THE COMING KING - Prestonwood Baptist Church · THE COMING KING GPS CURRICULUM ... • Large-group...

T H E

COMING KING

GPS CURRICULUM SPRING 2017 | PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

DR. JACK GRAHAM, PASTOR

W A I T I N G , W A T C H I N G , W O R K I N G

DEAR DIRECTORS AND TEACHERS: Before Jesus left this earth, He promised His disciples He would come back and get them, but first He had to make a place for them. Generations of believers have anticipated His return and yet, still we are waiting. Our next 13 Journeys move us closer and closer to that heavenly home Jesus is preparing.

The Second Coming of Christ is seen in two separate phases: the Rapture of the Church when we meet Christ in the air, and His Glorious Appearing when He returns to the earth with His saints to defeat Satan. What was prophesied in Genesis 3:15 will finally be fulfilled in Journey 12 as Satan is cast into the lake of fire. Our treatment of the book of Revelation will give the students a broad outline of the events yet to unfold. We must all be ready and we must be working while we wait. The scarlet thread of redemption has now come full circle. This edition of GPS assures us “the King is coming!”

We continue to use the Huddle Group format for small-group discussion. This approach affords a more interactive learning experience and helps to build good relationships among students and Huddle Group Leaders. Here are the key components of our Bible teaching experience. Please be mindful of the following considerations as you teach.• Large-group activities that connect the Big Room experience with the Bible lesson• Small-group activities where students work together as a team and/or process the

information being discussed in a fun, creative way• Opportunities to locate the Bible passage and read directly from Scripture.• An explanation of how a particular Bible passage fits into God’s panoramic plan of

redemption• A clear presentation of the plan of salvation

1. ADMIT that you are a sinner and ask forgiveness. (Romans 3:23)2. BELIEVE in your heart that Christ died to pay the penalty of your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:3)3. CONFESS with your mouth that you want Jesus to be your Savior. (Romans 10:9–10)

Together, we are creating an experience that encourages a salvation decision, lays a strong foundation for biblical literacy, and promotes lifelong discipleship, commitment and service.

Thank you for your continuing commitment to teach God’s Word with excellence.

THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM Prestonwood Baptist Church P.S. If you are interested in more details about the events of Revelation described in the last four journeys, you may want to consult Charting the End Times by Tim LaHaye, Harvest House Publishers, 2001. This is an excellent resource with charts, graphs and timelines showing the progression of end-time events.

MISSION STATEMENTGPS (God’s Plan of Salvation) is an integral part of the KIDZ Ministry at Prestonwood. Prestonwood’s KIDZ Ministry is designed to develop students into lifelong disciples for Christ.

CORE VALUES• KIDZ Ministry partners with parents to:• Develop students as Christ-followers and teach them to share their faith• Develop students as worshipers• Develop students as prayer warriors• Teach students to make wise choices according to Scripture• Teach students to treat all people equally• Support families with fun, creative ways to enhance each student’s

spiritual journey

THE HUDDLE GROUP CONCEPTfor Bible FellowshipsWe constantly evaluate our curriculum materials and our teaching strategies in an attempt to accommodate the learning needs of our students. Over the last few years, we have found the small-group concept to be a very effective means for getting kids involved in processing and applying the biblical truth we are teaching. We have found that a classroom lecture where one person does all the talking for long periods of time is not the model we want to use. We want to discuss the Bible passage for a few minutes and then provide an opportunity for the students to talk about what they heard.

• This type of interactive learning experience under the direction of a Huddle Group Leader helps to build relationships with students.

• It enables the Group Leader to converse with each student and to involve those who tend to be more quiet and withdrawn or who may be visiting.

• It encourages conversation among students and helps them connect with one another as fellow believers.

A Huddle Group may include between five and 10 students depending on the number of students in your class and the number of adults who can serve as Huddle Group Leaders. Each Huddle Group Leader gets to know each student by name and makes sure the kids within the group know one another.

• During classroom time, the lead teacher will review the biblical materials presented in the Big Room in intervals of 10 to 15 minutes.

• After these brief teaching periods, the students are directed to get in their Huddle Groups with their leader and do an activity using the information that was just provided. This may involve a hands-on, interactive experience where each student is engaged in an activity or conversation with other students under the Group Leader’s supervision.

• Huddle Group activities vary in length depending on the content being covered. Sometimes they may require the students to work together on a project or discuss their ideas on a topic or even get up and do some physical activity related to the lesson’s central truth.

• Huddle Group activities provide a great opportunity for students to ask questions about things they do not understand, and afford the Group Leader opportunities to share the Gospel message in a more personal way.

• Two to three Huddle Group experiences are required during the classroom teaching time.

CONTENTSMarch 4/5 Journey 1: GROWING OPPOSITION 3 Jesus and the Jewish Religious Leaders

March 11/12 Journey 2: THE GLORY OF THE KING 17 The Transfiguration

March 18/19 Journey 3: DOERS OF THE WORD 31 The Commands of Christ

March 25/26 Journey 4: WHAT’S THE SIGN? 45 Jesus Will Return

April 1/2 Journey 5: ONE SOLITARY LIFE 59 Jesus—The Great I AM

April 8/9 Journey 6: THE WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLD 73 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem

April 15/16 Journey 7: A KING RISES! 89 Resurrection Sunday

April 22/23 Journey 8: UNSPEAKABLE JOY! 103 Jesus Appears to His Disciples

April 29/30 Journey 9: GOING HOME! 117 Jesus Returns to Heaven

May 6/7 Journey 10: THE GOSPEL SPREADS 131 The Church Grows

May 13/14 Journey 11: THE KING RETURNS! 145 The Rapture and the Second Coming

May 20/21 Journey 12: THINGS TO COME 159 The Alpha and the Omega

May 27/28 Journey 13: HOME AT LAST! 175 A New Heaven and a New Earth

1GROWING

OPPOSITIONJ E S U S A N D T H E J E W I S H

R E L I G I O U S L E A D E R S

3

THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS

During the time of Christ, those who made up the Jewish religious community controlled worship in

the temple and outlying synagogues. Rules they made from having studied the scrolls of the Old Testament dominated the life of the common people. When rules were broken, the punishment was often swift and harsh. Jesus’ message of love and mercy was in stark contrast to the rigid and inflexible rules of the Jewish religious leaders. Who were these people who used the Law of God to make unreasonable demands on the people? • The scribes preserved the Scriptures

by carefully copying every letter. Their focus was on keeping the Law perfectly without offending in any one point.

• The Pharisees were a religious group of Jews who concentrated on the details of keeping the Law rather than on communicating the spirit and intent of God’s loving promises. Jesus told them: “You strain at gnats and swallow camels” (Matthew 23:24).

• The Saducees believed only in the first five books of the Bible and did not believe in life after death. They had misunderstood the voice of the burning bush when God said: “I AM [now, in this moment] the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” He is their God because they are with Him now in their hereafter. These religious rulers rejected the idea of a resurrection into an afterlife. They would have been shocked to see Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration.

• The priests carried out the religious ceremonies in the temple and synagogues and explained the Law to the people. They, along with the scribes and elders, made up the 70-member Sanhedrin high court. This is the tribunal court that would later condemn Jesus to death.

• The elders were specially appointed authorities who assisted the priests.

These religious leaders proved to be the enemies of Jesus. Outwardly, they appeared to be the most religious of all people, but inwardly, their hearts were

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 1 GROWING OPPOSITIONJESUS AND THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS

THOUGHT Receive Jesus as Savior to become part of God’s

forever family.

PASSAGES Mark 7:1–8,

Mark 12:13–19; 28-34; 41–44

WORD Acceptance

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”—Romans 10:13

4

unmerciful. They had studied the Old Testament writings. They knew about the coming Messiah. They had studied all the prophecies. They should have been the first to recognize Jesus as Messiah. Instead, they only sought to belittle Him in public and discredit whatever He taught.

FALSE RELIGION EXPOSED!

With one miracle after another, Jesus displayed His power over disease, natural forces

and death. The Jewish religious leaders listened closely to His radical ideas about loving one’s neighbor. They watched Him perform miracles no man could do apart from God. They envied His popularity and realized they could lose their own religious authority if Jesus were allowed to continue. Therefore, they attempted to undermine His credibility by trying to embarrass Him before the people: • Accusing Him of blasphemy (Mark 3:22)• Questioning His authority (Mark

11:31–33)• Asking difficult questions to reveal any

false teaching (Mark 12:28)• Rebuking Him for breaking the laws of

Moses (Mark 3:1–6)

JESUS ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY (MATTHEW 12:22–32; MARK 3:1-6)

One day Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak. As the Pharisees looked on,

the people marveled at Jesus’ power and asked if this could be the Son of David, a title used to refer to the Messiah. When the Pharisees heard this, they said Jesus’ power came from Satan, the prince of demons.

Jesus immediately turned to address them. • He asked the Jews that if He were

Satan, then why would Satan cast out Satan?

• On the other hand, if He did these acts through the power of God, then why didn’t the Jews recognize the kingdom of God in their midst?

• Jesus told them that ascribing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit constituted blasphemy and such sin could not be pardoned. The rejection of the Holy Spirit is the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31–32).

JESUS ACCUSED OF BREAKING THE LAW (MARK 7:1–9)

On another occasion, a group of Pharisees saw Jesus’ disciples eating bread without having washed their

hands. The Jewish leaders had imposed harsh and detailed rules on the people about what one could and could not do regarding every area of life. The guidelines for washing are an example of how burdensome the keeping of the Law had become for devout followers of God. When asked why His disciples did not keep “the tradition of the elders,” Jesus quickly set the religious leaders straight—they did not like what they heard.• Jesus told them that they honored God

with their lips, but they had missed the meaning of true devotion to God.

• He called them hypocrites, which in the Greek language means “actor.” He accused them of only “playing a part or a role.” Their traditions had nothing to do with genuine worship.

• The Jews taught as doctrine the rules and regulations they had made up

J ONE

5

regarding how to keep the Law. They expected Jesus to follow their rules and He refused to do so.

One Sabbath day, Jesus and His disciples were in the synagogue when a man with a withered hand approached. The rulers of the synagogue watched to see if Jesus would heal the man. Such an act of mercy constituted “work” on a holy day. Jesus knew they were watching, so He asked them a question they would not answer: “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save or to kill?” When they refused to answer, He looked at them with anger (Mark 3:5) and proceeded to heal the man. Publicly rebuked, the Pharisees walked out of the synagogue and began to plan how they might destroy Him (Mark 3:6). They would not tolerate such public flouting of their authority by this carpenter from Nazareth.

TRICK QUESTIONS FOR THE MASTER (MARK 12:13–34)

The Jewish leaders who listened to Jesus teach recognized the power and the authority with which He

spoke. They watched the people listen intently to everything He said. They saw the crowds gather at the mention of His name. Day after day they witnessed His miracles and still they refused to receive Him as the long-expected Messiah. If any group of people should have recognized who Jesus was, it should have been the Jewish religious establishment. They had the benefit of knowing all the Old Testament prophecies and the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They should have seen how Jesus fulfilled the

Scriptures. Instead, they looked for ways to embarrass Him in front of the people who listened to His teaching. • The Pharisees asked Him if it were right

to pay taxes to Caesar. They hoped His answer might be critical of the Roman government. Instead, Jesus asked them for a coin. As He looked at the image and inscription, He told them to give to Caesar what belonged to him and to God the things that are His. They marveled at His perception (Mark 12:17).

• One of the scribes asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, hoping He would answer incorrectly. Instead, Jesus summed up all 10 of the commandments in two statements: “First, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and secondly, love your neighbor as yourself.” The man was astonished at how well Jesus had captured the essence of the Law.

Jesus did not fit the image the Jews had for their Messiah. They had expected someone who would:• Rule by force, if necessary, to set up

an earthly kingdom• Be acceptable to the Jewish religious

establishment• Uphold the keeping of the Law and

the added burdensome traditions• Reject the non-Jew as unfit for

God’s favor

Jesus was just the opposite of what they expected and they hated Him for being different.

J ONE

6

J ONE

DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

As Jesus’ popularity grew, the religious leaders decided there was only one way to stop Him. They would have

to kill Him (Mark 14:1–2). His arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey to shouts of praise was a turning point. The people might have remembered Zechariah’s prophecy about the king of Israel coming into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Yet, the Jewish religious leaders refused to see Jesus for who He was. They were determined to destroy His influence among the people, even if they had to destroy Him. They began to work out a plot to have Him arrested. What they did not know was that Jesus was just as determined to die as they were to kill Him. No threat, no conflict, no fear, no challenge would keep Jesus from doing what He had come to do—to save the world from the punishment of sin. JESUS’ RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAW

Jesus did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill its every requirement. His death would create a new covenant

of grace made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 1. As a man, Christ was born with the

responsibility of keeping God’s Law.2. He lived a perfect life in obedience to

the Law (1 Peter 2:21–22).3. He explained the intent of the Mosaic

Law to the Jews (Romans 15:8).4. He was the perfect sacrifice the Law

required (Hebrews 9:11–28).5. He took on Himself mankind’s penalty

for breaking God’s Law (Galatians 3:13–14).

6. He changed the believer’s position under the Law from that of a servant to that of a son (Galatians 4:1–7).

7. He established the New Covenant through the shedding of His own blood.

The Jewish religious establishment could not understand how Jesus was the perfect fulfillment of the Law. The plan to kill Him revealed their own fears about being displaced in the eyes of the people as their religious authority. In the end, their jealousy and resentment of His popularity exposed their hearts of stone. Such hatred and opposition would not deter Jesus from the mission. He would love them all the way to the Cross. The hatred they showed Him would be met with sacrificial love. That’s how Jesus resolves conflict—He loves His enemies—and that is what He asks His children to do also.

7

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIES• ASK the students to share experiences about feeling left out or not included at school. • LISTEN to what they are saying and then ASK how they think Jesus might have responded.• EXPLAIN that in today’s lesson that is exactly what happened. Certain people who

were the religious leaders of the day didn’t like what Jesus was saying or what He was doing. And so, they tried to embarrass Him in public in front of all the people.

• SAY: Let’s open our Bibles and see how this kind of thing began to unfold. EXPLORING THE BIBLERead the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. The talking points will guide your discussion. Add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.A. “Wash those hands!” —Mark 7:1–8

• The disciples ate some grain without washing their hands. • They were accused of breaking the rules of the religious leaders.

B. “Pay your taxes!” —Mark 12:13–17• The religious leaders were setting a trap for Jesus. • They asked if it were right to pay taxes to Caesar.• Jesus turned the tables on them by using a coin with a picture of Caesar.• How did His response shut them down?

C. “The Greatest Commandment”—Mark 12:28–34• Of all the commandments, which one is the most important?• Which one did Jesus say is next in importance?• How do two commandments cover the need for all the other commandments?

TEACHING PLAN J O U R N E Y 1

GRADES 1–4


GROWING OPPOSITIONJESUS AND THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS


forever family.


Mark 12:13–19; 28-34; 41–44

WORD Acceptance

8

J ONE GRADES 1–4

D. “The Widow’s Mite”—Mark 12:41–44• What did the rich people give as off erings?• What did the widow give?• Why was her amount more than that of all the others?

These religious leaders proved to be the enemies of Jesus. Outwardly, they appeared to be the most religious of all people, but inwardly, their hearts were unmerciful. They understood the Old Testament writings. They knew about the coming Messiah. They had studied all the prophecies. So, why didn’t they recognize Jesus for who He was? Let’s see what happened when Jesus came face-to-face with His enemies.

THE CROSSROADS• Jesus knew the hearts of these so-called religious leaders who majored on the

details but failed to show love to their fellow man. They only cared about people who were like them. They had missed the message of love and forgiveness Jesus was bringing.

• Jesus came to bring salvation to all people—not just to the people who thought they were religious. The Jewish leaders missed what He was saying.

• The message of salvation is for all people in all places at all times if only they will receive it.

• Set up a cross on a table and around it place pieces of diff erent colors of paper to make this point.

• Quote the key verse Romans 10:13 and explain to whom the word everyone is referring.

• Have the students say the verse several times. Then tell them to turn to the person on their right and explain what the verse means.

• Share the plan of salvation and invite any student to come and speak with you about a decision to follow Christ.

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Scripture Scroll Supplies: Blank parchment paper, 12” dowel rod, markers, tape, 18” length of ribbon or yarn• Distribute markers and tape to the tables.• Provide each student with a parchment sheet, dowel rod and length of ribbon.• Instruct the students to center the dowel rod across the paper, about ½” from the

top. Have them secure the dowel with a couple of pieces of tape.• Next, have them write the following verse on their scroll and decorate as desired.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.—Romans 10:13

• Roll up the scroll and secure with the ribbon.

