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| The Wonder of Jesus
Introduction
Contents
Helps
Discussion Groups
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| INTRODUCTION A Hope Big With Immortality Of all the people immortalized over millennia upon the pages of history, Jesus of Nazareth had the shortest period of public labor. Only three and a half years. But what a three and a half years they were! Socrates taught for 40, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, Jesus for not even four. Yet the impact of Christ's short ministry infinitely exceeds that of the combined 130 years of those three Greek giants. Someone once wrote that "the grandest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci are but a reflection of Jesus, the Light of the world. Haydn, Handel, Bach, and Mendelssohn gave to the world their best melodies in the symphonies and oratorios they wrote to glorify Jesus Christ. Art, culture, music, philosophy—all have been enriched by His teachings. But Christ offers far more than philosophy, art, and music. These cannot save. Jesus offers light and life and salvation to sinful men." That statement, however eloquent, falls short of doing justice to the richness of Jesus, for that quote is in the context of the West only; Christ's appeal, in contrast, is universal, transcending all political, ethnic, and cultural borders. "You should search the Bible," Ellen G. White writes, "for it tells you of Jesus. As you read the Bible, you will see the matchless charms of Jesus. You will fall in love with the Man of Calvary, and at every step you can say to the world, 'His ways are ways of pleasantness, and all His paths are peace.' You are to represent Christ to the world. You may show to the world that you have a hope big with immortality"�?I>Life Sketches, p. 293. With Jesus at its center, Christianity is also a historical religion, meaning that it revolves around a person whose life and work are amenable to historical study and analysis. Yet, at the same time, we cannot circumscribe Jesus Christ within the confines of history. For the reality of His person is suprahistorical (above history)—there's a point beyond which historical analysis cannot probe. History cannot take us into the mysteries of salvation, or into the wonders of what Christ's death offers the world. For all that history offers, it cannot begin to fathom what Ellen G. White called "a hope big with immortality." This quarter centers on Jesus, on who He was, on what He taught, on what He did—and on what He is doing now. That last clause, "on what He is doing now", makes all the difference in the world. It is what might be called "the mystery of the present tense," a crucial element that distinguishes Jesus from every other historical figure, for what other historical figure, no matter how great, is doing anything for us now? Who was this amazing Jesus? What was He like? What did He do while here? What is He, indeed, doing for us now? And finally, why should He be a concern for people in the twenty-first century? The answers, as we will see, are far from academic. On the contrary, they affect the destiny of every human being. Roy Adams, a native of the Caribbean, the author of this quarter's Bible study guide, is an associate editor of the Adventist Review, the international magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is married to Celia (nee Wilson), and they have two adult children, Dwayne and Kimberly.
Contents: (all lessons may not be posted)
Giardina Sabbath School Study Helps Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a series of helps to accompany the Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations. Jerry has chosen the "New King James Version" of the scriptures this quarter. It is used with permission. The study helps are provided in three wordprocessing versions Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; RTF for our MAC friends (this is now a zip file); and HTML (Web Pages).
Last updated on February 15, 2008 Editorial Office: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
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Who Was Jesus?
(Matthew 16 & 22)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 1
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/497.php>
Introduction: When a potential client first tells me his story, I often feel like I am looking at a purse being dumped out on my desk. There are so many facts to consider, but just a few of them have any relevance to the client's legal claim. My job is to sift through the facts, and focus on which ones are legally important. Often, clients want to focus on facts that are important to them, but have little to do with winning the case. This week we look at what I consider to be the most important fact in the world: Who was Jesus? If you want to win in this life and the life hereafter, there is no more important fact upon which to focus. So, let's jump right into our study of the Bible and do that right now!
Weather Thinking
Read Matthew 16:1. The text says the Jewish leaders are "testing" Jesus. Is this school? Are they asking Him questions about astronomy? (The real question is: "Are you the Messiah?" They are looking for Jesus to prove He is the Messiah.)
Read Matthew 16:2-4. What kind of a score would you give Jesus based on His answer? (This is not the kind of answer students generally give.)
What kind of answer is this? (He says that if they had been paying attention, the answer should be obvious.)
Other than not paying attention, what else creates an obstacle to their understanding of the truth? (Jesus calls them a "wicked and adulterous generation." Their sins get in the way of their understanding.)
We are all "wicked." Is there no hope for us? (Jesus says that they have the wrong attitude. They are not truly looking for truth. They are looking to stay just the way they are - wicked and adulterous.)
Read Matthew 16:6 and Matthew 16:12 for instructions Jesus gave to His disciples. Since the Jewish leaders had questions and not answers, why would Jesus say they were teaching something? (They were teaching that a "sign" was necessary to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. They wanted hard evidence.)
Let's contemplate this series of verses just a minute. Is Jesus really saying that the answer to the question "Who are You?" is obvious? (We observe in this exchange a clash that has been going on for two thousand years. The answer is not math. It is not hard science. If you require absolute scientific proof to turn away from the sin you enjoy, then you will never turn away. On the other hand, Jesus offers logic and reason. He says that there are patterns in life that give you a good idea of what is happening. You can generally know what the weather will be based on what you see in the sky. Looking at Jesus' life and works gives us powerful (but not scientific) evidence of who He is. Considering life in general, we know that His way is the best.)
Polling
Read Matthew 16:13. Since they were on the topic, Jesus asks His disciples what answers they have heard from the public about the question: "Who is Jesus?" What have they heard? (John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or some other prophet.)
In the abstract, are those pretty flattering answers?
What is the common denominator among these answers? (They were important "God-men." The public thinks that Jesus is something special. He has a relationship with God.)
Why would Jesus ask this question? Is He taking a poll? (Remember that the Jewish leaders just challenged Jesus on this point. His response was that this should be as obvious to them as predicting the weather.)
Is the answer less obvious than Jesus thought it should be? (Perhaps. The disciples report that no one has the correct answer. However, the people have their "eye on the sky." They know Jesus is something special in a religious way. Predicting the weather with precision is a time-honored problem.)
The Insiders
Read Matthew 16:15-16. Peter has a different answer. Why? (Read Matthew 16:17. God gave Peter the correct answer.)
How can the idea that God gave Peter the answer be reconciled with Jesus' statement that knowing who He is should be as obvious as reading the weather signs? (If people are looking, if they have an open mind, if they understand the things of life, they have evidence that Jesus is God. However, the final answer comes from inspiration - the conviction of God. The Holy Spirit is essential to religious conviction.)
After reading this series of texts, who does Jesus say that He is? (He says He is the Son of the Living God.)
In light of Jesus' answer to this question, do you still think the public's views are flattering? (No. They are searching. But, they have not yet found the truth.)
Read Matthew 16:18-19. How important is the answer to Jesus' question about who He is? (The identity of Jesus as the Son of the Living God is the rock on which the church is built.)
What is the "key" to heaven? (I believe the key to the Kingdom of Heaven is understanding the identity of Jesus. The church has an obligation to share with humans the knowledge that will open the Kingdom of God to them. If I ever decide I am wrong about this, I should join the Catholic Church. If Jesus is talking about a literal church, as opposed to an understanding that He is God, then the Church has the right to change the law. There is some evidence for this in the authority of the early church to annul the circumcision requirement (Acts 15)- even though it had nothing to do with the sacrificial system fulfilled by Jesus.)
Read Matthew 16:20. With confusion all around, why would Jesus tell His disciples to keep this critical answer a secret? (It had to be because of the timing. Commentaries suggest that if Jesus' disciples boldly proclaimed at that time that He was the Messiah, it would have incited great opposition to Jesus' ministry.)
Jesus is God
Jesus was confronted with another "test" by the Jewish leaders, so He decided to return the favor. Read Matthew 22:41-42. Does that sound right to you? (Jesus was called the "Son of David" by His followers (Matthew 21:9)because they believed the Messiah was to follow in King David's steps and conquer the surrounding nations (Isaiah 9:6-7). Matthew shows that Jesus was literally descended from King David (Matthew 1).)
Read Matthew 22:43-46. Other than stopping the Jewish leaders from diverting His attention with pesky questions, why would Jesus ask about the relationship between King David and the Messiah?
What does Matthew 22:44 suggest about the nature of the Messiah? (That the Messiah sits at the right hand of God! At a minimum that means He is a heavenly figure. He has extraordinary power in heaven.)
If this is obvious to us, why were the Jewish leaders stumped?
Did they not understand that Jesus was God?(They looked for the Messiah to be an earthly ruler. Isaiah 9:6-7 calls Him "Mighty God," but the focus is on His government on earth. The Jewish leaders lost sight of Jesus being God. Otherwise, the answer to this question would have been obvious.)
So, why did Jesus ask this question? (To show that He was God. Messiah came first and foremost to be our Savior. He came to be the Lamb of God. He came to be the Mediator of His sacrifice on our behalf in the temple in heaven(Hebrews 8).)
Friend, who is Jesus? He claims to be God. If you agree, then give Him your allegiance as your God. If he is not God, he is not a "God-man," he is not a good man, he is not a prophet, and he is not a spiritual man - he is a liar and a fraud. The decision is yours, and the choice is clear and distinct for those who read the Bible and have a little common sense.
Next week: The Mystery of His Deity.
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The Mystery of His Deity
(Hebrews 1, Colossians 1, Revelation 19)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 2
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/498.php>
Introduction: In my limited exposure to history and world religions, the claims about Jesus seem unique. Judaism is either waiting for a Messiah or has lost interest in the subject. Islam's highest claim for someone who once lived on earth is "prophet." The "god-king" claims of many earthly rulers never seemed to extend beyond their life here. People expected that the next ruler would occupy the same spot as "god-king." Jesus makes unique claims which are backed by the Old Testament - a book accepted by Jews, Muslims and Christians. Let's plunge right into our Bible study see what the Bible has to say about the Deity of Jesus!
Ancient of Days
Read Micah 5:2. This is a Messianic prophecy, and we know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. What does this text say about the length of time of Jesus' existence? (His "origins" are "from old, from ancient times.")
Read Isaiah 9:6. What apparent contradictions do you see within this verse? (It is filled with contradictions. The "son" is called "Father." A "child" is called "God." One who is "born" is called "Everlasting.")
Can you logically resolve these serious contradictions?
If so, how? (The son/father contradiction is easy. I am both a son and a father. We have seen in history children who were called gods. Born/everlasting is tough. It would have to refer to someone who existed before they were born.)
Creator of the Universe
Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What does this text say about Jesus' existence before His birth in Bethlehem? How ancient is He? (It says that God made the universe through Jesus. He made the place before He was born there!)
Many scientists believe that there is one grand unifying theory of the universe ("GUT"). I believe this. God is a law of order, and the most pedestrian person can see an underlying order to things. (What do you know, the sun came up this morning. How unexpected!!) I'm always on the alert for GUT clues. What GUT clue do we find here, and what does it have to do with Jesus' Deity? (It says the word of Jesus currently "sustains" all things. Some universal word power emanates from Jesus that sustains all life.)
