The Great Commission
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 28:16-20
Optional: Acts 1:8
Memory Verse: Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:20)
First look at Matthew. This is another resurrection appearance of Jesus with his disciples. He appeared many times. "The eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. Note that despite their doubts they obeyed. A word received: Come to me with your doubts. Give me your doubts. I will minister to your soul healing as you give me your doubts.
Then Jesus came and said to them, "All authority (exousia = all power to rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore..." Notice the basis of Jesus' command and our obeying. He has all the authority and power. It is clear Jesus is proclaiming his Kingship. This has always been God's plan. Daniel 7:14 says, "He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
Because Jesus has authority and power he is able to delegate it to his disciples. They are in the hands of the King. They are to "make disciples" (one who follows, lives with, imitates both actions and character of the rabbi they follow). They are to make disciples of all nations. Before the crucifixion and resurrection Jesus was sent only to the Jews (although he made a couple of exceptions), but now it is time to go to the whole world, to all nations. We see this order in Acts 1:8, "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." They are to go to all nations. They are to go not just to individuals but to people groups.
SHARE the Good News.
Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." A word received: No one is excluded from this. I want everyone to hear the good news. They are to make disciples, not just convert people and move on, but to baptize and teach. We are to teach them, by word and example to follow Jesus and become more like him (the big words for this are sanctification and mission). New believers were to be baptized in the Name of the Trinity. Name implies possession and protection. Converts are NOT our followers. We are to teach new disciples of Jesus to obey all that Jesus has commanded us. A King must be obeyed. A command is not a suggestion. Are we fuzzy about these things? How are we doing? If we are not, how do we get there?
The last thing Jesus says to his disciples is, "Lo, I AM with you always." A word received: I have told you over and over again that I will never leave you. I will continue to tell you that as often as you need to hear it, because I love you. [See the note at the end.]
"Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere and the Lord working with them and confirming his word by the sings that accompanied it". (Mark 16:20) A word received: I want you to share just as the disciples did. They obeyed me. I want you to obey me. Notice the Lord "working" (not past tense) with them and confirming his word by the signs that attended it. A word received: I want to work with you too. Jesus is still working and confirming his word if we will obey him and walk closely with him. A word received: When I work with you, there are signs that point to me. Ask me to work with you more so that my kingdom can be built up.
Then Mark quotes several things from Jesus: "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
A word received: It is not your kingdom and your rules, it is my father's kingdom and his rules that count.
"And these signs will follow those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons;" (Mark 16:17a)
A word received: I want you to cast out the demonic.
"they will speak with new tongues;" (Mark 16:17b)
A word received: I want you to receive all my gifts for you willingly.
"they will take up serpents;" (Mark 16:18a)
A word received: Torre, I preserved your life.
"and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them;" (Mark 16:18b)
A word received: Jean, I preserved your children.
"they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:18c)
A word received: Your job is to lay lands on the sick, my job is to heal them.
So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19) A word received: I long for you to be with me. Jesus is both at the right hand of God, a place of honor and authority, and with his disciples. Jesus is no longer limited by his earthly body. By his Spirit he can be with each of his followers.
The final note of preparation is, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) They were to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to come on them to be his witnesses right where they were and to the ends of the earth. Waiting is a sovereignty issue. The Lord is in charge and he has his own timing. Also waiting on the Lord helps to refine and shape us in his likeness.
Note: It is interesting to look back a few verses to Matthew 28:10 where Jesus tells the women to tell the brethren to go to Galilee and they obey. The women tell the men what Jesus said and they in turn obey, even though some doubted. This is a re-creation and reversal of the disobedience of the garden of Eden.
Look at two verses from Deuteronomy which also apply to Jesus first disciples and to us: Deuteronomy 31:8, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Also Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
How to teach the teachers: My commission to you is: follow me. Follow me as I reach out to the lost and the dying. Follow me as I heal the sick and bring good news to the poor. Follow me as I call my people to repentance. Follow me!
A word received: Follow me as I teach them what they need to know.
A word received: I AM with you. I AM calling you to a new boldness in declaring who I AM. I want the teachers to be forthright about what I said and taught.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 30
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus said, "I will never leave you," because he loves you.
2. When we have doubts, bring them to Jesus.
3. Jesus' disciples obeyed him and shared about Jesus. Jesus wants you to obey him and share.
4. Jesus wants to give us the power of the Holy Spirit to obey him. We have to ask Jesus for that. Do you want to?
Sunday, April 29, 2007
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 29 May 13, 2007
Doubting Thomas
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 20: 24-31 Mark 16: 14
Memory Verse: Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29
Thomas, the twin, was not with the other disciples when Jesus came to them on Easter evening. (vs.24) Prayer: Lord, help us spend time with you. Don't let us miss the times of fellowship with you and our fellow disciples. Word received: I use everything. I AM. Nothing is wasted. The fact that Thomas was not present when I appeared to the other disciples was a lesson for him. Thomas didn't trust Me completely. Do you trust Me? How much do you trust Me?
Later when Thomas did see the others, they told him they had seen the Lord and Thomas made the famous statement, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (vs.25) Thomas wanted visible and touchable proof for himself. He was not willing to take someone else's word for it. It is OK to have questionings and doubts so long as we take them to Jesus. He can deal with them. Word received: You see, the women and the disciples are just like you. They had doubts, you have doubts. They had fear, you have had fear. I still loved them and I still love you. Come to Me with all your fears and doubts. I AM the only one who can satisfy them.
Word received: Thomas could not make that leap of faith that I want you to make. You will be blessed as you leap, and believe in Me.
"Eight days later"-- the following "first day", the "day of resurrection", Thomas was with the other disciples. This is the third time it is recorded that Jesus greeted them with "Peace be with you." They were still hiding from fear of the authorities and they were still very unsure of what God was doing. Eight days later the disciples and Thomas were together in the house and the doors were shut but Jesus came, even though the doors were shut "and stood in the midst of them and said, 'Peace to you'" Word received: My peace I give you (underline you). My peace I leave with you. When you come together in fellowship I AM there with you.
Jesus searched out Thomas in all his questions and unbelief. Word received: I found you too!
Then Jesus calls on Thomas to do what he had said, to touch the wounds in his hands and side. Jesus knows what we say and he knows what we think. In fact, he had been there when Thomas had said that, even though no one saw him. Word received: I AM the Good Shepherd. Look at what I endure for the sake of My disciples.
Then Thomas leapfrogs over the faith of the others and apparently without even touching Jesus, says, "My Lord and My God!" No one else said anything even close to that!. Word received: How I long to hear all My disciples say that when I move among them.
Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Word received: I want all of My disciples to know the joy of believing in Me. Thomas's doubts and desire for proof provide a blessing for all of us. Jesus is talking about us. He is calling us blessed. Lord, help us receive your blessing.
(See vs.30-31) Jesus did many other signs and showed himself to his disciples many times so they could be absolutely clear that he really, truly was risen, alive forever. "But these are written so that you may believe…". Prayer: Thank you, Lord that you thought of all mankind so long ago . Increase our faith to believe you whether we see miracles or not.
Have you brought your doubts to Jesus in the same straight-forward way as Thomas did? Do you know him as Lord and well as Savior? Have you ever found that God turned your doubts and fears into a blessing?
Thomas became the first apostle to India. There have been Christian Churches there since the first century, especially in Kerela (SW tip of India). Tradition says he was martyred near Madras on the East coast. We knew Mar Thoma Christians who were fellow missionaries with us in Liberia.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 29
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.) Jesus wants us to trust him, even when we can't see him. He is there even when we can't see him.
2.) When we have doubts and fears, Jesus wants us to bring them to him so he can minister to us.
3.) When we believe Jesus it is a blessing for us and God.
4.) Jesus promises to be with us when we meet with other believers in his name.
5.) Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are always near us, that you can bring us from doubt to greater faith in you as you did with Thomas.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 20: 24-31 Mark 16: 14
Memory Verse: Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29
Thomas, the twin, was not with the other disciples when Jesus came to them on Easter evening. (vs.24) Prayer: Lord, help us spend time with you. Don't let us miss the times of fellowship with you and our fellow disciples. Word received: I use everything. I AM. Nothing is wasted. The fact that Thomas was not present when I appeared to the other disciples was a lesson for him. Thomas didn't trust Me completely. Do you trust Me? How much do you trust Me?
Later when Thomas did see the others, they told him they had seen the Lord and Thomas made the famous statement, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (vs.25) Thomas wanted visible and touchable proof for himself. He was not willing to take someone else's word for it. It is OK to have questionings and doubts so long as we take them to Jesus. He can deal with them. Word received: You see, the women and the disciples are just like you. They had doubts, you have doubts. They had fear, you have had fear. I still loved them and I still love you. Come to Me with all your fears and doubts. I AM the only one who can satisfy them.
Word received: Thomas could not make that leap of faith that I want you to make. You will be blessed as you leap, and believe in Me.
"Eight days later"-- the following "first day", the "day of resurrection", Thomas was with the other disciples. This is the third time it is recorded that Jesus greeted them with "Peace be with you." They were still hiding from fear of the authorities and they were still very unsure of what God was doing. Eight days later the disciples and Thomas were together in the house and the doors were shut but Jesus came, even though the doors were shut "and stood in the midst of them and said, 'Peace to you'" Word received: My peace I give you (underline you). My peace I leave with you. When you come together in fellowship I AM there with you.
Jesus searched out Thomas in all his questions and unbelief. Word received: I found you too!
Then Jesus calls on Thomas to do what he had said, to touch the wounds in his hands and side. Jesus knows what we say and he knows what we think. In fact, he had been there when Thomas had said that, even though no one saw him. Word received: I AM the Good Shepherd. Look at what I endure for the sake of My disciples.
Then Thomas leapfrogs over the faith of the others and apparently without even touching Jesus, says, "My Lord and My God!" No one else said anything even close to that!. Word received: How I long to hear all My disciples say that when I move among them.
Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Word received: I want all of My disciples to know the joy of believing in Me. Thomas's doubts and desire for proof provide a blessing for all of us. Jesus is talking about us. He is calling us blessed. Lord, help us receive your blessing.
(See vs.30-31) Jesus did many other signs and showed himself to his disciples many times so they could be absolutely clear that he really, truly was risen, alive forever. "But these are written so that you may believe…". Prayer: Thank you, Lord that you thought of all mankind so long ago . Increase our faith to believe you whether we see miracles or not.
Have you brought your doubts to Jesus in the same straight-forward way as Thomas did? Do you know him as Lord and well as Savior? Have you ever found that God turned your doubts and fears into a blessing?
Thomas became the first apostle to India. There have been Christian Churches there since the first century, especially in Kerela (SW tip of India). Tradition says he was martyred near Madras on the East coast. We knew Mar Thoma Christians who were fellow missionaries with us in Liberia.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 29
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.) Jesus wants us to trust him, even when we can't see him. He is there even when we can't see him.
2.) When we have doubts and fears, Jesus wants us to bring them to him so he can minister to us.
3.) When we believe Jesus it is a blessing for us and God.
4.) Jesus promises to be with us when we meet with other believers in his name.
5.) Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you are always near us, that you can bring us from doubt to greater faith in you as you did with Thomas.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 28 April 29, 2007
The Road to Emmaus
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13
Memory Verse: "He said to them, 'How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory.'" Luke 24:25-26
The time is afternoon of Easter Day. Two of Jesus' disciples, Cleopas and friend, not part of the eleven, are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7 miles away (and probably a two hour walk with lots of time for talking.) They are talking about all the things that had happened in the last few days. Jesus caught up with them and joined them but" their eyes were kept from recognizing him." Word received: I have My timing and My way. My ways are higher than your ways; you may not understand all of My ways. I want you to trust Me.
Jesus asks them, "What word are these that you exchange …and are so downcast?" They are stopped in their tracks and are astonished that he could have been in Jerusalem and not have heard what had happened. They are broken hearted over the death of their rabbi and prophet and confused by the strange reports of the women disciples. PRAY that we can participate anew in Jesus' passion and resurrection. Lord, help me to understand the sorrow your disciples felt on losing you and not realizing what was going on. And give me the joy they knew when they recognized you and saw that you were (and are) alive. Please write this on my heart.
All their hopes "that he was the one to redeem Israel" were crushed. Their hopes and attention were so fixed on their own idea of what the Messiah would be that they had not really heard Jesus. They shared the confusing story about the women and Peter and John checking it out Then Jesus said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all the prophets have spoken" (vs25) Word received: Hear My admonitions to you as well. Ask for My Spirit to search your heart for those places where you are slow of believe what I have said. PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Help our unbelief. Increase our faith in you.
"'Was it not necessary that Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (vs.26-27) Prayer: Holy Spirit please write the Psalms and prophets on my heart so that I will know that Jesus had to suffer for me. Open your scriptures to me -- and to us. Word received: I want My people to know My words. Pray for hearts that hearken to what I say. Jesus lovingly rebuked them for not believing the prophets, and gave them a glorious Bible lesson about himself in the Hebrew scriptures!
Jesus appeared to be going further so they asked him to spend the night with them and he did. Do we keep inviting Jesus more and more into our lives and homes? In Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me." Word received: Ask Me to abide with you.
When Jesus was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them." "And their eyes were opened and they recognized him and he vanished out of their sight." This has echoes of the last supper but also Jesus lived with his disciples as they traveled. Jesus must have done this familiar thing countless times -- and they recognized him! Imagine their overwhelming joy and excitement. Word received: Pray for yourself and those around you that your eyes will be opened and that you will know Me in the breaking of the bread. Just as Jesus identified himself with the Passover bread and the wine at the "Last Supper", so he is recognized and identified during this meal. Only the 12 were present at that meal in the upper room but now Jesus is breaking bread and recognized by other disciples. Just as Jesus gives himself by his own hand at that Passover meal so he desires to give himself to each of us as we "do this in remembrance of me.". Pray that we will recognize and come to know Jesus as the one who was the perfect sacrifice for us, as our Lord and King. Pray that we will listen carefully to him and really hear and respond to him. As he gave himself to us, let us give ourselves to him as he stands at the door and knocks.
Jesus is alive! And not only that but they had just seen and broken bread with him and heard him teach them! "Did not our hearts burn within us" as Jesus "opened to us the scriptures?" They were so joyful that they turned right around and went back the two hours to Jerusalem to the eleven disciples and those who were with them --- at night! (not the safest time.)
The disciples told the two that the Lord had "indeed risen and appeared to Peter, and Cleopas told them how Jesus had met them and how they knew Him. Word received: I want you to tell others how you have come to know Me. Then Jesus himself stood among them and they were frightened and thought in their hearts that he was a ghost. (Some of the other gospels tell us that Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe, Mark 16:4). Then Jesus shows them his hands and feet and told them to touch him so they would know he was real flesh and blood. They still didn't believe so he asked them for a piece of fish and ate it. Word received: I want you to believe Me. I want you to trust Me. Then Jesus reminded them of what he had told them about what would happen. Then he gave them all a wonderful Bible lesson about what Moses and the prophets had said about him and told them they were to be his witnesses when they had received God's power. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts to understand the scriptures. Some who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit have also received a new ability to read and understand scripture, (Ask Hilda or Torre.)
Remember how Jesus said, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29) That means us!
We need to take the time to praise and thank God that we have the whole picture in perspective through the scriptures --- and the end of the story, the Resurrection, when we read the first part. We can understand Moses and the prophets because we know Jesus.