9

JGRADES 1–4 ONE

HUDDLE GROUP• SAY: There are many different ways a person can show she doesn’t want to accept

what Jesus was teaching. • ASK the students to share some of these ways of rejecting Jesus. • DISCUSS the opposition Jesus encountered from the people who should have

recognized Him first. • What did the questions from the religious leaders reveal about their attitudes? • What attitudes do you exhibit toward what Jesus taught?• What should be a person’s first response to Christ? (receive as Savior)• After receiving Christ as Savior, what is one’s next responsibility? (grow and share)• Do you consider yourself to be opposed to the teachings of Christ? In what ways do

you possibly reveal your opposition to Jesus? (by the way you behave)• How can negative attitudes toward what Jesus taught be corrected and turned into

positive ones? (repentance, Bible study, prayer)

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. How did Jesus become so popular with the people? (His miracles, His teaching, His

compassion for those society rejected)2. Name two of the groups that made up the Jewish religious leaders. (scribes, elders,

priests, Pharisees, Sadducees)3. What was wrong with Jesus’ healing someone on the Sabbath? (It broke Jewish law

according to the Pharisees because it represented work.)4. What is the greatest commandment? (to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul

and mind)5. What is the second greatest commandment? (to love your neighbor as yourself )6. Why shouldn’t these religious leaders have been the first to recognize who Jesus really

was? (They had all of the Old Testament prophecies describing Him and His coming.)

11

INTRODUCTIONA. HOW DETERMINED ARE YOU? Discuss the elements involved with running a relay race: Running, passing the baton, competing against a different team, etc., and ask the students: “What does it take to win a relay race? How would you encourage other team members to keep running? What does each team member have to contribute in order to compete? What does it feel like to lose? What does it feel like to win? What can make the difference in a team’s winning or losing?”

Briefly discuss how our attitudes affect our success. Then explain that Jesus demonstrated a very important attitude that eventually led to His death—and to our eternal life. What was it?

B. MIRACLES THAT ATTRACTTalk about the miracles Jesus did that made Him so popular with the people. Ask the students to name a few we have studied as you list them on the board. Have them draw a picture of two or three miracles or let them take turns acting them out as in a game of charades. Here are some to use.• Feeding the 5,000 • Healing the 10 lepers• Healing Bartimaeus• Healing the paralyzed man

with four friends

• Walking on the water• Turning water to wine• Raising Lazarus• Calming the storm • Casting out demons


GRADES 5–6


GROWING OPPOSITIONJESUS AND THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS


forever family.


Mark 12:13–19; 28–34; 41–44

WORD Acceptance

12

J ONE GRADES 5–6

Discuss why these miracles would make Him popular.• He showed compassion for the people.• His genuine love for others was so apparent.• He reached out to people from different nations.• His miracles gave people hope. Who would not like Jesus? Who would want to embarrass Him and challenge His authority? Yet, Jesus had plenty of enemies, including one of His own disciples. How did He handle the conflict He faced? TRUTH[Direct each student to open a Bible and locate the Gospel of Mark. Look up those Scriptures you think your class will grasp quickly. Refer to the Bible Background sections for more details for the older students.]

Briefly describe the Jewish religious community and who they were. • The scribes preserved the Scriptures by carefully copying every letter. Their focus

was on keeping every letter of the Law perfect. • The Pharisees were a religious group of Jews who concentrated on the details of

keeping the Law rather than on the spirit and intent of God’s loving promises. Jesus told them: You strain at gnats and swallow camels (Matthew 23:24).

• The Sadducees believed only in the first five books of the Bible and did not believe in life after death.

• The priests carried out the religious ceremonies in the temple and synagogues and explained the Law to the people.

• The elders were specially appointed authorities who assisted the priests.

These religious leaders proved to be the enemies of Jesus. Outwardly, they appeared to be the most religious of all people, but inwardly, their hearts were unmerciful. They understood the Old Testament writings. They knew about the coming Messiah. They had studied all the prophecies. So, why didn’t they recognize Jesus for who He was? Let’s see what happened when Jesus came face-to-face with His enemies.

A. LUNATIC, LIAR OR SATAN WORSHIPPER? (MARK 3:1–30) • Verses 1–3: To heal or not to heal on the Sabbath? They said no;

Jesus said yes.• Verse 6: They purposed to destroy Jesus because He did not follow their rules.• Verses 22–23: They said He cast out demons with Satan’s help and said that He

was a lunatic.• Verses 28–29: This is the unpardonable sin—the rejection of the works of the

Holy Spirit. “Woe unto you!” Jesus said.

13

JGRADES 5–6 ONE

B. WHY DON’T THE DISCIPLES WASH THEIR HANDS? (MARK 7:1–9)• Verse 5: Why don’t Your disciples do what’s right?• Verses 6–7: Jesus said, “You are hypocrites! You say honorable things but your heart

is far from God.”• Verse 8: “You ‘major on the minors’ and ‘minor on the majors’!”

C. ANSWER THESE TRICK QUESTIONS, PLEASE! (MARK 12:13–37)• Verse 14: Do we have to pay taxes, Jesus? • Verse 17: Give to God what belongs to Him and give to the government what

belongs to it.• Verse 28: What is the most important commandment?• Verses 29–31: Jesus combines 10 into two: 1 + 1 = 10? Love God first; love

your neighbor as yourself! That’s it. • Verse 33: Good answer!

D. ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK! (JOHN 11:45–48, 53, 57) These religious leaders were determined to discredit Jesus in front of the people, and He was equally determined to expose their hypocrisy. Each time they attacked, He responded in a way that revealed their cold and indifferent hearts. They would not allow Him to continue; they met to form a plan to kill Him. [Read aloud John 11:45–48; 53; 57 with great drama and then close with these points.] • Jesus knew what was coming. • He did nothing to stop it.• His death had been predetermined by His omnipotent Father.• It was the rescue mission He had come to do.• His commitment would turn their murderous plot into mankind’s glorious

redemption. • He would forgive their sin and die in their place even if they did not understand.

NOW WHATJesus was determined to make a way for us to live with Him forever. Nothing would stop Him. He met the conflict of their charges with truth and with love. • Set up a display of a cross or draw a large cross on the board. • Give each child one note card on which to write: “My sin must be punished.” • Use a “PAID” stamp to mark each card, or write the word “PAID” across the cards. • Ask them to place the card at the foot of the cross if they wish. • Share the plan of salvation by explaining what the word ransom means and then close

in prayer. [Be alert to any student who may need to talk with you privately.]

14

J ONE GRADES 5–6

CONNECTIONThe Jewish religious leaders refused to accept Jesus as the long-expected Messiah. However, that was not going to stop Jesus from doing what He came to do. Define the meaning of determination. Ask the students for examples of when they have showed great determination and how they benefited from it. Ask them to identify areas where they have little determination. How has this affected their lives?• Discuss the opposition Jesus encountered from the people who

should have recognized Him first. • What did the questions from the religious leaders reveal about

their attitudes? • What attitudes do you exhibit toward what Jesus taught?• What should be a person’s first response to Christ? (receive as Savior)• After receiving Christ as Savior, what is one’s next responsibility?

(grow and share)• In light of how determined Jesus was to complete His mission, how should we act

during difficult times in our lives?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. How did Jesus become so popular with the people? (His miracles, His teaching, His

compassion for those society rejected)2. Name two of the groups that made up the Jewish religious leaders. (scribes, elders,

priests, Pharisees, Sadducees)3. What was wrong with Jesus’ healing someone on the Sabbath? (It broke Jewish law

according to the Pharisees because it represented work.)4. What sin can never be forgiven? (the sin that occurs when one says no to the power of

the Holy Spirit that draws one to Christ)5. What did Jesus say about paying taxes? (Give to the government what is due and give

to God that which belongs to Him.)6. What is the greatest commandment? (to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul

and mind)7. What is the second greatest commandment? (to love your neighbor as yourself )8. Why were the Jewish religious leaders so focused on getting rid of Jesus? (His Gospel

of love and forgiveness did not line up with their demands on the people that the Law be kept perfectly in order to be found righteous. He was a threat to the power they held over the people.)

9. Why shouldn’t these religious leaders have been the first to recognize who Jesus really was? (They had all of the Old Testament prophecies describing Him and His coming.)

2THE GLORY OF

THE KINGT H E T R A N S F I G U R AT I O N

17

LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION

Jesus ministered publicly for about three years among the people He came to save. His ministry always

caused people to ask questions: “Who is this man?” “Can He really be the Messiah?” “Is it possible to forgive your enemies and treat them kindly?” “Does God love all people?” “Does God really care about me?” Jesus answered such questions truthfully and positively. One day He decided to ask the disciples a question: “Who do people say that I am?” They told Him that some thought He was Elijah; some Jeremiah and others thought He might be John the Baptist come back to life. Then Jesus asked the disciples life’s most important question: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter spoke first as he declared Jesus to be “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT ANSWER

Peter’s answer went beyond the humanity of Jesus to exalt Him as God. He was the One God had

promised in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). He had all the credentials to fulfill the Messianic prophecies the Jews had received. Yet, Peter’s answer revealed far more than the identity of this Man. Along with the other disciples, Peter expressed what they were coming to understand in their hearts—it was worth everything they had to be called a disciple of Jesus, the Christ. Nothing in life was more important than following Him—no matter where it led.

Jesus told this group of ordinary men that He would build His Church on this kind of faith (Matthew 16:17–19). This was the first time the word church was used in the New Testament. It comes from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning “called out.” This “called out” collection of followers would come from every corner of the world. Each one would have come to the same conclusion: “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” They would become a mighty army of missionaries that would build on the foundation laid by Christ.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 2 THE GLORY OF THE KINGTHE TRANSFIGURATION

THOUGHT Let Jesus change you.

PASSAGES Matthew

16:13–19; 17:1–13; Revelation 1:1–20

WORD Change

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” —Romans 12:2

18

LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT SACRIFICE (MATTHEW 16:21–23)

From that time on, Jesus began to explain to the disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many

things at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders. He wanted to prepare them for what the future held: He was going to be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead. Peter rebuked Jesus and said that he would not allow Jesus to be killed, but Peter was not in charge.

LIFE’S MOST AMAZING SAVIOR (MATTHEW 17:1–13; LUKE 9:30–36)

Less than a week after this conversation, Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain to pray. It is

thought this mountain was Mount Hermon, close to Caesarea Philippi, or perhaps even Mount Tabor, southwest of the Sea of Galilee. These three disciples represented the inner circle, who were the closest friends to Jesus. He was about to give them a unique vision of His glory and the kingdom to come.• As Jesus prayed, His form and

appearance changed before their eyes.• His face shone like the sun and His

clothes became dazzling white.• Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah, the

great prophet, appeared with Him to affirm and connect Him with all that was the Old Testament.

• Luke reports the three figures were discussing Jesus’ approaching death.

• Peter spoke first to say how good it was to be in this place. He wanted to build a type of “tabernacle” to honor each

one. He was mistaken to put Moses and Elijah on the same level as Christ. Only Christ is worthy of worship.

• Suddenly, a bright cloud overshadowed the mountain and the voice of God, interrupting Peter, was heard, saying: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5). The Father repeated the same words He had spoken when His Son was baptized, but with the command to listen and heed what He said. Peter got the message.

• The terrified disciples fell on their faces, as Jesus touched them to alleviate their fears. Such awe and reverence comes when one becomes aware that he/she is in the presence of a Holy God.

• When the three disciples finally looked up again, they saw only Jesus. The other two figures were gone.

THE DEBRIEFING

As Jesus walked down the mountain with His three disciples, He explained what had happened.

• He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Resurrection. At this time, the disciples would not have been able to interpret what the experience meant for the future.

• They asked Jesus about the prophecy from Malachi 4:5–6 that said Elijah must come first.

• Jesus explained that an Elijah-like figure had already come in the person of John the Baptist.

• Just as John was killed by the Jewish religious leaders so Jesus would suffer the same fate.

J TWO

19

JESUS DEFINES HIMSELF

God appeared to Moses in the burning bush. After telling Moses to order the release of the Hebrew slaves, God

revealed His name to be the great I AM. The disciples had just seen the glory of that great I AM. Many times they had heard Jesus describe Himself using the phrase I AM. Now after this glimpse of His glory, would they remember what He had called Himself?• I am the Bread of Life: After having

fed the 5,000, Jesus declared Himself to be the kind of spiritual nourishment that would completely fill a person’s soul (John 6:35).

• I am the Light of the World: Jesus reminded the Pharisees about the law God had given Moses, described in Psalm 119:105, as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Jesus called Himself the light of the world who dispels darkness and gives direction (John 8:12).

• I am the Good Shepherd: Jesus said He was the Good Shepherd who leads His flock into rich, green pastures. At night, a shepherd would make a three-sided enclosure with one small opening. Then he would lie down across the opening to keep the sheep huddled together, protected and out of danger. A shepherd would literally become “the door” of the fold. Jesus called Himself the door of the sheep because He would soon lay down His life to save His flock (John 10:11, 17).

• I am the Resurrection and the Life: Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He spoke these words to Martha and said that whoever believed in Him would never die (John 11:25–26).

• I am the Vine: Grapevines were a common sight along the roads Jesus traveled. He used the image of the vine and its branches to demonstrate His relationship with His followers. Anchored in Christ like a vine, He assured His disciples that they could bear much fruit (John 15:1, 4–5).

• I am the Way to God: As Jesus warned His disciples about His impending death, He told them not to be anxious. When He died, He was going back to His father to prepare a place where He could give them a permanent home. There would be only one way to get there and that was through Him (John 14:6).

All of these images helped the disciples better understand who Jesus was. As Moses and Elijah stood on the mountain with Jesus, they spoke of His death (Luke 9:30–31). • Moses had written about the seed

of the woman in Genesis whose heel Satan would bruise (Genesis 3:15) He had lifted up the serpent in the wilderness as Jesus was soon to be lifted up on the Cross.

• Just as Elijah had been rejected by the people he had come to warn, so Jesus would also be rejected (Luke 4:24–27).

• Both Moses on the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 34:5–6) and Elijah in the chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11) experienced unique departures from this earth. Jesus too would leave this earth supernaturally after having secured the salvation of mankind (Acts 1:9).

J TWO

20

J TWO

Moses stood on the mountain with Jesus to represent the Law that had been designed to lead people to repentance and faith. Elijah symbolized all the Old Testament prophets who stood to deliver God’s message to a rebellious Jewish nation as Jesus was now doing. What would they have talked about?• The agony of the crucifi xion?• The necessity for completing the

mission?• The support of the heavenly host?• The homecoming that awaited the

risen Lord?

Whatever they said to Him, Jesus knew there was only one way back home to heaven and it went straight through the Cross. Through His resurrected body, He would be transformed again and His Father would be glorifi ed.

TRANSFORMATIONS FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE

The Transfi guration was only a glimpse of the glory yet to come. If the disciples trembled in awe to see

this one glimpse, what will it be like to see Him in the fullness of His glory? Those who will see this fullness must fi rst be transformed themselves. Jesus alone has the power to make such a transformation for those who receive Him by faith. In each transformation, God the Father receives the glory and honor. Old things are passed away; all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

20

21

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIES• TRANSITION into your teaching time by commenting on what happened in the

Big Room.• ASK the students to think of things in nature that make amazing changes as they

move from one stage to the next. (Examples: caterpillars, seeds, tadpoles, babies, weather events, etc.)

• COMMENT on the scope of these changes. • EXPLAIN that in today’s lesson, a major transformation is about to take place.

EXPLORING THE BIBLEREAD the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. MAKE SURE that every student has opened a Bible or can look at the passage as it is read. Talking points have been provided to guide your discussion. Feel free to add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.A. Who do people think Jesus is? See Matthew 16:13–19.

• A prophet? Elijah? Jeremiah? John the Baptist? • Peter’s reply—“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”• How did he know? (v. 17)• How did Jesus respond? (vv. 18–19)

B. How was Jesus transformed? See Matthew 17:1–13• Peter, James and John went up the mountain with Jesus.• In front of their eyes, Jesus revealed to them the glory that was His as the

Son of God.• Moses and Elijah also appeared and stood there talking to Jesus. Why was

it these two men?• What did Peter want to do?