Read Hebrews 1:4-5. Is Jesus a created being like the angels? (The text clearly says that Jesus is not an angel who was promoted or adopted to become the Son of God.)
What do you make of the language that Jesus "became ... superior" and that he "inherited" His name? (My suggestion is that this has to do with the incarnation. When Jesus-God became man, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and was resurrected, He got "promoted" in some way. He did something that no other member of the Trinity had done. He did something that no one but God could do. He defeated sin. Surely there is some sort of recognition for that!)
Read Hebrews 1:6. Is this proof that Jesus did not eternally pre-exist, that He was "born?" (No. We previously learned that Jesus created the place where he was born, thus for Him being "born" and pre-existing are compatible. Note especially that it refers to Jesus being born into the "world" and not the "universe." This reinforces the idea of His human birth.)
Read Colossians 1:18 for another suggestion about the meaning of Jesus being "born." What new meaning does this suggest for the term "firstborn?" (Paul refers to the Jesus' resurrection as "firstborn from among the dead.")
Read John 3:16 in the King James Version. Is this word "begotten" proof that Jesus was born and did not eternally preexist? (The author of the lessons on which these studies are based goes into a long explanation of the Greek word (monogenes)and the way John uses the underlying term. I think that explanation is right, but I also think there is a much more simple answer: Jesus was born of Mary. Thus He was "begotten." On the other hand, the Bible clearly states that Jesus existed before He was begotten by Mary.)
Read Hebrews 1:7-9. If Jesus is fully God, how can He be "set above" His "companions" the angels? Why would He need to be "set above?" (Again, I think the whole series of texts is arguing that Jesus is given special honor because He overcame sin. If you look back at Hebrews 1:3-4 it creates a sequence: Jesus provides purification for sins and then sits down at the right hand of God. It seems that at this point some special honor is conferred upon Jesus. I believe this is what is referred to in the "set above" language of Hebrews 1:8. No angel died for our sins. God died for us!)
Read Colossians 1:15. How does Jesus compliment the rest of the Trinity? (God is invisible. Jesus is the visible image of God.)
Is this meant in more than a visual sense? (Yes. When Jesus came to earth He revealed the character and love of God.)
This text also refers to Jesus being "firstborn." Does this refer to His birth as a human or His resurrection?
Read Colossians 1:16-17. This text clearly states that Jesus is the Creator of the universe. Notice the last phrase of verse 16: "and for Him." How was our universe (including us) created for Jesus? (If you create something, you own it. You take pride in it. If you create free moral agents, you create people who can love you.)
A darker thought passes through my mind. Was our world created for the purpose of showcasing the clash between good and evil? Was it intended to be the ground on which Jesus would show that God was fair and loving and worthy to be chosen over Lucifer?
Would the answer matter to your faith? (Read Romans 9:20-21.)
Remember my GUT comments? What does the text mean when it says (Colossians 1:17) "in Him all things hold together?" (Jesus emanates some power which is also the "glue" of the universe.)
Consider the overall impact of these texts. What do we know about Jesus? (He is no mere man. He is no mere angel. He is the Creator who at this very time continues to sustain the universe!)
Victor Over Sin
Read Revelation 19:11-16. Just close your eyes and imagine this scene! Who is this Warrior? Who is the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords?" (Verse 13 reveals that His name is "the Word of God.")
Who is the "Word of God?" (Read John 1:1-3 and skim John 1:14-35. John, who also wrote the book of Revelation, identifies Jesus as "the Word." The identification is unmistakable. Jesus is the Warrior on the white horse, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords of Revelation 19.)
Read Revelation 19:19-21. We have learned that Jesus is our Creator. We know that He died for us so that we can have eternal life. What other fact do we learn about Jesus? (He is the "Finisher." He destroys sin, the advocates of sin, and unrepentant sinners.)
Friend, whose side would you like to be on in the battle between good and evil? If you have not chosen to give your allegiance to Jesus as your God, the time to do so is right now. The argument for His side is overwhelming.
Next week: The Reality of His Humanity.
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The Reality of His Humanity
(1 John 4, Romans 5, Hebrews 2, 1 Corinthians 11)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 3 Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/499.php> Introduction: A friend sent me a video clip from an Oprah television show in which Oprah argued vigorously that there are many different paths to truth and heaven. She is not alone. This is the philosophy of the day - everyone has an equally valid opinion. The one exception would be if you did not agree. In that case your opinion would not be a valid "path." The Bible does not accept the "diverse opinions are equally right" theory. Rather, it teaches that you are either right or wrong. There is no neutral ground. One subject on which you are either right or wrong is the subject of this week's lesson: the humanity of Jesus. The Bible claims that Jesus is fully human and (as we studied last week) fully God. Let's dive into our study this week of the human "side" of Jesus! - The Importance of Acknowledging His Humanity
- Read 1 John 4:1. What does this text say about the Oprah theory that all beliefs are equally valid? (It says we need to "test" theories to see if any are from God. A lot of falsehood is out there from people who claim to speak for God.)
- Read 1 John 4:2-3. What is the basis for deciding whose opinion is Godly and whose opinion represents that of the antichrist? (Whether the person acknowledges that Jesus "came in the flesh.")
- Read 1 John 4:4-6. Would you expect the world to listen to you? Would you expect them to think your path is "valid?"
- How many people watch Oprah and listen to her opinion? Does this text explain why? (The world listens to the viewpoint of the world.)
- How can the world and the church have such different views? Do they not use the same logic? (Notice that verse 4 states that the "One" in you is greater than the one in the world. For you Oprah fans, I do not know her views about Jesus. I'm just looking at what I heard her say about the "many paths" approach to truth.)
- How have we "overcome" the world through Jesus? (Jesus triumphed over sin and the grave! Part of this victory is that Jesus came in the flesh.)
- Why is Jesus' humanity so important? Why is it important to His victory over sin? Let's turn to that next.
- The Importance of Jesus' Humanity
- Read Hebrews 2:10. How can Hebrews talk about making Jesus "perfect?" He is God. What imperfection could He have?
- Read Romans 5:12-14. How did sin enter the world? (By the sin of Adam and Eve.)
- Notice that Adam is a pattern "of the one to come." Who is that?
- Read Romans 5:15-17. How is Jesus a counter-point to Adam? (Adam brought us sin and death. Jesus brought us salvation and eternal life.)
- Read Romans 5:18-19. Why does Romans concentrate on the disobedience of Adam and the obedience of Jesus? (Adam and Eve had a test: would they obey God? Would they believe and trust God, or would they distrust God and want to depend on themselves by trying to become like God? Adam and Eve failed the test. The logical result of this text is that Jesus took up where Adam left off. It is that reason Adam is called the "pattern" for Jesus. Jesus came to earth as a human, He believed and trusted His Father. He did not sin by disobedience and distrust. He did not sin even though He suffered.)
- What would be the point of all of this? (If God created a law that could not be obeyed then how can we be blamed for our sins? Sin would be a natural, inherent part of life. We would always live in a world plagued by sin and the suffering that results from sin. Jesus proved that sin is not necessary.)
- Considering the task before Jesus, can you now answer the question how a perfect God became (Hebrews 2:10) "perfect" through suffering? (He became the perfect substitute. He became the perfect "Second Adam." He became the perfect "Lamb of God." His perfect life, His suffering for our sins, His death on our behalf gives us the opportunity for life eternal!)
- Read Hebrews 2:14-15. How does Jesus' death destroy the devil? (It takes away from Satan the power of death. When Adam sinned, we were all consigned to die for our sins. When Jesus showed that humans could live in obedience to God, when Jesus took our sins on His shoulders, when He died on our place for our sins, He took away Satan's power over us. He took away Satan's authority to insist on our death.)
- Read Hebrews 2:17. Why did Jesus have to be made like us "in every way?" (This is the key to the importance of understanding the reality of Jesus' humanity. He could not have stood in the place of Adam and defeated sin (won where Adam lost) if He did not become human.)
- Why is Jesus compared to a "merciful" High Priest? (The High Priest in the Old Testament sanctuary service offered the blood of the sacrifice in atonement for the sins of the people.)
- Read Hebrews 9:11-14. How is Jesus our High Priest? (Jesus offers His blood on our behalf for our sins in the sanctuary in heaven. Since He understands the pull of sin first-hand, He is merciful to us.)
- Read Hebrews 4:15-16. How could Jesus be tempted in every way that we are if He was not fully human?
- Was Jesus tested like we are or like Adam and Eve were? (It appears from the Genesis account that Adam and Eve had only one temptation. (Or at least one testing time before they sinned.) I have tests all the time. So did Jesus.)
- Let's look at a practical application of this. If Jesus was tested like me, but did not sin, do I have an excuse for sinning? (Adam and Eve were created perfect. The sense I have from Romans 5 is that Jesus came as Adam - in that Jesus was not predisposed to sin.)
- What would be my goal in trying to live a perfect life? Why would I want to do that? (All the texts in Hebrews that we have been reading which reveal Jesus' work in heaven as our High Priest, covering our sins with His blood, make it clear that we are not entering heaven by our own works. We should not aim to live a "perfect" life to enter heaven. On the other hand, Jesus went through all His suffering and pain to defeat sin. Why would I want to be involved in the very thing which Jesus defeated at a very great cost to Himself?)
- The Hope
- My daughter's mini-van just had a flat tire. It ruined the tire, so I ordered a new tire shipped to the gas station which had her wheel and ruined tire. Because we were going on a trip, it would be a few days before she could get back to the station and have the new tire mounted. This caused me some concern that the gas station might think she had lost interest and throw away her special(but not expensive)aluminum wheel. Once the gas station received the new tire I had less concern about the station thinking we were not coming back. What parallel do you see between my "tire thinking" and what we have been discussing about Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf?
- Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. What does this text suggest is the connection between our hope in Jesus' Second Coming and His death on our behalf? (After going through all of this - becoming a human, living a perfect life, suffering a terrible death, conquering death, do you think He is going to walk away from what He did?)
- Who does Jesus seem to worry about losing interest - Him or us? (Jesus considers His sacrifice on our behalf to be the key event to give us assurance He is coming again.)
- Friend, do you believe that Jesus was fully human as well as fully God? If, in His humanity, He made it possible for you to live eternally free from sin, death and suffering, would you be willing to share that fantastic news with someone else?
- Next week: The Wisdom of His Teachings.
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The Wisdom of His Teachings
(Matthew 5)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 4
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/500.php>
Introduction: Most of my e-mails these days end with the closing "Blessings." Exactly what would you think this means? My thought is to have God bless the person to whom I'm writing. But, that does not answer the question: "What is a blessing?" What am I wishing on the other person? When I looked at the Greek word translated "blessed," I found that it meant (according to Strong's) "happy," "fortunate," and "well off." Would you like to be blessed? This week we turn our attention to the wisdom of what Jesus was trying to teach us. Let's start with His teaching on how to be happy!