A word received about the resurrection: I AM. That is what it all comes down to: I AM alive.
A word received: I stand at the door and knock, I want to come in, fling wide the door of your heart.
Prayer: Jesus set our hearts on fire to love your word in the Bible.
Word we got as we prayed for teachers and lesson: I AM with you and that was true at Emmaus and that is true now.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 28
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.) Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive today.
2.) God wants to write that on our hearts, so that we will believe the truth.
3.) Pray that God will open your eyes and heart to see Him.
4.) Prayer: Jesus, please help me love what you say in the Bible.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13
Memory Verse: "He said to them, 'How foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory.'" Luke 24:25-26
The time is afternoon of Easter Day. Two of Jesus' disciples, Cleopas and friend, not part of the eleven, are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7 miles away (and probably a two hour walk with lots of time for talking.) They are talking about all the things that had happened in the last few days. Jesus caught up with them and joined them but" their eyes were kept from recognizing him." Word received: I have My timing and My way. My ways are higher than your ways; you may not understand all of My ways. I want you to trust Me.
Jesus asks them, "What word are these that you exchange …and are so downcast?" They are stopped in their tracks and are astonished that he could have been in Jerusalem and not have heard what had happened. They are broken hearted over the death of their rabbi and prophet and confused by the strange reports of the women disciples. PRAY that we can participate anew in Jesus' passion and resurrection. Lord, help me to understand the sorrow your disciples felt on losing you and not realizing what was going on. And give me the joy they knew when they recognized you and saw that you were (and are) alive. Please write this on my heart.
All their hopes "that he was the one to redeem Israel" were crushed. Their hopes and attention were so fixed on their own idea of what the Messiah would be that they had not really heard Jesus. They shared the confusing story about the women and Peter and John checking it out Then Jesus said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all the prophets have spoken" (vs25) Word received: Hear My admonitions to you as well. Ask for My Spirit to search your heart for those places where you are slow of believe what I have said. PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Help our unbelief. Increase our faith in you.
"'Was it not necessary that Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (vs.26-27) Prayer: Holy Spirit please write the Psalms and prophets on my heart so that I will know that Jesus had to suffer for me. Open your scriptures to me -- and to us. Word received: I want My people to know My words. Pray for hearts that hearken to what I say. Jesus lovingly rebuked them for not believing the prophets, and gave them a glorious Bible lesson about himself in the Hebrew scriptures!
Jesus appeared to be going further so they asked him to spend the night with them and he did. Do we keep inviting Jesus more and more into our lives and homes? In Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me." Word received: Ask Me to abide with you.
When Jesus was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed it and broke it and gave it to them." "And their eyes were opened and they recognized him and he vanished out of their sight." This has echoes of the last supper but also Jesus lived with his disciples as they traveled. Jesus must have done this familiar thing countless times -- and they recognized him! Imagine their overwhelming joy and excitement. Word received: Pray for yourself and those around you that your eyes will be opened and that you will know Me in the breaking of the bread. Just as Jesus identified himself with the Passover bread and the wine at the "Last Supper", so he is recognized and identified during this meal. Only the 12 were present at that meal in the upper room but now Jesus is breaking bread and recognized by other disciples. Just as Jesus gives himself by his own hand at that Passover meal so he desires to give himself to each of us as we "do this in remembrance of me.". Pray that we will recognize and come to know Jesus as the one who was the perfect sacrifice for us, as our Lord and King. Pray that we will listen carefully to him and really hear and respond to him. As he gave himself to us, let us give ourselves to him as he stands at the door and knocks.
Jesus is alive! And not only that but they had just seen and broken bread with him and heard him teach them! "Did not our hearts burn within us" as Jesus "opened to us the scriptures?" They were so joyful that they turned right around and went back the two hours to Jerusalem to the eleven disciples and those who were with them --- at night! (not the safest time.)
The disciples told the two that the Lord had "indeed risen and appeared to Peter, and Cleopas told them how Jesus had met them and how they knew Him. Word received: I want you to tell others how you have come to know Me. Then Jesus himself stood among them and they were frightened and thought in their hearts that he was a ghost. (Some of the other gospels tell us that Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe, Mark 16:4). Then Jesus shows them his hands and feet and told them to touch him so they would know he was real flesh and blood. They still didn't believe so he asked them for a piece of fish and ate it. Word received: I want you to believe Me. I want you to trust Me. Then Jesus reminded them of what he had told them about what would happen. Then he gave them all a wonderful Bible lesson about what Moses and the prophets had said about him and told them they were to be his witnesses when they had received God's power. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts to understand the scriptures. Some who have been baptized with the Holy Spirit have also received a new ability to read and understand scripture, (Ask Hilda or Torre.)
Remember how Jesus said, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29) That means us!
We need to take the time to praise and thank God that we have the whole picture in perspective through the scriptures --- and the end of the story, the Resurrection, when we read the first part. We can understand Moses and the prophets because we know Jesus.
A word received about the resurrection: I AM. That is what it all comes down to: I AM alive.
A word received: I stand at the door and knock, I want to come in, fling wide the door of your heart.
Prayer: Jesus set our hearts on fire to love your word in the Bible.
Word we got as we prayed for teachers and lesson: I AM with you and that was true at Emmaus and that is true now.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 28
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.) Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive today.
2.) God wants to write that on our hearts, so that we will believe the truth.
3.) Pray that God will open your eyes and heart to see Him.
4.) Prayer: Jesus, please help me love what you say in the Bible.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 27 April 15, 2007
The Resurrection
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 20:1-22; Luke 24:1-12; Mark:16:1-11
Memory Verse: "'Don't be alarmed', he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him' ." Mark 16:6
INTRODUCTION: Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the glad tidings which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know about Jesus, Paul says, is that he really died, really was buried & really rose again the third day. That truth is in our basic creeds. Unless it all really happened we are trusting in a lie. The resurrection story has to begin with Jesus' death and burial. John gives witness in John 19:32-36 about what he saw as he was standing at the foot of the cross with the Marys (vs.25,26, 35). He wants us to know the truth so that we might believe and so that we know the Scriptures were fulfilled.
One of the ways the unbelieving world reacts is to say that there is no resurrection because Jesus never really died. Muslim do not believe Jesus was crucified, just someone who looked like him, because God wouldn't let that happen to a prophet. Others say that Jesus just fainted and was revived by the cool tomb and went away some place. There are examples of this in the false gospels that get a lot of publicity these days. Matthew 27:62-66 and 28:4:11-15 tell the story that was deliberately spread by the elders of Israel and the soldiers, that Jesus' body was stolen by his disciples, i.e., he died but never rose. Another common lie is that the women got confused. The gospels record all the people who saw where Jesus' body was buried. Also the soldiers were not posted to the wrong tomb.
Paul talks about all the people who saw the risen Jesus. many who could still be interviewed in Paul's lifetime. His followers saw him many times, not just once. It is absurd to think that Jesus' disciples would die for something they knew to be a lie. The other thing to say is that the risen Jesus did not have s resuscitated earthly body. It was a resurrection body which could go through locked doors and still wrapped grave clothes and yet be touched and eat and appear and disappear to his followers.
Now look at the Memory Verse. "He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Word received: I want you to share these words with others around you. This IS the reason I came--to triumph over death and sin. Don't stop sharing, don't stop telling others about Me. Now look at what the angels said in Luke 24:5-6. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! " Word received: I am not dead as many think so today. I AM living. I want to live in your lives if you will let Me. Open your heart and let Me in. That is the real Easter.
Now look at John 20 first. On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb early, by herself, in the dark, sees the stone rolled away and runs to Peter and John. It was still dark -- not only physical but spiritual darkness. Peter and John race to check it out. John saw the still rolled up head cloth and believed. Word received: "He saw and believed. Blessed are those who haven't seen and yet believed. But then they went home! for they did not yet know the scriptures that he must rise from the dead.(vs.9) Word received: Pray for My people that they will know My word. Mary came back and stood outside the tomb sobbing. She waited outside the tomb. Word received: Are you willing to stay on and wait for me? As Mary stayed she saw two angels and then Jesus himself. We need to be willing to stay and wait. Jesus had great compassion on Mary and reveals himself first to her. He sees her pain and grief and wants to comfort her. Word received: I have come to comfort those who mourn. Word received: I want to comfort you in your time of pain, loss and grief. Come to Me.
Then Mary Magdalene stooped down to look inside and saw two angels, sitting one at the head and one at the feet of the place where Jesus had lain. (Notice that the two angels are arranged like the cherubim over the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant!) The angels asked Mary why she was sobbing but she didn't wait to hear more. Word received: Many times in your lives things look bleak or hopeless, but I AM there working My purposes. She turned around and saw Jesus but didn't recognize him even when he asks her why she was crying and who she was looking for. She thought he was the gardener and offers to take Jesus' body away. (She offered to carry his body, not only was he probably heavier than she was but there were 100 pounds of spices wrapped around the body!)
Then Jesus calls her name, "Mary". She immediately recognizes him and immediately turns to him in joy and calls him, "Rabboni" (teacher, master). Word received: I want you to recognize Me when I speak to you. Jesus knows your name and he loves you. Have you ever heard him call your name? Are we as eager as Mary to show our love to Jesus? Are we willing to love and wait for him when he seems to have gone away? The two disciples, Peter and John, came to the tomb but went home again after the saw the empty tomb. Mary "loved much because she had been forgiven much" and had been delivered from seven demons.
Jesus tells her not to touch (literally) or cling to him "because he has not yet ascended to the Father." That part is puzzling but she is not to hold on to the old earthly relationship. There is going to be a different one. Then Jesus (1) sends her to go tell the disciples and (2) tells her he is ascending to "My Father and your Father, My God and your God". Jesus also points her to a new relationship with her heavenly Father. She is part of his family.
Mary goes and tells the disciples but they are still hiding behind locked doors that first day in the evening out of fear that the authorities would come after them. Compare this with Mark 16:8,11. The disciples didn't believe Mary or the other women who were sent by the angels. Word received: You see, the women and the disciples are just like you. They had doubts, you have doubts. They had fear, you have had fear. I still loved them and I still love you. Come to Me with all your fears and doubts. I AM the only one who can satisfy them.
When the disciples finally saw Jesus that night, his greeting was one of peace and then he showed them his hands and side. Then they believed and were full of joy. Then Jesus gave them his Holy Spirit and sent them out just as the Father had sent him. (Later he tells them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit. He came at Pentecost and then they were finally ready to go out. (Acts 1 and 2) We too receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptized and need to have the Spirit's power and joy in us so that we too can go out to do his work and have his joy. Sometimes the power of the Spirit comes on people as they are baptized and sometimes people receive it later or more than once. All we need to do is ask if we already have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In Acts 4:31 the disciples are filled again with the Holy Spirit when they pray after being threatened. After we meet Jesus, he wants us to share that with others, that he lives and wants to meet them.
NOTE: The four accounts are slightly different depending on who wrote them Several times the experiment has been done in a classroom situation of the teacher and a few people planning a surprise disruption with a certain amount of confusion. Later the class is asked to write an account and there are always small differences in the stories. Accounts with identical details would be suspect, i.e., that someone smoothed out the details or made it up. The important facts are the same.
Questions:
1.The stone was rolled away. What stones that cover your heart need to be rolled away?
2. Have you experience the risen Christ in your life?
3. Are we willing to tell others about the risen Jesus even if some will no believe it?
Notice that the women were obedient to their responsibilities. They had brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus as was the burial custom. Their obedience was blessed by being the first ones to see Jesus. Remember that a Jewish woman was not considered a legal witness. Jesus blessed their love and obedience even though they could never legally testify! Another example of the blessing of obedience was the widow of Zarephath who fed Elijah what she thought was her last meal.
How to teach teachers' word: I AM. That is what it all comes down to. I AM alive.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 27
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1 ) It is a fact that Jesus died , was buried, and rose from the dead.
2 ) Jesus is alive today.
3 ) Jesus wants to live in our hearts today. Have you asked Jesus to live in your life?
4 ) You can ask Jesus into your life by asking Him to forgive you for the things you have done wrong, and then invite Him into your heart.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 20:1-22; Luke 24:1-12; Mark:16:1-11
Memory Verse: "'Don't be alarmed', he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him' ." Mark 16:6
INTRODUCTION: Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the glad tidings which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know about Jesus, Paul says, is that he really died, really was buried & really rose again the third day. That truth is in our basic creeds. Unless it all really happened we are trusting in a lie. The resurrection story has to begin with Jesus' death and burial. John gives witness in John 19:32-36 about what he saw as he was standing at the foot of the cross with the Marys (vs.25,26, 35). He wants us to know the truth so that we might believe and so that we know the Scriptures were fulfilled.
One of the ways the unbelieving world reacts is to say that there is no resurrection because Jesus never really died. Muslim do not believe Jesus was crucified, just someone who looked like him, because God wouldn't let that happen to a prophet. Others say that Jesus just fainted and was revived by the cool tomb and went away some place. There are examples of this in the false gospels that get a lot of publicity these days. Matthew 27:62-66 and 28:4:11-15 tell the story that was deliberately spread by the elders of Israel and the soldiers, that Jesus' body was stolen by his disciples, i.e., he died but never rose. Another common lie is that the women got confused. The gospels record all the people who saw where Jesus' body was buried. Also the soldiers were not posted to the wrong tomb.
Paul talks about all the people who saw the risen Jesus. many who could still be interviewed in Paul's lifetime. His followers saw him many times, not just once. It is absurd to think that Jesus' disciples would die for something they knew to be a lie. The other thing to say is that the risen Jesus did not have s resuscitated earthly body. It was a resurrection body which could go through locked doors and still wrapped grave clothes and yet be touched and eat and appear and disappear to his followers.
Now look at the Memory Verse. "He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Word received: I want you to share these words with others around you. This IS the reason I came--to triumph over death and sin. Don't stop sharing, don't stop telling others about Me. Now look at what the angels said in Luke 24:5-6. "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! " Word received: I am not dead as many think so today. I AM living. I want to live in your lives if you will let Me. Open your heart and let Me in. That is the real Easter.
Now look at John 20 first. On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb early, by herself, in the dark, sees the stone rolled away and runs to Peter and John. It was still dark -- not only physical but spiritual darkness. Peter and John race to check it out. John saw the still rolled up head cloth and believed. Word received: "He saw and believed. Blessed are those who haven't seen and yet believed. But then they went home! for they did not yet know the scriptures that he must rise from the dead.(vs.9) Word received: Pray for My people that they will know My word. Mary came back and stood outside the tomb sobbing. She waited outside the tomb. Word received: Are you willing to stay on and wait for me? As Mary stayed she saw two angels and then Jesus himself. We need to be willing to stay and wait. Jesus had great compassion on Mary and reveals himself first to her. He sees her pain and grief and wants to comfort her. Word received: I have come to comfort those who mourn. Word received: I want to comfort you in your time of pain, loss and grief. Come to Me.
Then Mary Magdalene stooped down to look inside and saw two angels, sitting one at the head and one at the feet of the place where Jesus had lain. (Notice that the two angels are arranged like the cherubim over the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant!) The angels asked Mary why she was sobbing but she didn't wait to hear more. Word received: Many times in your lives things look bleak or hopeless, but I AM there working My purposes. She turned around and saw Jesus but didn't recognize him even when he asks her why she was crying and who she was looking for. She thought he was the gardener and offers to take Jesus' body away. (She offered to carry his body, not only was he probably heavier than she was but there were 100 pounds of spices wrapped around the body!)