GRADES 1–4 THE GLORY OF THE KINGTHE TRANSFIGURATION


PASSAGES Matthew

16:13–19; 17:1–13; Revelation 1:1–20

WORD Change


22

J TWO GRADES 1–4

• What overshadowed them and what words did they hear spoken? (Similar words were heard when Jesus was baptized.)

• What did Jesus tell the disciples? • The Great “I AM” had not only told the disciples who He was, but He also

showed them.

THE CROSSROADSJesus had allowed the three disciples closest to Him to see a partial glimpse of what it would be like in heaven with Christ. They could barely look at the brightness of glory. How much greater will this vision be in heaven! Jesus had given them full proof that He was who He said He was. Soon they would see His blood form the scarlet thread of redemption. They would see just how far Jesus was willing to go to prove His love for them.

The transformation Jesus allowed the disciples to see looks forward to a time when Jesus will be seen in the fullness of His glory. However, not everyone will be able to see Jesus this way. Only those who receive Christ as Savior will have this privilege. • What does the Bible mean when it speaks about ordinary people being

“transformed?”• How does that take place?• When will it take place?• Is it too late?

[Share the plan of salvation as you close in prayer. Invite any child who feels the need to come and speak with you privately about a decision they need to make.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Jesus MosaicSupplies: “JESUS” preprinted on half-sheet of cardstock, plastic mosaic pieces, glue sticks, paper plates• Distribute paper plates, mosaic pieces and glue sticks to the tables.• Provide each student with a cardstock sheet.• Instruct the students to trace over the letters J-E-S-U-S with the glue stick, then add

the tiles to fi ll in the word “JESUS.”• Explain how the paper for our craft is plain, ordinary and lifeless until we add the

name “JESUS” and make it bold and bright with the colorful tiles. Just like the paper, our lives are dull and lifeless without Jesus. When Jesus comes into our lives, we are transformed and His character shines through us.

23

JGRADES 1–4 TWO

HUDDLE GROUP: Caterpillars and Tadpoles (GRADES 1–2)SAY: Each of us must go through a kind of transformation to become a child of God. We go from being an unforgiven sinner to a child of the King. • Put a strip of masking tape on the floor. Label one side of the floor “Caterpillars/

Tadpoles” and the other side “Butterflies/Frogs.”• Divide the group in half. One half stands with the caterpillars and tadpoles and acts

accordingly. The other half stands with the butterflies and frogs and acts as they do. • In a few minutes, let them switch places. Then stop the game.• Comment on how these same kinds of transformations happen every day when

people receive Christ.• Ask the students to explain what the following verse means.


• Then challenge them to memorize the verse. • Have a contest to see which group can say the verse the best, the loudest, the most

animated, the quietest and the most sincere. HUDDLE GROUP: The JESUS John Saw (GRADES 3–4)HAVE the students get into their Huddle Groups and read aloud the vision of Jesus that John saw in Revelation 1:1–20. Give each group a copy of the following discussion questions and ask them to talk among themselves.• Describe the Jesus that John saw in Revelation. How was He different from the Jesus

that John saw on that night with Peter and James?• What stands out the most when you read this description?• If someone asked you how to get to heaven, what would you say?• When was the last time you talked to someone about Jesus?• How should a person’s behavior be different after he becomes a Christian?• What do these verses of Scripture mean?• Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal

of your mind.”• 2 Corinthians 5:17: “… if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed

away; behold the new has come.”• Choose one of these verses to memorize. Say it or write it out five times, and then

share it with the person next to you.

2424

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What question did Jesus ask the disciples relating to who He was? (“Who do you say

that I am?”)2. Which of the disciples did Jesus take with Him to see the Transfi guration? (Peter,

James, John)3. Who appeared with Jesus on the top of the mountain? (Elijah and Moses)4. What did each one represent? (the prophets, the Law)5. What did Peter suggest they build? (a tabernacle or tent where they could worship all three)6. Why would this have been wrong? (Jesus should be the only one we worship.)

J TWO GRADES 1–4

25

INTRODUCTIONUse this week’s large group experience to introduce the key word, transformation. Transition to the story by talking about things in nature that make amazing transformations: seeds, caterpillars, tadpoles, swans and babies. Explain that in today’s story, there is going to be a major transformation that was most unexpected.

Imagine that you are in heaven and you see Jesus sitting on the throne in all of His glory. What is one question that you would want to ask Him first. [Discuss the answers that the students were sharing to encourage group participation and dialogue.] Explain that in today’s lesson, we are going to get a glimpse of heaven and maybe some answers to our questions.

TRUTH[Direct each student to open a Bible and locate the passage. Here are some points to make as you discuss each verse. Refer to the Bible Background sections for more detailed information. You may read the Scriptures aloud or you can ask the students to read.] Here are the points to make.

A. LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION (MATTHEW 16:13–16)• Verse 13: “Who do people say that I am?” Jeremiah? John the Baptist? Elijah? • Verse 15: “Who do you say that I am?” This is the question that every single person

on earth has to answer at one time or another, in this life or in the next. Peter got it right! “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

• Jesus had told the disciples who He was. To make sure they understood, He asked them point blank who they thought He was. Now—He was going to show them.


GRADES 5–6 THE GLORY OF THE KINGTHE TRANSFIGURATION


PASSAGES Matthew

16:13–19; 17:1–13; Revelation 1:1–20

WORD Change


26

J TWO GRADES 5–6

B. THE TRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW 17:1–13) [Refer to the objects used earlier to illustrate transformation. Explain that Jesus is going to allow three of the disciples to see Him make an amazing transformation. Set the scene by describing the trip up the mountain with Peter, James and John. ]• Verse 2: How did Jesus’ appearance change?• Verse 3: Who appeared with Him? Why was it fitting that these two men appeared?

What does each one represent? [Moses symbolized the Law and the fact that Christ kept the Law perfectly. Elijah represented the prophets who had written about His coming as Messiah.] Here were the Old and the New Testaments standing side by side and these three disciples were sitting on the front row! Wow!

• Verse 3: What were the three men talking about? Read Luke 9:31. [Jesus’ departure from this earth via the Cross.] What would Moses and Elijah have said to Him?

• Verse 4: What did Peter suggest they do? [Build three tabernacles or tents and just spend the time worshipping these three persons.]

• Verse 5: What happened next that terrified the three disciples? [God’s voice came from heaven saying: “This is my beloved Son. . .; listen to Him.”]

• Verses 6–9: How did the scene change? What did Jesus say to the disciples?

NOW WHAT?Jesus had allowed the three disciples closest to Him to see a partial glimpse of what it would be like in heaven with Christ. They could barely look at the brightness of glory. How much greater will this vision be in heaven! Jesus had given them full proof that He was who He said He was. Soon they would see His blood form the scarlet thread of redemption. They would see just how far Jesus was willing to go to prove His love for them.

The transformation Jesus allowed the disciples to see looks forward to a time when Jesus will be seen in the fullness of His glory. However, not everyone will be able to see Jesus this way. Only those who receive Christ as Savior will have this privilege. • What does the Bible mean when it speaks about ordinary people being

“transformed?”• How does that take place?• When will it take place?• Is it too late?

Being changed by Jesus is an ongoing process. It happens day after day. Memorize Psalm 51:10 and make it your daily prayer.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10

[Share the plan of salvation as you close in prayer. Invite any child who feels the need to come and speak with you privately about a decision they need to make.]

27

JGRADES 5–6 TWO

CONNECTION #1When Moses asked God who should he say was sending him to Pharaoh, what did God tell him His name was (Exodus 3:14)? Peter, James and John were sitting in front of the Great I AM, Moses who asked the question, and Elijah who prophesied about the coming of the Great I AM. • Ask them to share what they would have thought if they had been up on that

mountain when Jesus was transfigured and Moses and Elijah came to help prepare Him for the Cross.

CONNECTION #2The disciples would understand what all this meant much better after the Resurrection. Ask students to turn to Revelation 1:1–20 and read the description of the vision John was allowed to see in heaven. Then divide your class into groups of six students each. Give each group a copy of the following set of questions and let them talk a few minutes to discuss the answers among themselves. 1. What things are the same in the two visions of the glorified Christ?2. What things are different?3. Which one will it be possible for you to see someday?4. What must you do to see Christ in heaven? 5. How would you explain the way to heaven to a non-believer?6. When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?7. What does it mean to “renew one’s mind?”8. How would you explain to someone how to be born again?9. Ask each group to help one another memorize the Scripture verse. When everyone

knows the verse, allow them to say it before the entire group.

2828

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. How long did Jesus minister publicly among the people? (three years)2. What question did Jesus ask the disciples relating to who He was? (“Who do you say

that I am?”)3. What does the word church mean? (the “called out ones”)4. Explain how Jesus calls out each one of us. (The Holy Spirit gives to us a desire to

be rightly related to Christ. When we receive Christ as Savior, we become part of His called-out Church body.)

5. When Jesus told the disciples He was going to die, what did Peter say? (Peter said he would not allow something like that to happen.)

6. Which of the disciples did Jesus take with Him to see the Transfi guration? (Peter, James, John)

7. Who appeared with Jesus on the top of the mountain? (Elijah and Moses)8. What did each one represent? (the prophets, the Law)9. What did Peter suggest they build? (a tabernacle or tent where they could worship

all three)10. Why would this have been wrong? (Jesus should be the only one we worship.)11. Name two of the “I AM” statements Jesus made about Himself.

J TWO GRADES 5–6

3DOERS OF THE

WORD T H E CO M M A N D S O F C H R I S T

31

THE WORD BECAME FLESH

John’s description of Jesus in John 1 begins with the image of God’s Word having taken on a human form to enter this

time-space continuum. This eternal Word of God found its purest expression in the person and work of God’s own Son, the Messiah. He became flesh and lived on earth in order to minister among men and lead them to salvation. This description of Jesus uses simple Greek words to convey its meaning, yet the reality is that it reveals six abiding truths. • The eternal Christ (verses 1–3)• The incarnate Christ (verses 4–5)• The forerunner of Christ (verses 6–8)• The unrecognized Christ (verses 9–11)• The omnipotent Christ (verses 12–13)• The glorious Christ (verses 14–18)

This divine, human revelation of God has made the impossible possible.• The infinite became finite.• The eternal became limited by time. • The invisible became visible.• The supernatural became natural.• Deity was veiled in human flesh. Every word Jesus spoke and every act

He did revealed both His divinity and His humanity. God had chosen to dwell with His people in the most personal way possible. Through Jesus, people came to know the attributes of God’s character—grace, goodness, mercy, wisdom, truth, compassion and forgiveness.

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus equated love for Him with obedience. To love Christ means to care enough about Him to keep His

commandments. It is impossible to keep His commandments unless one searches the Scriptures to know what they are.

Many commands that Jesus gave were to individuals. He told Peter to walk on water; He told the rich young ruler to sell all that he had. If these types of commands are taken out, there are about 49 general commands remaining that every believer should follow. Let’s examine the first three.1

1 Adapted from Commands of Christ: The Curric-ulum of the Great Commission, Institute in Basic Life Principles, Inc. 2002, pp. 11-41.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 3 DOERS OF THE WORDTHE COMMANDS OF CHRIST

THOUGHT Obey God because

you love Him.

PASSAGES Luke 5:27–32; Matthew

4:18–22; 5:11–12; James 1:22–25

WORD Obedience

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only.” —James 1:2

32

COMMAND #1: REPENTANCE (MATTHEW 4:17; LUKE 5:27–32)

D. L. Moody once said that “Man is born with his back toward God. When he truly repents, he turns

right around and faces God. Repentance is a change of mind.” Repentance is the first command of Christ that must be obeyed. On it rests one’s capacity to comprehend and obey all the others.

There are three basic ideas inherent in the word repentance: changing one’s mind about sin, changing how one feels personally about their sin, and changing direction by refusing to sin intentionally.

Psalm 51 describes David’s broken heart over his sin with Bathsheba. He cries out for God’s mercy. He begs to be washed and to be clean. He demonstrates a broken and contrite spirit before the Lord. He has changed his mind, his feelings, and obviously his intent.

COMMAND #2: FOLLOW ME (MATTHEW 4:18–22)

The Bible says they disciples forsook everything to follow the Master when He said to them: “Follow me, and I

will make you fishers of men.” What exactly happened when they did this?• They made the priorities, the affections

and the goals of Jesus theirs.• They walked away from anything that

would hinder their fellowship with Him and their effectiveness for Him.

• They developed the same qualities and characteristics that attracted people to Jesus.

It is no small decision to follow Jesus. One must reorder his priorities. • Rather than putting our business first,

we put the Lord’s kingdom first. • Rather than making our own plans, we

seek God’s plan.• Rather than seeking our own

entertainment and pleasure, we look for ways to benefit others and bring them into the kingdom.

In Bible times, fishermen fished with nets rather than the poles and lures we see used today. Peter and the others had learned from experience that the best time to fish was at night. Fish are attracted to light. The brighter the light, the more fish it attracts. Peter and the others would hang a light over the water to attract the fish and then surround them with a net and bring it to the surface.

When Jesus used the analogy of fishing for men, He pictured Himself as the kind of light that would draw others in. Jesus always drew multitudes wherever He went, but His time on earth was limited. When He left, His light could go, unless He trained others to be the same kind of light that He was. His task was then of turning His followers into lights that would attract the unsaved as He had done. Paul picked up on this concept in 2 Corinthians 4:6–7 when he spoke about the light of God shining in our hearts.

J THREE

33

COMMAND #3: REJOICE (MATTHEW 5:10–12)

The first commandment helps us to restore our fellowship with God and qualify for His kingdom. The second

one calls for a total change in our goals and priorities. The third reveals the secret of becoming bright lights so that others are attracted to Christ.

Christ commands us to rejoice when people say ugly and hateful things to us and about us. To rejoice is to have an excitement in our spirits about God regardless of the trials we are enduring. We can rejoice because we are confident that God is in control of all that is happening. He will not allow anything to hinder our future rewards when we are in fellowship with Him.

OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDS OF CHRIST

As stated in the Great Commission, Jesus told His disciples to make disciples and teach them to do

all the things He had commanded. Just as described in the book of James, the rewards of obedience are great and demonstrate genuine love. If we obey God’s commandments, the following things will happen.• God will reveal Himself to us

(John 14:21).• We will abide in His love (John 14:23).• Our prayers will be answered

(1 John 3:22).• We will have assurance of our love for

God (1 John 2:3).• Our love for the body of Christ will be

revealed (1 John 5:2).

• We will have internal peace (John 16:33).

The message is clear and plain: “To whom much [is] given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). God gives to each believer special abilities and opportunities to serve Him. We have been created in His image to do good works—not to earn salvation. If we genuinely love Jesus, we will keep His commandments.

JTHREE

34

J THREE

34

35

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY “Living for Jesus”Jesus equated love for Him with obedience. To love Christ means to care enough about Him to keep His commandments. It is impossible to keep His commandments unless we know what they are. • ASK the students to help you make a list of some of these. You can write them on the

board or have the students take notes. • After you make a list, ASK the students to rank how well they obey these commands

on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being excellent. • CHALLENGE the students to consider what Jesus might say about their obedience ratings. • SAY: Let’s see what the Bible says about four specific commands for a Christ-follower.

EXPLORING THE BIBLE READ the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. MAKE SURE that every student has opened a Bible or can look at the passage as it is read. Talking points have been provided to guide your discussion. Feel free to add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.A. FIRST COMMAND: REPENT (LUKE 5:27–32)

• Verses 27–28: How did Matthew respond when Jesus called him? What new attitudes did it take for Matthew to leave his tax collecting business and follow Jesus?

• Verse 29: Was Matthew ashamed for others to know that He loved Jesus? How do we know?

• Verse 30: What attitude did the Pharisees reveal by what they said?• Verse 31: What did Jesus say He had come to do?


GRADES 1–4 DOERS OF THE WORDTHE COMMANDS OF CHRIST


you love Him.


4:18–22; 5:11–12; James 1:22–25

WORD Obedience


36

J THREE GRADES 1–4

B. SECOND COMMAND: FOLLOW (MATTHEW 4:18–22)• Verses 18–20: How long did it take Andrew and Peter to decide to follow

Jesus? What did they have to leave behind? When you follow someone else, who becomes the boss? What then do you have to give up? If you become angry because you are allowing someone else to lead, what does that say about you?