Happiness
Tell me what you think brings or would bring you happiness? (Write them down.)
Read Matthew 5:1-3. We are told that the first path to blessings (happiness) is to be poor in spirit. This is not on your list! Why not?
The Greek word for poor in spirit means "crouching" or "cringing." This is how you might imagine an honest beggar would come to ask you for money. Would that attitude logically bring you happiness?
What do you think is really being suggested as a road to happiness when Jesus talks about the "poor in spirit?" (The idea is that you come to Jesus realizing that you are poor and naked and a beggar spiritually. You say "God, I need You!" The people who have this attitude towards God are fortunate, happy, and blessed.)
How would you suggest that a person most often comes to this point of realizing that he is a beggar? (Some of life's toughest circumstances are a blessing because they bring us to this point of realizing what spiritual beggars we really are. I saw a poster which said that we can forgive the unbelievable because Jesus forgave the unbelievable things we have done!)
What is the end result for the people with this attitude in their spirit? (Matthew 5:3 says these people go to heaven! There is the ultimate blessing, the ultimate happiness.)
Read Matthew 5:4. This is not on your happiness list either! Why not?
The Greek word for "mourn" refers to intense mourning. It goes beyond simple grief. Happiness and mourning are opposites, right?
How can we possibly be happy when we are intensely mourning? Is mourning ever a good thing for you? (There is a very interesting and unique story in Ezekiel 9:1-5 that is a parallel to the final judgment. The story tells of six warriors and a scribe. The scribe goes about the city and writes a mark on the forehead of all who "grieve and lament" (NIV) or "sigh and cry" (KJV) or "sigh and groan" (RSV) over the sins that are committed. Everyone that does not have the mark is killed by one of those six warriors. So surviving turns on whether you "sigh and cry" about the sins that are committed.)
Let's see if we can put all this together. Matthew 5:3 talks about the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:4 refers to those who realize that they are poor in spirit and are truly concerned about it. Those who are comforted are those who not only realize their need, but are sad about this gulf between their character and perfection. We come to Jesus as needy sinners. We mourn our failures. Our soul yearns for forgiveness. Jesus comforts us with forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. That puts a smile on my face!)
Read Matthew 5:5. Is meekness on your happiness list?
A suggestion that I should be meek sure goes against my grain. How about you?
The Greek word means "mild," and Strong's suggests that implies "humble." Do you think that this really means that we should be mild and humble? Would this refer (gulp) to "real men" too?
The philosophy of secular society is to bring attention to ourselves. We say, "This is what we have done." "This is what we own." "This is what we think." Just based on your knowledge of life, does the statement "This is what I've done" pose any problems? (It is like a public challenge. You have to live up to what you say you can do. People will try to knock you down.)
I like to compete because I like to win! Do you like to win? If so, do we get an exemption from the mildness and humility requirement? (Jesus is suggesting a different philosophy of life. He suggests that we focus on God and His will and not focus on us. The amazing and ironic thing about this is that those who are not putting themselves first will inherit everything--the whole earth! As the "Purpose Driven Life" says, "It's not about me, it's all about Him.")
Read Matthew 5:6. Is being hungry and thirsty on your happiness list? (I know I could lose a little weight. But, I'm never happy about being thirsty or hungry.)
What to you think is meant by "hungering and thirsting for righteousness?" (This presents a little different angle on the idea of mourning because of our sinful situation. We keenly want to have this righteousness that Jesus gives.)
Would you like to be righteous? (The text says that these people who really want it will be filled with righteousness.)
Read Matthew 5:7. Is mercy on your happiness list?
How did you feel when you heard that Eliot Spitzer (Governor of New York and former New York state chief prosecutor) had been caught with prostitutes? This was a man who terrorized the New York business community with what some saw as ruthless prosecutions on questionable matters.
Did you smirk and say, "What a self-righteous hypocrite!" (Some part of me smiled. At the same time I realized what a horrible and hypocritical attitude I had. I was gloating because of this fellow's sins when I, too, would be very embarrassed were everyone to know of my sins. Who would be willing to have their sins published on the front page of the newspaper and on television and radio?)
What attitude does Matthew 5:7 suggest that we have? (We should be merciful.)
What is the "down-side" if we do not have this attitude? (Mercy will not be shown to us.)
Friend, do you need mercy?
Read Matthew 5:8. Is this on your happiness list?
The word translated "heart" means the intellect, the conscience. Do you think that being "pure in heart" means that you are sinless?
Why didn't Jesus say "Happy are those who have pure actions?" (This all gets back to my theory that righteousness is a matter of attitude. It is our motives and not our actions that are most important. Jesus is looking for people who have attitudes such as those we have discussed this morning. They may not have perfect acts, but they have a pure attitude.)
We can often change our actions though determination. How easy is it to change our attitude? (Only the Holy Spirit can change our heart. The beatitudes leading up to this one direct us in the path of a pure heart. These are the steps to throwing ourselves on Jesus' mercy.)
Read Matthew 5:9. Is this on your list, making peace?
Does this refer to those who get along in their marriage?
How about those that help to resolve problems?
Notice that it says that they are the children of God. Let's move down a few chapters in Matthew and read Matthew 10:34. What should we conclude about these two statements? Blessed are those who make peace and blessed are those who make war? (It seems obvious that Jesus is not talking about human to human relationships. The reference that Christ makes is to bringing men into harmony with God. Christ came to show that God is not our enemy and that is our task too.)
Read Matthew 5:10-12. These verses talk more about what happens to us rather than what kind of attitude we should have.
Was this on anyone's happiness list? I am most happy when people insult me, persecute me and lie about me!
How can you be happy in these circumstances? (There is a war going on between Jesus and Satan. Jesus says you can be happy during times like this because you know that these insults mean you have membership in the Kingdom of God!)
As you think back about tough times, did it make you better or bitter?
Consider whether you faced tough times because of "His sake" or because of something that you did.
Friend, perhaps you need a new list of things that make you happy. If you feel a deep, unfulfilled desire to be happy, how about looking to the wise teachings of Jesus? How about turning your life over to Him? Why not right now?
Next Week: The Wonder of His Works.
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The Wonder of His Works
(Matthew 7 & 8, Mark 5)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 5
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/501.php>
Introduction: Last week we studied Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and the kind of attitude it teaches that we should have if we want to be happy. Attitudes result in actions. This week we look at the kinds of actions which Jesus displayed towards us. Are these the same we should display towards others? Are these the natural out-working of the Sermon on the Mount? Let's dive into our lesson and find out!
What Works?
Read Matthew 7:15-18. I firmly believe that we are saved by faith, not works. What does this text teach us about the relationship of works to faith? (It says that a life of faith produces works in line with the faith. Works are evidence of faith just like apples are evidence that you have an apple tree.)
Read Matthew 7:21. What is insufficient for salvation? (Talk.)
Read Romans 10:13. How do you reconcile these two texts?(You should read the entire chapter: Romans 10:1-21. Paul argues that you can have "religious" actions without understanding God. Specifically, you do not understand God if you do not believe in Jesus. Paul instructs us that you have to put your faith in Jesus to be saved.)
Read Matthew 7:22-23. If apples prove we have an apple tree, why do not miracles, prophesy and exorcisms prove these are righteous people?
Read Matthew 12:24-25. How can you reconcile Jesus' statement that demons can only be driven out by the power of God, and His statement in Matthew 7:22-23 that God does not know some who drove out demons? (The whole thrust of Matthew 7 is identifying faithful people by their works. I can only conclude that these people are lying or self-deceived. Jesus calls them "evildoers!" Their lives reflect evil deeds, not God's deeds.)
The Leper
Read Matthew 8:1-3. Jesus just finished the Sermon on the Mount and He came down the mountain to be confronted by a leper. If you were a leper, what kind of an attitude, what kind of outlook would you have on life?
List how you would feel. (I would have no hope or dreams for the future. I would know that life was only going to get worse. I look ugly and that will get worse. I smell bad. No one wants to be around me. No one has respect for me because they think it is my sin which caused my illness. I will never have a full life, instead I'm going to die miserably and alone.)
Can you think of any problem that a person could have in life that would not, in a sense, be a part of the leper's problem?
The leper said, "Lord if you are willing...." Put yourself in Jesus' place. Would you want to help this smelly, ugly fellow? What if you thought that touching the leper might give you leprosy and cause your nose to fall off? What about the problem of making you religiously "unclean?"
Is there any benefit to Jesus in healing the leper?
Is the Lord always willing to heal us?
Which Beatitude is involved in this situation? (Matthew 5:7. Happy are the merciful.)
Do we see at any time in the New Testament where someone came to Jesus and Jesus said, "No, I'm not willing to heal you?"
Does the tree of your life reflect "mercy apples?"
The Centurion
Read Matthew 8: 5-8. What is the positive significance of this man being a centurion? (He was a Roman military officer in command of 100 men. The centurions were the backbone of the Roman army.)
What is the negative significance of this man being a centurion? (He represented the foreign occupation army of God's land. He was a Gentile.)
Do you think that it is unusual for the centurion to be asking Jesus for help for his servant? (I imagine the centurion was uncertain how he would be received by a Jewish teacher. Barclay says that in Roman law a slave was defined as a living tool. He had no rights.)
A Roman writer on estate management recommended that farmers examine their implements every year and to throw out those which are old and broken - and to do the same with their slaves! Here the slave was paralyzed--why not just kill him?
What does all of this say about the character of this centurion? Does he display the character Jesus commends in the Beatitudes?
Or, is this just like the centurion coming to Jesus to get his tractor fixed?
Notice that Jesus offers to come into the home of the centurion and, second, the centurion asks Jesus not to come. What is going on? Lousy housekeeping? (Read Acts 10:28. Here, Peter is talking to a Roman centurion! It was not proper for a Jew to visit the home of a Gentile. Both Jesus and the centurion know this and the centurion is trying to save Jesus from a difficult situation.)
If I'm correct about this, why didn't the centurion bring the slave on a bed to Jesus? Do you think Matthew 5:5 (happy are the meek) has anything to do with this? (Assume that the centurion originally hoped his authority might have some influence. As soon as Jesus gave him a meek answer (instead of a righteous objection), the centurion immediately responded with a meek, face-saving response.)
Read Matthew 8:9-10. Is the centurion modeling one of the Beatitudes here? (It may sound odd, but I think the centurion is modeling Matthew 5:9 - he is a peacemaker. Remember that peacemakers make peace between God and man? They show how Jesus bridges the gap between God and man. This centurion says that I can order people to do things at a distance. Surely God can do such a thing too!)
Did the paralyzed slave have faith? (There is no indication.)
Can you be healed based on the faith of someone else? (Seems so.)
Was Jesus willing to heal the slave? (Yes)
At what point? (Matthew 8:7 shows Jesus decided to heal before He heard the great faith statement of the centurion!)
