08: The Mission of Jesus – Lesson Plan
Key Thought : At the foot of the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value of a soul.
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[Lesson Plan for The Mission of Jesus May 18, 2015]
1. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:4-7.
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. Is there any danger of the shepherd loosing the ninety-nine while going after the one?
c. Personal Application: What has been your experience in God seeking you out? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “There is no God. We are products of chance. We live, we die, and that’s it. We have to take care of ourselves, because no one else cares.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:12-16.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What is riotous living? Why are so many people so enthralled with the evil, sinful pleasures of life?
c. Personal Application: What specific things of the world are you tempted by that you think might not be so bad, but really you know it is? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “People don’t seem to care about God or even parents until things fall apart. Why does it take a complete disaster for people to turn to God for help?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
3. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:17-21.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How do people “come to” themselves? Why do people continue to resist common sense and advice from parents, friends, and loved ones?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever had to come to your senses in your life? What was the catalyst in your coming around? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “My children were raised in the church, but when they left home, they quit going to church and started doing things they were raised not to do. I don’t know what to do, except pray for them. But I know God doesn’t force the will.” How would you respond to your friend?
4. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:25-32.
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is it so easy to see other people’s faults, but so hard to see our own?
c. Personal Application: What part does faith play in our spiritual or physical healing? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.