Then Jesus calls her name, "Mary". She immediately recognizes him and immediately turns to him in joy and calls him, "Rabboni" (teacher, master). Word received: I want you to recognize Me when I speak to you. Jesus knows your name and he loves you. Have you ever heard him call your name? Are we as eager as Mary to show our love to Jesus? Are we willing to love and wait for him when he seems to have gone away? The two disciples, Peter and John, came to the tomb but went home again after the saw the empty tomb. Mary "loved much because she had been forgiven much" and had been delivered from seven demons.
Jesus tells her not to touch (literally) or cling to him "because he has not yet ascended to the Father." That part is puzzling but she is not to hold on to the old earthly relationship. There is going to be a different one. Then Jesus (1) sends her to go tell the disciples and (2) tells her he is ascending to "My Father and your Father, My God and your God". Jesus also points her to a new relationship with her heavenly Father. She is part of his family.
Mary goes and tells the disciples but they are still hiding behind locked doors that first day in the evening out of fear that the authorities would come after them. Compare this with Mark 16:8,11. The disciples didn't believe Mary or the other women who were sent by the angels. Word received: You see, the women and the disciples are just like you. They had doubts, you have doubts. They had fear, you have had fear. I still loved them and I still love you. Come to Me with all your fears and doubts. I AM the only one who can satisfy them.
When the disciples finally saw Jesus that night, his greeting was one of peace and then he showed them his hands and side. Then they believed and were full of joy. Then Jesus gave them his Holy Spirit and sent them out just as the Father had sent him. (Later he tells them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit. He came at Pentecost and then they were finally ready to go out. (Acts 1 and 2) We too receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptized and need to have the Spirit's power and joy in us so that we too can go out to do his work and have his joy. Sometimes the power of the Spirit comes on people as they are baptized and sometimes people receive it later or more than once. All we need to do is ask if we already have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In Acts 4:31 the disciples are filled again with the Holy Spirit when they pray after being threatened. After we meet Jesus, he wants us to share that with others, that he lives and wants to meet them.
NOTE: The four accounts are slightly different depending on who wrote them Several times the experiment has been done in a classroom situation of the teacher and a few people planning a surprise disruption with a certain amount of confusion. Later the class is asked to write an account and there are always small differences in the stories. Accounts with identical details would be suspect, i.e., that someone smoothed out the details or made it up. The important facts are the same.
Questions:
1.The stone was rolled away. What stones that cover your heart need to be rolled away?
2. Have you experience the risen Christ in your life?
3. Are we willing to tell others about the risen Jesus even if some will no believe it?
Notice that the women were obedient to their responsibilities. They had brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus as was the burial custom. Their obedience was blessed by being the first ones to see Jesus. Remember that a Jewish woman was not considered a legal witness. Jesus blessed their love and obedience even though they could never legally testify! Another example of the blessing of obedience was the widow of Zarephath who fed Elijah what she thought was her last meal.
How to teach teachers' word: I AM. That is what it all comes down to. I AM alive.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 27
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1 ) It is a fact that Jesus died , was buried, and rose from the dead.
2 ) Jesus is alive today.
3 ) Jesus wants to live in our hearts today. Have you asked Jesus to live in your life?
4 ) You can ask Jesus into your life by asking Him to forgive you for the things you have done wrong, and then invite Him into your heart.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 26 April 1, 2007
Palm Sunday- Celebration of Palm Sunday
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
Optional: Luke 18:31-34, (Mark 11:1)
Memory Verse: "They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!' Then Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 'Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming seated on a donkey's colt'." John 12:13-15
See NOTE on Geography at end of lesson. This lesson is about the beginning of the last week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion. We call it Holy Week. All these things that took place on Palm Sunday were to fulfill prophecy, God's word to previous generations.
Jesus is "going on ahead" (Luke 19:28) of his disciples as he traveled toward Jerusalem. He knew what was going to happen, that the authorities were trying to kill him, but he "set his face" as he went toward Jerusalem. Jesus knew it was part of the Father's plan of salvation for him to die there but he chose the when and where. In Luke 18:31-34 Jesus tries again to tell his disciples what is going to happen and that it is according to prophecy. "But they understood none of these things." (Luke 8:34, John 12:16). Jesus went to Jerusalem willingly. No one made him go. He was a willing sacrifice. Word received: Are you willing? I was willing to lay down my life for others. Are you willing to stand with Me? Are we willing to follow Jesus even when we don't like the direction and are afraid? Do we trust him? Are we willing to lay down our own agendas?
Jesus was rejected by many leaders of Judah and they sought to kill him but Jesus was in charge of when this would happen so that God's purposes and prophecies would be fulfilled. Jesus said, "I lay down my life. No one takes it from Me." (John 10:11) Jesus comes back to Jerusalem with his disciples but carefully leaves the city at night (Matthew 21:17) until the first Passover night which he celebrated with his disciples and remade it into the sacrament of his death for our salvation. He then went out to Gethsemane where he knew the officials and Judas would find him. Jesus chose to come riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as a king of peace, announcing by his actions that he was the Messiah King.
The action starts at the top of the Mt. of Olives (a long high ridge east of Jerusalem and famous in prophecy). Read Luke 19:30-31 and imagine going to someone's house in another village and just taking their donkey colt or car and saying "The Lord needs it"!!! This is the first miracle of the day! Probably the people knew who Jesus was and who his disciples were (small country) and they had been there before, but!!!!! It happened just as Jesus said it would! Word received: Take this passage as an invitation to join in my work of being servants. Will you be willing to do what may embarrass you for my sake at my word of command? The second miracle is about the colt, "on which no one has ever yet sat". One would expect such a colt to become a bucking bronco but it cooperated completely!
This was to fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9-10, read it. This is an acted out proclamation that Jesus is coming as the King to Jerusalem and revealing himself as the Messiah. He is not riding a war horse but a donkey as a humble king of peace. "who shall command peace to the nations." (NOTE: Hebrew poetry often says the same thing twice in slightly different ways, "riding on a donkey and a colt, the foal of a donkey." Jesus didn't straddle two donkeys!)
The people and the disciples threw their outer garments on the colt and had Jesus sit on them. Then they spread out their garment on the road ahead. A word received: What are you willing to lay down so that I may receive honor? The great crowd that had come to the feast heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem (John 12;12-13) and went out to meet him waving palm branches. (This was a way to greet kings. See 2 Kings 9:12-13). It was the practice in rural Liberia to wave palm branches and put up palm arches when the President came.)
What the people are shouting are verses from Psalm 118 and they are acting them out. Psalm 118:25 says, "O Lord, save us. (Hosanna means 'Save Now') (Halleluiah means "Praise Yahweh"=Praise God.) (vs.26) "Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord." ("In the Name of" means with the authority of God himself.) Verse 27 says, "Bind the festal procession with branches" (Palm branches were associated with the processions for feast and especially the Feast of Booths, see Leviticus23:40.)
Jesus is fulfilling prophecy and announcing who he is BUT the people and his disciples didn't understand. They were hailing Jesus as King, but he was not what they expected (a military leader who would free them from Rome.) What kind of king do you think Jesus is? Some other wrong answers are -- a figurehead (who will let us continue as we are), a deep pocket (indulgent and lavish "do whatever you want dear"), an absentee landlord, like the 18th century idea of a "watchmaker God" who made everything and they backed off to let it run itself. What are the false pictures of God in our culture?
Present were the crowds that had come to Passover and the disciples. Some had seen Lazarus raised from the dead. The shouting increased as Jesus came closer "at the descent of the Mt. of Olives" (Luke 19:37). The Pharisees and some authorities in the crowd protested to Jesus and wanted him to silence the crowds. (Not only did many of the leaders reject Jesus but they were afraid the Romans would think it was a rebellion and crack down on them.) Jesus replied, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." (Luke 19:40) A word received: Are you willing to shout my praise when the leaders of your day disapprove that? Word received: That is how much I want you to share My love and My Word. Don't stay quiet. Share and even shout if necessary -- if you don't the stones will.
(Stones are used as metaphors a number of times in scripture. What was happening here also echoes Ps.118:22-24 about "the stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing." In the epistles of Paul Jesus' followers are called "living stones" who are built together into a temple for God to dwell in. Habakkuk 2:11 talks about the stone in the buildings protesting the builders who built their towns with evil.)
This was Jerusalem's last chance to respond to who Jesus was but they didn't get it. As Jesus drew near to the city he saw it and wept over it (Luke 19:11) He loved his people and he saw what the consequences were of their rejection of him and the "time of his visitation". He longed to gather them like a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks from a hawk or danger. What would Jesus weep over in our lives, in our church? We have to be careful not to spend all our time confessing other people's sins. What are we blind to? We need to ask for His Holy Spirit to reveal that to us. A word received: Weep for my sinful people!
This event is part of Jesus' passion which leads up to his death and resurrection. All this was done to point to Jesus as the Messiah and confront people with a choice. Also after Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples could look back and see all the ways prophecy was fulfilled.
God has many times of visitation, large and small. Are we listening to the Lord so that we will recognize those times in our lifetimes? (Liberia had a time of visitation while we were there. It lasted two years and then the leaders rejected it and went back to the old corrupt ways -- and it led to coups and then to civil war. God even sent warnings to the leaders and they rejected them.)
NOTE on geography: Jesus was coming to Jerusalem via Jericho and climbing up the ridge to Bethany and Bethphage. When he went down the road of the Mt. of Olives side he went down across from the Gate Beautiful which faces the mountain,. so at a certain point you could see through the gate into the temple courts. That gate was closest to the court of the Gentiles. Tradition has a spot where Jesus stopped and wept when he could see through the gate into the temple.
Bethany is a village on the eastern slopes of the Mt. of Olives, approximately two miles east of Jerusalem. This is where Jesus stayed during Passover week (John 11:18).
Bethphage, the village near the top of the ridge where Jesus sent two disciples to fetch the donkey for the Triumphal Entry. In Luke 19:29 and Mark 11:1 Bethphage is mentioned before Bethany which suggests that Jesus approached from the East. (Erdman's Bible Dict. p.139 and 144 and comments from Mark and Darlene Chesnut who were there.
NOTE on Mt. of Olives: Source: Eerdman's Bible Dictionary, page 779. It is a high ridge about 2 ½ miles long and is part of the central N-S mountain range that runs through Palestine. It not only provides a windbreak from E and N winds but causes moisture laden air from the Mediterranean to condense as it rises so provides abundant water for Jerusalem.
David fled from Absalom up the Mt of Olives (2 Samuel 15:25). It is also closely related to the Feast of Booths. "Zechariah mentions the mount as the site of the coming of the Messiah on the Day of the Lord." (Zechariah 14). He said it would split in two North and South. All the remaining nations would go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
It appears in Ezekiel 11:23 as where "the glory of the Lord" rested when it departed from the temple in Ezekiel's vision.
There is an extensive Jewish cemetery there in anticipation of the final judgment. Joel 3:12 may refer to it as the "valley of Jehoshaphat" meaning "the Lord judges" and the "valley of decision" in Joel 3: 14, 16-17 because of the many references to Jerusalem.
How to teach word for teachers: Come, follow Me. That is My Word to My disciples today.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 26
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus was willing to do what God the Father asked him to do -- to die so that our sins can be forgiven. He paid the penalty for our sins. That is how much he loves us.
2. Jesus wants us to be willing to obey him, when He asks us to follow Him. Are we willing to obey Jesus even if it is embarrassing or if no one else comes with us? Ask for God's Holy Spirit to help you follow and obey Jesus.
3. The people praised Jesus on Palm Sunday. God wants us to share about Jesus and praise His name also, and not be afraid.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
Optional: Luke 18:31-34, (Mark 11:1)
Memory Verse: "They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!' Then Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 'Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming seated on a donkey's colt'." John 12:13-15
See NOTE on Geography at end of lesson. This lesson is about the beginning of the last week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion. We call it Holy Week. All these things that took place on Palm Sunday were to fulfill prophecy, God's word to previous generations.
Jesus is "going on ahead" (Luke 19:28) of his disciples as he traveled toward Jerusalem. He knew what was going to happen, that the authorities were trying to kill him, but he "set his face" as he went toward Jerusalem. Jesus knew it was part of the Father's plan of salvation for him to die there but he chose the when and where. In Luke 18:31-34 Jesus tries again to tell his disciples what is going to happen and that it is according to prophecy. "But they understood none of these things." (Luke 8:34, John 12:16). Jesus went to Jerusalem willingly. No one made him go. He was a willing sacrifice. Word received: Are you willing? I was willing to lay down my life for others. Are you willing to stand with Me? Are we willing to follow Jesus even when we don't like the direction and are afraid? Do we trust him? Are we willing to lay down our own agendas?
Jesus was rejected by many leaders of Judah and they sought to kill him but Jesus was in charge of when this would happen so that God's purposes and prophecies would be fulfilled. Jesus said, "I lay down my life. No one takes it from Me." (John 10:11) Jesus comes back to Jerusalem with his disciples but carefully leaves the city at night (Matthew 21:17) until the first Passover night which he celebrated with his disciples and remade it into the sacrament of his death for our salvation. He then went out to Gethsemane where he knew the officials and Judas would find him. Jesus chose to come riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as a king of peace, announcing by his actions that he was the Messiah King.
The action starts at the top of the Mt. of Olives (a long high ridge east of Jerusalem and famous in prophecy). Read Luke 19:30-31 and imagine going to someone's house in another village and just taking their donkey colt or car and saying "The Lord needs it"!!! This is the first miracle of the day! Probably the people knew who Jesus was and who his disciples were (small country) and they had been there before, but!!!!! It happened just as Jesus said it would! Word received: Take this passage as an invitation to join in my work of being servants. Will you be willing to do what may embarrass you for my sake at my word of command? The second miracle is about the colt, "on which no one has ever yet sat". One would expect such a colt to become a bucking bronco but it cooperated completely!
This was to fulfill the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9-10, read it. This is an acted out proclamation that Jesus is coming as the King to Jerusalem and revealing himself as the Messiah. He is not riding a war horse but a donkey as a humble king of peace. "who shall command peace to the nations." (NOTE: Hebrew poetry often says the same thing twice in slightly different ways, "riding on a donkey and a colt, the foal of a donkey." Jesus didn't straddle two donkeys!)
The people and the disciples threw their outer garments on the colt and had Jesus sit on them. Then they spread out their garment on the road ahead. A word received: What are you willing to lay down so that I may receive honor? The great crowd that had come to the feast heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem (John 12;12-13) and went out to meet him waving palm branches. (This was a way to greet kings. See 2 Kings 9:12-13). It was the practice in rural Liberia to wave palm branches and put up palm arches when the President came.)
What the people are shouting are verses from Psalm 118 and they are acting them out. Psalm 118:25 says, "O Lord, save us. (Hosanna means 'Save Now') (Halleluiah means "Praise Yahweh"=Praise God.) (vs.26) "Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord." ("In the Name of" means with the authority of God himself.) Verse 27 says, "Bind the festal procession with branches" (Palm branches were associated with the processions for feast and especially the Feast of Booths, see Leviticus23:40.)