C. THIRD COMMAND: REJOICE (MATTHEW 5:11–12)• Verses 11–12: How can you feel blessed if others are being mean to you? What

did Jesus say you would receive one day? How can that make you happy?D. OBEY, DO, GO, SHARE, LOVE (JAMES 1:22–25)

• Find James 1 in your Bible. It only has fi ve chapters. It is small but it is • powerful. It is book #20 and comes right after Hebrews. [Explain that • James was the brother of Jesus.] Explain that James wanted to make sure

Christians knew they were supposed to put their faith in action.• Verse 1:22: What is the diff erence between a doer of the Word and a hearer?

What would that look like?• Verse 1:23–24: James gave a great description of a hearer. He said he was like

a man that looked in a mirror and saw he was a mess. Yet, he did nothing to correct it. Instead, he simply went on his way.

THE CROSSROADSWhat is the fi rst commandment God would have everyone obey? (Repent) Why don’t people obey this simple commandment? Draw a picture of a large chair with a stick fi gure sitting on it and draw a circle around it. Draw a cross on the outside of the circle. Explain that this represents the life of one without Christ.

Draw another circle with a large chair in it but this time draw the cross on the seat of the chair and the stick fi gure beside the chair. This circle represents the life of one who has made Jesus the boss of his/her life. A follower of Jesus allows Jesus to sit on the throne of his/her heart and obeys His commands. Who is sitting on the throne of your heart? [Share the plan of salvation as you explain what happens when someone is genuinely repentant and asks Jesus to be his/her Savior.]

Once you have repented, you will then want to be a follower. When you follow hard after Jesus, that’s when the ability to rejoice comes rushing in like a fl ood.

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: “Loving God” HeartSupplies: scratch-art hearts, scratch sticks, ribbon• Provide each student with a heart, scratch stick and ribbon.• Instruct the students to scratch “LOVE = OBEYING” on the heart.• Remind students that they demonstrate their love for Jesus by obeying His

commandments and by obeying others in authority over them such as parents, teachers, police, etc.

37

JGRADES 1–4 THREE

HUDDLE GROUP 1: Hearer vs. Doer Before class, select someone to help you with this demo. Explain what you are planning to do and get his/her agreement. • Have the person come up and sit down in the front of the room.• Put an old shirt on him that is dirty and maybe has a hole or two.• Mess up the child’s hair.• Smear a little mud, cereal, butter or oatmeal on his face. • Give him a mirror to see how he looks.• He takes one look and says: “Great, I’m ready for school.”• Ask the students if they think he’s okay to go to school.

Debrief by asking the following questions. • What should the person have done after looking in the mirror?• Why didn’t he/she make any changes?• What would you think about a person like this? • Would you ask him/her to be your friend? That’s exactly what James was saying in Verse 23. Read the verse aloud and then SAY: People who hear God’s truth but do nothing to show it is part of their lives are just like our messy friend. Do you want God to look at you and see a mess? Well, let’s see what we can do to clean up our act.

HUDDLE GROUP 2: The Benefits of ObedienceASK the students to help you think of some benefits of obedience. If they have difficulty, then ASSIGN these verses and LET the students read them aloud as you make a list. MAKE another list that shows problems that come with disobedience. • God will reveal Himself to us (John 14:21).• We will abide in His love (John 14:23).• Our prayers will be answered (1 John 3:22).• We will have assurance of our love for God (1 John 2:3).• Our love for the body of Christ will be revealed (1 John 5:2).• We will have peace (John 16:33). How many of these benefits do you want in your life? Get the students to stand up and say the Key Verse all together. Have them move around the room in a circle as you repeat the verse five times. Then ask the group to repeat after you—

WE MUST BE DOERS OF THE WORD AND NOT HEARERS ONLY!

3838

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What is the fi rst commandment Jesus gave us to obey? (repent)2. What is the next? (be baptized and follow Him)3. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew how did they respond? (immediately)4. What did they leave behind? (everything)5. How can we be happy when others criticize and make fun of us? (focus on the joy

that Jesus gives and the reward He is preparing for those who obey)6. Describe a doer of the Word.7. Describe a hearer only of the Word.8. Name two benefi ts that come from obeying God.


39

INTRODUCTIONDiscuss with the students their daily schedules. It may be helpful for them to hear your daily schedule and then encourage them to discuss and participate.

• When the students are finished, ask them to evaluate how they use their time. • What activity takes the most time each week?• What activity do you enjoy the most?• Does this activity help you grow spiritually?• What activities enable you to help others in Jesus’ name?• How many activities did you list that show you are interested in spiritual things?• Are there any activities that show you try to help others?• What activities do you wish you had listed that would honor God?• How can you make changes in your list?

[Listen carefully to what the students say and comment on their remarks. Transition to the Bible Story by saying that our Key Verse today says we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers.] Let’s see exactly what that looks like.

TRUTH A. FIRST COMMAND: REPENT (LUKE 5:27–32)• Verses 27–28: How did Matthew respond when Jesus called him? What new

attitudes did it take for Matthew to leave his tax collecting business and follow Jesus? • Verse 29: Was Matthew ashamed for others to know that He loved Jesus? How do

we know?• Verse 30: What attitude did the Pharisees reveal by what they said?• Verse 31: What did Jesus say He had come to do?


GRADES 5–6 DOERS OF THE WORDTHE COMMANDS OF CHRIST


you love Him.


4:18–22; 5:11–12; James 1:22–25

WORD Obedience


40


B. SECOND COMMAND: FOLLOW (MATTHEW 4:18–22)• Verses 18–20: How long did it take Andrew and Peter to decide to follow Jesus?

What did they have to leave behind? When you follow someone else, who becomes the boss? What then do you have to give up? If you become angry because you are allowing someone else to lead, what does that say about you?

C. THIRD COMMAND: REJOICE (MATTHEW 5:11–12)• Verses 11–12: How can you feel blessed if others are being mean to you? What did

Jesus say you would receive one day? How can that make you happy?

D. JAMES 1:22–25: OBEY, DO, GO, SHARE, LOVEFind James 1 in your Bible. It only has five chapters. It is small but it is powerful. It is book #20 and comes right after Hebrews. [Explain that James was the brother of Jesus.] Explain that James wanted to make sure Christians knew they were supposed to put their faith in action.• Verse 1:22: What is the difference between a doer of the Word and a hearer? What

would that look like?• Verse 1:23–24: James gave a great description of a hearer. He said he was like a

man that looked in a mirror and saw he was a mess. Yet, he did nothing to correct it. Instead, he simply went on his way.

NOW WHAT?What is the first commandment God would have everyone obey? (Repent) Why don’t people obey this simple commandment? Draw a picture of a large chair with a stick figure sitting on it and draw a circle around it. Draw a cross on the outside of the circle. Explain that this represents the life of one without Christ.

Draw another circle with a large chair in it but this time draw the cross on the seat of the chair and the stick figure beside the chair. This circle represents the life of one who has made Jesus the boss of his/her life. A follower of Jesus allows Jesus to sit on the throne of his/her heart and obeys His commands. Who is sitting on the throne of your heart? [Share the plan of salvation as you explain what happens when someone is genuinely repentant and asks Jesus to be his/her Savior.]

Once you have repented, you will then want to be a follower. When you follow hard after Jesus, that’s when the ability to rejoice comes rushing in like a flood. Learn now to obey God’s commands because you love Him and you will see His blessing on your life daily!

41

JGRADES 5–6 THREE

CONNECTION #1 Before class, select someone to help you with this demo. Explain what you are planning to do and get his/her agreement. • Have the person come up and sit down in the front of the room.• Describe the student as if he or she had dirty clothes, mussed hair, and cereal all

over the face. Ask the students if they believe, under those circumstances, whether he or she would be ready for school.

• He takes one look and says: “Great, I’m ready for school.”• Ask the students if they think he’s okay to go to school. Debrief by asking the following questions. • What should the person have done after looking in the mirror?• Why didn’t he/she make any changes?• What would you think about a person this? • Would you ask him/her to be your friend? That’s exactly the point James was trying to get across. The people who hear God’s Word and choose not to act on that truth end up living a life that looks like our messy friend. Do you think God receives honor and glory when we choose to live “messy” lives? Let’s see what we can do to honor God with our lives. Do you want God to look at you and see a mess? Well, let’s see what we can do to clean up our act.

GODLY LIVINGLet’s take a look at what James has to say about cleaning up:• James 1:2—Be HAPPY when problems come.• James 1:26—Use your mouth to SPEAK GOOD, NOT EVIL.• James 4:44—Focus on doing things that PLEASE GOD.• James 5:5—Use your MONEY in the name of Jesus.• James 1:5—Find WISDOM in God’s Word.• James 5:16—PRAY about everything.

CONNECTION #2Throughout Scripture Jesus commanded His disciples to do certain things. Refer to the Bible Background and prepare a “Commandment Checklist” using the 16 commandments given here.• Repent of your sin (Matthew 4:17).• Follow Christ’s example (Matthew 4:19).• Rejoice when you are persecuted (Matthew 5:11–12).• Let your light shine for Jesus (Matthew 5:14–16).• Honor God’s Word (Matthew 5:17).

4242

• Forgive those who off end you (Matthew 5:23–24; 18:21–22).• Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44–46).• Store up heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19–21).• Do to others what you would want them to do to you (Matthew 7:12).• Put God fi rst in all things (Matthew 6:33).• Do not judge other people (Matthew 7:1–3).• Honor your father and mother (Matthew 15:4).• Serve others (Matthew 20:26–28).• Give to the poor (Luke 14:12–14).• Give to God that which belongs to Him (Matthew 22:19–21).• Make new disciples by witnessing (Matthew 28:20).

Have the students think about each of these. Discuss why some of these are diffi cult to do, and then discuss ways to improve. Discuss the ones that are hard to do. Ask why it’s important for us to obey Christ’s commands. Turn to John 14:15. Love is what it’s all about—loving God and loving one another—that’s why we obey and that’s why we can rejoice. REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What is the fi rst commandment Jesus gave us to obey? (repent)2. What is the next? (be baptized and follow Him)3. What is the third? (rejoice)4. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew how did they respond? (immediately)5. What did they leave behind? (everything)6. How can we be happy when others criticize and make fun of us? (focus on the joy that

Jesus gives and the reward He is preparing for those who obey)7. Describe a doer of the Word.8. Describe a hearer only of the Word.9. Draw a picture to represent that Jesus is the boss of your life.10. Name two benefi ts that come from obeying God.


4WHAT’S

THE SIGN? J E S U S W I L L R E T U R N

44

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…. —Ephesians 2:10

45

THE FINAL LAMENT

Jesus and His disciples had entered Jerusalem on Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday the verbal assaults by the

religious leaders became more intense with each new encounter. Jesus used parables to reveal their hearts of stone. He rebuked them by asking questions that would expose their true motives. Yet, nothing seemed to diminish their hatred and scorn for Him. They had rejected God’s righteousness and were seeking to establish a righteousness of their own and they were teaching others to do the same. Their true nature was apparent.

As Jesus walked away from the religious leaders, He looked out on to the city of Jerusalem. Moved with deep and sincere compassion for the hearts of those who had rejected Him, He called out one last time. Israel would not see Him again until the pressures of the Great Tribulation caused the Jews to recognize Him as the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood

under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say,‘ Blessed is

he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” —Matthew 23:37–39

Jesus then turned His back on the city and walked up the hill to the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple compound.

HEROD’S TEMPLE2

This temple was built by Herod the Great in 20 B.C. During Jesus’ lifetime, it was one of the most impressive

structures in the world. It was made of massive blocks of stone draped with gold ornamentation. Some of the stones measured as much as 40’ x 12’ x 12’. They had been expertly quarried to fit perfectly against one another. The buildings within

2 The MacArthur Study Bible, John MacArthur, ed., Thomas Nelson Bible, Word Publishing, 1997, p. 1438.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 4 WHAT’S THE SIGN?JESUS WILL RETURN

THOUGHT Jesus is coming again!

PASSAGE Matthew 24–25

WORDS HAPPY!


46

the compound were made of gleaming white marble. The eastern wall forming the main structure was covered with gold plates that reflected the morning sun. It was a spectacle to behold from miles away and was magnificent by any standard.

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE

As Jesus and His disciples left the temple, they walked toward the Mount of Olives. Having heard His remarks about

it being left desolate, the disciples were prompted to ask Jesus to turn around once more and look at the temple in the gleaming sun. To their shock and amazement, Jesus spoke of the temple’s coming destruction and how not one stone would be left touching another.

When the group reached the top of the mount, the disciples came to Jesus to ask when these things would come to pass and what would be the sign of His coming. Luke 19:1 records how the disciples still thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. The destruction of the temple hardly fit into their plans for ruling with Jesus. When they spoke of His coming, they were referring to His triumph as Messiah. They had not envisioned His death or His second coming, even though He had told them many times. That afternoon Jesus answered their three questions: When shall these things be? What shall be the signs of your coming? What signs will foreshadow the end of the age?

THE END OF THE AGE (MATTHEW 24:1–14)

Jesus told the disciples there would be many signs to look for: false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars, famines,

pestilences, and earthquakes. Those who followed Christ would be hated and killed. There will be an increase in those who prophesy falsely about the Messiah. Lawlessness will abound and love and compassion will diminish and grow cold. Only those who endure to the end will be saved. The Gospel of the kingdom will be preached to every nation.

THE SECOND COMING OF THE MESSIAH (MATTHEW 24:27–31)

Jesus told the men He would return. He will come from the east. He will appear in the clouds coming with power

and glory. The Jews and Gentiles will be gathered together. The angels will gather the elect from the ends of the earth. The sun will be darkened. The moon will not give her light. The stars will fall. It will be too late to accept Christ. That decision must be made before He comes in power to set up His Kingdom.

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE (MATTHEW 24:15–26)

Several verses in the passage reference the approaching destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70

by the Romans. These verses can also refer to the actions of the Antichrist prior to and during the Tribulation described in Daniel 9:24–27. There will be a seven-year period when the Antichrist will make a covenant with Israel. After three and a half years,

J FOUR

47

the covenant will be broken; the temple will be destroyed and Israel will endure the greatest persecution she has ever known as the final judgments of the Tribulation are unleashed.

THIS GENERATION (MATTHEW 24:32–51)

Jesus declared that this generation shall not pass until all has been fulfilled. One interpretation explains

that the word used here is genea which means “race,” “stock,” or “kind.” The Jewish people will not vanish from the earth, until all these things are fulfilled. Another interpretation says the generation that sees the events of the Tribulation will also see the coming of Christ. Both of these interpretations seem equally plausible.

Furthermore, just as life in the days of Noah before the Flood were consumed with pleasure, buying, selling, eating and drinking, so will it be when the Son of Man appears in the heavens. People refused to heed Noah’s warnings just as people will turn a deaf ear to the Gospel even during the Tribulation.

THE NUMBER-ONE SIGN TO WATCH

Israel has re-gathered herself as a nation and returned to the land God had promised Abraham as a possession, just

as the prophet Ezekiel had said in Chapters 36 and 37. No nation in history has been able to maintain its national identity after having been uprooted from its homeland for more than 300 years. In 1948 the world recognized Israel as a nation as its people who had been scattered as refugees across the world returned. Today more than 6

million Jews live in the land. It would seem that the Bridegroom is getting everything ready for the wedding to come.

A TYPICAL JEWISH WEDDINGDuring the time Jesus lived in Judea, there were precise wedding customs that serve to illustrate the way in which He would bring in His kingdom. Here is a brief description of those customs.• A Jewish man would go to the father

of a young Jewish girl, or virgin, and pay a price for permission to marry his daughter.

• The young man would then offer the girl a cup of wine. If she drank the wine, then she showed she was accepting his proposal of marriage.

• The young man would then return to his own father’s house and add a room to the existing house just for his bride, which might take as long as a year to complete.

• While the girl waited for her prospective groom to return, she was to keep herself ready and maintain a lighted oil lamp in her window to signal her preparation. She did not know the day or the hour the groom would return so she needed a good supply of oil.

• It was customary for the groom to come back for his bride around midnight, accompanied by a host of friends and family.

• Together they would all return to the house of the father for a great wedding celebration as the couple was officially married.

JFOUR

48


J FOUR

48

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (MATTHEW 25)

Jesus had given the disciples the answers to their questions concerning the end times.

He continued the Olivet discourse by telling them two parables about the coming kingdom of heaven. The fi rst parable deals with 10 virgins, or young women, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise because they brought extra oil for their lamps and fi ve were considered foolish because they brought no extra oil. The foolish tried to borrow from the wise but there was not enough oil. They had to leave to get more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom came and the foolish were left behind. When they begged the groom to let them in, the answer was no. The warning then to the disciples: “Watch therefore for you do not know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will come” (Matthew 25:13).

