(Matt 5:17-20) As we have seen, Jesus was a faithful citizen who fulfilled His responsibilities as a Jewish male, even when His life was in danger (see, for example, John 7:1, 25-26; 10:31). In fact, Jesus makes it clear that it was not His purpose to abolish the Law or the Prophets (Matt. 5:17-20, NKJV). … Continue reading –>
(Matt 17:24-27) As last week’s lesson noted, the law of Moses had both civic and ceremonial components. The ceremonial aspect means that the temple was at the center of Jewish religious life. In fact, by the first century, the temple was probably the only remaining structure that gave the Jews any sense of national identity. … Continue reading –>
Straining to reach through the crowd, a nameless woman refuses to lose her opportunity for healing. Just beyond the crowd was her miracle. Just beyond the crowd was the start of a new life. It would not be an easy task, but it was worth any discomfort to achieve the desire of her life. The … Continue reading –>
If it had not happened, could we imagine a world in which God became a Man and lived among us? Although He could have come as a powerful and wealthy King, He chose to come as a newborn powerless and poor Baby. He lived like those around Him. He obeyed His parents and His government. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Jesus respected the law and underlined the lessons about God’s grace and power revealed in the law. [Lesson plan for Christ and the Law of Moses April 7,2014] 1. Have a volunteer read John 5:1. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text … Continue reading –>
The New Testament does not tell us too much about the childhood of Jesus. One account, though, that gives great insight is Luke 2:41-52, the story of Jesus and His parents’ visit to Jerusalem during the feast of Passover. Read it over and then answer the following questions: How does this story help to illustrate … Continue reading –>
John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem (John 5:1, NKJV). The first major festival period in the Jewish calendar year is the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commences with Passover. The festival commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, when the angel … Continue reading –>
(Luke 2:21-24) God established His covenant with Abraham, saying that he would be the father of many nations (Gen. 17:4). When God made this covenant, the ninety-nine year old Abraham had only recently fathered Ishmael and had not yet seen the birth of his promised son, Isaac. Nonetheless, he was commanded to circumcise himself along … Continue reading –>
There are many opinions that society wants us to believe: Climate is changing. Climate isn’t changing. Capitalism is good. Capitalism is bad. The internet/TV/video games/music are evil. Nothing’s evil; it’s all in how you use it. And don’t even get me started on what we should or shouldn’t eat or drink! Mostly though, opinions are … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 2:21-24; Exod. 13:2, 12; Luke 2:41-52; Matt. 17:24-27; John 8:1-11; Deut. 22:23-24. Memory Text: If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me (John 5:46, NRSV). Many Christians have been raised on stories about Jesus’ supposedly negative relationship to the Jewish religion, an unfortunate misconception … Continue reading –>