Jesus is fulfilling prophecy and announcing who he is BUT the people and his disciples didn't understand. They were hailing Jesus as King, but he was not what they expected (a military leader who would free them from Rome.) What kind of king do you think Jesus is? Some other wrong answers are -- a figurehead (who will let us continue as we are), a deep pocket (indulgent and lavish "do whatever you want dear"), an absentee landlord, like the 18th century idea of a "watchmaker God" who made everything and they backed off to let it run itself. What are the false pictures of God in our culture?
Present were the crowds that had come to Passover and the disciples. Some had seen Lazarus raised from the dead. The shouting increased as Jesus came closer "at the descent of the Mt. of Olives" (Luke 19:37). The Pharisees and some authorities in the crowd protested to Jesus and wanted him to silence the crowds. (Not only did many of the leaders reject Jesus but they were afraid the Romans would think it was a rebellion and crack down on them.) Jesus replied, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." (Luke 19:40) A word received: Are you willing to shout my praise when the leaders of your day disapprove that? Word received: That is how much I want you to share My love and My Word. Don't stay quiet. Share and even shout if necessary -- if you don't the stones will.
(Stones are used as metaphors a number of times in scripture. What was happening here also echoes Ps.118:22-24 about "the stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing." In the epistles of Paul Jesus' followers are called "living stones" who are built together into a temple for God to dwell in. Habakkuk 2:11 talks about the stone in the buildings protesting the builders who built their towns with evil.)
This was Jerusalem's last chance to respond to who Jesus was but they didn't get it. As Jesus drew near to the city he saw it and wept over it (Luke 19:11) He loved his people and he saw what the consequences were of their rejection of him and the "time of his visitation". He longed to gather them like a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks from a hawk or danger. What would Jesus weep over in our lives, in our church? We have to be careful not to spend all our time confessing other people's sins. What are we blind to? We need to ask for His Holy Spirit to reveal that to us. A word received: Weep for my sinful people!
This event is part of Jesus' passion which leads up to his death and resurrection. All this was done to point to Jesus as the Messiah and confront people with a choice. Also after Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples could look back and see all the ways prophecy was fulfilled.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
A word received: You are to take these two passages to heart if you are going to understand my passion and suffering. I chose to lay down my life so that you can live. I lay down my life so that you can live with me and my father forever.
God has many times of visitation, large and small. Are we listening to the Lord so that we will recognize those times in our lifetimes? (Liberia had a time of visitation while we were there. It lasted two years and then the leaders rejected it and went back to the old corrupt ways -- and it led to coups and then to civil war. God even sent warnings to the leaders and they rejected them.)
NOTE on geography: Jesus was coming to Jerusalem via Jericho and climbing up the ridge to Bethany and Bethphage. When he went down the road of the Mt. of Olives side he went down across from the Gate Beautiful which faces the mountain,. so at a certain point you could see through the gate into the temple courts. That gate was closest to the court of the Gentiles. Tradition has a spot where Jesus stopped and wept when he could see through the gate into the temple.
Bethany is a village on the eastern slopes of the Mt. of Olives, approximately two miles east of Jerusalem. This is where Jesus stayed during Passover week (John 11:18).
Bethphage, the village near the top of the ridge where Jesus sent two disciples to fetch the donkey for the Triumphal Entry. In Luke 19:29 and Mark 11:1 Bethphage is mentioned before Bethany which suggests that Jesus approached from the East. (Erdman's Bible Dict. p.139 and 144 and comments from Mark and Darlene Chesnut who were there.
NOTE on Mt. of Olives: Source: Eerdman's Bible Dictionary, page 779. It is a high ridge about 2 ½ miles long and is part of the central N-S mountain range that runs through Palestine. It not only provides a windbreak from E and N winds but causes moisture laden air from the Mediterranean to condense as it rises so provides abundant water for Jerusalem.
David fled from Absalom up the Mt of Olives (2 Samuel 15:25). It is also closely related to the Feast of Booths. "Zechariah mentions the mount as the site of the coming of the Messiah on the Day of the Lord." (Zechariah 14). He said it would split in two North and South. All the remaining nations would go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
It appears in Ezekiel 11:23 as where "the glory of the Lord" rested when it departed from the temple in Ezekiel's vision.
There is an extensive Jewish cemetery there in anticipation of the final judgment. Joel 3:12 may refer to it as the "valley of Jehoshaphat" meaning "the Lord judges" and the "valley of decision" in Joel 3: 14, 16-17 because of the many references to Jerusalem.
How to teach word for teachers: Come, follow Me. That is My Word to My disciples today.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 26
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus was willing to do what God the Father asked him to do -- to die so that our sins can be forgiven. He paid the penalty for our sins. That is how much he loves us.
2. Jesus wants us to be willing to obey him, when He asks us to follow Him. Are we willing to obey Jesus even if it is embarrassing or if no one else comes with us? Ask for God's Holy Spirit to help you follow and obey Jesus.
3. The people praised Jesus on Palm Sunday. God wants us to share about Jesus and praise His name also, and not be afraid.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 25 March 25, 2007
Jesus Prays for the Disciples
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 17
Memory Verse: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15
In this chapter we, along with the eleven disciples ( Judas had left), get to overhear Jesus' prayer to His Heavenly Father. First, he prays for himself, secondly for his disciples, and thirdly for us and the whole church, his Body on earth.
First Part: Jesus begins by asking His Father to glorify His Son, so that the Son can glorify his Father. Jesus is facing the cross the next day. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross glorifies Jesus and the Father. That means it reveals the awesome work of God (the trinity) to bring salvation to the world. The Old Testament associates God's glory with His presence, his magnificent brightness (recall the angels at Jesus' birth), his acts of salvation and his acts of judgment. In the New Testament Christ is presented as the glory of God made visible on earth to those whose eyes are opened to see it. After his death Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. and after that visions of Christ came in the same form as visions of God had (see Acts 22:6-7 and Acts 7:55-56)
Part of Jesus' glory is that the Father has given Jesus authority over all flesh (people) SO THAT he can give eternal life to those that the Father has given him. Jesus' saving act on the cross is part of his glory. We too can glorify the Father and Jesus by obeying and following him and letting others know about him.
What is eternal life? (vs.3) To know the Father "the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." (Jesus is identifying himself here at the Messiah, the "anointed one".) To KNOW here is not just information about someone but a close personal relationship with that person and understand them. That is the Biblical understanding of knowing. Genesis uses it for the intimate, physical relationship of husband and wife. It also included the knowledge that grows out of an intimate personal relationship with God. It is a knowing that begins in this life and goes on to all eternity. Jesus wants for us the close relationship that he has with his Heavenly Father. That is what Jesus can give to those who belong to him. So Jesus is the WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE! Word received: As the Son glorified Me so I want you to glorify Me also.
Jesus glorified his Father on earth and completed the work his Father had given him to do (vs.4). We too can glorify God by obeying what He Has given us to do and knowing and reflecting His life in our lives. As we do that we will give them the respect and honor that is due them. Word received: I want you to know Me and My Father with the intimacy we have for each other. I want you to know Me. Ask Me for My Holy Spirit to come daily to you so that you may know Me. As you know Me you will know My Father. I and My Father are one.
"I have given them the words you gave me." Jesus has and is still revealing who the Father is (glorifying). Jesus only speaks and does what the Father tells him so -- Jesus' words are God the Father's words! Through Jesus we can know the mind of God! Jesus said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father!" Jesus IS the way to the Father, to knowing Him personally, to having the LIFE that lasts forever -- and we can begin to have it now!
Second Part: The next part of Jesus' prayer is for his disciples. Jesus thanks His Father for the disciples that the Father has given him. They belong to God! Jesus says the same thing about us when he prays (vs.20) for "all who will believe in him" through the disciples word and witness. We belong to our Father God and Jesus! and he is praying for us also. We and they are part of God's family!
Jesus prays for God the Father to keep and protect all who belong to him. In vs. 17, Jesus prays "not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them (and us) from the evil one". Jesus prays for protection from being lost (falling away from God), from division and disunity and from the tricks and traps of Satan. Prayer: Lord, we need your protecting hand on us. You are our protector. We can't even think of all the things we need protection from so we just place ourselves in your hands, under your protection. Thank you, Lord, for your protection in a fallen world!
Jesus also prays for his disciples (and us) that we may have his joy! Just think, Jesus knows a kind of joy he can have even as he know he will be crucified the next day! He wants us to have his joy too -- a kind of joy that does NOT depend on circumstances.
Another important part of Jesus' prayer is "that they may be one as we are one." Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father are ONE even though they are not exactly alike. Their different tasks are so united and woven together that we worship ONE GOD. (St Patrick is said to have used a clover leaf to show how 3 can be one. People have often used a triangle tool.) Paul writes about the unity/oneness of Christians in the church. God has gifts and jobs for each person, and when we do them with God's power and guidance they all fit together perfectly to be the Church, that is, Christ's Body on earth! Paul also talks about us being "living stones" built together into a temple for God to live in (as he also lives in each of us). In the temple in Jerusalem each huge stone was cut, designed in the quarry and cut to fit in one particular place in the temple. So are we.
Our oneness is a reflection of Jesus' relationship with the Father. Jesus wants each of us to have that intense personal relationship with the Father and with him that he himself has. Jesus also wants to live IN us and WITH us. When this happens, then the world sits up and takes notice. The pagans said of the early Christians, "See how they love one another." One purpose of our oneness with the Trinity and with each other is so that the world may believe God sent Jesus! How are we doing????
On the negative side, Jesus prays for them and us for us to be protected from the tricks and traps of the Evil One which often makes bad things look great (like the juicy worm on a hook to a fish!) On the positive side Jesus prays that the disciples "will be sanctified in/by/through Thy Truth. Thy Word is Truth." Sanctified means "to make holy, to set apart, consecrate for sacred use (God's use) This is God's purpose for those who belong to him. that they be set apart for his use and purposes and made holy (like God, like Jesus). This happens through God's Truth. God's Word is Truth! God's truth and word work in us to make us holy, more like him. Jesus is God's Word. Jesus is God's Truth. God's truth if was is reality, what is really true whether we believe it or not. (Gravity works whether we believe in it or not. If we don't believe it we can demonstrate it!) The words of God that he sends us and the words Jesus spoke and did are part of that Reality, what's really true.
Then Jesus asks the Father to send his disciples (and us) out into a broken world with good news about God's love and what is really true. God's working in us and through us can do what we cannot. Word received: As I sent the disciples so I send you. Word received: Love and unity are My witnesses in a world torn apart.
Third Part: This is where Jesus prays for us and for his church--for those who will believe through the message, love and unity of Jesus' disciples. Word received: Join Me in My life of prayer -- I pray for each of you. I want you to pray for each other. Jesus' prayer is a model for us ( not only the Lord's prayer.) Word received: This is a model to show you how to pray for each other. Follow it.
Jesus' Body, his Bride, his Church is in bad shape in many places. We need to join Jesus in praying for his church. Word received: My Bride has become stained by the world. Join Me in prayer for the cleansing of My Bride.
Jesus has work for us to do, as individuals and as a church. Word received: Just as I had work for My Son while he was on earth, so also do each one of you have specific work to do that will glorify Me and My Name.
Note on "Name" v.6 "manifested your name"-ie revealed your very self, your real self.
vs.11 "keep in your name" ie-keep in the knowledge & in relationship with yourself.
v.s12 ditto
vs. 26 "made your name known" ie-revealed your character and who you really are.
NAMES are very important in many cultures. A name represents all the person is and their power. ie- healing in the name of Jesus Acts 3:6, 16
ie-forgiveness of sin and gift of Holy Spirit Acts 2:38
ie "baptized into the Name of Jesus Acts 19:5
Jesus' Name is NOT a magical incantation or formula see Acts 19-13-17
Perhaps a weaker equivalent in our culture is if someone knocks on your door and says, "I am Joe Blow" would you open the door?
If he said "Open in the name of the law" would you open? Why?
Dear teachers, We didn't get a How to teach teachers word but just a repeated strong send that this lesson is about Jesus praying and wants us to join him in praying for ourselves, each other and for His Church. See the Words in the last section. Jean
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 25
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.Jesus loves you very much. He wants you/us to get to know him better and better and be our best friend. We get to know someone by spending time with them and talking to them. (What are ways we can spend time with Jesus? ) As we get to know Jesus we also get to know His Father in Heaven.
2. Jesus prays for you . He wants us to talk(pray) with him so he can answer us. He is waiting for u. Do you talk to Jesus? (for example, at bedtime, when you thank him for something he gives you or that you see.)
3. We/you are part of God's family. Jesus wants us to pray for each other, for his family. Jesus wants us to share his love with other people so they also can become part of God's family. He wants his family to love each other. That points to God.
4.Jesus has work for each one of us to do. God has a special place for each of us in his family.
5. Jesus wants us to read his word in the Bible. His word is true. We can trust God and his word.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: John 17
Memory Verse: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." John 17:15
In this chapter we, along with the eleven disciples ( Judas had left), get to overhear Jesus' prayer to His Heavenly Father. First, he prays for himself, secondly for his disciples, and thirdly for us and the whole church, his Body on earth.
First Part: Jesus begins by asking His Father to glorify His Son, so that the Son can glorify his Father. Jesus is facing the cross the next day. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross glorifies Jesus and the Father. That means it reveals the awesome work of God (the trinity) to bring salvation to the world. The Old Testament associates God's glory with His presence, his magnificent brightness (recall the angels at Jesus' birth), his acts of salvation and his acts of judgment. In the New Testament Christ is presented as the glory of God made visible on earth to those whose eyes are opened to see it. After his death Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. and after that visions of Christ came in the same form as visions of God had (see Acts 22:6-7 and Acts 7:55-56)
Part of Jesus' glory is that the Father has given Jesus authority over all flesh (people) SO THAT he can give eternal life to those that the Father has given him. Jesus' saving act on the cross is part of his glory. We too can glorify the Father and Jesus by obeying and following him and letting others know about him.
What is eternal life? (vs.3) To know the Father "the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent." (Jesus is identifying himself here at the Messiah, the "anointed one".) To KNOW here is not just information about someone but a close personal relationship with that person and understand them. That is the Biblical understanding of knowing. Genesis uses it for the intimate, physical relationship of husband and wife. It also included the knowledge that grows out of an intimate personal relationship with God. It is a knowing that begins in this life and goes on to all eternity. Jesus wants for us the close relationship that he has with his Heavenly Father. That is what Jesus can give to those who belong to him. So Jesus is the WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE! Word received: As the Son glorified Me so I want you to glorify Me also.
Jesus glorified his Father on earth and completed the work his Father had given him to do (vs.4). We too can glorify God by obeying what He Has given us to do and knowing and reflecting His life in our lives. As we do that we will give them the respect and honor that is due them. Word received: I want you to know Me and My Father with the intimacy we have for each other. I want you to know Me. Ask Me for My Holy Spirit to come daily to you so that you may know Me. As you know Me you will know My Father. I and My Father are one.
"I have given them the words you gave me." Jesus has and is still revealing who the Father is (glorifying). Jesus only speaks and does what the Father tells him so -- Jesus' words are God the Father's words! Through Jesus we can know the mind of God! Jesus said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father!" Jesus IS the way to the Father, to knowing Him personally, to having the LIFE that lasts forever -- and we can begin to have it now!