Why? (I think this is a demonstration of Matthew 5:7. The centurion was merciful to his slave. Jesus then showed mercy to the centurion and his slave.)
The Sick and Demon Possessed
Read Matthew 8:16-17. The reference is to Isaiah 53:4 where the prophet speaks of Jesus carrying our infirmities and diseases. Isaiah also writes of Jesus taking our punishment for sin. What do you understand this to mean? Can we claim physical healing to the same extent we can claim forgiveness from sin?
Or, is Jesus suggesting that He identifies with the diseased, and therefore we sometimes suffer disease as part of our existence here? (I think both are true. When Jesus comes to permanently destroy sin and death He will also destroy disease. In the meantime, part of the human condition is to suffer from disease.)
Ultimate Hope
Read Mark 5:22-24. Put yourself in the place of this father, what kind of state of mind does he have in verse 22 and what kind of state of mind does he have in verse 24?
Read Mark 5:25-32. What kind of state of mind does the father have now? (I would be ready to pop an artery. My daughter is dying, this is an emergency and Jesus is looking around to see who touched Him in the crowd!)
Read Mark 5:33-35. What is the reason for the daughter dying? (Delay.)
What does this tell you about Jesus' sense of priorities? Could He work in a hospital emergency room?
Read Mark 5:36. What is the father supposed to believe? His daughter just died because Jesus was fooling around with a non-emergency case!
Read Mark 5:42-43. Does the delay matter now? Would you now allow Jesus to work in a hospital emergency room? (This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible because it is a parable of our lives here. Things happen which make no common sense. God disappoints us sometimes. We think He is not paying close enough attention to His duties (at least with regard to our life). We learn from this story "Don't be afraid; just believe." We must believe that Jesus has conquered death. Time does not matter to Jesus. He will make all things right. When He does, the delay will not matter to you.)
Friend, will you commit today to live without fear? Will part of the "apples" of your life be trust in Jesus even though you cannot see the logic in what is happening?
Next week: The Challenge of His Sayings.
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The Challenge of His Sayings
(Matthew 19 & 20)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 6
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/502.php>
Introduction: Do you ever wish that God would sit down with you and explain exactly what He thinks you should and should not do? No need to be in doubt. Now you can know! I've had those thoughts many times. Sometimes Jesus' teachings are confusing. On the other hand, I know myself well enough that sometimes I like a little ambiguity. That way I can do what I want and still hold on to my self-deception that I'm doing God's will. This week we look at some sayings of Jesus that, if we understand them correctly, challenge us to a very high level of obedience and a very high level of trust. Let's dive into our lesson and learn more!
Divorce
Read Matthew 19:3. Why do you think this is a test for Jesus? Wouldn't it be natural for Him to say, "Of course, you can't divorce your wife for any reason!" (There were two schools of thought among the Pharisees. The liberal school of Hillel taught that a man might divorce his wife for trivial reasons: such as burning breakfast. The conservative school of Shammai thought you could only divorce your wife for immodest or indecent conduct.)
Read Matthew 19:4-6. Did Jesus endorse either of the two prevailing views among the Jewish leaders? (Jesus says that the model is marriage for life.)
Read Matthew 19:7. Did Moses, being lead by God, allow divorce? (Read Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This is the source of the two schools of Jewish thought. Logically, the "indecent" conduct would be something less than pre-marriage fornication or adultery, because death, not divorce, was the penalty for fornication or adultery. Deuteronomy 22:13-22.)
Read Matthew 19:8. Moses is not off on an adventure of his own. He wrote under the inspiration of God. How does Jesus explain the difference between what He (God) is saying directly and what God said through Moses? (He says God accommodated the sinful hearts of the people. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says that Moses' regulation was "a protection of wives from men's caprice, not an authorization for husbands to divorce at will.")
Let's stop and consider this a moment. Are the rules against sin subject to being bent? Will a righteous God compromise on sin?
If hardness of heart is an excuse, are those who are hardhearted today excused?
Read Matthew 19:9. What does Jesus say about divorce apart from "marital unfaithfulness?" ("Sexual immorality" is the way this Greek word is often translated.) (Jesus says it is adultery!)
As we have seen, the penalty for adultery was death. It is one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). Jesus confirms casual divorce is a major moral problem. Isn't sin, sin for all times? Why was divorce "okay" in Moses time and not "okay" in Jesus time?(What I see in this is grace. Jesus does not equivocate on the standard, the ideal. But God showed grace to His people.)
I'm sure some of you are saying, "Wait a minute! What about grace to the women who were divorced for trivial reasons?" (In Jewish culture only men could divorce. God shows grace to sinners. These women were not sinners in this context. God's ideal was that they not be divorced by their husbands.)
Read Matthew 19:10. How would you summarize the disciples reaction? (They were shocked. If the rules are going to be that strict, it is best not marry.)
What does this tell you about the state of marriage in those days?
Read Matthew 19:11-12. What you think this means? To which "word" is Jesus referring?
Is Jesus teaching that those who cannot accept His strict teachings on divorce are released from them?
Or, is Jesus teaching that only those who can follow the rules should get married?(If you look at the context, Jesus is saying the second - don't get married if you cannot follow the rules. The disciples just got through saying "It is better not to marry." Jesus then goes through a list of reasons why a person might choose or be forced to refrain from marriage.)
Is there a logical application of Jesus' statements to the argument that homosexuals are born that way and therefore homosexual marriage is a natural right? (Yes, although the logic is not perfect. Jesus says that some were born with barriers to marriage, some were made that way by others, and some make that decision to please God. There are a number of reasons, some involuntary, why some people should not marry.)
Money
Let's turn to another difficult subject. Read Matthew 19:16-17. So much for righteousness by faith! Do you think that Jesus meant what He said?
Read Matthew 19:18-19. What is odd about this list of commandments? (It lists only five of the Ten Commandments and throws in an extra "summary" commandment.)
What is left out? (All of the Ten Commandments that have to do with our obligations to God.)
Read Matthew 19:20-22. Do you think that this man would have gone to heaven if he had sold all he had? Would he then have become "perfect?"
Where does Jesus find this "command" to become perfect through yard sales? (This summarizes the missing Ten Commandments about our obligations to God. This young man relied on his wealth for his safety and his reputation. Jesus invites him to simply rely upon God.)
How about you? On who or what do you rely?
Read Matthew 19:23-25. The disciples are having a hard day. They find out they are supposed to be married for life and money is a bad thing. Why were the disciples astonished about Jesus' statements about wealth? (Read Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 12 and Ecclesiastes 10:19. The disciples knew their Bible, wealth was a blessing from God! It was the answer to everything. Jesus was contradicting their understanding of wealth.)
If wealth is a blessing from God, why is it difficult for a rich man to enter heaven? Should we not expect that all who enter heaven will be rich because that reflects the blessings of God? (I think this is a very long discourse on salvation. We are not saved by keeping the commandments. Obeying God does bring blessings and wealth. But what brings salvation is trust and reliance on God. Wealth is a temptation, because it inspires us to trust it instead of God. Why? As King Solomon pointed out, "money is the answer for everything." Just don't make it your answer!)
Read Matthew 19:27. Peter says, "Lord, we passed that test!" "What do we get?" What do we get for reliance on God? (Read Matthew 19:28-29. Jesus responds you get heaven, thrones, glory and a 100 fold increase on your investment!)
Read Matthew 19:30. What does this mean? Does it mean that the man who had wealth, and appeared to be first on this earth, would now be last?
Work
Let's move on to the next story. Read Matthew 20:1-2, 9-15. Is Jesus now advocating unfair wages?
Read Matthew 20:16. What is the punch line to this story?
Have we seen this point before? (Yes. Matthew 19:30.)
If so, how does it apply here? Why does mere failure to get up early mean you get rewarded? What about "early birds" and "worms?"
Let's review these last two stories:
Did the rich man think that he could get to heaven by doing something? (Yes. Matthew 19:16 "What ... must I do....")
Jesus showed him that he couldn't do enough.
Did the disciples think that they could get to heaven by what they did? (Yes. Matthew 19:27: We have done everything, what is our reward?)
What does the parable of the laborers tell us about the relationship between our work and our reward? (There is no relationship!)
What did all the workers do in common? (Agreed to work when asked.)
Does this shed light on God's historic teaching on marriage? (God's ideal is plain: Marriage for life, no divorce. But, a life-long marriage does not get you into heaven.)
What does get you into heaven?(Your response to Jesus' invitation to come. Repent and come. Heaven is Jesus' gift.)
What does it take to accept this gift? (This is the meaning to the "first shall be last" statement. The rich ruler was used to being "better" because of his money. The workers were used to getting paid more because of their diligence. This is not the operating system for the Kingdom of God. The less you trust yourself, the more you are likely to trust God.)
Friend, will you accept the challenge of trusting God? Will you strive for the ideal of holiness in your life?
Next week: The Puzzle of His Conduct.
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The Puzzle of His Conduct
(Mark 3, Matthew 8 & 11)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 7
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/503.php>
Introduction: Have you ever had a spiritual leader who had an approach that did not fit your style? Did some new worship ideas make you uncomfortable? Our lesson this week is about some of Jesus' conduct which was quite puzzling. It made a lot of people angry. When we get angry about the actions of our spiritual leaders, how can we know who is truly doing God's will? How can we know when we need to speak out and when we need to just keep quiet? Let's jump into our study and see what answers we can find in the Bible!
Sabbath Work
Read Mark 3:1-2. What made the Jewish leaders think Jesus might heal on the Sabbath?
Read Mark 3:3. The Jewish leaders thought they might "catch" Jesus in a sin - or at least in something others would think to be a sin. How does Jesus react to that? (He calls the shriveled hand guy up front and center so no one can miss this!)
Why would Jesus want to highlight something people thought violated the Sabbath?
Read Mark 3:4-5. Is Jesus teaching us anything about anger? Remember, Jesus is in "church!"
In the story of Jesus and the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27), Jesus says "so that we may not offend them" pay the temple tax from the money provided by the fish. Jesus could have healed the shriveled hand guy the next day. Why offend the Jewish leaders? (Consider the logic of this situation. For Jesus to be angry, He must have thought that the Jewish leaders were missing an obvious principle of the Kingdom of God. An obvious principle needs to be publicly raised.)
What is Jesus teaching us about observing the Sabbath? What is the "obvious principle" that the Jewish leaders are missing? (Doing good is consistent with Sabbath-keeping.)
Is there anything in what Jesus said which would cause you to believe that He did not believe in Sabbath-keeping? (Jesus is clearly arguing what should be the proper standard for Sabbath-keeping, not whether there should be any standards.)
Why should Jesus be angry at those who wanted to err on the "conservative" side? (When I was growing up in religious schools, I endured all sorts of rules. It never occurred to me that having all of these rules might in itself be a sin. It seemed that only violating the rules could be a sin. Only in recent years have I begun to understand the Deuteronomy 4:2 principle: it is just as wrong to add rules God has not required as it is to teach you can ignore the rules which God has required. Both put you in the position of usurping God.)