The second is the parable of The Talents. A man traveled to a far country. While he was away, he gave one servant fi ve talents, to another two and to a third one. The servant with fi ve talents invested his gift wisely and doubled his money, as did the servant with two talents. However, the third servant hid his gift, fearing his master’s displeasure if he lost it. When the master returned, he was greatly pleased with the servants who doubled their talents but he was quite dissatisfi ed with the servant who had hidden his. He sent the lazy servant away into the darkness, but praised the other two: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Jesus was teaching His disciples to work while they waited for His return. We do not know when Jesus will return. Only God the Father knows the day and the hour. May He fi nd us serving Him as we wait for the moment we see Him coming.

49

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIESPROVIDE each student with a half sheet of paper and a pen. HAVE students make a quick list of the things they do each day to get ready for school before they leave home. CHALLENGE them to think about what it takes to get from the bed to going out the door. HAVE a few students read their lists and see if anything major is missing.

Transition to the Bible story content by asking the class to explain how they are getting ready to meet Jesus. Listen to the silence. WOW! The next most important event in the Bible is about to happen and it would seem no one has done anything to get ready. We need to do some serious Bible study to figure out the answer to this question. Let’s see what Jesus told the disciples when they asked Him when He was coming back.

Divide the class into two groups. Explain that we are going to have a race to see who can get properly dressed the quickest. Prepare a stack of old clothes for each team. Fill each stack with whatever you can find.

Allow the students a few minutes to get ready. Watch to see if there is any special preparation made before each student begins. Give the signal to GO and watch what happens. Repeat the game as time allows. Debrief about what you observed.


GRADES 1–4 WHAT’S THE SIGN?JESUS WILL RETURN



WORDS HAPPY!


50

J FOUR GRADES 1–4

EXPLORING THE BIBLERead the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. The talking points will guide your discussion. Add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.

A. MATTHEW 23:37–38 Jesus is looking down on the city of Jerusalem with His disciples. He knows that soon the people will turn on Him and He will die. READ the passage aloud and then ask the students to describe the scene Jesus pictured. Why is that a sad scene?

B. MATTHEW 24:1–8; 29–31As Jesus walked up the Mount of Olives with His disciples, they asked Him to look back at the city below and see how beautiful the temple was.• What did He tell them that shocked them?• What questions did the disciples ask Him then?• How did He answer them?• What images are described in verses 29–31?

Read or summarize the answers Jesus gave them as revealed in the passage.

C. MATTHEW 25:14–30• TELL this parable in your own words or have the students read it aloud. • ASK them to explain how this applies to us today as we wait for Jesus to return? • ASK: Which one of the servants do you think you are most like?• ASK: What do you want Jesus to say to you when He returns? D. MATTHEW 25:34–40 READ these verses to discover what Jesus wants us to be doing until He returns.

THE CROSSROADSJust as surely as Jesus came the fi rst time, He is coming again. What we do between now and then will determine where we spend eternity. What we do between now and then will determine the rewards the Master gives us in heaven. Where are you laying up your treasures? What will you be wearing to meet the King? Read Isaiah 61:10 aloud. Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.

51

JGRADES 1–4 FOUR

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: “Work and Wait” Boxes of HopeSupplies: small take-out boxes, four die-cut shapes, preprinted labels with eight “Signs & Responsibilities,” permanent makers• Distribute markers among the tables.• Provide each student with a box, set of labels and one of each die-cut shape.• Instruct the students to affix a label to each side of the die-cut shapes, discussing

each label as they proceed.

SIGNS1. At the Rapture, all Christians are taken to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).2. There will be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).3. Israel will be attacked by other nations (Revelation 19:17–19).

RESPONSIBILITIES1. Treat others as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31).2. Do good to others in the name of Jesus (Matthew 25:40).3. Give cheerfully to God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:7).4. Be a witness for Christ (Acts 1:8).5. Be a good student of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).

• Using the permanent markers, have the students decorate their box as desired, then place the labeled shapes inside and close the top.

HUDDLE GROUP: Making the Time Count• SAY: We know Jesus is coming back, but we do not know when. So, what can we do

to make sure He will be pleased with how we’ve spent our time here on earth? • ASK the students to think about ways they can make a difference right now. • HAVE them start with their families and home life, then their school and

schoolwork, then their community/neighborhood.• CLOSE by asking them what they want Jesus to say to them when He returns. ASK

someone to close in prayer. • ASK the students to memorize Ephesians 2:10: “We are his workmanship, created in

Christ Jesus for good works….” Explain what workmanship and good works mean.• Have them say the verse slowly, and then faster and faster.

52


52

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Why was Jesus sad when He looked out over Jerusalem? (The Jewish religious leaders

had rejected Him as Savior.)2. What did the disciples want Jesus to look at as they walked up the hill? (the temple

complex)3. What is a sign that the end of the age is near? (wars, rumors of wars, famines,

disease, earthquakes, false Messiahs)4. What does Jesus want us to do while we are waiting for His return? (He wants us to

take the Gospel to every nation and make new disciples.)5. When Jesus returns, what kinds of things will be seen and heard?

J FOUR GRADES 1–4

53

INTRODUCTIONBegin by asking the students to share what they had to do to get ready to come to church today. Tell them to share as much as possible. (You only want what is appropriate.) You may want to make a list on the board of the activities they had to do before they could jump in the car and drive to the church. Allow three to five minutes for this discussion.

Divide the students into two groups. Have everyone take off one shoe and put it in the middle of the table. Explain that you are going to see who can find their shoe and put it on the fastest.

Allow the students a few minutes to get ready. Watch to see if there is any special preparation made before each student begins. Give the signal to GO and watch what happens. Repeat the game as time allows. Debrief about what you observed.

Transition to the Bible story content by asking the class to explain how they are getting ready to meet Jesus. Listen to the silence. WOW! The next most important event in the Bible is about to happen and it would seem no one has done anything to get ready. We need to do some serious Bible study to figure out the answer to this question. Let’s see what Jesus told the disciples when they asked Him when He was coming back.


GRADES 5–6 WHAT’S THE SIGN?JESUS WILL RETURN



WORDS HAPPY!


54

J FOUR GRADES 5–6

TRUTHIn today’s passage we find Jesus talking to His disciples a day or so before He is arrested. As the scene opens, He has just finished a very hostile encounter with the Jewish religious leaders. As He turns to walk away, Matthew records the words of a grief-stricken Messiah. Have the students turn to the following passages.

A. MATTHEW 23:37–38 You should read this passage aloud with much feeling and emotion as you envision the scene being played out. Jesus of course had known the Jews would reject Him; nevertheless, the reality and intensity of that rejection grieved Him, just as our own rejection and disregard does today. He concludes by prophesying Israel’s acceptance of Him at His Second Coming.

B. MATTHEW 24:1–14 As Jesus walked back across the Kidron Valley and up the Mount of Olives, the disciples asked Him to look back at the beauty of the temple complex. He commented not on the temple’s beauty but on its impending destruction. Shocked, the disciples asked Him three questions: 1. When will this destruction happen? 2. What would be the sign of His coming?3. What would signal the end of the age?

Read or summarize the answers Jesus gave them as revealed in the passage.

C. MATTHEW 25Here Jesus told two parables that illustrate His command to be ready for His coming and to keep busy until He appears. Briefly summarize these stories. Give some background information on a typical Jewish wedding to help them better understand the need to remain watchful. • Verses 14–28: Explain the concept of working until the Master returns. • Verses 29–30: Reveal two different attitudes about obedience.• Verses 31–33: Describe how the true sheep will be separated from among

the goats. Ask: How well do our actions separate us from the pretenders and unbelievers?

• Verses 34–40: Explain how our kindness to others when done out of love for Christ has been received as an act of love done to Christ personally. Ask: What acts of kindness have you done lately that Jesus would say have been received as love toward Him?

55

JGRADES 5–6 FOUR

NOW WHAT?Just as surely as Jesus came the first time, He is coming again. What we do between now and then will determine where we spend eternity. What we do between now and then will determine the rewards the Master gives us in heaven. Where are you laying up your treasures? What will you be wearing to meet the King? Read Isaiah 61:10 aloud. Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.

CONNECTIONThe two parables in Matthew 25, when understood, can expose one’s true feelings about the coming King. Use these questions to spark a lively discussion.• Which one of the two groups of maidens waiting for the bridegroom would you fall

into? Why?• Would you consider yourself a forward-thinking person? What things do you do that

would support this opinion?• Do you ever think about when Jesus is coming back? If so, what do you imagine it

will be like?• What are you doing while you wait for Him to return? • When you see Him, what do you think you will do?• What kind of clothes will you be wearing (Isaiah 61:10)?• What gifts will you have to offer Him? • Who was the last person you talked to about accepting Christ?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. The day before Jesus was arrested, with whom did He have a confrontation?

(the Jewish religious leaders)2. Why was Jesus grieved in His spirit when He looked out over Jerusalem? (The Jewish

religious leaders had rejected Him as Savior.)3. What did the disciples want Jesus to look at as they walked up the hill?

(the temple complex)4. The disciples asked Jesus three different questions on the Mount of Olives. What was

one of the questions? (When will this destruction happen? What would be the sign of His coming? What would signal the end of the age?)

5. What was another question?6. What was the last question? 7. What is a sign that the end of the age is near? (wars, rumors of wars, famines,

disease, earthquakes, false Messiahs)8. How will Jesus come back to earth the second time? (from the east, in clouds and glory)9. What does Jesus want us to do while we are waiting for His return? (He wants us to

take the Gospel to every nation and make new disciples.)

5656

J FOUR GRADES 5–6

5ONE SOLITARY

LIFE J E S U S —T H E G R E AT I A M

59

THE CARPENTER FROM NAZARETH

From the time Jesus began His public ministry in His hometown of Nazareth, He was very controversial. The people

who had seen Him grow up literally tried to kill Him after His first public address in the local synagogue (Luke 4:28–30). He claimed to be the One Isaiah had described as the “anointed one of God” who would proclaim good news to the poor and set free those who were oppressed (Isaiah 61:1–2). When Jesus told the crowd this Scripture was being fulfilled in their midst, they were furious at His impudence. They would have thrown Him off a cliff and then stoned Him to death had He not vanished miraculously from their sight (Luke 4:18–30).

The people who had known Jesus the longest considered His preaching to be bold and prideful. Wasn’t this the son of Joseph, a simple carpenter there in the town? Who did He think He was by claiming to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah? Little did they know that standing before them in the synagogue was:

• the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9, 22)• Yahweh, The Great I Am (Exodus 3:14)• the Seed of the woman who would

crush Satan (Genesis 3:15)• Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) • the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)• the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)• the Alpha and Omega (Revelation

22:13)

12 ORDINARY MEN

The public ministry of Jesus from baptism to Resurrection lasted only about three years. This was a relatively

short period of time in which to turn the world upside down and secure the salvation of all mankind. Yet that is exactly what happened. For almost a year, Jesus worked alone healing the sick, preaching to large crowds and acquiring a large group of followers. His plan was to select from among these followers a smaller group of men that could be with Him at all times and in all places. They would only have a short time to learn their lessons from the Master. They would eventually be given a monumental task to complete. There would be no second

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 5 ONE SOLITARY LIFEJESUS—THE GREAT I AM

THOUGHT There is only one way to heaven.

PASSAGES Luke 4:16–30; Mark

3:13–19; Acts 4:10–12

WORD One Way

“... for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” —Acts 4:12

60

string, no backup players, no plan B if the 12 of them should fail.3 The strategy may sound risky to those who live in the 21st century. The founding of the church and the spread of the Gospel depended entirely on 12 ordinary men. Would these 12 be willing to leave their comfort zones and commit their lives to the One who would soon give His own life for each of them?

As Jesus’ popularity began to grow among the people, two unlikely groups of people joined together to destroy what they perceived as their common enemy—this Carpenter from Nazareth (Mark 3:6). The Herodians, the political dynasty of the various King Herods, joined with the Jewish elites known as the Pharisees to oppose Jesus. Luke points out in Chapter 6 that the scribes and Pharisees “were filled with fury, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11). Already the various political and religious parties of opposition had quickly aligned themselves in their opposition to Christ. It is at this point that Luke interjects his account of how the 12 were chosen and lists their names.

These 12 men would become Jesus’ official representatives. They would carry to the world not only His message but also His authority. It is important to note that Jesus did not choose a single rabbi or scribe or Pharisee or Sadducee or even a priest. His choice of 12 working-class men demonstrated His renunciation of the Jewish religious establishment.4 His

3 Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur, W Publishing Group, Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2002, p. xv.4 Ibid, p. 7.

disciples would have no theological training except that which He gave them. They were common men who left their fishing boats, their tax collecting and other ordinary jobs to follow a Man they believed was the Son of God—the long-expected Messiah. • They would listen to Him preach.• They could ask Him questions about

what they were hearing.• They could witness His miracles first

hand in a variety of circumstances.• They, in turn, would minister to His

human needs.• They could receive the truth about the

Kingdom of God so that after He was gone, they could continue the work He had begun through the power of the Holy Spirit.

ONE MESSAGE AND ONE MISSION

Despite the hardships and the obstacles each one of them faced, the disciples triumphed. Even when facing great

persecution and/or martyrdom, they fulfilled the task they had been given. Against all odds, they made it home to celebrate their victories in glory with the Risen Savior. The continuing witness of the Gospel into every corner of the world that now spans more than 2,000 years demonstrates the wisdom of the divine strategy. Along with the apostle Paul, each one of them made a difference in the place where they lived and where they traveled. Each of their lives contributed to the spread of the Gospel message. Each one carried the same message wherever he went:

“For there is one God, andthere is one mediator between

God and men, the man Christ Jesus. . . .”—1 Timothy 2:5

J FIVE

61

JFIVE

ONE SOLITARY LIFE

History records the power of what one man can do when he is completely committed. Jesus was that Man and He has called us to be His witnesses also. What new chapters will we write, what new mission fields will we open as we give our

lives in service to the One Solitary Life who loved us and died in our place?

He never wrote a book.He never held an office.

He never had a family or owned a house.He didn’t go to college.

He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born.He did none of the things one usually associates with greatness.

He had no credentials about himself.

He was only 33 when public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial.

He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.When he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing,

the only property he had on earth.When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human

race, the leader of mankind’s progress.All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed,

all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that

One Solitary Life.5

5 One Solitary Life, by Dr. James Allen Francis

62

J FIVE

62

63

INTRODUCTIONToday we will examine the power of one. We will see how the world was changed because one Man was willing to give all that He had for others. To illustrate this concept of oneness, do the following:• Cut ONE onion in half and let it just sit out for awhile. You will soon realize how the

smell of just one onion can fill the entire room.• Give each person ONE piece of chocolate candy and then discuss how eating just one

piece perked everyone up.• Create a skit with two people. The first scene shows ONE person sadly eating lunch by

himself at school. The next scene shows the change in the person’s attitude when a friend comes over and joins him.

One person can change everything—your feelings, your motivation, your hope for the future, your whole outlook. That’s exactly what happens in today’s story. One person made all the difference and He taught other ones how to make a difference too. Let’s see what happened.

EXPLORING THE BIBLE Read the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. The talking points will guide your discussion. Add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.

A. ONE SON? (LUKE 4:16–30)During His first year of ministry Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth. Have the students read the passage aloud and then discuss why it was hard for these people to think of Jesus as their Messiah.


GRADES 1–4 ONE SOLITARY LIFEJESUS—THE GREAT I AM



3:13–19; Acts 4:10–12

WORD One Way


6464

J FIVE GRADES 1–4

B. ONE MISSION? (MARK 3:13–19) Jesus had come to seek and to save those who were lost. • He would become the only way by which a person could fi nd forgiveness

(Philippians 2:9–11).• He needed help to carry on the work He had begun. Whom did He choose?

(Help the students name them all.)• He chose each one of them because He knew they would obey His command to take

the Gospel to the world. • Each one had a special assignment in a certain part of the world. • Judas was replaced by Matthias. Later God chose Saul of Tarsus as His servant after a

dramatic conversion experience. • These 13 men built the foundation of the Church and took the Gospel into the world.

C. ONE MESSAGE? (ACTS 4:10–12)• There are many gods in our world today.• There is only one true God! There is only one way to be saved.• The Bible has clearly laid it out: “… for there is no other name under heaven given

among men by which we must be saved.” The Bible said it and that settles it!

THE CROSSROADSThe life of Christ has been simply described in the following poem.

He never wrote a book.He never held an offi ce.