Second Part: The next part of Jesus' prayer is for his disciples. Jesus thanks His Father for the disciples that the Father has given him. They belong to God! Jesus says the same thing about us when he prays (vs.20) for "all who will believe in him" through the disciples word and witness. We belong to our Father God and Jesus! and he is praying for us also. We and they are part of God's family!
Jesus prays for God the Father to keep and protect all who belong to him. In vs. 17, Jesus prays "not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them (and us) from the evil one". Jesus prays for protection from being lost (falling away from God), from division and disunity and from the tricks and traps of Satan. Prayer: Lord, we need your protecting hand on us. You are our protector. We can't even think of all the things we need protection from so we just place ourselves in your hands, under your protection. Thank you, Lord, for your protection in a fallen world!
Jesus also prays for his disciples (and us) that we may have his joy! Just think, Jesus knows a kind of joy he can have even as he know he will be crucified the next day! He wants us to have his joy too -- a kind of joy that does NOT depend on circumstances.
Another important part of Jesus' prayer is "that they may be one as we are one." Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father are ONE even though they are not exactly alike. Their different tasks are so united and woven together that we worship ONE GOD. (St Patrick is said to have used a clover leaf to show how 3 can be one. People have often used a triangle tool.) Paul writes about the unity/oneness of Christians in the church. God has gifts and jobs for each person, and when we do them with God's power and guidance they all fit together perfectly to be the Church, that is, Christ's Body on earth! Paul also talks about us being "living stones" built together into a temple for God to live in (as he also lives in each of us). In the temple in Jerusalem each huge stone was cut, designed in the quarry and cut to fit in one particular place in the temple. So are we.
Our oneness is a reflection of Jesus' relationship with the Father. Jesus wants each of us to have that intense personal relationship with the Father and with him that he himself has. Jesus also wants to live IN us and WITH us. When this happens, then the world sits up and takes notice. The pagans said of the early Christians, "See how they love one another." One purpose of our oneness with the Trinity and with each other is so that the world may believe God sent Jesus! How are we doing????
On the negative side, Jesus prays for them and us for us to be protected from the tricks and traps of the Evil One which often makes bad things look great (like the juicy worm on a hook to a fish!) On the positive side Jesus prays that the disciples "will be sanctified in/by/through Thy Truth. Thy Word is Truth." Sanctified means "to make holy, to set apart, consecrate for sacred use (God's use) This is God's purpose for those who belong to him. that they be set apart for his use and purposes and made holy (like God, like Jesus). This happens through God's Truth. God's Word is Truth! God's truth and word work in us to make us holy, more like him. Jesus is God's Word. Jesus is God's Truth. God's truth if was is reality, what is really true whether we believe it or not. (Gravity works whether we believe in it or not. If we don't believe it we can demonstrate it!) The words of God that he sends us and the words Jesus spoke and did are part of that Reality, what's really true.
Then Jesus asks the Father to send his disciples (and us) out into a broken world with good news about God's love and what is really true. God's working in us and through us can do what we cannot. Word received: As I sent the disciples so I send you. Word received: Love and unity are My witnesses in a world torn apart.
Third Part: This is where Jesus prays for us and for his church--for those who will believe through the message, love and unity of Jesus' disciples. Word received: Join Me in My life of prayer -- I pray for each of you. I want you to pray for each other. Jesus' prayer is a model for us ( not only the Lord's prayer.) Word received: This is a model to show you how to pray for each other. Follow it.
Jesus' Body, his Bride, his Church is in bad shape in many places. We need to join Jesus in praying for his church. Word received: My Bride has become stained by the world. Join Me in prayer for the cleansing of My Bride.
Jesus has work for us to do, as individuals and as a church. Word received: Just as I had work for My Son while he was on earth, so also do each one of you have specific work to do that will glorify Me and My Name.
Note on "Name" v.6 "manifested your name"-ie revealed your very self, your real self.
vs.11 "keep in your name" ie-keep in the knowledge & in relationship with yourself.
v.s12 ditto
vs. 26 "made your name known" ie-revealed your character and who you really are.
NAMES are very important in many cultures. A name represents all the person is and their power. ie- healing in the name of Jesus Acts 3:6, 16
ie-forgiveness of sin and gift of Holy Spirit Acts 2:38
ie "baptized into the Name of Jesus Acts 19:5
Jesus' Name is NOT a magical incantation or formula see Acts 19-13-17
Perhaps a weaker equivalent in our culture is if someone knocks on your door and says, "I am Joe Blow" would you open the door?
If he said "Open in the name of the law" would you open? Why?
Dear teachers, We didn't get a How to teach teachers word but just a repeated strong send that this lesson is about Jesus praying and wants us to join him in praying for ourselves, each other and for His Church. See the Words in the last section. Jean
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 25
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1.Jesus loves you very much. He wants you/us to get to know him better and better and be our best friend. We get to know someone by spending time with them and talking to them. (What are ways we can spend time with Jesus? ) As we get to know Jesus we also get to know His Father in Heaven.
2. Jesus prays for you . He wants us to talk(pray) with him so he can answer us. He is waiting for u. Do you talk to Jesus? (for example, at bedtime, when you thank him for something he gives you or that you see.)
3. We/you are part of God's family. Jesus wants us to pray for each other, for his family. Jesus wants us to share his love with other people so they also can become part of God's family. He wants his family to love each other. That points to God.
4.Jesus has work for each one of us to do. God has a special place for each of us in his family.
5. Jesus wants us to read his word in the Bible. His word is true. We can trust God and his word.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 24 March 18, 2007
The Cost of Discipleship
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 14: 25-35; Matthew 8: 18-22; Matthew 10: 17-42
Optional Reading: Matthew 19: 16-22
Memory Verse: “And he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” Luke 9:23-24
Today’s lesson is about priorities.
What is it that we really want? And how do we go about our daily lives to get what we want? What is truly most important to us? And what is truly best for us and others?
Large crowds were following Jesus. Many had heard his parables and seen his miracles. In Luke 14: 25-35, we see Jesus turn and address one of these large crowds. They were following him, and now he wanted them to know what would be required to truly follow him, as disciples would. Above all, he wanted them to know the reality of the commitment to being a disciple. In Luke 15: 26, Jesus uses the word “hate” (see Matthew 10: 37-38). Why? The word more clearly means “hostility toward” or “an aversion to”. Are we not, as Christians, to love as Jesus loved? Jesus uses strong language to help us see the choice involved in being one of his disciples. He wants us to see that he is our first priority- in all things, and always. Read Matthew 6: 33. Jesus applies the word “hate” to help us see the choice to follow him as a value judgment that guides us to have no contact with nor influence from that which is wrong or opposed to God. (see Matthew 6:24) We must follow without compromise. This value judgment also informs us that only in Jesus are persons and relationships transformed.
Jesus follows with two parables- one, about constructing a building, the second, about a king waging war. What must be accomplished for the building to be completed? And does not the king want to win any war in which he might engage? This is common sense. If one wants to lose weight, certain things must be done. This is similar with quitting smoking, or planting seedlings, or learning to play piano or ride a bike. It’s the way things are. And so it is with being a disciple of Jesus. There is an essential character to it that must be undertaken and maintained. Note in v. 33 Jesus then states, “…in the same way”. It is as if Jesus is saying- “If you want to be with me, then you must understand what it will take to accomplish the task.” In v.34, we are reminded again of salt and saltiness. If the essential character of a Christian is lost, and the expectations of that life changed or diminished, then what good is the commitment?
Word Received: Trust me. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I will never let you down.
We sometimes establish priorities in our lives that leave following Jesus as something we can get to later. Jesus, however, wants us to see the immediacy, urgency and absolute quality of his kingdom.
Just before Jesus is to enter a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee, he is approached in Matthew 8 by two men.
In Matthew 8:19, Jesus emphasizes to the teacher of the Law the insecurity of discipleship. What is important is that we respond to God’s call to us-now. Such a call can have us talking to strangers, or to large groups of people; or being sent to wilderness areas of Africa to proclaim the Gospel; or to give up a good paying job. Can you think of some insecure places or situations the Lord has called you to? How did those situations turn out? How is being a disciple of Jesus insecure in the eyes of the world? How can it offer us true security?
In Matthew 8:21-22, a disciple seems to be telling Jesus that he must wait for his inheritance before he can afford to follow Jesus. How were his priorities upside down? What has stood in your way at times in following Jesus? Have there been times where following Jesus meant that you would not be able to afford to do so?
Word Received: Stand steadfast in Me. Share, be willing to share. When your heart has put me first, then your mouth and actions will follow.
In Matthew 10: 17-42, the disciples are on the verge of being sent out by Jesus. Jesus has given them, or assigned, his authority to them so that they may do what he has done. He then gives them instructions on what to expect, and how to interact with people. See 2 Corinthians 11. How does what happened in Paul’s life correspond to what Jesus says will happen in the lives of the disciples? Yet, God makes a way. Jesus says “do not worry”, and “do not be afraid”, and gives tender words of encouragement, how the Father values them very personally. The Gospel is proclaimed, people are healed. Lives are transformed. See Matthew 11: 1-6. John the Baptist wondered about Jesus’ ministry. We are to go, but judge the “success” of the going, of being sent out, of being a disciple of Jesus, only in terms of transformed lives, and certainly not by the world’s standards. (see Matthew 7: 15-20)
Finally, in Matthew 19: 16-22, we are reminded that “good” is not something we can do or acquire. (see Romans 3:23) Only God is good in and of himself. Our work is to believe in the one God has sent- Jesus. (see John 6: 29 and 6:40) The young man in Matthew 19 is obviously attached to his understanding of the Law allowing him, if scrupulously followed, to “attain” eternal life. He wanted more “inside information”. What one good thing must he do? Which laws should he follow? He also was obviously attached to his money. Jesus wanted him to get his priorities straight, and he wants us to do the same.
Take time now to pray that the Lord would show you the way. Follow him.
How to teach teachers' word: Ask them to ask Me where I AM trying to touch their lives. (Each of them will have a different place.) I want them to become sensitive to My promptings in those areas.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 24.
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus loves us and gave his life for us.
2. We can know God's love by becoming a disciple of Jesus.
3. To become a disciple of Jesus we must ask him to be our savior and come into our hearts. Then we must put him first in our lives. Then we will come to know him.
4. Part of being a disciple is sharing Jesus' love with others by out words and actions. God will always help us with this.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 14: 25-35; Matthew 8: 18-22; Matthew 10: 17-42
Optional Reading: Matthew 19: 16-22
Memory Verse: “And he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’” Luke 9:23-24
Today’s lesson is about priorities.
What is it that we really want? And how do we go about our daily lives to get what we want? What is truly most important to us? And what is truly best for us and others?
Large crowds were following Jesus. Many had heard his parables and seen his miracles. In Luke 14: 25-35, we see Jesus turn and address one of these large crowds. They were following him, and now he wanted them to know what would be required to truly follow him, as disciples would. Above all, he wanted them to know the reality of the commitment to being a disciple. In Luke 15: 26, Jesus uses the word “hate” (see Matthew 10: 37-38). Why? The word more clearly means “hostility toward” or “an aversion to”. Are we not, as Christians, to love as Jesus loved? Jesus uses strong language to help us see the choice involved in being one of his disciples. He wants us to see that he is our first priority- in all things, and always. Read Matthew 6: 33. Jesus applies the word “hate” to help us see the choice to follow him as a value judgment that guides us to have no contact with nor influence from that which is wrong or opposed to God. (see Matthew 6:24) We must follow without compromise. This value judgment also informs us that only in Jesus are persons and relationships transformed.
Jesus follows with two parables- one, about constructing a building, the second, about a king waging war. What must be accomplished for the building to be completed? And does not the king want to win any war in which he might engage? This is common sense. If one wants to lose weight, certain things must be done. This is similar with quitting smoking, or planting seedlings, or learning to play piano or ride a bike. It’s the way things are. And so it is with being a disciple of Jesus. There is an essential character to it that must be undertaken and maintained. Note in v. 33 Jesus then states, “…in the same way”. It is as if Jesus is saying- “If you want to be with me, then you must understand what it will take to accomplish the task.” In v.34, we are reminded again of salt and saltiness. If the essential character of a Christian is lost, and the expectations of that life changed or diminished, then what good is the commitment?
Word Received: Trust me. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I will never let you down.
We sometimes establish priorities in our lives that leave following Jesus as something we can get to later. Jesus, however, wants us to see the immediacy, urgency and absolute quality of his kingdom.
Just before Jesus is to enter a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee, he is approached in Matthew 8 by two men.
In Matthew 8:19, Jesus emphasizes to the teacher of the Law the insecurity of discipleship. What is important is that we respond to God’s call to us-now. Such a call can have us talking to strangers, or to large groups of people; or being sent to wilderness areas of Africa to proclaim the Gospel; or to give up a good paying job. Can you think of some insecure places or situations the Lord has called you to? How did those situations turn out? How is being a disciple of Jesus insecure in the eyes of the world? How can it offer us true security?
In Matthew 8:21-22, a disciple seems to be telling Jesus that he must wait for his inheritance before he can afford to follow Jesus. How were his priorities upside down? What has stood in your way at times in following Jesus? Have there been times where following Jesus meant that you would not be able to afford to do so?
Word Received: Stand steadfast in Me. Share, be willing to share. When your heart has put me first, then your mouth and actions will follow.
In Matthew 10: 17-42, the disciples are on the verge of being sent out by Jesus. Jesus has given them, or assigned, his authority to them so that they may do what he has done. He then gives them instructions on what to expect, and how to interact with people. See 2 Corinthians 11. How does what happened in Paul’s life correspond to what Jesus says will happen in the lives of the disciples? Yet, God makes a way. Jesus says “do not worry”, and “do not be afraid”, and gives tender words of encouragement, how the Father values them very personally. The Gospel is proclaimed, people are healed. Lives are transformed. See Matthew 11: 1-6. John the Baptist wondered about Jesus’ ministry. We are to go, but judge the “success” of the going, of being sent out, of being a disciple of Jesus, only in terms of transformed lives, and certainly not by the world’s standards. (see Matthew 7: 15-20)
Finally, in Matthew 19: 16-22, we are reminded that “good” is not something we can do or acquire. (see Romans 3:23) Only God is good in and of himself. Our work is to believe in the one God has sent- Jesus. (see John 6: 29 and 6:40) The young man in Matthew 19 is obviously attached to his understanding of the Law allowing him, if scrupulously followed, to “attain” eternal life. He wanted more “inside information”. What one good thing must he do? Which laws should he follow? He also was obviously attached to his money. Jesus wanted him to get his priorities straight, and he wants us to do the same.
Take time now to pray that the Lord would show you the way. Follow him.
How to teach teachers' word: Ask them to ask Me where I AM trying to touch their lives. (Each of them will have a different place.) I want them to become sensitive to My promptings in those areas.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 24.
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. Jesus loves us and gave his life for us.
2. We can know God's love by becoming a disciple of Jesus.
3. To become a disciple of Jesus we must ask him to be our savior and come into our hearts. Then we must put him first in our lives. Then we will come to know him.