Read Mark 3:6. Does this give us clearer insight into why Jesus was angry? (Compare the question Jesus asked in Mark 3:4. Jesus hit the nail squarely on the head! The minds of these Jewish leaders were so clouded by their own selfish opinions that they were willing to plot, on the Sabbath even, how they might kill a guy for the "sin" of healing someone. He was healing. They were killing. The irony could hardly be greater!)
Pig Dunking
Read Matthew 8:28-29. We could devote our entire time to this bizarre little story. How do you think people become demon possessed? How does this story suggest that a demon possessed person can get help? (As far as this story reveals, the individuals who were demon possessed were incapable of asking for help. Coming into the presence of God is the key.)
Humans may not recognize Jesus as God, but what evidence do we have that demons recognize Him and His ultimate triumph over sin? (The demons acknowledge Jesus as the "Son of God" and they recognize their final defeat.)
How can this be? Jesus had not yet triumphed over sin by His life, death and resurrection. (Apparently, the "other team" was pretty demoralized by Jesus' appearance on earth.)
Read Matthew 8:30-32. Our lesson is supposed to be about Jesus' puzzling conduct. I've got a question about the demons' puzzling conduct. Why would they do this?
Why would Jesus allow this?
Let's answer an earlier question left unanswered. What do we learn about how people become demon possessed? (Demons cannot even go into pigs without God's permission. It seems obvious they cannot go into us without our decision to let them in.)
What is the goal of Satan for each one of us? (To destroy us. Want proof of this? Look what happened to these pigs! Destruction is the first rule of Satan's realm.)
Why were the demon-possessed men not destroyed by the demons? Why didn't the demons drown them? (God's Spirit was restraining the demons.)
Has Jesus no respect for private property? Surely He knew the nature of these demons! (Assuming that the owners were Jewish, they knew that pigs were unclean and should not be eaten. Leviticus 11:7-8. Barnes' Notes says that Jews were forbidden by their own laws to keep pigs even for the purpose of raising and selling them.)
If your business is built upon unjust principles, are you at risk?
Gluttony
Read Matthew 11:16-17. Jesus generally has good things to say about children. Are these children put in a good or bad light? (These are more like the young children I'm used to seeing. They want others to do their bidding.)
Should the "others" in the marketplace have danced or mourned?
There is an old American saying, "He marched to the beat of a different drummer." Has this anything to do with the children's singing and flute playing?
Read Matthew 11:18-19. What does this have to with the children? (The children want the "others" to dance or mourn in accord with the wishes of the children. Jesus says that He and John the Baptist did not do what others expected, the result was that they were called names.)
Consider your pastor. Would this text apply to your views on your pastor?
According to this text, Jesus not only ate more food and drank more wine ("drunkard") than John the Baptist (who was a Nazarite - and did not touch grapes), He hung around with bad people. Is this by itself proof that Jesus was doing the wrong things?
If not, how can you know?
Is your spiritual leader allowed to do just anything? (The answer is found in the last part of Matthew 11:19: "Wisdom is proved right by her actions." We should not judge based on the fact that a religious leader does not do what we would do. Instead, we need to look at the results of the leader's actions.)
Does this support the old adage that the "ends justify the means?" (No. Look again at the illustration. "Children" (the spiritually immature) expect the leader to do what they want. Jesus is not endorsing sin as a method of promoting the kingdom. However, He is saying do not impose your personal preferences on your leaders. Contemporary praise and worship not what you prefer? If it brings in the crowds to hear the gospel, don't complain. Especially, don't make false charges.)
Friend, consider these stories. The healing of the shriveled hand on Sabbath enraged the Jewish leaders. The pig drowning enraged the local townspeople. Jesus' dietary habits drew criticism. If you are tempted to criticize your spiritual leaders, ask God to increase your spiritual understanding. Are you on the wrong side of God's will? Are you acting like a child - because the issue is not really a spiritual matter? Maybe you are right or maybe it was simply that your "pig" got drowned! Will you agree today to ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit on these kinds of questions?
Next week: The Intensity of His Walk. |
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The Intensity of His Walk
(Luke 2, Matthew 4, 1 John 2)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 8
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/504.php>
Introduction: Serious Christians view life as a progression. They steadily (or maybe unsteadily) make progress towards holiness. Their desire is to become more trusting, more obedient, more of a true servant of God. Whenever I've thought about this or read about it, I always considered it a walk. No one told me that I should be jogging, or worse, sprinting towards holiness. In my case sprinting would be a bad idea because I'm constantly seeking to find the right direction. I hate to go backwards, fast. It reminds me of the days when we owned a motorhome. It averaged about 6.6 miles to the gallon. When we were lost, my solution was to drive until I found the answer. My wise wife wanted me to pull over, shut off the engine and figure out where we were. She could not stand paying for 6.6 miles to the gallon going the wrong way! This week our lesson is about the "intensity" of Jesus' walk. Let's dive into our study of the Bible and find out what that means!
Temple Teaching
Read Luke 2:40-42. Was attending Passover with Jesus an old custom? (Jesus' parents went every year, but children were not required to attend.)
Put yourself in the place of Joseph and Mary, would you bring Jesus with you when He was nine years-old? How about ten years-old? (The natural thing would be to take your children with you. On the other hand, Nazareth was 70 miles from Jerusalem. It might be more fun just to go with your spouse. The Bible is not clear whether Jesus had gone with them before.)
Read Exodus 23:17. At what age do you become a man? (Around twelve years of age a boy was making the transition to manhood. Since Jesus was twelve, it is possible that this was His first trip to Jerusalem for Passover.)
Read Luke 2:43-44. Are Mary and Joseph "bad parents" in your opinion? (The fact that they left Jesus in Jerusalem makes me think this was not Jesus' first Passover trip. Surely, if Jesus had never done this before, they would have been sure He was with them. But, if this was a familiar trip to Him, then it is understandable that His parents would assume He was with the Nazareth crowd.)
Read Luke 2:45. Tell me all the thoughts that have gone through Mary's mind?
Read Luke 1:31-33. How does that impact on Mary's thinking? (An angel told her that her son would be King (or even higher) and now she has lost Him!)
What if Mary understood the conflict between good and evil, and Jesus' role in that conflict? (Satan would want to kill Jesus and she was letting Him get lost among strangers!)
Read Luke 2:46-47. Would Jesus' parents have expected to find Him in the temple with the teachers? (We are told in Luke 2:28 that His parents were "astonished.")
What does this tell us about the "intensity" of Jesus' spiritual walk? (The teachers in the temple were like peers for this 12 year-old! He had gone far fast.)
Remember in the introduction I was concerned about going in the right direction rather than going fast. What formula do you find in these verses for walking in the right direction? (Notice the sequence of these verses. Jesus listens, asks questions and then gives answers. This sequence is a good life policy. I used to have a member of my class who would walk in late. As soon as he sat down, his hand would come up. I used to wonder "How can you have an answer when you have not been present for the discussion?")
Read Luke 2:48-50. What would you have said to Jesus if you were Mary?
What was Jesus saying to His parents? (He was explaining that He had progressed a lot faster than his parents had expected.)
Was Jesus being disrespectful?
Read Luke 2:51. Why does the text tell us that Jesus was an obedient Son? (I think it is to dispel the idea that He was being disrespectful in the temple conversation. The point in Luke is that the parents did not yet grasp the full extent of Jesus' mission - and that it had already started to some degree when He was 12!)
The Wilderness
Read Matthew 4:1-2. Jesus has just been baptized and He is "led by the Spirit" to be tempted. He then fasts 40 days. Pretend you have never read these verses before. Does it make any sense to you to face Satan after not eating for 40 days?
Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into temptation?
When you think of "spiritual highs" in your life, where would you place the day of your baptism?
What is the point of the fasting? (Read Esther 4:15-16. Esther agreed to be the champion of her people to try to defeat Haman, who wanted to kill the Jews. To prepare for this pivotal meeting with the King, she fasts.)
If you were a battle commander, would you choose the place of battle or would you let your opponent choose it? (I think these questions lead us to the explanation for the odd statement that the Spirit led Jesus into temptation. Braced by baptism and fasting, Jesus is led by the Spirit into combat with Satan. The Spirit picks the time, place and circumstances for the battle.)
Read Matthew 4:3-4. Assume you are Satan and you want to cause Jesus to sin. How much time and thought would you put into crafting your opening temptation?
Do you think that Satan is caught unprepared for this battle? (Yes. They are now on Jesus' ground. Satan uses what is there - hunger - to test Jesus on pride and trust in God. It is hard to believe turning stones into bread would be Satan's best approach.)
Read Matthew 4:5-6. What do you think about the likelihood of this question being taken from Satan's advance battle plan? (Jesus' answer to the bread temptation is to refer to the Bible. Satan's next temptation relies on the Bible. Satan seems to be playing off Jesus' prior answer, and not making his move based on his advanced planning.)
Read Matthew 4:8-10. How serious a temptation do you think this was for Jesus?
Let's go through this. First, what kind of temptation is this? (It suggests that Jesus should violate the first and second of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:1-4.)
I don't know about you, but when I've got to memorize a list, I generally do better with the first few. Jesus certainly knows the right answer to this temptation. Why would Satan give Jesus such an obvious temptation?
Read Revelation 21:2-3. What is the final destination for the redeemed? (Earth! I'm currently reading a book by Randy Alcorn named "Heaven." Although I do not agree with all of his theology (his error on soul-sleep forces him to invent the idea of pre-resurrection temporary bodies), this is a very worth-while book. One of the grandest things about it is that it focuses our minds on our return to this earth. He suggests that just as the saints will be a new improved version of who they were on earth, so the earth will be a new, improved version of what it was. I live in Virginia now and I can live in New Virginia in the earth made new!)
If earth is our final destination, why would Jesus "fall" for this offer? (There is no trick in this. Satan is giving Jesus a shortcut to the final resolution of the conflict between good and evil. Jesus can avoid the suffering. The only difference is, "Who will be in charge?")
Is it really a shortcut? (Read Revelation 20:10. The proper ending eliminates Satan from that leadership role! To fall for this temptation would be to perpetuate sin, not end it.)
How about you? Are you ready to go straight from baptism, to fasting, to personal combat with Satan? (We can see that Jesus has a very intense "walk." Fortunately, Satan is not omnipresent, thus very few of us will ever be directly tempted by Satan.)
The Lesson
Read 1 John 2:3-6. What lesson for our life can we draw from these "intense" experiences in Jesus' life? What can we learn for our walk? (At 12 years of age, Jesus shows an extra-ordinary knowledge and understanding of the Bible. When the Holy Spirit directs Jesus into combat with Satan, Jesus defeats Satan with His knowledge and understanding of the Bible. Without knowing what God requires of us, it is hard to obey.)
