the real thing for a wow factor! (Two of the originals are at Keble College, Oxford and St Paul's Cathedral.)
Otherwise, obtain good quality postcards or OHP acetates to show them.
Drawing materials.
Writing materials.

Activity two - behind the door

Card model of a door which opens but at the moment is closed.

Activity three - open the door

Card.
Art materials.
Scissors.
Paper fastener for door handle.

Web site links

http://www.britannica.com/search?query=Holman%20Hunt&ct=
The Encyclopedia Britannica has an excellent page of links relating to Holman Hunt, the artist whose painting is featured on this lesson's double page spread. The painting can also be viewed at http://sunsite.dk/cgfa/hunt/p-hunt5.htm

© Lizzie McWhirter