4. Part of being a disciple is sharing Jesus' love with others by out words and actions. God will always help us with this.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 23 March 11, 2007
Jesus Shows Us How to Love
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 10:25-37; Mark 10:13-16
Memory Verse: "Jesus replied, 'Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 37-39
A very steep 17 mile long road descended 3,300 feet from the moderate hill country climate of Jerusalem into the below sea level desert heat of Jericho, the "City of Palms". Jericho was an oasis (and is today) amid this harsh environment because of the powerful springs that provided water there- water that rushes at 1,000 gallons per minute even today! In Jesus' day, Jericho was a popular second home market for the Jewish priests, and Jesus had ministered there often (as at the sycamore tree...). Jesus sets his parable along this busy highway.
Jesus states the parable in response to a lawyer's questions. The lawyer specialized in the law (see Deuteronomy 6:1-5 and Leviticus 19:18) and should have known it well. That is why Jesus states the obvious in citing the heart of the law. Still, the lawyer presses him by asking "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Word Received: I want you to be prepared to answer this question when someone questions you. If you want to gain eternal life, you must be willing to lose your own life. There is no way you can justify yourself in front of me.
The lawyer had attempted to justify himself in front of Jesus- kind of like asking, "How am I doing?" How is his heart different from the many people who heard Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost? (See Acts 2:27). What must we do? Coming to the aid of the wounded traveler begins by the proper response to the lawyer's question. Read John 6:28-29. To accomplish the work, or deeds, God requires, we must believe in Jesus. That is also God's will (John 6:40). The Levite and the priest represent groups considered by the Jews of that time to be "good". They meticulously maintained the numerous laws they believed God required in the Law for one to be righteous. In the parable, their behavior is perhaps justified because such Jews would have been afraid to touch what they thought was a corpse, for they would have broken a law and defiled themselves. The lawyer who came to Jesus would have been like them, very faithful to the law, but not sensitive to the God who is love. (see John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19) The Samaritan (Jews despised Samaritans and would not allow any social contact with them) was the one who showed mercy and compassion, or love in action; whose heart was right. Paul correctly notes in Galatians 3:6 that Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. What we do then comes from this act of faith- from believing in the one God has sent.
Another question raised by the lawyer was "Who is my neighbor?" In providing the parable, Jesus wanted the lawyer to ask himself the question, "Have I been a neighbor?" Read the memory verse again.
Word Received: Look at the order here- God first, your neighbor second. Each generation has its own struggles. This generation wants to put neighbor before me.
We are incapable of truly loving without the love of God in our hearts. Look at John 21:15-17. Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. Peter has denied Jesus three times. Jesus helps Peter to refocus and asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter says yes, and Jesus in turn responds in the following way- "Feed my lambs." "Take care of my sheep." "Feed my sheep." "Follow me." We may feel like Peter, who finally gives up- "Lord, you know all things." Do we love Jesus? Do we really have his love in our hearts? Did Peter feel, based on his denial of Jesus, that he did not love Jesus? Do we feel incapable of showing forth God's love? Good, Jesus is saying, for "without me, you can do nothing." Feed his lambs. Take care of his sheep. Follow him. The LORD'S word to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is for us as well. The literal translation is: "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in strengthlessness."
Word Received: Pray that my power will be present for the healing of many. Many are coming to hear me, pray for their healing.
We love because Jesus first loved us. Abide in him. (See John 15:5-13) If Jesus, the one through whom all things were made, can state in John 5:19 that he can do nothing of his own initiative, that he can do only what he sees the Father doing, how much more do we need to see what the Father is doing? Do not focus on who is your neighbor. Focus on God and the work he has for you to do.
Word Received: When you see what pleases me (helping the wounded stranger), I tell you to go and do likewise. All around you there are men and women and children who are bleeding to death from their sins. Go and reach out to them. Do not be afraid. I want you to help, and then share my love with them.
Last, why did the disciples try to hinder the little children from coming to Jesus? They "scolded" them- yet Jesus' was indignant. The Greek word for indignant implies that Jesus was very angry about this. Perhaps the disciples felt "justified" in keeping them away. After all, there were many adults that required Jesus at that moment. Again, the Greek or more literal translation is instructive to show what Jesus did. First, he told the disciples to allow the children to come to him. Then, "he blessed them fervently, again and again." Jesus obviously had great joy in ministering to these little ones. Read Matthew 18:1-6. Jesus is very serious about allowing all to come to him. Everyone has worth in his sight. The disciples, and the Levite and priest in the parable of the Good Samaritan each hindered someone from coming to Jesus, from knowing God's love. How often do you pass someone by, as it were, on the other side of the road, because you do not want to get involved? When we set neighbor or self first before God, we turn the correct order of things upside down and undercut the distinctive quality of the Christian life, which is God's love. Recall Matthew 5:16 from an earlier Sunday School lesson- what happens to salt that has lost its saltiness? Or, to a light hidden? What is the distinctive character of the Christian?
Word Received: The way to life for you and others is to choose my way. I am calling my people to choose life abundantly by choosing me. That is my call to you.
How to teach word for teachers: How am I calling you to respond by loving Me and your neighbor? Ask that question. There will be an answer for each of you.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 23
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. To receive eternal life is to believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died on the cross for us: ask forgiveness for our sins and ask Jesus to help us by being our friend and helper.
2. God's first command to us is to love him first. God must be the most important person in our lives.
3. The second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
4. Our neighbor is anyone in any kind of need that God puts in our path.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 10:25-37; Mark 10:13-16
Memory Verse: "Jesus replied, 'Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 37-39
A very steep 17 mile long road descended 3,300 feet from the moderate hill country climate of Jerusalem into the below sea level desert heat of Jericho, the "City of Palms". Jericho was an oasis (and is today) amid this harsh environment because of the powerful springs that provided water there- water that rushes at 1,000 gallons per minute even today! In Jesus' day, Jericho was a popular second home market for the Jewish priests, and Jesus had ministered there often (as at the sycamore tree...). Jesus sets his parable along this busy highway.
Jesus states the parable in response to a lawyer's questions. The lawyer specialized in the law (see Deuteronomy 6:1-5 and Leviticus 19:18) and should have known it well. That is why Jesus states the obvious in citing the heart of the law. Still, the lawyer presses him by asking "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Word Received: I want you to be prepared to answer this question when someone questions you. If you want to gain eternal life, you must be willing to lose your own life. There is no way you can justify yourself in front of me.
The lawyer had attempted to justify himself in front of Jesus- kind of like asking, "How am I doing?" How is his heart different from the many people who heard Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost? (See Acts 2:27). What must we do? Coming to the aid of the wounded traveler begins by the proper response to the lawyer's question. Read John 6:28-29. To accomplish the work, or deeds, God requires, we must believe in Jesus. That is also God's will (John 6:40). The Levite and the priest represent groups considered by the Jews of that time to be "good". They meticulously maintained the numerous laws they believed God required in the Law for one to be righteous. In the parable, their behavior is perhaps justified because such Jews would have been afraid to touch what they thought was a corpse, for they would have broken a law and defiled themselves. The lawyer who came to Jesus would have been like them, very faithful to the law, but not sensitive to the God who is love. (see John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19) The Samaritan (Jews despised Samaritans and would not allow any social contact with them) was the one who showed mercy and compassion, or love in action; whose heart was right. Paul correctly notes in Galatians 3:6 that Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. What we do then comes from this act of faith- from believing in the one God has sent.
Another question raised by the lawyer was "Who is my neighbor?" In providing the parable, Jesus wanted the lawyer to ask himself the question, "Have I been a neighbor?" Read the memory verse again.
Word Received: Look at the order here- God first, your neighbor second. Each generation has its own struggles. This generation wants to put neighbor before me.
We are incapable of truly loving without the love of God in our hearts. Look at John 21:15-17. Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. Peter has denied Jesus three times. Jesus helps Peter to refocus and asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter says yes, and Jesus in turn responds in the following way- "Feed my lambs." "Take care of my sheep." "Feed my sheep." "Follow me." We may feel like Peter, who finally gives up- "Lord, you know all things." Do we love Jesus? Do we really have his love in our hearts? Did Peter feel, based on his denial of Jesus, that he did not love Jesus? Do we feel incapable of showing forth God's love? Good, Jesus is saying, for "without me, you can do nothing." Feed his lambs. Take care of his sheep. Follow him. The LORD'S word to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is for us as well. The literal translation is: "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in strengthlessness."
Word Received: Pray that my power will be present for the healing of many. Many are coming to hear me, pray for their healing.
We love because Jesus first loved us. Abide in him. (See John 15:5-13) If Jesus, the one through whom all things were made, can state in John 5:19 that he can do nothing of his own initiative, that he can do only what he sees the Father doing, how much more do we need to see what the Father is doing? Do not focus on who is your neighbor. Focus on God and the work he has for you to do.
Word Received: When you see what pleases me (helping the wounded stranger), I tell you to go and do likewise. All around you there are men and women and children who are bleeding to death from their sins. Go and reach out to them. Do not be afraid. I want you to help, and then share my love with them.
Last, why did the disciples try to hinder the little children from coming to Jesus? They "scolded" them- yet Jesus' was indignant. The Greek word for indignant implies that Jesus was very angry about this. Perhaps the disciples felt "justified" in keeping them away. After all, there were many adults that required Jesus at that moment. Again, the Greek or more literal translation is instructive to show what Jesus did. First, he told the disciples to allow the children to come to him. Then, "he blessed them fervently, again and again." Jesus obviously had great joy in ministering to these little ones. Read Matthew 18:1-6. Jesus is very serious about allowing all to come to him. Everyone has worth in his sight. The disciples, and the Levite and priest in the parable of the Good Samaritan each hindered someone from coming to Jesus, from knowing God's love. How often do you pass someone by, as it were, on the other side of the road, because you do not want to get involved? When we set neighbor or self first before God, we turn the correct order of things upside down and undercut the distinctive quality of the Christian life, which is God's love. Recall Matthew 5:16 from an earlier Sunday School lesson- what happens to salt that has lost its saltiness? Or, to a light hidden? What is the distinctive character of the Christian?
Word Received: The way to life for you and others is to choose my way. I am calling my people to choose life abundantly by choosing me. That is my call to you.
How to teach word for teachers: How am I calling you to respond by loving Me and your neighbor? Ask that question. There will be an answer for each of you.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 23
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1. To receive eternal life is to believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died on the cross for us: ask forgiveness for our sins and ask Jesus to help us by being our friend and helper.
2. God's first command to us is to love him first. God must be the most important person in our lives.
3. The second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
4. Our neighbor is anyone in any kind of need that God puts in our path.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 22 March 4, 2007
Jesus Heals and Spreads the Good News
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 5:17-32 Luke 7: 11-17
Optional: Luke 7: 18-23
Memory Verse: "Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Luke 5: 31,32
This lesson is set in the early part of Jesus' ministry. People were thronging to hear him and be healed. (Notice Jesus' reaction to all this -- he withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.) It would have been so easy to be influenced by his popularity and all the miracles but Jesus keeps setting time apart to be with his Father in Heaven and kept on doing what the Father wanted.
In these days there were many Pharisees and teachers of the Law who came to hear and observe him (and check him out??) Word received: I brought them there to see My power and My Son. I want you to bring others to see My power and My Son too. That is part of your job as believers. They and others came from all over the country. They were curious and drawn to him, but they thought (in their hearts) that he was being blasphemous toward God in forgiving the man. (We too can have wrong thoughts toward God and what he is doing.) Whatever they later thought about Jesus, the religious leaders were amazed and gave praise to God along with everybody else.
"The power of the Lord was with him to heal." (vs.17) Word received: My power to heal is present today. Ask for My Holy Spirit.
A man who was paralyzed was brought by his friends to Jesus. Word received: Pray for those who are paralyzed, those paralyzed by injury, disease or fear. Pray that they will be brought to Me to heal them.
Look at the paralyzed man's friends who cared enough for him to bring him to Jesus. Word received: Look at their faith in Me and their love for their brother. Do you love your brothers enough to bring them to Me? Bring Me your brothers and sisters who are hurting. I AM faithful and I can heal them. Trust Me. His friends were both persistent and creative in getting their friend right in front of Jesus. Jesus saw their faith (notice it was their faith, not that of the invalid), forgave the sins of the paralytic and healed him. Word received: What are you willing to break to bring a friend to Me? Bring the halt, the weak, the paralyzed, the sick to Me for healing. Word received: I want you to step out in faith. Pray for Me to use your faith in bringing others to Me for healing.
The Scribes and Pharisees thought it was blasphemous to claim to forgive sins, but Jesus knew what they were thinking. Word received: I know what you are thinking also. I know your coming and going. There is nothing that is a surprise to Me. Jesus challenged the thoughts of their hearts. "That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.'" And he did. Word received: I want you all to respond as this paralyzed man and the village did. Give Me the honor and glory I deserve. That will draw others to Me.
Jesus successfully established his authority to forgive sins by healing the man -- for those who had eyes to see and hearts willing to respond. (Over and over some of the religious leaders believed and others hardened their hearts after a miracle and would say, "Show us a sign." What are the obstacles that keep us from letting Jesus have access to the hurting areas of our lives? What things paralyze us? What things from the past (sins, wounds) keep us from wholeness and growing? Jesus had to deal with the root problem before he could heal this man. Notice that it was this man's friends that brought him to Jesus. We can do that too.
Next Jesus calls a tax collector, Levi (Matthew), to follow him. We can assume Levi and everyone else had heard Jesus and heard about him but he would not have thought of himself worthy to be a Rabbi's disciple. (Remember tax collectors were hated and despised.) When Jesus simply says, "Follow me," Levi jumps at the chance and leaves everything to follow his Rabbi, Jesus. Word received: Follow Me like Levi did. Jesus ' word to us is the same as his word to Levi.
Levi is so happy that he makes a great feast and invites all his tax collector friends to come and meet Jesus. (New believers often have large groups of friends they can reach for Jesus.) The Scribes and Pharisees were scandalized and Jesus answers them. Read the Memory Verse. Are we willing to recognize our own sin-sickness and our own need for Jesus? It is only as we do that, that Jesus can bring us to healing and repentance. It is often when we are most desperate for Jesus that he can help us most. PRAYER: Pray that people find the freedom to acknowledge their sickness so that they can come to Me for healing.
Jesus showed great compassion for the widow who had lost her only son. (Luke 7:13f) He knew that in that society, a woman without a husband or a son was often destitute, with no means of support. (Perhaps he remembered his mother being a widow, or what would happen to his mother after his crucifixion.) Jesus goes over and touches the bier (something that would make him "unclean") and raises the young man to life and gives him to him mother.
Fear and praise filled the people. They "got it" and said, " A great prophet has arisen among us." and "God has visited his people." They would remember how both Elijah and Elisha had raised boys from the dead and given them back to their mothers.
God wants the miracles he does in our midst to call attention to HIM so people will come to him and get to know, love and serve him.
God visits his people to advance HIS Kingdom and have mercy on the lost, the sick, and the spiritually dead. He wants to do that is our day too. Pray for God's visitation in our own day. Do we put limits on God's power by our unbelief and fear and get in God's way?
In the verses that follow this lesson, John the Baptist, who is in prison and alone, is tortured by doubts and sends his friends to ask Jesus is he is really the "One who is to come".(vs.21) "In that hour" Jesus cured many diseases, cast out evil spirits, raised the dead and told them to tell John what they had seen. Jesus was fulfilling Isaiah's
prophesies. John would remember Isaiah 29:18-19 about the deaf hearing, the blind seeing and the poor exulting in God. See Also Isaiah 35:3-6 about God coming to your rescue and people being healed. In Nazareth Jesus had quoted Isaiah 61:1ff about God's anointed one bringing good news and healing and a day of salvation, and beauty for ashes to those who mourn.