Friend, I'll bet that you are more than 12 years of age. What is the extent of your knowledge of the Bible? If you are behind, are you willing to "pick up the pace" of your Christian walk by spending more time in the Bible? Why not commit to that today?
Next week: The Tenderness of His Love. |
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The Tenderness of His Love
(Matthew 5, 15 & 18)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 9
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/505.php>
Introduction: When I first started driving a car, I was concerned about how to stay in my own lane. This was important because 99% of the roads in my area only had two lanes. People in the adjacent lane would be driving towards me at a high rate of speed! I came up with the theoretical idea that I should line up the hood ornament with the dividing line on the road. (This can only work from the passenger-side seat or the back seat - which is no doubt where I was when working out this great theory.) Any experienced driver knows this is foolishness. Experienced drivers automatically "know" when they are in their own lane. Driving is like the Christian life, except a whole lot of people seem to be off in the weeds or at least on the wrong side of the road. One area in which people seem to get "off in the weeds" has to do with Jesus' love. It seems they have one of two extremes. Either they cannot trust Him to love them, or they know Jesus so little that they are shocked to hear that He is also the Judge in a final judgment in which the penalty is eternal death. This week we look at Jesus' attitude of love. Let's see if we can get the feel for the right side of the road!
Feeding the Healed
Read Matthew 15:29-30. Have you heard the phrase "time on task?" What does it mean? (It means the time you spend accomplishing your work, as opposed to the time you spend on matters which distract you from your work.)
What was Jesus' primary task during His three years of ministry on earth? (Showing that He was the Messiah and explaining how He fulfilled the plan of salvation had to be a big part of it.)
Do you think healing the people who keep coming was "on task" work for Jesus?
Read Matthew 15:31. What lesson did the people learn from this? (The text says that they praised "the God of Israel.")
Do you think they were calling Jesus "the God of Israel?" (I don't think they were making that explicit connection. Assuming they were not, praising God is a good thing, but it does not seem to be directly "on task" work. The healing showed that Jesus had special power, or access to special power, but it did not explain His special mission.)
If the time available is short, and this is not directly "on task" work for Jesus, why did He do it?
Read Matthew 15:32. What insight does this give us into Jesus' motive for the healing? (He healed them because He cared about them. See Matthew 14:14. They could take care of the simple task of feeding themselves. Jesus not only has the compassion to heal their diseases and infirmities, He is concerned about them going hungry.)
How do you explain people going hungry today? Did Jesus stop having compassion after He returned to heaven? (Notice that Jesus did not heal everyone on earth. He did not feed everyone on earth. He healed and feed those who came to Him in faith.)
Why did Jesus share His concern with His disciples? What were they supposed to do about it?
Read Matthew 15:33-34. What is the obvious answer to the disciples' question? (Jesus had been giving sight to the blind, would it be more difficult to make bread? Worse, if you look at Matthew 14:14-21 you will see that Jesus had recently fed the 5,000 in a very similar way. The disciples knew Jesus had the power to make food for these people.)
Consider what is going on. If the disciples showed proper faith in Jesus they would have turned to Him to feed the people. But, Jesus starts them off on the wrong path by turning to them for a solution and then even discussing the number of loaves of bread available. Why does Jesus seem to lead His disciples into self-reliance?
Do you think He ever does this to you? (Realizing that they could not do it themselves made the disciples more clearly understand the power of God. Sometimes we just have to flounder to get a full view of God's love and power.)
Read Matthew 15:35-38. Did the disciples have a role in this miracle?
What lesson do you find in this for your life? (We need to rely on Jesus as the loving miracle-worker, but He has a role for us. Our role is to believe in Him and to work with Him in showing compassion to others.)
Care For Children
Read Matthew 18:1-3. Does this mean the disciples asked the wrong question? (They ask who leads in heaven. Jesus responds by saying "Let's talk first about how you get into heaven.")
Let's look at this a minute. We have all sorts of formulations about being saved. Matthew 24:13 tells us to "stand firm to the end" and we will be saved. Luke 13:23-24 tells us those who enter the "narrow door" will be saved. John 10:9 tells us that if we enter through the Jesus' "gate" we will be saved. Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13 tell us that if we call on the name of the Lord we will be saved. Now we are told that we must become like little children to be saved. What is Jesus talking about here?
Do you see a consistent thread of logic in these texts about salvation?
Read Matthew 18:4. What is your experience with little children - here a child old enough to walk, talk and be standing around? Don't you find them to be immature and selfish? (Any parent realizes that children have serious character flaws that are directly related to a lack of maturity. Surely, Jesus is not talking about that. Instead, when He speaks about being "humble," He is talking about dependency. From Matthew 15 (our last story) through this story we see Jesus teaching reliance on God. The question "Who is greatest" means "Who will rule?" Jesus says "forget ruling," instead develop dependence on Me. Working on humility means to work on being dependent on God, not working on ruling over others.)
What has this to do with the topic of Jesus' love? (We might love others more if we were less concerned about ruling over them.)
Let's read on. Read Matthew 18:5-6. What comes with dependence? (For children, dependence means they are easily led or influenced. If you are teaching children, your obligation is very great. As an adult, make sure you are led and dependent on God.)
Read Matthew 18:7. What does this say about Hugh Hefner? What does this say about drug-dealers who sell around playgrounds? What does this say about you passing your bad habits on to your children? (We cannot say "Everyone is doing it." We cannot say, "If I don't supply this need, someone else will." Every one of us must carefully look at our influence and ask "Am I causing others to sin?" Is my influence positive or negative?)
Loving Pagans
Read Matthew 5:43-44. How many enemies do you have? (If you have more than just a few, you need to examine your Christian walk!)
Can you find a parallel between exercise and loving your enemies? (Consider the opportunity for character building by loving and praying for your enemies. You get bigger muscles when you strain, when you work at it. You get bigger character "muscles" when you have to work at it.)
Read Matthew 5:45-47. How is "love" to our enemies defined in these verses? Is it "hug" love? (Jesus' example is even-handed treatment of those who are God's "enemies." If you would do something for your friend, do it for your enemy.)
Read Matthew 5:48. Why should we be better than pagans when it comes to our enemies? (Because we have a higher standard. Perfection is our goal. It is not to gain salvation, but because we are sons and daughters of God!)
Friend, picture your worst enemy. What will you do today, this coming week, for that person to show you are a son or daughter of God?
Next week: The Meaning of His Death.
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The Meaning of His Death
(Matthew 16, Romans 3, 5 & 6)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 10
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/506.php>
Introduction: If you read these lessons regularly, you know that I always consider the logic of the Bible text. If I were in the sandals of those listening to Jesus, how would I react? What is logically the message from God? One message which I have historically had a very difficult time with is the logic of salvation. Why does the death of my God give me eternal life? Why does it satisfy the death penalty imposed on me for my sin? The logic of American justice is completely contrary. When I was in law school, I was taught the old saying "It is better to let 1,000 guilty people go free than to execute one innocent person." Why would God have a plan in which the Innocent One is tortured and killed? How does this logically "add up" as payment for my guilt? Let's dive in and see what we can find in the Bible!
The Ransom
Read Matthew 16:21-22. Why did Peter so strongly dispute Jesus? (Read Acts 1:6. Jesus is about to return to heaven and His disciples still think that Jesus' immediate goal is to set up a kingdom on earth! Peter obviously had "kingdom" thoughts when he corrected Jesus. How can Jesus die if He is going to rule?)
Read Matthew 16:23. What "things of men" did Peter have in mind? (Ruling with Jesus. Peter wanted to be an earthly ruler too. How can Peter rule if his Master is not ruling?)
Read Matthew 16:24-26. What, exactly, is Jesus telling us is God's plan for our life? (To follow Jesus by denying ourselves.)
Denying what? Remember that the context is the dispute over Jesus' coming death versus ruling. (Denying our goal to gain the world. This was precisely the plan of Peter - to rule with Jesus. This is a clash of world views. Peter wanted to rule, in which case others would serve him. Jesus wanted Peter to serve others.)
What does it mean to take up Jesus' cross. Don't give any "automatic" answers. What would you do this Monday to take up Jesus' cross?
What do you say about the fact that when Jesus picked up His cross He was on the path to death?
Just after another conversation with the disciples about them becoming rulers, Jesus spoke again about His death. Read Mark 10:42-45. What does this suggest that we should do to deny ourselves and take up our cross? (To serve others.)
Jesus uses a very odd term. He says that His life is a "ransom for many." To whom is the ransom being paid? For whom is it being paid?
Does this make logical sense to you? (In the introduction I wrote how the state never seeks to execute an innocent person. However, I understand the logic of thieves and kidnappers who demand ransom money to release someone.)
Jesus compared being a servant with paying a ransom. Can you see any logic in this? (When I serve another person, I give up something to make that person's life better. That is one way to look at a ransom. You give up something to help someone else. For some time now I have been mowing the yard of my elderly neighbors. It uses my time (which is at a premium) and my money (gas). I clearly give up something to benefit this couple. A mowed lawn improves their life - and mine, since they are my immediate neighbor.)
Since ransoms are demanded by evil people, is it wrong for God to require us to be servants to others?
Will we no longer be servants to others in a perfect world? (In our evil world, only evil people demand ransoms. Imagine a world in which we all voluntarily served each other. I think that is God's goal for His people. God illustrated this by dying for us.)
I understand the logic of the ransom to some degree. I understand the "world view" of serving others. The problem with paying a ransom is that it encourages evil people to do more evil to more people. And, I still have logical problems with the "math" of how Jesus' death pays for my sin. Let's explore that next.
The Death of Self
Read Romans 6:8 and 2 Timothy 2:11. Do you think we died when Jesus died? No one reading this lesson was even born when Jesus died. How can the Bible say that we "died" with Jesus?
Read Hebrews 7:1-9. How can it be said that Levi paid a tithe to Melchizedek? Levi was not yet born.
Read Romans 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 15:22. How could I die when Adam died? I had not yet been born?(One of my father's old friends, Patrick Stevenson, recently contacted me and explained the theory that arises from these texts. When Jesus died for our sins, we died with Him. Stevenson calls this the "corporate identity" theory. This makes perfect logical sense to me. Why? Because this has me - the guilty one - dying for my sins "corporately" through Jesus. (If there are any errors in my recitation of Stevenson's explanation, they are no doubt my fault and not his.))
One of my concerns about this corporate identity explanation is that it means that everyone is saved - an idea which is at odds with many other Bible texts. If not everyone is saved, how do we get included in the "corporate" death for sin? How do we get our "sin bill" marked "paid?" (Read Romans 6:3-4. The Bible tells us that when we are baptized we are "baptized into His death." When we accept Jesus as our Savior and are baptized, we accept His death as our death.)