He was only 33 when public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a

cross between two thieves.When he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing,

the only property he had on earth.When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central fi gure of the human race, the leader of mankind’s progress.

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not

aff ected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.6

6 Ibid.

65

JGRADES 1–4 FIVE

The apostles committed themselves to follow this one solitary man. They in turn led others to do the same. Now the message of salvation has come down to each one of us. What will we do with it? Will we reject the love and forgiveness offered as did Judas Iscariot? Or, will we commit our lives to building the kingdom of God in whatever way we can? Only God knows the power of one life totally committed to Him? What will you do with your one solitary life? [Share the plan of salvation using Philippians 2:9–11 and close in prayer.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Jesus Is Our BridgeSupplies: white cardstock; preprinted label with Act 4:12; mini wooden cross; glass gems in black, red and gold; markers; glue sticks• Distribute markers and glue sticks among the Huddle Groups.• Provide each student with a sheet of cardstock, a verse label, a wooden cross and a

glass gem in each color.• Instruct the students to affix the verse label to the bottom of the sheet, and write

“JESUS” in big letters at the top of the sheet. • Next, have them write “Man” on the left side of the sheet and “God” on the right side.• Above the verse label have them write the ABCs of Salvation.

» Admit » Believe » Confess

• Now have them glue the mini wooden cross in the center of the sheet to make a “bridge” between “Man” and “God.”

• Next, have them glue the black gem under the word “Man” to represent man’s sinful nature and the gold gem under “God” to represent His holiness; glue the red gem onto the center of the cross to represent Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for our salvation.

• Decorate with markers as desired.• Say: This card you have made has now become a tool you can use to witness to

others about how to find forgiveness and everlasting life. Practice using it with your family members.

HUDDLE GROUP: The Power of OneLook up the following passages to discover the significance of the number 1. Be prepared to explain what you found. • 1 Timothy 2:5: There is only one person who can make peace between God and

man—Jesus Christ our Lord.• Galatians 3:27–28: The Church is one body united by our commitment to Christ.• Acts 2:46: The early Christians were united in their love for the one Savior.• Ephesians 4:5: There is one doctrine that is true for Christianity.• John 10:30: Jesus and God are the same.

6666

• Romans 5:19: One man’s sin caused all to fall. One man’s resurrection brings life and hope to many.

• Philippians 3:13: The goal of every believer is to know Christ, to be like Christ and to make Him known to others.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What scroll did Jesus read aloud in the synagogue in Nazareth? (Isaiah)2. What did the scroll prophesy? (that One would come to bring healing, liberty and

hope for all who believe)3. What did He tell the townspeople that made them so mad? (that the prophecy was

being fulfi lled in their presence)4. What did they try to do to Him? (throw Him off a cliff )5. How many apostles did He have? (12 in addition to Paul)6. How is the number 12 connected to the number 12 in the Old Testaments? (sons of

Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel)7. How many ways are there to get to heaven? (only one)8. What did Jesus have to do to make it possible for us to have eternal life? (die for our

sins on the Cross)

J FIVE GRADES 1–4

67

INTRODUCTIONToday we will examine the power of one. We will see how the world was changed because one Man was willing to give all that He had for others. Describe how you personally came to know and trust in Christ. Describe the one person who invited you to church or shared the Gospel with you. Emphasize the power of one person taking a step of action and how it changed your life.

Write down either the Gospel or your testimony in only 140 characters. One tweet, post, snap, or message can make all the difference. You could lose a friend, encourage a friend, be rewarded, or be judged. Since words are so powerful, in only 140 characters describe how you personally came to know and trust Christ. Example: I once was lost but now I’m found—a sinner saved and changed by Jesus. [Students are encouraged to post this message on social media, if their parents will allow it.]

One message can change everything—your feelings, your motivation, your hope for the future, your whole outlook. That’s exactly what happens in today’s passage. One person made all the difference and He taught other ones how to make a difference too. Let’s see what happened.

TRUTH A. ONE SON? (LUKE 4:16–22)During His first year of ministry Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth. The visit did not end well. Read the passage and have the students answer these questions.• Where did Jesus usually go on the Sabbath? (to the synagogue) • What scroll was handed to Him? (Isaiah) • What did the passage describe? (One who would come and proclaim good news, set


GRADES 5–6 ONE SOLITARY LIFEJESUS—THE GREAT I AM



3:13–19; Acts 4:10–12

WORD One Way


68

J FIVE GRADES 5–6

people free, give sight to the blind, and speak of God’s favor)• After reading the scroll, what did Jesus do? (He rolled it up again and sat down.) How

did the people react? (everyone was watching Him)• What did He say to those who were watching Him? (verse 21—“Today this prophecy

is fulfilled in your presence.”)

The one the prophets had spoken of had finally arrived. The one everyone had expected and had hoped for was finally here, but there was only one problem—the people in Nazareth did not recognize Him as the Messiah. “Wasn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. When He spoke about God’s goodness to the Gentiles rather than the Jews in the days of Elisha and Elijah, the people turned against Him and would have thrown Him off a cliff had He not been able to escape. “Who did He think He was?” they must have thought.

B. ONE MISSION? (MARK 3:13–19) Jesus had come to seek and to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10). He would give His own life in order to do this. His sacrifice would become the one and only way by which a person could find forgiveness of his/her sin (Philippians 2:9–11). But after He returned to heaven, who would carry on the work He had started? Read the passage aloud. The 12 chosen apostles were: Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew (also called Nathaniel), Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus (also called James the Younger), Thaddaeus (also called Judas, the son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot who was later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:21–26).

Out of the crowds that followed Him, Jesus picked the 12 He wanted as His apostles, which means “messenger” or “authorized representative.” • He did not choose them because they had great faith; on the contrary, their faith

was weak and often faltered.• He did not choose them because they were gifted and talented. None of the 12

possessed remarkable skills.• He did not choose them because they were dynamic leaders. Their background and

life experiences did not indicate a knack for administration. • He chose each one of them because they were willing to obey Him and would allow

God to use them for His own purposes. Even Judas had a part to play in God’s plan of salvation.

Each one of them had a special role to play in spreading the Gospel to the first century world. Filled with the Holy Spirit, each one of them went out to a place of service designed just for them. Without the contribution of each one, the spread of the Gospel would have suffered loss. Jesus knew the potential of each one of the men and He chose wisely. Judas was replaced by Matthias. Along with the original 12 apostles, God called Saul of Tarsus as an apostle. These 13 men developed the Church and sent the Gospel message throughout the world.

69

JGRADES 5–6 FIVE

NOW WHAT?The life of Christ has been simply described in a poem titled “One Solitary Life.” (Read some of the poem in the Bible Background section if you think the students will listen.) The life of Christ has been simply described in the following poem.

He never wrote a book.He never held an office.




He was only 33 when public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a

cross between two thieves.When he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing,

the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race, the leader of mankind’s progress.

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not

affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.7

The apostles committed themselves to follow this one solitary man. They in turn led others to do the same. Now the message of salvation has come down to each one of us. What will we do with it? Will we reject the love and forgiveness offered as did Judas Iscariot? Or, will we commit our lives to building the kingdom of God in whatever way we can? Only God knows the power of one life totally committed to Him? What will you do with your one solitary life? [Share the plan of salvation using Philippians 2:9–11 and close in prayer.]

7 Ibid.

70

CONNECTIONDiscuss with your students the lives of men and women who have used their power of one to make a difference in the world. Here are some examples.

• Noah• George Washington• Abraham Lincoln• Mother Teresa• Martin Luther King

• Esther• Moses• Jack Graham• Tim Tebow• Kurt Warner

• Franklin Graham• Peter• Paul

Here are some amazing kids who have made a difference. • Abigail Lup: a 10-year-old who sings and performs Broadway shows for the elderly

in nursing home.• Blare Gooch: a 13-year-old who gave 25,000 teddy bears and other toys to children

in Haiti. Another 22,000 bears were given to other non-profit organizations.• Charlie Coons: a 13-year-old founder of HELP (Hope, Encouragement, Love, Peace)

has sent some 700 blankets to orphanages in nine different countries.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What scroll did Jesus read aloud in the synagogue in Nazareth? (Isaiah)2. What did the scroll prophesy? (that One would come to bring healing, liberty and

hope for all who believe)3. What did He tell the townspeople that made them so mad? (that the prophecy was

being fulfilled in their presence)4. What did they try to do to Him? (throw Him off a cliff )5. How many followers did Jesus have? (many thousands)6. How many apostles did He have? (12 in addition to Paul)7. How is the number 12 connected to the number 12 in the Old Testaments?

(sons of Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel)8. How many ways are there to get to heaven? (only one)9. What did Jesus have to do to make it possible for us to have eternal life?

(die for our sins on the Cross)10. According to the Bible are there other ways to go to Heaven? (Why or why not?)

J FIVE GRADES 5–6

6THE WEEK

THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

J E S U S CO M E S TO J E R U S A L E M

73

HOSTILITIES WORSEN

With one miracle after another, Jesus displayed His power over disease, nature, and death. The

Jewish religious leaders listened closely to His radical ideas about loving one’s neighbor. They watched Him perform miracles no man could do apart from God. They envied His popularity and realized they could lose their own religious authority if Jesus were allowed to continue. Each time they tried to undermine His credibility in front of the people, He turned their questions back on them to reveal their lack of love and true knowledge of the Old Testament teachings.

Finally, the decision was made. In the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest, it was decided that Jesus would be arrested and then killed, but not during Passover lest the people rebel against them (Matthew 26:3–5). Little did they know that God was ordering the events of the week in light of His own purpose.

THE END OF THE BEGINNING

As Passover drew near, Jesus began to prepare His disciples. He instructed His disciples to proceed to Jerusalem

for the celebration. He told them He would be arrested and condemned to death, but they didn’t understand what that meant. He also told them He would rise again. During the course of the coming week, the world would be changed forever.

SUNDAY: A DAY OF TRIUMPH (MARK 11:1–11)

On Sunday, Jesus prepared to enter the city. He sent two of His disciples ahead to secure a donkey and a colt, fulfilling

Zechariah 9:9 about the King of Zion coming into the city on a donkey. Jesus was officially presenting Himself as Israel’s Messiah.

As He approached the city, the people laid their garments on the ground and waved palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!” meaning “save us.” The crowds recognized Him as the Son of David and royal heir to

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 6 THE WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLDJESUS COMES TO JERUSALEM

THOUGHT I want to serve God all

the days of my life.

PASSAGE Mark 11–15

WORD Purpose

… the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. —Matthew 20:28

74

Israel’s throne, even if the religious leaders did not. The people wanted Him to set up His kingdom and drive out the Romans. They saw Him as a political and military ruler, but Jesus had come in peace, not to reign but to die.

MONDAY: A Day to Clean House (MARK 11:15–19)

The next day Jesus and His disciples went to the temple. There they found the court of the Gentiles filled with

traders and money changers. The people had to exchange their everyday money into the temple currency to pay the temple taxes. Outrageous fees were being charged to do this and the people were being victimized.

Jesus was angry with these abuses. Taking a whip, He overturned the tables of the money changers and threw them out.

It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer,

but you make it a den of robbers. —Matthew 21:13

The chief priests and scribes were appalled. They would not tolerate this. How dare He come into their domain and rebuke them publicly. They fully understood the threat He presented to their authority. They began to plan out the details of His arrest and execution. Jesus, knowing full well what was happening, left the city and went back to Bethany for the night.

TUESDAY: A Day of Discourse (MARK 12:27–33; MATTHEW 21–25)

In the morning Jesus and His disciples returned to the temple and the chief priests and elders were ready for Him.

• They asked Him by what authority He taught and did His miracles. He answered with another question: “By what authority did John baptize sinners?” They were trapped; if they said John was only a man, the people would be outraged because John was considered a prophet. If they said by God’s authority, then Jesus would ask why they had not received him. So—they said: “We do not know.” Jesus said: “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Matthew 21:27).

• Some of the Pharisees came next to trap Him with a question that would have interested the Roman authorities. “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Mark 12:14). Knowing their intent, Jesus took a coin to reveal the image of Caesar. He told them to give to the authorities what belonged to them and to God what belonged to Him.

• Next a group of Sadducees made up a hypothetical situation about a woman who had been married to seven different brothers. They asked in the resurrection whose wife she would be. Jesus told them they must not know the Scriptures because there would be no marriages in heaven. Marriage is an earthly institution for the purposes of procreation.

• One of the scribes noticed what a good debater Jesus was and so he asked Him what the greatest commandment was. Jesus summarized the Law of Moses into two commandments. The first

J SIX

75

commandment was to love the Lord with all your heart and the second was to love your neighbor as yourself. He commended Jesus for His answer.

As the day wore on, Jesus noticed a widow who placed in the temple treasury two small coins called mites, worth less than a penny. Jesus contrasted her sacrifice against the pretentious giving of the rich who had been passing by. He wanted His disciples to know that it was the attitude of the heart that mattered to Him, not the amount (Mark 12:41–44).

The Sermon on the Mount of Olives probably occurred on Tuesday. When Jesus said that the temple would be destroyed, the disciples asked Him when and how they would know He was coming back. What He told them makes up the Olivet Discourse. In it Jesus revealed many things about the end times. • The signs of the end of the age

(Matthew 24:4–14)• A description of the Tribulation

(Matthew 24:15–26)• The glorious return of Jesus (Matthew

24:27–31)• Parables about being ready and

watchful (Matthew 24:32–51)• Parables about the final judgment and

end of the age (Matthew 25:1–46)

WEDNESDAY: A Quiet Day

There is no specific description of activities related to this day. Perhaps it was a quiet day as they

prepared for Passover.

THURSDAY: A Day to Remember (MARK 14:17–31)

Jesus had His disciples prepare for the Passover. He had already made arrangements for the Upper Room,

where they would gather for their final meal. A lamb without spot or blemish had been prepared. In a few hours, Jesus would become the Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of mankind. As they ate, He took the bread and the wine and explained how they represented His blood and His body. Judas left the group in the Upper Room to arrange for the betrayal.

Jesus took His disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray. He prayed, if possible, for this cup to pass from Him, but nevertheless He wanted to do the Father’s will. The soldiers arrived with Judas and arrested Jesus. Before dawn Jesus appeared before Caiaphas and the Jewish Sanhedrin. False witnesses came forward to accuse Him, but there was no evidence of a crime.

FRIDAY: The Day of Crucifixion (MARK 14:53–15:41)

Jesus was brought before Pilate, the Roman governor. The religious leaders accused Him of having said He was

a King, thus making Him a threat to the government. After questioning Him, Pilate could not find Him guilty and did not want to sentence Him to death. He asked what prisoner the people wanted released as was a custom at Passover. The crowd, stirred up by the chief priests and elders, asked for Barabbas. When the crowd shouted for Jesus to be crucified, Pilate washed his hands as a symbol of removing Himself

JSIX

76

J SIX

76

from the situation. The Romans led Jesus away to the hill called Golgotha and there they crucifi ed Him. He was laid in a borrowed tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as the sun set.

SATURDAY: A Day of Despair (MATTHEW 27:62–66)

The chief priests had the tomb sealed with two Romans standing guard lest the disciples come and steal His body

and say that He was alive. It was a Sabbath day like none other for the disciples and followers of Jesus. Their minds could barely comprehend the events of the last 24 hours. No one had stepped forward to declare His innocence. Everyone had abandoned Him. Alone Jesus surrendered Himself as the perfect sacrifi ce. He had done what no one else could do: He had become a bridge of faith whose death made it possible for sinful man to have access to a Holy God. It was fi nished! Man’s redemption had been secured.

77

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIESAllow students to work in groups to construct some type of bridge with materials you can provide. The bridge must be designed to connect two specific points. Or, give each student a piece of construction paper and let them draw their own bridges. Be sure to have them specify what two things they are trying to connect. Ask them to give their bridge a name. As time allows, allow them to share their creations with the class and explain the connection.

EXPLORING THE BIBLE: Mark 11–15Today’s story focuses on the week that changed the world—the week Jesus was crucified. It will provide an overview of the events that happened each day during that last week Jesus spent on earth. Choose from among the following teaching approaches the one you feel most comfortable with. • Draw a sketch of the city of Jerusalem on the board from one in a Bible or download

one from the internet. • Mark these places: the city gate, the temple, Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper

Room, Pilate’s palace, Calvary’s hill, Caiaphas’ house, and the Mount of Olives. [Maps are available through David C. Cook, Jesus’ Last Week by Tracy Harras. These can be duplicated for classroom use.]