God has spoken to many that his is going to bring a time of visitation in our day. Are we ready to be a part of it??
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 22
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
p 1.Jesus wants us to bring others( including friends & relatives) to Him for healing.
p 2.Jesus wants each of us to come to Him for healing, when we need it.
p 3. Jesus heals today. God wants us to ask for His Holy Spirit so He can use us in bringing others for healing.
p 4. When someone is healing in Jesus Name, God wants us to give Him the glory.
p 5. Jesus knows what we're thinking, so feel free to talk to Him about it.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 5:17-32 Luke 7: 11-17
Optional: Luke 7: 18-23
Memory Verse: "Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Luke 5: 31,32
This lesson is set in the early part of Jesus' ministry. People were thronging to hear him and be healed. (Notice Jesus' reaction to all this -- he withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.) It would have been so easy to be influenced by his popularity and all the miracles but Jesus keeps setting time apart to be with his Father in Heaven and kept on doing what the Father wanted.
In these days there were many Pharisees and teachers of the Law who came to hear and observe him (and check him out??) Word received: I brought them there to see My power and My Son. I want you to bring others to see My power and My Son too. That is part of your job as believers. They and others came from all over the country. They were curious and drawn to him, but they thought (in their hearts) that he was being blasphemous toward God in forgiving the man. (We too can have wrong thoughts toward God and what he is doing.) Whatever they later thought about Jesus, the religious leaders were amazed and gave praise to God along with everybody else.
"The power of the Lord was with him to heal." (vs.17) Word received: My power to heal is present today. Ask for My Holy Spirit.
A man who was paralyzed was brought by his friends to Jesus. Word received: Pray for those who are paralyzed, those paralyzed by injury, disease or fear. Pray that they will be brought to Me to heal them.
Look at the paralyzed man's friends who cared enough for him to bring him to Jesus. Word received: Look at their faith in Me and their love for their brother. Do you love your brothers enough to bring them to Me? Bring Me your brothers and sisters who are hurting. I AM faithful and I can heal them. Trust Me. His friends were both persistent and creative in getting their friend right in front of Jesus. Jesus saw their faith (notice it was their faith, not that of the invalid), forgave the sins of the paralytic and healed him. Word received: What are you willing to break to bring a friend to Me? Bring the halt, the weak, the paralyzed, the sick to Me for healing. Word received: I want you to step out in faith. Pray for Me to use your faith in bringing others to Me for healing.
The Scribes and Pharisees thought it was blasphemous to claim to forgive sins, but Jesus knew what they were thinking. Word received: I know what you are thinking also. I know your coming and going. There is nothing that is a surprise to Me. Jesus challenged the thoughts of their hearts. "That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he said to the man who was paralyzed, 'I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.'" And he did. Word received: I want you all to respond as this paralyzed man and the village did. Give Me the honor and glory I deserve. That will draw others to Me.
Jesus successfully established his authority to forgive sins by healing the man -- for those who had eyes to see and hearts willing to respond. (Over and over some of the religious leaders believed and others hardened their hearts after a miracle and would say, "Show us a sign." What are the obstacles that keep us from letting Jesus have access to the hurting areas of our lives? What things paralyze us? What things from the past (sins, wounds) keep us from wholeness and growing? Jesus had to deal with the root problem before he could heal this man. Notice that it was this man's friends that brought him to Jesus. We can do that too.
Next Jesus calls a tax collector, Levi (Matthew), to follow him. We can assume Levi and everyone else had heard Jesus and heard about him but he would not have thought of himself worthy to be a Rabbi's disciple. (Remember tax collectors were hated and despised.) When Jesus simply says, "Follow me," Levi jumps at the chance and leaves everything to follow his Rabbi, Jesus. Word received: Follow Me like Levi did. Jesus ' word to us is the same as his word to Levi.
Levi is so happy that he makes a great feast and invites all his tax collector friends to come and meet Jesus. (New believers often have large groups of friends they can reach for Jesus.) The Scribes and Pharisees were scandalized and Jesus answers them. Read the Memory Verse. Are we willing to recognize our own sin-sickness and our own need for Jesus? It is only as we do that, that Jesus can bring us to healing and repentance. It is often when we are most desperate for Jesus that he can help us most. PRAYER: Pray that people find the freedom to acknowledge their sickness so that they can come to Me for healing.
Jesus showed great compassion for the widow who had lost her only son. (Luke 7:13f) He knew that in that society, a woman without a husband or a son was often destitute, with no means of support. (Perhaps he remembered his mother being a widow, or what would happen to his mother after his crucifixion.) Jesus goes over and touches the bier (something that would make him "unclean") and raises the young man to life and gives him to him mother.
Fear and praise filled the people. They "got it" and said, " A great prophet has arisen among us." and "God has visited his people." They would remember how both Elijah and Elisha had raised boys from the dead and given them back to their mothers.
God wants the miracles he does in our midst to call attention to HIM so people will come to him and get to know, love and serve him.
God visits his people to advance HIS Kingdom and have mercy on the lost, the sick, and the spiritually dead. He wants to do that is our day too. Pray for God's visitation in our own day. Do we put limits on God's power by our unbelief and fear and get in God's way?
In the verses that follow this lesson, John the Baptist, who is in prison and alone, is tortured by doubts and sends his friends to ask Jesus is he is really the "One who is to come".(vs.21) "In that hour" Jesus cured many diseases, cast out evil spirits, raised the dead and told them to tell John what they had seen. Jesus was fulfilling Isaiah's
prophesies. John would remember Isaiah 29:18-19 about the deaf hearing, the blind seeing and the poor exulting in God. See Also Isaiah 35:3-6 about God coming to your rescue and people being healed. In Nazareth Jesus had quoted Isaiah 61:1ff about God's anointed one bringing good news and healing and a day of salvation, and beauty for ashes to those who mourn.
God has spoken to many that his is going to bring a time of visitation in our day. Are we ready to be a part of it??
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 22
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
p 1.Jesus wants us to bring others( including friends & relatives) to Him for healing.
p 2.Jesus wants each of us to come to Him for healing, when we need it.
p 3. Jesus heals today. God wants us to ask for His Holy Spirit so He can use us in bringing others for healing.
p 4. When someone is healing in Jesus Name, God wants us to give Him the glory.
p 5. Jesus knows what we're thinking, so feel free to talk to Him about it.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 21 February 25, 2007
Jesus Prepares Us to Take on His Attitudes
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Matthew 4:23-5:16
Memory Verse: "In the same way let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Read the Memory Verse again. Word received: I want your works to draw people to My Father. I want people to see My Father's love in what you do.
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." (Matthew 4:23) Word received: That is exactly what I want you to do too. I AM a model for you. I have given you the Spirit. I want you to listen and follow His direction to increase My Kingdom and bring glory to My Name.
PRAYER: Jesus, please come into our church and by your Holy Spirit preach the gospel of the kingdom, heal our sickness and every cause of dis-ease and un-ease. Read verse 24. Word received: I want news about Me to spread (now) too. Are you willing to share?
Jesus helped people who needed him the most, those with physical needs and those with spiritual needs. The Beatitudes are really, really comforting to those who are humble, hurting and those who do the right thing (have mercy, make peace) and those who are persecuted. Share examples. PRAYER: Thank you Lord, for comforting us now with the strong and sure hope of what is ours and what will be ours forever. Help me to keep your promise in mind when we go through tough times.
Then Jesus goes aside for a time of teaching his disciples. (Rabbis usually sat down to teach.) Jesus is giving us an "attitude" teaching about a way of living. These are statements of "how things are." They are not multiple choice. (Matthew has arranged the teachings differently than Luke. Some teachings may come from other occasions. Matthew has arranged them in five blocks, a parallel to the five books of Moses.) Jesus was an itinerate teacher (no radio/internet) so he would have said many of these things over and over, probably in slightly different ways to meet the needs in each situation.
"Blessed" is understood to be a God's blessing of goodwill or grace in response to a way of living. Recall Aaron's blessing in Numbers 6:22-27. Blessing is associated with God's face (presence) and Name.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:3) A word received: Seek after treasure that lasts to eternal life. Isaiah 66:2,5 helps illuminate this choice. "But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word. (vs.2) "Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word." (vs.5) This is not being full of ourselves but knowing our need of God. It is laying up treasure in heaven. It is being humble and repentant before God. It is when we know our own poverty of spirit and need of repentance and take them to Jesus that we receive his bounty.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) A word received: When you grieve for your sins and turn to me, I will comfort you. Comfort would include both forgiveness and strengthening. They have been covered by his blood shed on the cross. Then there are those who mourn for the sins of God's people and the consequences, like Jeremiah and Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Isaiah 53:3 calls Jesus a "man of sorrows".
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."(Matthew 5:5) Meek means strength under control, in this case, under the control of God. (Psalm 51:7) The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit, (not shattered but broken as a horse is broken). a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Isaiah says in 57:13, "He who takes refuge in me shall inherit the land." A word received: I want to bless you with what you do not have. Yield your strength to me so that I may perfect my strength in your weakness.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) A word received: Open your mouth and your soul so that I may fill them. Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (From Isaiah 55:1) We have to take a step forward, to open our mouths to drink, to receive what God wants to give us. Those who hunger for God make it their highest priority.
At its core, righteousness is doing the will of God, as when Jesus said to John the Baptist, "It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." It is hungering for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) were longing to see God's will and promises fulfilled on earth and God blessed them with a glimpse of his Messiah. Those who hunger to have more of God and His will, will be given more. "To him who has shall be given, pressed down, running over". (This does not exclude social justice. God cares about the poor and the "widow and orphan".)
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7) A word received: Hunger and pray for mercy in my church. Mercy is a quality of God himself (Psalm 86:15). Jesus said elsewhere, Be merciful even as your Father in heaven is merciful. (Luke 6:36), and two verses later, "For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) A word received: Pray for clarity of sight, pray for repentant and purified hearts so that you may see me. The Greek word for pure here is "katharoi" which is exactly the same word used in John 15 for "pruned" "cleaned". God wants to prune, cleanse our hearts so we can live in him and he in us and bear fruit . It also has to do with the absence of double mindedness or a divided heart (no mixed motives). Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters"(Matthew 6:2) "The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is single/sound, your whole body will be full of light. (Matthew 6:22). A famous Christian said "Purity of heart is to will one thing."
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Jesus called those who do the will of God his family, his brothers, sisters and mother. A word received: Bless me for my peace -- it passes all (underline) understanding. Unless we have God's peace within us we can't very well help others to find that peace. Peacemaking is not a passive thing. Paul was a peacemaker as he proclaimed what God had done so that not only were Jews and Gentiles finding peace with God (see Romans 5:1) but in Christ, that dividing wall of hostility between them was broken down so they might be One Body and members of God's family together. (Ephesians 2:14-19) Paul also tells us how to keep peace in the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul was proclaiming the only one who could bring true peace. Word received: Our generation talks about peace without talking about the only one who can give it. Without Jesus no lives are changed. Today people want the peace of God without the cross and we can't get peace that way. He wants us to turn to him for His peace and bless Him for it.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) A word received: Pray for my people who are being persecuted -- that they may receive every blessing I intend for them. Remember that the prophets were persecuted for calling God's people back to him, to re-establish a right relationship. It is going on today. If people's hearts are hard, they want to silence criticism. The message we hear over and over from those who are being persecuted is "Don't forget us." "Pray for us."
Another way of expressing what Jesus was talking about is what Paul called, "the mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5). As we have the mind of Christ, we can be salt and light and fulfill God's purposes on earth. Part of Jesus' mind was his utter dependence on his Father and absolute commitment to do the Father's will. Jesus himself lived out the Beatitudes.
It is an incredible responsibility to be salt and light in a world often in darkness and "gone bad" like spoiled food. (Salt was very important as a preservative.) People are looking at us, what we say, what we do when they know we are followers of Christ. PRAYER: May my words and actions reflect your light and your glory so that people will praise our Father in heaven (not us). This is part of the purpose of sharing thanksgivings on Sun. morning.
Once again look at the choice to be light and salt. (vs.13-16) You have a choice about living as salt and light and not hiding it. Do we hide when we have a hostile environment? The point of light on a hill or a lamp on a stand is to make sure that there is no obstacle between the light and the world around it. It is to be "in the world but not of it". If we are hiding, no one can see the light and glorify God and turn to him.
Word received: I want you to read my WORD and DO what it says. Just follow Me. As we do these things, live these Beatitudes, we become more like Jesus. We become salt to the earth (taste and preservative) and light to the world around us. God does NOT want us to hide.
Polycarp
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 21
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
p 1.Jesus wants us to become like him in our attitudes and in what we do. Jesus wants people to see God's love in what we do.
p 2. Jesus wants us to share the good news about him.
p 3.Jesus will comfort (forgive & strengthen) us when we confess our sins to him.
p 4. Jesus is the one who can give us God's peace and peace with one another.
p 5. Jesus wants us to READ his Word ( the Bible) and DO what it says, and Follow Jesus.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Matthew 4:23-5:16
Memory Verse: "In the same way let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Read the Memory Verse again. Word received: I want your works to draw people to My Father. I want people to see My Father's love in what you do.
"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." (Matthew 4:23) Word received: That is exactly what I want you to do too. I AM a model for you. I have given you the Spirit. I want you to listen and follow His direction to increase My Kingdom and bring glory to My Name.
PRAYER: Jesus, please come into our church and by your Holy Spirit preach the gospel of the kingdom, heal our sickness and every cause of dis-ease and un-ease. Read verse 24. Word received: I want news about Me to spread (now) too. Are you willing to share?
Jesus helped people who needed him the most, those with physical needs and those with spiritual needs. The Beatitudes are really, really comforting to those who are humble, hurting and those who do the right thing (have mercy, make peace) and those who are persecuted. Share examples. PRAYER: Thank you Lord, for comforting us now with the strong and sure hope of what is ours and what will be ours forever. Help me to keep your promise in mind when we go through tough times.
Then Jesus goes aside for a time of teaching his disciples. (Rabbis usually sat down to teach.) Jesus is giving us an "attitude" teaching about a way of living. These are statements of "how things are." They are not multiple choice. (Matthew has arranged the teachings differently than Luke. Some teachings may come from other occasions. Matthew has arranged them in five blocks, a parallel to the five books of Moses.) Jesus was an itinerate teacher (no radio/internet) so he would have said many of these things over and over, probably in slightly different ways to meet the needs in each situation.
"Blessed" is understood to be a God's blessing of goodwill or grace in response to a way of living. Recall Aaron's blessing in Numbers 6:22-27. Blessing is associated with God's face (presence) and Name.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:3) A word received: Seek after treasure that lasts to eternal life. Isaiah 66:2,5 helps illuminate this choice. "But this is the man to whom I will look, he that is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word. (vs.2) "Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word." (vs.5) This is not being full of ourselves but knowing our need of God. It is laying up treasure in heaven. It is being humble and repentant before God. It is when we know our own poverty of spirit and need of repentance and take them to Jesus that we receive his bounty.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) A word received: When you grieve for your sins and turn to me, I will comfort you. Comfort would include both forgiveness and strengthening. They have been covered by his blood shed on the cross. Then there are those who mourn for the sins of God's people and the consequences, like Jeremiah and Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. Isaiah 53:3 calls Jesus a "man of sorrows".