What does this death mean for the rest of your life on earth? What should be different after you found that you died with Jesus - other than giving out a great sigh of relief? (Read Romans 6:1-2. In baptism we die with Jesus and we are raised to new life with Jesus. We died to the old life. Our goal should be holiness. Let's explore that a little more.)
The Holy Life
Read Romans 3:10-12. Well, my idea of living a holy life was certainly short-lived. Are we destined to be "worthless" even though we died to sin?
Read Romans 3:20. What good is it for me to live with the fact that I am worthless? How does it improve me to be conscious of my guilt? (The law of God shows the vast gulf between my life and His perfect law.)
But, is that good for me - to realize how worthless I am? When I was growing up, I read the writings of Ellen White. She believes in holiness. When I looked at the standard she held up for me, it just made me want to give up. There was no way I could meet the standard. No way.
Read Romans 3:21-23 and Romans 3:27-28. Can you meet God's standard? (Praise, God, yes! Just like we died corporately with Jesus, so we are corporately made perfect with Jesus. Faith is what saves us and makes us perfect.)
So, how should I live? Is Ellen White right with her emphasis on holy living? (Yes. Re-read Romans 6:1-2 and read Hebrews 10:26. We need to constantly work (yes, I mean work) on making the right decisions. We "uphold the law" (Romans 3:31) by our determination to live a holy life. When I was so discouraged by Ellen White, I thought the perfect life was essential to salvation. Now I realize that my salvation is by faith in Christ. Slipping on the path to holiness does not take me out of God's grace. What does take me out of His grace is the time when I stop caring about the journey to holiness. When I keep deliberately sinning, I start to wriggle out of God's grasp.)
Friend, how about you? You deserve to die for what you have done. But, you can die for your sins by confessing them to God, and accepting Jesus and His death for your sins through your baptism. You can be justified and raised to eternal life by accepting Jesus' resurrection into new life on your behalf. With the assurance of salvation, you can begin the journey to holy living. What do you say? Will you accept Jesus now?
Next week: The Power of His Resurrection.
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Lesson 11
The Power of His Resurrection
(Matthew 27-28)
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses.
Introduction: Have you ever had some really good news that was pretty bad news for someone else? If you were in their presence, how did you react? If you have emotional intelligence, you were probably restrained about your good news and said something comforting to the other person about their bad news. This week our study is about the resurrection of Jesus. This was excellent news for us and terrible news for Satan and his angels. In this case we don't have to be polite or show emotional intelligence. We can just cheer loudly. Why? Because Satan's goal was to kill you and keep you dead. Now that Jesus has been resurrected, we know that if we accept Him we will be resurrected to be with Him eternally. Let's dive in to find out more about our really good news and the fight to keep it a secret!
1. Keeping Jesus in the Grave
1. Read Matthew 27:57-58. Jesus has just been crucified by the Romans. How difficult would it be for Joseph of Arimathea to ask for Jesus' body? Would his life be in danger?
1. Read John 19:38-39 and Mark 15:43. What do the additional facts revealed by John and Mark tell us about Joseph's situation? (The man was bold, rich and a member of the Jewish Council. Since he was not known to be a follower of Jesus, he could ask Pilate and Pilate might think this was some sort of "official" request. The fact that he was accompanied by Nicodemus, another very rich member of the Jewish ruling council, probably strengthened Pilate's view of this.)
2. Read Matthew 27:59-61. Why did Joseph roll a big stone in front of the tomb? Do you think that Joseph was expecting Jesus to rise from the dead? (These actions sure seem contrary to that expectation. Notice that the stone was positioned so that Joseph alone could roll the entry stone.)
3. Read Matthew 27:62-64. Does this suggest that the Jewish leaders were paying closer attention to what Jesus said than His own disciples?
1. How do you think the Jewish leaders reacted when they learned that council members Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had taken charge of the body and had it placed in Joseph's tomb? (My bet is that this made them more worried. If you cannot trust your own council members, who knows what these disciples might have up their sleeves! There was unexpected power and influence on the side of Jesus' disciples.)
2. What day was it that these Jewish leaders were petitioning the government and working out a preventative measure against fraud? (The day after the "Preparation Day" would be the Sabbath! These guys were violating their religious beliefs by petitioning the governor on Friday night (the beginning of the Sabbath).)
4. Read Matthew 27:65-66. What reason would Pilate have for giving this order? (Let's assume that Pilate assumed that the Joseph & Nicodemus group was making the official request. Now that the chief priests show up he realizes that is not the case. Something funny is going on. That would cause him to give some credence to what the chief priests suggest might happen. Besides, who wants somebody you just condemned to death coming back from the dead to haunt you?)
2. The Failure to Keep Jesus in the Grave
1. Read Matthew 28:1. What day of the week is this? (Sunday morning.)
1. Notice the faithfulness of these women. They were there on Friday ( Matthew 27:61) and now we read they are there at dawn on Sunday.
2. Read Matthew 28:2-3. How do you think they decided in heaven who got this job? If you were an angel, would you have volunteered?
1. How do you think this earthquake happened? Was this angel moving at the highest possible angel-speed and it didn't stop in time and caused an earthquake? Have you been in a sonic boom (where an airplane passes through the speed of sound)? What do you think happens if you pass through the speed of light? (I know human theory says this is impossible.)
2. The angel sits on the stone. Why? Is it tired from going so fast and hitting so hard? (Imagine the outrage in heaven at the treatment of Jesus. What a privilege to be chosen to be the one to roll back the stone sealing Jesus' grave. I can see the angel sitting there in triumph saying "Anyone want to challenge me?)
1. Would the angel have only humans to be concerned about?
3. Read Matthew 28:4. What mistake had the chief priests made? (They were listening to Jesus better than the disciples, but they did not believe He was God. They brought a knife to a gun fight. Of course, the hostile Jewish leaders could never bring enough force to keep Jesus in the grave and neither could Satan.)
4. Read Matthew 28:5. What kind of attitude does the angel show to the two Marys? (Here is a lesson to choose to be on God's side. The angel's attitude towards the woman is pure kindness. The attitude towards the rest seems to be "don't tread on me.")
5. Read Matthew 28:6-7. Public relations people talk about staying "on topic." Consider carefully the words of this angel. What specific "on topic" point is the angel making? (First, the angel reminds them that Jesus promised He would rise from the dead. Second, the angel offers to let them look, so they will have first-hand knowledge that Jesus is not in that previously guarded and sealed tomb. Third, the angel promises that Jesus will meet the disciples at a specified place. This is all about proving Jesus is alive!)
6. Read Matthew 28:8-10. Why did Jesus appear to the women as opposed to immediately rocketing up to heaven? (Compare John 20:17. This shows His heart of love for them. This is a time of mixed emotions for them ("afraid yet filled with joy"), and Jesus comes to them to comfort and assure them.)
1. One issue faced by Christians is whether this story and this witness are all an invention of the early church. What evidence in this account refutes the idea this is a counterfeit account? (The IVP Bible Background Commentary tells us that the testimony of women in this culture was worthless. In a counterfeit story Jesus would have appeared to Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea - prominent, wealthy men whose testimony would naturally be given great credit.)
7. Read Matthew 28:11-13. Compare Matthew 27:63. Who is the deceiver? How big is this conspiracy to give a false report?
1. Put yourself in the place of one of the chief priests. When you first heard this story from the guards, would you think it was likely that the guards were asleep and the disciples stole the body? (No. If you thought that happened, you would insist that the guards be executed for dereliction of duty.(See Acts 12:19) You would only pay "a large sum of money" if you thought they were telling the truth about the angel.)
2. If you thought they were telling the truth - an angelic being opened the tomb and Jesus was alive - why try to cover it up? Why not just convert? (Think back to a time when you did something wrong, you wanted to keep it a secret, and you were in terrible turmoil because you thought it might come out. What would happen to you if it did come out? Then multiply that feeling by whatever the number of times you think would be appropriate if you had killed the Messiah-God.)
1. Instead of saying the body was stolen, why not just deny it was gone? (Because that point was obvious - the body was gone.)
2. How strong is the story that all the guards were sleeping and the large stone was rolled away and Jesus' body taken? What is the likelihood of sleeping through the stone removal? How would you know what happened if you were all (!) sleeping?
8. Read Matthew 28:14-15. Would you have taken the money? What options did the soldiers have? (I would be glad I was not on the path to execution.)
9. Read Matthew 28:16-17. "Some doubted." Did the chief priests doubt? The believed that Jesus had been resurrected enough to pay "a large sum of money." How could any of the disciples doubt?
1. Why would the Bible record that doubt? (This is another evidence that the account is trustworthy. If you were trying to create a "bullet-proof" story, you certainly would not say that some of Jesus' followers actually doubted!)
3. Victory
1. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What kind of authority has been given to Jesus?
1. What kind of authority has been given to you and me? (Jesus, the authority over heaven and earth, rescued us from eternal death. Our responsibility is to share this with others.)
2. Friend, will you accept your commission from Jesus and act on it?
4. Next week: The Efficacy of His Priestly Ministry.
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The Efficacy of His Priestly Ministry
(Hebrews 9 & 10)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 12
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/508.php>
Introduction: Have you ever had someone ask you, "What have you done for me lately?" Our studies for the last two weeks have been the death and resurrection of Jesus. How glorious was Jesus' triumph over death! But, that was over 2,000 years ago. Is that the end of the story? What, if anything, is Jesus doing now? If He is doing something, is He doing it for you and me? Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and find out!
The First Contract
Read Hebrews 9:1. A "covenant" is a contract. What was involved in this "first contract?" (It had rules for worship and it had a special place for worship.)
Who do you think are the parties to this first contract? (God and humans had an agreement about how humans should approach and worship God.)
Read Hebrews 9:2-5. What is being described here? (The place of worship and the articles used for worship in the first contract. The "earthly sanctuary" started out as a portable tabernacle that was constructed in the wilderness journey of God's people from Egypt to Palestine. Later, King Solomon built a permanent structure in Jerusalem following this same general plan. Solomon's temple was destroyed and a replacement built that lasted until its final destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D.)
What divided the "Holy Place" of the temple from the "Most Holy Place?" (The "second curtain.")
What was the purpose of the Most Holy Place? (The ark represented the presence of God. It contained the Ten Commandments. Above the cover of the ark, between the two cherubim, was where God would come to give directions to His people. Exodus 25:22.)
Read Hebrews 9:6-7. How were these two compartments of the temple used? (In the outer court, the "Holy Place," the priests offered daily sacrifices for the sins of the people. The priest sacrificed an animal because the person bringing the animal had sinned. The blood of the animal transferred the sin of the person to the temple(Leviticus 5). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered the inner court, the Most Holy Place. He did this to take the blood symbolizing the sins of the people to God. By this annual ceremony the sins of the people and the High Priests own sins were removed from the temple(Leviticus 16).)