• Create a calendar for the week by placing around the map large pieces of construction paper labeled with each day of the week: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

• As you discuss each day, pick out some of the Scripture passages to read aloud to learn what Jesus was doing. You do not need to read all the Scriptures.

• Then make some notes on the construction paper sheet about what happened that day. • You could also write on your city map at the various locations the day of the week that

Jesus was there.


GRADES 1–4 THE WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLDJESUS COMES TO JERUSALEM




WORD Purpose


78

J SIX GRADES 1–4

• For a craft project the students can make a journal describing what happened during the week that changed the world.

Here are the Scripture passages that describe this last week. Read the Bible passages aloud or have the students read them. The talking points will guide your discussion. Add any additional information from the Bible Background you think appropriate.

SUNDAY: The Triumphant Entry—Mark 11Verse 7: Jesus arrives in the city.Verses 8: Palm branches and coats are laid on the ground.Verses 9–11: Hosanna’s ring through the air. MONDAY: Cleaning the Temple—Mark 11Verse 15: Money changers are found in the temple court.Verse 16: No passage for these merchants allowed through the templeVerse 17: House of prayer vs. den of thievesVerse 18: Angry religious leaders TUESDAY: Problems with Religious Leaders—Mark 12Verse 17: Trick question about taxesVerse 23: Trick question about resurrectionVerses 28–31: Trick question about the greatest commandmentVerses 43–44: The widow’s mitesHis discourse on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24–25 WEDNESDAY: A Quiet Day—Matthew 26Verses 3–4: The plot to kill Jesus Verses 6–7: A special anointingVerse 14–16: Judas, the betrayer THURSDAY: A Day to Remember—Mark 14Verse 16: The PassoverVerses 22–25: The Lord’s SupperVerses 32–34: Prayer in the GardenVerses 45–50: Jesus’ ArrestVerses 55–56: Illegal trial at Caiaphas’ house FRIDAY: A Day of Grief—Mark 15Verses 1–2: Jesus and PilateVerses 11–14: Barabbas released; Jesus crucifi ed.Verses 15: Jesus beatenVerse 37: Jesus dies.

79

JGRADES 1–4 SIX

SATURDAY: A Day of Despair—Matthew 27Verses 64–66: Jesus in a sealed tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. Where were the disciples? What had happened to their commitment? Their promise to follow Jesus? Their courage in the face of opposition? They were hiding in fear they would be executed next.

THE CROSSROADSJesus was determined to go to the cross. It was the reason He had come. Our salvation could only be bought and paid for by One who was perfect and holy. That could only have been Jesus. He became the way to connect God with man. His cross became a bridge between God and man. • Construct a bridge using a wood slat and two chairs. • Place a sign on each chair, one to read “God” and the other “Man.” • Attach a sign to the board that says “Jesus Bridges the Gap.” • Explain that Jesus’ last words were: “It is fi nished.” What did He mean by that? What

was fi nished?

Jesus had laid down His life as a sacrifi ce to make a way for man to reach God. The cross He died on became a bridge that can connect man to God.

If your bridge is sturdy, ask for a volunteer to walk across it. Ask the volunteer what it takes to step out on a bridge and expect it to hold you up? It takes faith. In Hebrews 11:6 it says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Turn to the volunteer and ask if they have faith to believe the bridge will hold them up. If they say yes, then allow them to step out and walk across. Explain how this pictures what happens when a person receives Christ.• We must fi rst have faith to believe that Jesus’ death on the Cross

paid the penalty for our sin.• We demonstrate that belief when we step out in faith to ask Jesus

to be our Savior.• When we commit our lives to Christ, we promise to stand on the bridge that Christ

made possible. When we do, God forgives our sin and gives us the right to become His children. With that comes the promise of eternal life with Him.

• It’s that simple. Use an Evangecube® if you have one available. This bridge concept is pictured on the cube. Close in prayer as you share the plan of salvation. Ask the students to make sure they are standing on the bridge that Christ laid down.

80

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: “The Week that Changed the World” JournalSupplies: 9 sheets of white paper (8 ½ x 11 or cut in half ) per student, 2 sheets of colored paper per student for the cover, foam decorations (optional), ribbon, tape or staples for binding pages together• Have the students make a journal cover that reads “The Last Week” or “The Week

that Changed the World.” They can decorate it with Christian symbols. Ask them to write out the verse Matthew 20:28 on the inside cover.

• They should then make a page for each day of the week—Sunday to Sunday by writing the name of each day at the top and the Scripture references at the bottom.

» Sunday: Entrance into Jerusalem—Matthew 21:1–9, Mark 11:1–11 » Monday: A Day at the Temple—Matthew 21:10–19; Mark 11:12–18 » Tuesday and Wednesday: Teaching and Preaching—Matthew 22–25;

Mark 11–13 » Thursday: Passover—Matthew 26:17–56; Mark 14:12–42 » Friday: Trial and Crucifixion—Matthew 26:26–27:60; Mark 14–15:46 » Saturday: A Grief-Stricken Sabbath—Matthew 27:62–66; Luke 23:55–56 » Sunday: Resurrection Day— Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–12

• They can write out the events of each day or draw pictures to illustrate what happened or use a combination of both.

• The students may even wish to add their own comments to what happened each day.• When all the pages are finished, bind them together with ribbon, tape or staples.• Ask the students to read through their journal on the days of the week between

Palm Sunday and Easter. Encourage them to spend time in prayer thanking God for the gift of His precious Son.

HUDDLE GROUP: One PurposeDiscuss with the students how important it is to find their purpose in life. Clarify the purpose of Jesus life. Refer to Scriptures like Matthew 20:28; John 1:11–18; John 3:16; Romans 5:12–17. Use the following questions to stimulate discussion. • Why do you think you were born?• How can parents help you discover your purpose?• What is your purpose once you have received Christ (Ephesians 2:10)?• How can you know God’s will for your life?• How can you discover your spiritual gifts? • What career areas might be suited for your abilities?• What career areas are definitely NOT appealing to you?• What priorities have you established in your life that will help you discover

God’s purpose? • What does Jeremiah 29:11 tell you about your life’s work? • According to Psalm 37:3–6, how will God show you His perfect will?

J SIX GRADES 1–4

81

JGRADES 1–4 SIX

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Why were the Jewish religious leaders so hostile to Jesus? (He revealed their true

attitudes of self-righteousness.)2. What festival had the people come to Jerusalem to celebrate? (Passover)3. What did this festival commemorate? (The children of Israel leaving Egypt)4. How did the people receive Him? (They honored Him as a King.)5. How will Jesus return? (in power and glory in the sky)6. Who betrayed Jesus? (Judas)7. What Roman official allowed Jesus to be crucified? (Pilate)8. What did Jesus say just before He died? (“It is finished.”)9. Who took Jesus’ body down from the cross and buried it?

(Joseph and Nicodemus)10. Described how the disciples felt on Saturday? (afraid, sad, devastated, hopeless)11. What should they have remembered Jesus telling them?

(I will rise from the dead.)

8282

J SIX GRADES 1–4

83

INTRODUCTIONAllow students to work in groups to construct some type of bridge with materials you can provide. The bridge must be designed to connect two specific points. Or, give each student a piece of construction paper and let them draw their own bridges. Be sure to have them specify what two things they are trying to connect. Ask them to give their bridge a name. As time allows, allow them to share their creations with the class and explain the connection.

TRUTHToday’s story focuses on the week that changed the world—the week Jesus was crucified. It will provide an overview of the events that happened each day during that last week Jesus spent on earth. Choose from among the following teaching approaches the one you feel most comfortable with. • Draw a sketch of the city of Jerusalem on a piece of paper from one in a Bible or

download one from the internet. • Mark these places: the city gate, the temple, Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper Room,

Pilate’s palace, Calvary’s hill, Caiaphas’ house, and the Mount of Olives. [Maps are available through the David C. Cook Company, Jesus’ Last Week by Tracy Harrast. These can be duplicated for classroom use.]

• Draw a simple one-week calendar with the days of the week labeled across the top. • As you discuss each day, pick out some of the Scripture passages to read aloud to learn

what Jesus was doing. You do not need to read all the Scriptures.• Then make some notes on the calendar paper sheet about what happened that day. • You could also write on your city map at the various locations the day of the week that

Jesus was there.


GRADES 5–6 THE WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLDJESUS COMES TO JERUSALEM




WORD Purpose


84

J SIX GRADES 5–6

Here are the Scripture passages that describe this last week.

SUNDAY: The Triumphant Entry—Mark 11• Verse 7: Jesus arrives in the city.• Verses 8: Palm branches and coats are laid on the ground.• Verses 9–11: Hosanna’s ring through the air. MONDAY: Cleaning the temple—Mark 11• Verse 15: Money changers are found in the temple court.• Verse 16: No passage for these merchants allowed through the temple• Verse 17: House of prayer vs. den of thieves• Verse 18: Angry religious leaders TUESDAY: Problems with Religious Leaders—Mark 12• Verse 17: Trick question about taxes• Verse 23: Trick question about resurrection• Verses 28–31: Trick question about the greatest commandment• Verses 43–44: The widow’s mites• His discourse on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24–25 WEDNESDAY: A Quiet Day—Matthew 26• Verses 3–4: The plot to kill Jesus • Verses 6–7: A special anointing• Verse 14–16: Judas, the betrayer THURSDAY: A Day to Remember—Mark 14• Verse 16: The Passover• Verses 22–25: The Lord’s Supper• Verses 32–34: Prayer in the Garden• Verses 45–50: Jesus’ Arrest• Verses 55–56: Illegal trial at Caiaphas’ house FRIDAY: A Day of Grief—Mark 15• Verses 1–2: Jesus and Pilate• Verses 11–14: Barabbas released; Jesus crucified.• Verses 15: Jesus beaten• Verse 37: Jesus dies. SATURDAY: A Day of Despair—Matthew 27• Verses 64–66: Jesus in a sealed tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. Where were the

disciples? What had happened to their commitment? Their promise to follow Jesus? Their courage in the face of opposition? They were hiding in fear they would be executed next.

85

JGRADES 5–6 SIX

NOW WHAT?Jesus was determined to go to the cross. It was the reason He had come. Our salvation could only be bought and paid for by One who was perfect and holy. That could only have been Jesus. He became the way to connect God with man. His cross became a bridge between God and man. • Construct a bridge using a wood slat and two chairs. • Place a sign on each chair, one to read “God” and the other “Man.” • Attach a sign to the board that says “Jesus Bridges the Gap.” • Explain that Jesus’ last words were: “It is finished.” What did He mean by that? What

was finished? • Ask what had separated man from God before Jesus. (sin) How had the people been

able to find peace with God before Jesus? (Jewish laws regarding animal sacrifices administered by the priests)

Jesus had laid down His life as a sacrifice to make a way for man to reach God. The cross He died on became a bridge that can connect man to God.

If your bridge is sturdy, ask for a volunteer to walk across it. Ask the volunteer what it takes to step out on a bridge and expect it to hold you up? It takes faith. In Hebrews 11:6 it says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Turn to the volunteer and ask if they have faith to believe the bridge will hold them up. If they say yes, then allow them to step out and walk across. Explain how this pictures what happens when a person receives Christ.• We must first have faith to believe that Jesus’ death on the Cross

paid the penalty for our sin.• We demonstrate that belief when we step out in faith to ask Jesus

to be our Savior.• When we commit our lives to Christ, we promise to stand on the bridge that Christ

made possible. When we do, God forgives our sin and gives us the right to become His children. With that comes the promise of eternal life with Him.

• It’s that simple. Use an Evangecube® if you have one available. This bridge concept is pictured on the cube. Close in prayer as you share the plan of salvation. Ask the students to make sure they are standing on the bridge that Christ laid down.

CONNECTIONDiscuss with the students how important it is to find their purpose in life. Clarify the purpose of Jesus life. Refer to Scriptures like Matthew 20:28; John 1:11–18; John 3:16; Romans 5:12–17. Use the following questions to stimulate discussion. • Why do you think you were born?• How can parents help you discover your purpose?• What is your purpose once you have received Christ (Ephesians 2:10)?• How can you know God’s will for your life?

86

• How can you discover your spiritual gifts? • What career areas might be suited for your abilities?• What career areas are definitely NOT appealing to you?• What priorities have you established in your life that will help you discover

God’s purpose? • What does Jeremiah 29:11 tell you about your life’s work? • According to Psalm 37:3–6, how will God show you His perfect will?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Why were the Jewish religious leaders so hostile to Jesus? (He revealed their true

attitudes of self-righteousness.)2. What festival had the people come to Jerusalem to celebrate? (Passover)3. What did this festival commemorate? (The children of Israel leaving Egypt)4. How did Jesus enter Jerusalem? (on a donkey)5. How did the people receive Him? (They honored Him as a King.)6. What made Jesus angry in the temple? (the moneychangers)7. Name one trick question the Jewish religious leaders asked Jesus? (By what

authority do you do these things? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar? Will people be married in heaven? What’s the most important commandment?)

8. What was another question they asked Jesus?9. On what mountain did Jesus tell the disciples about how the world will end?

(Mount of Olives)10. How will Jesus return? (in power and glory in the sky)11. Where did Jesus eat the Passover meal with His disciples? (in the Upper Room)12. Who betrayed Jesus? (Judas)13. What Roman official allowed Jesus to be crucified? (Pilate)14. What did Jesus say just before He died? (“It is finished.”)15. Who took Jesus’ body down from the cross and buried it?

(Joseph and Nicodemus)16. Described how the disciples felt on Saturday? (afraid, sad, devastated, hopeless)17. What should they have remembered Jesus telling them?

(I will rise from the dead.)

J SIX GRADES 5–6

7A KING RISES!R E S U R R E C T I O N S U N DAY

89

THE BURIAL (MATTHEW 27:57–66; JOHN 19:38–42)

It was Friday afternoon and the teacher from Nazareth was dead. The sun was going down and soon the observance of

the Sabbath would begin. A rich man from Arimathea named Joseph was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin but he had also become a believer in Christ (Matthew 27:57). He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus was already dead, but he released the body to Joseph and Nicodemus for burial. Nicodemus, who had come to Jesus at night to ask about being born again, brought myrrh and aloes to use in wrapping the body in linen cloths. The two men laid the body of Jesus in Joseph’s new tomb, thus fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 about His being buried among the rich. As was the custom, they covered His face with a napkin.

On the Sabbath, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate to ask for a favor. They told Pilate how Jesus had predicted that after three days, He would rise from the dead. They suggested that Pilate take extra precautions to secure the tomb for at

least three days. Otherwise, Jesus’ disciples might come and steal the body and tell the people He had risen. They added: “This last deception would be worse than the first,” referring to the deception they attributed to Jesus. Pilate sent Roman soldiers to guard the tomb. They placed a seal on it so it would be obvious if anyone tampered with it.

THE SABBATH (MATTHEW 27:62–66)

It must have been a traumatic Sabbath for the disciples and those who had followed Jesus so closely, especially the

women. Not only had their leader been executed, there had been no time with Him before the end, no final opportunity to say goodbye or talk about the future. They had scattered when He was arrested and then when they saw Him again, He was hanging on the Cross. And now—now it was all over. He was dead and for all they knew, they might be the next ones to be crucified. For the disciples, the Sabbath would have been spent grieving, both for Jesus and for themselves. What would they do now? Where could they go? Their world had literally been turned upside down.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 7A KING RISES!RESURRECTION SUNDAY

THOUGHT Jesus is alive, and

we can be part of His forever family.

PASSAGES Matthew 27:57–28:20

John 20:1–18

WORD Confidence

“Because I live, you also will live.” —John 14:19

90

THE EMPTY TOMB (MATTHEW 28:1–15)

At dawn on Sunday, the first day of the week, some of the women who followed Jesus went to the tomb

to anoint the body with additional spices, even though they did not know how they would get into the tomb. As they arrived, there was a great earthquake and an angel descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat down. The angel’s appearance was as bright as a bolt of lightning. The guards were terrified and fell down as if they were dead. The angel spoke directly to the women. He knew why they were there and he invited them to come and see where Jesus had been laid. He told them Jesus was not there, for He had risen.

The stone had been rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to let the world see that He was gone. He had risen as He said He would. The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples that He is alive and that He would see them in Galilee.

The women left the tomb. Some of the soldiers went into the city to report what had happened. The Jewish religious leaders probably panicked. They paid off the soldiers and ordered them to say that His disciples had come in the night and stolen His body. The soldiers did as they were told.