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."(Matthew 5:5) Meek means strength under control, in this case, under the control of God. (Psalm 51:7) The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit, (not shattered but broken as a horse is broken). a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Isaiah says in 57:13, "He who takes refuge in me shall inherit the land." A word received: I want to bless you with what you do not have. Yield your strength to me so that I may perfect my strength in your weakness.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6) A word received: Open your mouth and your soul so that I may fill them. Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (From Isaiah 55:1) We have to take a step forward, to open our mouths to drink, to receive what God wants to give us. Those who hunger for God make it their highest priority.
At its core, righteousness is doing the will of God, as when Jesus said to John the Baptist, "It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." It is hungering for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) were longing to see God's will and promises fulfilled on earth and God blessed them with a glimpse of his Messiah. Those who hunger to have more of God and His will, will be given more. "To him who has shall be given, pressed down, running over". (This does not exclude social justice. God cares about the poor and the "widow and orphan".)
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7) A word received: Hunger and pray for mercy in my church. Mercy is a quality of God himself (Psalm 86:15). Jesus said elsewhere, Be merciful even as your Father in heaven is merciful. (Luke 6:36), and two verses later, "For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) A word received: Pray for clarity of sight, pray for repentant and purified hearts so that you may see me. The Greek word for pure here is "katharoi" which is exactly the same word used in John 15 for "pruned" "cleaned". God wants to prune, cleanse our hearts so we can live in him and he in us and bear fruit . It also has to do with the absence of double mindedness or a divided heart (no mixed motives). Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters"(Matthew 6:2) "The eye is the lamp of the body, so if your eye is single/sound, your whole body will be full of light. (Matthew 6:22). A famous Christian said "Purity of heart is to will one thing."
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Jesus called those who do the will of God his family, his brothers, sisters and mother. A word received: Bless me for my peace -- it passes all (underline) understanding. Unless we have God's peace within us we can't very well help others to find that peace. Peacemaking is not a passive thing. Paul was a peacemaker as he proclaimed what God had done so that not only were Jews and Gentiles finding peace with God (see Romans 5:1) but in Christ, that dividing wall of hostility between them was broken down so they might be One Body and members of God's family together. (Ephesians 2:14-19) Paul also tells us how to keep peace in the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul was proclaiming the only one who could bring true peace. Word received: Our generation talks about peace without talking about the only one who can give it. Without Jesus no lives are changed. Today people want the peace of God without the cross and we can't get peace that way. He wants us to turn to him for His peace and bless Him for it.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) A word received: Pray for my people who are being persecuted -- that they may receive every blessing I intend for them. Remember that the prophets were persecuted for calling God's people back to him, to re-establish a right relationship. It is going on today. If people's hearts are hard, they want to silence criticism. The message we hear over and over from those who are being persecuted is "Don't forget us." "Pray for us."
Another way of expressing what Jesus was talking about is what Paul called, "the mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5). As we have the mind of Christ, we can be salt and light and fulfill God's purposes on earth. Part of Jesus' mind was his utter dependence on his Father and absolute commitment to do the Father's will. Jesus himself lived out the Beatitudes.
It is an incredible responsibility to be salt and light in a world often in darkness and "gone bad" like spoiled food. (Salt was very important as a preservative.) People are looking at us, what we say, what we do when they know we are followers of Christ. PRAYER: May my words and actions reflect your light and your glory so that people will praise our Father in heaven (not us). This is part of the purpose of sharing thanksgivings on Sun. morning.
Once again look at the choice to be light and salt. (vs.13-16) You have a choice about living as salt and light and not hiding it. Do we hide when we have a hostile environment? The point of light on a hill or a lamp on a stand is to make sure that there is no obstacle between the light and the world around it. It is to be "in the world but not of it". If we are hiding, no one can see the light and glorify God and turn to him.
Word received: I want you to read my WORD and DO what it says. Just follow Me. As we do these things, live these Beatitudes, we become more like Jesus. We become salt to the earth (taste and preservative) and light to the world around us. God does NOT want us to hide.
Polycarp
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 21
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
p 1.Jesus wants us to become like him in our attitudes and in what we do. Jesus wants people to see God's love in what we do.
p 2. Jesus wants us to share the good news about him.
p 3.Jesus will comfort (forgive & strengthen) us when we confess our sins to him.
p 4. Jesus is the one who can give us God's peace and peace with one another.
p 5. Jesus wants us to READ his Word ( the Bible) and DO what it says, and Follow Jesus.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 February 11, 2007
Jesus Sends Out the Seventy Two
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 10: 1-24
Memory Verse: "He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" Luke 10:2
Just as Jesus earlier sent out the 12 disciples (who became apostles, so after Jesus talked about the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:57-62), he appointed and sent out 72 others to go to every place he was about to go. Jesus may be sending us ahead of him, to people he is about to visit. Prayer: Lord send me into your harvest fields. Help me to prepare people to receive you. Jesus wants us to go and spread his word. Word received: If you do not go, how will others hear?
Then Jesus tell them how to pray: "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Then Jesus says, "Go, I AM sending you"!!!!!!! Are we prepared for God to answer our prayers through us??? Are we praying this? Look again at the Memory Verse. Prayer: Lord, it is your harvest and your harvest field, not ours; help us to go forth to labor in your harvest fields with humility. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, so their job was also to prepare the way for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, teach us how to pray for your harvest and how to go about interceding for it. (See Luke 11:1) Word received: I want My people to come to Me asking Me to teach them to pray. I will bless that request.
The Seventy-two would not be alone. Jesus sends them out two by two. Remember how Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there I AM in the midst of them." (Matthew 15:20) That way they would always have prayer support and the core of a church. Also as Jesus said before his ascension, "Lo, I AM with you always."
The Seventy-two receive the same kind of instructions as the Twelve did. They will need to trust God! 1.They are going out as lambs among wolves. As Jesus said in Matthew Be innocent (of wrong doing) as lambs (Innocent not naïve) , and as wary and shrewd as wolves. 2. No suitcase or backpack, no money, no extra anything! 3.Stay in the same house the whole visit and eat whatever they give you. 4.Do not greet anyone on the road. (see note) Jesus has given them a plan of how to share, where to go and what to do. Word received: I always have a plan. Ask Me and I will show you the way.
When the Seventy-two disciples are welcomed in a place, they are to heal the sick and tell them, "The Kingdom of God has come near to you." In the gospel's healings and what we call miracles, are often called "signs and wonders". A sign and even a wonder points beyond itself. It points to God's presence and power, to what kind of a kingdom it is and who Jesus is. Later Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that even if they didn't believe what he said, they should believe because of the works he did.
As before, if they are not welcomed, they are to leave the place--but warn them (both symbolically and literally). Here Jesus (vs 13-15) the Jewish towns of Galilee (God's people) unfavorably with the Gentile towns of Tyre and Sidon! We shouldn't take it personally or be surprised when we are rejected for proclaiming and obeying Jesus, because "he who rejects you, rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects Him who sent me." People are really rejecting Jesus and his Father who sent him!
Prayer :Lord Jesus, give us your eyes and ears to see who needs to hear about you. Then give us the boldness to step out and share.
The Seventy two returned with joy. They are so excited that even evil spirits are obeying them at the Name of Jesus. Jesus also rejoices that the Father has revealed this to simple people "babes" and hidden it from those who were "wise", those that prided themselves on their learning and thought themselves superior to the ordinary people. BUT first, Jesus warns them that they have their attention on the wrong place--it should not be on the power Jesus has given them (which is real) but on the salvation God has given them! Focus on salvation and God, not power and yourself. Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit about the way God has planned these things--to give gifts of healing, etc, to ordinary people and that God has done them through his Son, so that people might come to know the Father through the Son.
"In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight'" (Luke 10:21) A word received: Look at the choice my father made: to reveal the gospel to the weak and the lowly. It was that way at my birth and throughout my life and it is true today. I want you to rejoice that your names are written in my Book of Life. Give thanks to God whenever we see his work.
"All things have been delivered to me by my father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal him." (Luke 10:22) Word received: I chose you before you chose me. Rejoice, I have chosen you to go and bear much fruit.
"Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see;'" (Luke 10:23) Word received: Thank me for blessing you with sight and hearing. All around you many are stumbling in the dark. Who will go to them with the light of the gospel?
"for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." (Luke 10:24) Word received: Pray for my people to desire to see what I want to show them and hear what I want to say to them.
Look at Hebrews 11:13-15, 39 and 12:1-2 for those who longed to see what the disciples saw (Jesus himself, healing, evil spirits submitting, etc, but it wasn't time yet. God has visited his people. The time is fulfilled and has come near. God's timing is always perfect but if we are not listening to the Lord, we may miss it--like many of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
NOTE: "Do not greet anyone on the road." Greetings and salutations usually consisted of good wishes and solemn blessings. A common form and is certain situations the form was "Peace be unto thee and peace be to thy house." (It was NOT SHORT.) Think of the "Peace" and the response in the Sunday morning service. I think if the peace was not returned you would know it. Abraham and Lot rose to meet passing strangers and offered them hospitality. Greetings were often withheld from people of a different religion because it might lead to fellowship and blessing a bad cause. Messengers might be told not to greet anyone on the way because it was nota mere 'Hi" and a nod, but a deep obeisance or prostration. It had certain forms and would involve delay. a horseman or chariot driver would dismount. The King's business requires haste and takes top priority. There is at least one story in the Old Testament about a messenger who stopped to greet someone and got in big trouble.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 20
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1 .Jesus wants us to share the Good News of salvation with others.
2. If we ask Him, Jesus will show us how to pray and who to talk with. (God has a plan.)
Jesus will also give us the words to say, so we don't have to be afraid.
3. Jesus will always be with us, so we will never be alone.
4. We need to thank God and keep our attention on Him whenever we see Him work, and not on ourselves when He uses us to do something.
Theme: Good News to Share
Theme Verse: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b NIV
Readings: Luke 10: 1-24
Memory Verse: "He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" Luke 10:2
Just as Jesus earlier sent out the 12 disciples (who became apostles, so after Jesus talked about the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:57-62), he appointed and sent out 72 others to go to every place he was about to go. Jesus may be sending us ahead of him, to people he is about to visit. Prayer: Lord send me into your harvest fields. Help me to prepare people to receive you. Jesus wants us to go and spread his word. Word received: If you do not go, how will others hear?
Then Jesus tell them how to pray: "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Then Jesus says, "Go, I AM sending you"!!!!!!! Are we prepared for God to answer our prayers through us??? Are we praying this? Look again at the Memory Verse. Prayer: Lord, it is your harvest and your harvest field, not ours; help us to go forth to labor in your harvest fields with humility. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, so their job was also to prepare the way for the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, teach us how to pray for your harvest and how to go about interceding for it. (See Luke 11:1) Word received: I want My people to come to Me asking Me to teach them to pray. I will bless that request.
The Seventy-two would not be alone. Jesus sends them out two by two. Remember how Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there I AM in the midst of them." (Matthew 15:20) That way they would always have prayer support and the core of a church. Also as Jesus said before his ascension, "Lo, I AM with you always."
The Seventy-two receive the same kind of instructions as the Twelve did. They will need to trust God! 1.They are going out as lambs among wolves. As Jesus said in Matthew Be innocent (of wrong doing) as lambs (Innocent not naïve) , and as wary and shrewd as wolves. 2. No suitcase or backpack, no money, no extra anything! 3.Stay in the same house the whole visit and eat whatever they give you. 4.Do not greet anyone on the road. (see note) Jesus has given them a plan of how to share, where to go and what to do. Word received: I always have a plan. Ask Me and I will show you the way.
When the Seventy-two disciples are welcomed in a place, they are to heal the sick and tell them, "The Kingdom of God has come near to you." In the gospel's healings and what we call miracles, are often called "signs and wonders". A sign and even a wonder points beyond itself. It points to God's presence and power, to what kind of a kingdom it is and who Jesus is. Later Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that even if they didn't believe what he said, they should believe because of the works he did.
As before, if they are not welcomed, they are to leave the place--but warn them (both symbolically and literally). Here Jesus (vs 13-15) the Jewish towns of Galilee (God's people) unfavorably with the Gentile towns of Tyre and Sidon! We shouldn't take it personally or be surprised when we are rejected for proclaiming and obeying Jesus, because "he who rejects you, rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects Him who sent me." People are really rejecting Jesus and his Father who sent him!
Prayer :Lord Jesus, give us your eyes and ears to see who needs to hear about you. Then give us the boldness to step out and share.
The Seventy two returned with joy. They are so excited that even evil spirits are obeying them at the Name of Jesus. Jesus also rejoices that the Father has revealed this to simple people "babes" and hidden it from those who were "wise", those that prided themselves on their learning and thought themselves superior to the ordinary people. BUT first, Jesus warns them that they have their attention on the wrong place--it should not be on the power Jesus has given them (which is real) but on the salvation God has given them! Focus on salvation and God, not power and yourself. Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit about the way God has planned these things--to give gifts of healing, etc, to ordinary people and that God has done them through his Son, so that people might come to know the Father through the Son.
"In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight'" (Luke 10:21) A word received: Look at the choice my father made: to reveal the gospel to the weak and the lowly. It was that way at my birth and throughout my life and it is true today. I want you to rejoice that your names are written in my Book of Life. Give thanks to God whenever we see his work.
"All things have been delivered to me by my father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal him." (Luke 10:22) Word received: I chose you before you chose me. Rejoice, I have chosen you to go and bear much fruit.
"Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see;'" (Luke 10:23) Word received: Thank me for blessing you with sight and hearing. All around you many are stumbling in the dark. Who will go to them with the light of the gospel?
"for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." (Luke 10:24) Word received: Pray for my people to desire to see what I want to show them and hear what I want to say to them.
Look at Hebrews 11:13-15, 39 and 12:1-2 for those who longed to see what the disciples saw (Jesus himself, healing, evil spirits submitting, etc, but it wasn't time yet. God has visited his people. The time is fulfilled and has come near. God's timing is always perfect but if we are not listening to the Lord, we may miss it--like many of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
NOTE: "Do not greet anyone on the road." Greetings and salutations usually consisted of good wishes and solemn blessings. A common form and is certain situations the form was "Peace be unto thee and peace be to thy house." (It was NOT SHORT.) Think of the "Peace" and the response in the Sunday morning service. I think if the peace was not returned you would know it. Abraham and Lot rose to meet passing strangers and offered them hospitality. Greetings were often withheld from people of a different religion because it might lead to fellowship and blessing a bad cause. Messengers might be told not to greet anyone on the way because it was nota mere 'Hi" and a nod, but a deep obeisance or prostration. It had certain forms and would involve delay. a horseman or chariot driver would dismount. The King's business requires haste and takes top priority. There is at least one story in the Old Testament about a messenger who stopped to greet someone and got in big trouble.
Teaching Ideas for Lesson 20
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.
Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.
Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.
Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
1 .Jesus wants us to share the Good News of salvation with others.
2. If we ask Him, Jesus will show us how to pray and who to talk with. (God has a plan.)
Jesus will also give us the words to say, so we don't have to be afraid.
3. Jesus will always be with us, so we will never be alone.
4. We need to thank God and keep our attention on Him whenever we see Him work, and not on ourselves when He uses us to do something.
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