Read Hebrews 9:8. There is a lesson for us in this system. It seems to say that we did not have an adequate map. What does this mean? A map to what? (No one but the High Priest could enter the Most Holy section of the temple, and he could only do it once a year. The Most Holy Place was where the Ten Commandments were kept and where God would come. Therefore, this must mean that we (the ordinary people) did not have an adequate map to find obedience or find God.)
The New Order, the Map and the Second Contract
Read Matthew 27:50-51. This refers to the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy sections of the temple. Why are we told that it was ripped "from top to bottom?" (Humans would start from where they were - standing at the bottom. This was done supernaturally.)
When did this happen? (At the time that Jesus died on the cross.)
Why would Jesus' death have anything to do with the curtain in the temple? (Read Hebrews 10:19-20. Jesus death opened up the way for ordinary people to approach God. We now have "the map" to get to God!)
Read Hebrews 9:8-10. The "time of the new order" has arrived. What is the "new order?" Why does it have anything to do with the existence of the place of worship under the first contract?
If the old place of worship is destroyed, how does that help us with our "map" to find God?
Read John 1:29. Here is a big hint about the new order and the second contract. Why is Jesus called the "Lamb of God?" What does He have to do with taking away the "sin of the world?" (John the Baptist called Jesus the "Lamb of God" from the very beginning of Jesus' ministry. Under the old order, actual lambs were sacrificed to remove the sins of the people. This was just a temporary arrangement (Hebrews 9:9-10), one which did not really clear the people of sin, but one which illustrated the new order in which Jesus died for our sins!)
Read Hebrews 9:11-12. Hebrews just explained that Jesus was the Lamb. Now we are told Jesus is also the High Priest. How can He be both?(Under the first contract, the old order, a human High Priest carried the blood of an animal into the Most Holy Place (where God would come)once a year. This was the method of removing sin and it was repeated annually. In the new order, the second contract, Jesus carried His own blood into the presence of God. Thus, He performed the role of both the sacrifice and the High Priest. Jesus did this just once to make a one-time, full payment for our sins.)
Where is Jesus acting as the High Priest? The text says Jesus "went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle [temple]." We already discussed three temples, which one is this? (Read Hebrews 8:5 and Hebrews 9:24. Jesus is serving in the temple in heaven! The heavenly temple was the pattern for the temples here on earth.)
Why would there be a temple in heaven before any were built on earth? What purpose would it serve?
Read Hebrews 10:8-10. How is the new covenant (contract) an improved version of the old?
Why would God not be pleased with the first contract? (God is never pleased with us sinning. He was less pleased that animals died as the result. However, the animals impressed on the people that sin caused death. It symbolized the sin problem and what God intended to do about the sin problem.)
Why would the death of Jesus be more pleasing? (Jesus fixed the sin problem in many ways. One is that He died once for our sins so that we could become holy and have eternal life.)
Read Hebrews 10:19-22. We read this text earlier and noted that Jesus was also compared to the curtain that separated the Holy from the Most Holy place. How is Jesus like the curtain that was ripped? How does this help us with the "map" problem that we discussed earlier? (The curtain kept everyone but the High Priest from entering or even seeing the Most Holy place -- where God dwelled. Jesus gives us access to God! When we died with Jesus for our sins, and were washed in baptism, we have been given access to God!)
We considered earlier why there would be a temple in heaven before any were built on earth. Do you really think there is a physical temple in heaven which looked like the ones on earth? (No doubt there is a place in heaven where God lives. But, when I read that Jesus is the Lamb, the High Priest and the Curtain, I begin to think that the physical temples on earth may be largely symbolic of what is going on in heaven. What is done in heaven is very real. It is the substance of what the earthly temples symbolized.)
Confidence in Our Salvation
When Hebrews 10:19 tells us to confidently enter the Most Holy Place in heaven, what does that mean as a practical matter? I'm not actually setting foot in heaven now. How do I show my confidence? How do I enter? (Entering the Most Holy Place was the means by which sin was removed. You approached God with His Ten Commandments. I can only understand this to mean that I must have confidence in my salvation. If I confidently enter into the place where sin is taken away, I know I have salvation.)
Read Hebrews 10:26-27. Does my confidence include the understanding that once I am saved I always will be saved?
If you say "no," read Hebrews 10:14. How do you explain this? (Jesus did make us perfect through His life and death. We can, however, reject His gift of perfection by choosing a sinful life.)
How can I balance the great news of the new order, the second contract and my map to God with the reality of my daily struggle with sin? (Jesus paid the price for our sins. We now have access to Father God. But we must have the attitude that we want to avoid sin. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us be obedient to God's will, the Ten Commandments.)
Read Hebrews 10:15-16. What does this suggest about our relationship to God's Ten Commandments and the Holy Spirit? (Obedience becomes part of our attitude through the power of the Holy Spirit.)
Friend, now that you are part of the new order, the second contract and a holder of the map, will you determine to pursue holy living?
Next week: His Return as King and Friend.
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His Return as King and Friend
(Matthew 25, 1 Corinthians 13 & 15, Revelation 19 & 21)
The Wonder of Jesus: Lesson 13
Copr. 2008, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. All scripture references are to the New International Version (NIV), copr. 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society, unless otherwise noted. Quotations from the NIV are used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. The lesson assumes the teacher uses a blackboard or some other visual aid. This lesson can be found at: <url:http://www.GoBible.Org/study/509.php>
Introduction: What is next for the believer? Last week we learned how we can have confidence in our salvation. What does salvation do for us? We are not going to dwell on this point, but salvation lets us avoid hell. The edge of the "Great Dismal Swamp" is not too far from where I work and the swamp is currently on fire. Smoke blankets everything. The whole area smells like wood burning or a barbeque. Coming inside from the smoke and turning my thoughts to the future for believers reminded me of that we are avoiding hell. What is the positive side of things? What will heaven be like? That is worthy of extended discussion. Let's dive into the Bible and find out!
The Great Divide
Read Matthew 25:31-33. What does this teach us about whether there is a final judgment for humans?
Will every human be saved?
Read Matthew 25:34-40. What troubles you about these verses? (What troubles me is that the judgment seems purely based on human works, when last week we learned that it was based on our acceptance of Jesus' works. I'm also troubled with the suggestion that the saved are Bible illiterates! If they had studied the Bible, they would have read about this dialog and know the answer to their questions!)
What do you think that these verses are really teaching? (That those who are saved have a transformation of their hearts where they naturally do good works. They are not self-conscious of their good works. Otherwise, they would respond, "You bet we did. And, don't forget all the other good works we did." I think this proves the truth of Hebrews 10:16, a text we studied last week. Part of our salvation is that God writes His law in our hearts and minds.)
Read Matthew 25:41-43. What is the downside of the final judgment? (The worst part is where God says "Depart from Me." I never want to hear those words! The devil and his angels are active agents of rebellion. If I am lost, I will get at least a part of what they get.)
Is this view of a judgment and hope of heaven only a New Testament teaching? (No. Read Daniel 12:2-3.)
The Perfect Change
Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-14. What is the guarantee given to believers of being resurrected to eternal life? (That Jesus was resurrected.)
Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-52. When will believers be resurrected?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:35. Our prior text said that "we will all be changed." When we are resurrected, what kind of body will we have? What kind of place will heaven be? What will things be like? Have you ever asked yourself those questions? What are your thoughts?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:36. Is the Bible saying that it is foolish to contemplate these things? (No. It says it is foolish not to understand this point. It is something we can grasp!)
Read 1 Corinthians 15:37-41. What does Jesus suggest about the way we will look in our resurrected body? (He says we will not look like birds or fish or stars. God distinguishes these things now and He will distinguish them when we are resurrected.)
What do you think is meant by the "seed?" Does this suggest that you will not look anything like what you used to look like? (Jesus says we do not have to worry about getting our old body back. The old plant dies and is gone. But, a seed that carries all of the genetic information of the old plant re-emerges as the new plant.)
Does the new plant look like the old plant? (Yes!)
What does that suggest about the way you will appear in your resurrected body? (First, it assures us we will have a body. Second, we will look like humans and not like birds or frogs or stars.)
Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49. In what ways will our body be better and different? (It will be perfect. We will be like Jesus.)
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. What event do you think is forecast by the phrase "when perfection comes?" (The Second Coming of Jesus. The resurrection. Love is present on this earth and will be present in heaven. Love will remain when the "imperfect" disappears. The concept is that what is good remains, what is imperfect is gone.)
Read 1 Corinthians 13:11-12. The difference between earth and heaven is illustrated by the difference between a child and an adult. What does that suggest about heaven? (It suggests that the good things we know on earth will exist in a much advanced form in heaven.)
Will our friends and relatives be able to recognize us in heaven? When we are this new "plant," will we look enough like the old to be recognized? (I think so. Verse 12 refers to a poor mirror and then says "I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." This suggests people will know you!)
Read Luke 24:13-16. This is after Jesus' resurrection. Did Jesus look like He used to look? (Yes. The two disciples had to be supernaturally "kept from recognizing Him.")
Read Luke 9:29-31. How does this suggest that Moses looked? (He was recognizable as a man. Indeed, he looked as much like a man as did Elijah - who never died, but was translated to heaven.)
The Perfect Place
Read Revelation 19:11-13. This rider is named the "Word of God." Who is He? (John 1:1-14. This is Jesus!)
Read Revelation 19:14-16. Where is Jesus and His army heading? (For earth! The following verses in this chapter and in Revelation 20 discuss a great battle that ends with the destruction of the wicked.)
Read Revelation 21:1-2. After sin and evil are judged and destroyed, what happens to the earth? (We have a "new heaven and new earth.")
Read Revelation 21:3-4. Where does God dwell? In heaven? (Friend, our earth made new is the future dwelling place for God and for us.)
How will this new earth be different from the old earth we know? (There will be no death, mourning, crying or pain.)
Think back on the verses that we have just read. We have a "new Jerusalem" and a "new earth" with no sea. What does that suggest about whether we will recognize our surroundings? (The reference to things we know on earth, like "Jerusalem" and "earth" suggest that we will recognized the earth. Telling us that there will be "no sea" implies that the rest of the familiar features of the earth will be there.)
Read Revelation 21:10-14. What will we have in the earth made new? (Mountains!)
What kind of city is the New Jerusalem? (It has a wall and gates. That suggests it looks like something we will recognize.)
What does this description tell us about our heavenly bodies? (It suggests that we have real bodies because spirits would have no use for walls or gates.)
Friend, imagine living in the earth made new in the same place you now live. Now imagine that everything that is wrong and unpleasant where you live is gone. Imagine that everything that is wrong and unpleasant with you is gone. Now imagine that you have all the time to do whatever it is you would like to do. Travel to new and perfect places. Learn what you would like to learn. Build what you would like to build. Have the relationships with the heroes of the Bible which you would like to have. Live in the presence of Jesus. Will you confess your sins and give your heart to Jesus today? If you will, all these things (and much more than you can imagine) will be in your future!
Next week: We start a new series entitled "Agents of Hope: God's Great Missionaries." |
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