A SPECIAL MESSENGER (JOHN 20:11–18)

John records that when Mary told Peter and John, they ran to the tomb to see for themselves. They both went inside

the tomb and saw the grave clothes lying undisturbed. The linen napkin covering His

face was folded and remained separate from the other cloths. Shocked and shaken, they left and returned home.

Mary remained at the tomb and when she looked in, she saw two angels dressed in white. They asked why she was crying. She told them that her Lord had been taken away and she did not know where they had laid Him. As she turned, she heard another voice speak to her who she thought was the gardener. She asked Him if he knew where her Lord had been taken. He called her by name and she recognized Him. She probably fell to her knees in shock and in worship. He told her not to cling to Him but to go and tell His disciples what she had seen. She did as He commanded. Jesus had chosen to appear first to Mary, a woman, a sinner saved by grace. Her devotion to Christ is fully documented throughout the Gospel record. How she must have rejoiced to be the first to declare that the Master is alive.

According to Mark and Luke, Jesus had healed Mary from the destructive power of seven demons. Whatever her past had been, her future was secure. Since her conversion, she had faithfully followed Him, even to the Cross and now to the tomb. What an honor and privilege Jesus had given her as she went away to tell the world the news of the Resurrection. Her faith was great because she had received from Him a full measure of both grace and mercy. She wanted to believe that He was alive and now she knew it was true. She had her assurance.

J SEVEN

91

A SPECIAL MESSAGE

Mary delivered her life-changing message to the disciples.

• Jesus is alive!• He is risen from the dead!• He will see us in Galilee!

What would the brokenhearted, grieving disciples do when they heard such news?• There was no immediate response

to the news by the 11 disciples as recorded in Matthew 28:7–10.

• They listened to Mary’s story but they did not believe her (Mark 16:10–11).

• The words of Mary and the women seemed to the disciples as an idle tale that could not be believed (Luke 24:10–11).

• Even though Peter and John went to the empty tomb to see for themselves, they may have not understood what the empty grave clothes meant (John 20:8–10).

So many times, Jesus had tried to prepare the disciples for this moment. How could they have forgotten His words?• Matthew 12:38–42; 16:21–27; 17:9,

22; 20:18–19; 24:29–31; 26:32• Mark 8:31–33; 9:9–10, 30–32;

10:32–34; 14:28• Luke 9:23–27, 44–45; 18:31–34• John 2:19; 11:25–27; 14:1–6

THE KEY TO CHRISTIANITY

The Resurrection of Christ is the key to the Christian faith. Without it, there is no distinction between it and other

religions. Only a bodily resurrection could account for the change in the disciples that enabled them to regroup and take their

witness to the world. There are five distinct features about the Resurrection that make Christianity unique.• Jesus rose from the dead just as He had

promised. We now can have confidence in every promise He made. He is a promise-keeper!

• His bodily Resurrection connects Him to a spiritual, eternal kingdom that no other prophet or imposter can imitate.

• Death is not the end of life. For those whose faith has been placed in Christ it is the beginning. It is the guarantee of our own eternal existence within His Kingdom. Because He lives, we, too, can live eternally.

• The power of Christ’s Resurrection is available to all who will believe. Our spirits destroyed by sin can now be reborn through the power seen when Jesus was made alive again.

• The basis of our witness to the world is that Jesus is alive. He was not just a man; He is the living God.

The night Jesus was betrayed and arrested, He attempted to comfort the disciples with the words of John 14:1–6. He assured them they would be with Him wherever He was. He was going home—back to heaven to be with His Father. He was going to prepare a place for them there so they could be together forever. Thirty-three years ago, He had left home and now He was going back. What a homecoming must have been waiting for Him in heaven! The glory He had laid aside would now be taken up again. He waits for the command of His Father to return and gather those who have committed their lives to Him and bring them home.

JSEVEN

92

J SEVEN

92

93

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIES• Write the key word, confidence, on the board. • Ask the students to explain what they think it means. • Use the word in a sentence to give them a context. (For example: We have great

confidence that He will succeed.) • Ask the students to come up with other words that mean the same thing as

confidence. • Then ask them for words that mean the opposite.

Transition to the story by asking how the Resurrection can give the believer confidence. Comment on the responses and then suggest going to the Bible to find the answers.

EXPLORING THE BIBLEA. THE TOMB SECURED (MATTHEW 27:57–66)As the sun began to set that Friday afternoon, it became apparent that if the body of Jesus were not removed from the cross quickly, then it would hang there another 24 hours in public view. Two friends of Jesus decided to take matters into their own hands and asked Pilate for the body. Read the Scripture reference to see what happened.

B. FIRST EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT (JOHN 20:1–18) Jesus had predicted that He would rise from the dead, yet when He did, everyone was in shock. [Briefly review the events of Friday and Saturday and then read aloud the Scriptures that describe Resurrection morning.]


GRADES 1–4A KING RISES!RESURRECTION SUNDAY




John 20:1–18

WORD Confidence


94

J SEVEN GRADES 1–4

THE CROSSROADSIf Christ had not been raised, then the disciples were at the end of the road. Their commitment to this carpenter from Nazareth was for nothing, they might have thought. Why had they left everything and everyone they held dear? • Whom could they trust now?• What could they really believe in?• Was there any hope for heaven?• Had everything been in vain?

[Ask the students to help you act out a scene that shows how dejected the disciples were. Have fi ve or six guys appear to be sad, sorrowful, terrifi ed and grief-stricken. Then have one of the girls try to encourage them by reminding them about the Resurrection.]

Jesus was resurrected by the power of Almighty God. His Resurrection is our assurance that those who believe will have eternal life. Jesus is the fi rst fruit from the Resurrection tree. We are the fruits to come (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as all men died when Adam sinned, so in Christ all will live again. Jesus promises this to all who will believe.

Ask your students if they have the assurance (know positively) that they are going to heaven. Tell them they can have 100-percent assurance. It’s as easy as A-B-C. It’s in the Book! [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.] BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: “He Lives” Cross Supplies: large foam cross, 18” length of purple satin ribbon, glue sticks, markers, religious stickers• Distribute markers, stickers and glue sticks among the Huddle Groups.• Provide each student with a cross and length of ribbon.• Instruct the students to write “HE LIVES!” on the cross. • Next, have them drape the ribbon over the cross and secure it with a few dabs of glue.• Decorate the cross as desired with Christian symbols and stickers.

THE CROSSROADSIf Christ had not been raised, then the disciples were at the end of the road. Their commitment to this carpenter from Nazareth was for nothing, they might have thought. Why had they left everything and everyone they held dear? • Whom could they trust now?• What could they really believe in?• Was there any hope for heaven?• Had everything been in vain?

[Ask the students to help you act out a scene that shows how dejected the disciples were. Have fi ve or six guys appear to be sad, sorrowful, terrifi ed and grief-stricken. Then have one of the girls try to encourage them by reminding them about the Resurrection.]

Jesus was resurrected by the power of Almighty God. His Resurrection is our assurance that those who believe will have eternal life. Jesus is the fi rst fruit from the Resurrection tree. We are the fruits to come (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as all men died when Adam sinned, so in Christ all will live again. Jesus promises this to all who will believe.

Ask your students if they have the assurance (know positively) that they are going to heaven. Tell them they can have 100-percent assurance. It’s as easy as A-B-C. It’s in the Book! [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

95

JGRADES 1–4 SEVEN

HUDDLE GROUP: Confidence Builder Here are some thought questions about the Resurrection to consider. • Why do you think Jesus appeared to Mary fist? (He wanted to honor her devotion. He

knew she would believe and spread the news. She probably would have gone to Mary, Jesus’ mother, to tell her as well. Can you imagine the joy these two would have shared?)

• Why didn’t the disciples believe? Why didn’t they remember? (fear, shock, trauma)• What had Jesus told them? [Pick out three or four of these passages and ask someone

to read them aloud. Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 26:32–33; Mark 8:31; 10:33–34; 14:28; Luke 9:21–23; 18:31–34; John 12:23–24.] They had forgotten the predictions Jesus had given them. What would it take for them to believe that Jesus was really alive?

• Spend a few minutes in prayer thanking God for the gift of eternal life that Jesus made possible.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Who were the two men that prepared Jesus’ body for burial? (Joseph of Arimathea

and Nicodemus)2. What did the chief priest and Pharisees ask Pilate to do at the tomb? (to set guards

and seal it)3. What did the Jewish religious leaders fear would happen? (that Jesus’ disciples would

come and steal His body and then say He was resurrected)4. Who came to the tomb first on Sunday morning? (Mary and some of

the women.)5. What did they discover when they arrived? (the stone rolled away and Jesus’ body gone)6. Who went to tell Peter and John? (Mary)7. How did they react? (They ran to the tomb to see for themselves.)8. Why did Mary remain at the tomb after the others had left? (She was grief-stricken

and she wanted to find His body.)9. Who appeared to her? (Jesus)10. Why is the Resurrection considered the key concept in Christianity? (See Bible

Background information.)11. What does the Resurrection assure us of? (our own resurrection and eternal life.)

9696


97

INTRODUCTIONAsk the students to explain what they think the word confidence means. Use the word in a sentence to give them a context. (For example: We have great confidence that He will succeed.)

Ask the students to come up with other words that mean the same thing as confidence. Then ask them for words that mean the opposite. Discuss what confidence means and how one might feel without it.

KEY WORD: Confidence

SYNONYMS ANTONYMSAssurance Doubt

Belief DistrustCertainty Uncertainty

Guarantee UnsurePromise Unbelief

Transition to the story by asking how the Resurrection can give the believer confidence. Comment on the responses and then suggest going to the Bible to find the answers.


GRADES 5–6A KING RISES!RESURRECTION SUNDAY




John 20:1–18

WORD Confidence


98


TRUTHA. THE TOMB SECURED (MATTHEW 27:57–66)As the sun began to set that Friday afternoon, it became apparent that if the body of Jesus were not removed from the cross quickly, then it would hang there another 24 hours in public view. Two friends of Jesus decided to take matters into their own hands and asked Pilate for the body. Read the following verses to see what happened.• Verse 57: Who was one of these friends? What did he do? Who was the other

friend? See John 19:39–40. What did he do?• Verses 62–64: Why were guards placed at the tomb? • Verses 65–66: How was the tomb made secure?

B. FIRST EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT (JOHN 20:1–18) Jesus had predicted that He would rise from the dead, yet when He did, everyone was in shock. [Briefly review the events of Friday and Saturday and then set the scene for Mary’s Sunday morning arrival at the tomb.]• Verse 1: Mary was the first to arrive at the tomb. How did she get the tomb

open? See also Matthew 28:1–2. • Verse 2: She ran to tell Peter and John what she saw. What did she mean

by grave robbers?• Verse 11: After Peter and John left, she could not leave. Why would she

want to stay?• Verse 12–13: Mary met two angels. What did they tell her?• Verse 15–16: Jesus asked her why she was crying. Who called her name? What did

she ask Him? Who did she think He was?• Verse 17–18: What did Jesus say to her? Where did He tell her He was going? What

did Mary do after Jesus left? • According to Mark 16:10–11, how did the disciples respond to Mary’s news? NOW WHAT?If Christ had not been raised, then the disciples were at the end of the road. Their commitment to this carpenter from Nazareth was for nothing, they might have thought. Why had they left everything and everyone they held dear? • Whom could they trust now?• What could they really believe in?• Was there any hope for heaven?• Had everything been in vain?

Jesus was resurrected by the power of Almighty God. His Resurrection is our assurance that those who believe will have eternal life. Jesus is the first fruit from the Resurrection tree. We are the fruits to come (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as all men died when Adam sinned, so in Christ all will live again. Jesus promises this to all who will believe.

99

JGRADES 5–6 SEVEN

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that Jesus was the first fulfillment of the promise of eternal life. He called Him the “firstfruits.” He is our forerunner who secures our eventual resurrection and eternal life. Paul went on to explain that those who are in Christ will be made alive. The Resurrection of Christ is the key component of Christianity. It is the basis on which we know that eternal life is possible---because Jesus rose from the grave.

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.—1 Corinthians 15:22

Ask your students if they have the assurance (know positively) that they are going to heaven. Tell them they can have 100-percent assurance. It’s as easy as A-B-C. It’s in the Book! [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

CONNECTION Here are some thought questions about the Resurrection to consider. • Why do you think Jesus appeared to Mary fist? (He wanted to honor her devotion. He

knew she would believe and spread the news. She probably would have gone to Mary, Jesus’ mother, to tell her as well. Can you imagine the joy these two would have shared?)

• Why didn’t the disciples believe? Why didn’t they remember? (fear, shock, trauma)• What had Jesus told them? [Pick out three or four of these passages and ask someone

to read them aloud. Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 26:32–33; Mark 8:31; 10:33–34; 14:28; Luke 9:21–23; 18:31–34; John 12:23–24.] They had forgotten the predictions Jesus had given them. What would it take for them to believe that Jesus was really alive?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Why was it necessary to take Jesus’ body down off the Cross so quickly? (The Sabbath

day was about to begin when no labor was allowed.)2. Who were the two men that prepared Jesus’ body for burial? (Joseph of Arimathea

and Nicodemus)3. What did the chief priest and Pharisees ask Pilate to do at the tomb? (to set guards

and seal it)4. What did the Jewish religious leaders fear would happen? (that Jesus’ disciples would

come and steal His body and then say He was resurrected)5. Who came to the tomb first on Sunday morning? (Mary and some of the women.)6. What did they want to do? (add additional spices to the body dressing)7. What did they discover when they arrived? (the stone rolled away and Jesus’ body gone)8. Who went to tell Peter and John? (Mary)9. How did they react? (They ran to the tomb to see for themselves.)10. Why did Mary remain at the tomb after the others had left? (She was grief-stricken

and she wanted to find His body.)11. Who appeared to her? (Jesus)

100100


12. How did she know it was Him? (She recognized His voice and His face.)13. Why is the Resurrection considered the key concept in Christianity? (See Bible

Background information.)14. What does the Resurrection assure us of? (our own resurrection and eternal life.)

8UNSPEAKABLE JOY!

J E S U S A P P E A R S TO T H E D I S C I P L E S

102102

103

THE GREAT DILEMMA (MATTHEW 28:11–15)

Just a few hours had gone by since word came that the tomb where Jesus had been buried was empty. There

was even a report that some of the women had seen Jesus alive. If He were alive, where could He be? Without a body, people were left to form their own explanation. The Roman soldiers were supposed to be guarding the tomb and now they were in trouble. The religious leaders must have gone into panic mode. What if this Jesus really did rise from the dead? How could they ever explain the missing body?• The Roman soldiers met with the

religious leaders to make a plan.• They were going to say the guards had

fallen asleep and the disciples had stolen the body.

• The guards were given money to make sure they told this story.

• The Jewish leaders promised to back up the story the guards were telling.

When this cover-up is analyzed, several problems arise.

1. The disciples had not shown themselves to be particularly courageous. To carry out such a secret mission would have taken planning and precise execution. They were seemingly paralyzed with fear and unable to stage a “mock” resurrection in front of trained Roman soldiers.

2. One by one, the disciples were martyred for their witness about the true Resurrection. If they could have produced Jesus’ body, why would they have died for a lie?

3. If the Jewish leaders or the Romans had the body of Jesus in their possession, why didn’t they bring it out and crush the hopes of those who were followers of Christ?

None of these scenarios happened because there was no dead body to produce. Jesus was alive and within the next 40 days He would be seen by hundreds of people.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 8 UNSPEAKABLE JOY!JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES

THOUGHT Be a witness for

Christ every day in what you do and say.

PASSAGES Matthew 28:11–15;

John 20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:1–9

WORD Eyewitness

For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. —Acts 4:20

104

CLUES TO HIS DISAPPEARANCE

Could Jesus have left the disciples any clues that might have prepared them for what happened that Sunday

morning? All four Gospel writers indicate there were many clues. 1. Matthew 12:40: Speaking to the

scribes and Pharisees—“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

2. Matthew 16:21: “From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, . . . and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

3. Mark 8:31: Speaking to the disciples—“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.”

4. Luke 18:31–33: Speaking to all 12 disciples after the encounter with the rich young ruler—“See we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit on. . . they will kill Him, and on the third day, He will rise.”

5. John 11:25: Speaking to Martha when Lazarus died—“I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though He die, yet shall He live.”

TRUTH

As the first day of the week dawned, the truth began to unfold. Reports were coming in from different

sources saying that Jesus was alive and He appeared to the following people:• To Mary Magdalene, the first to see

Jesus alive outside the tomb (John 20:11–18)

• To the women on the road returning from the tomb (Matthew 28:9–10)

• To two disciples leaving Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)

• To Peter sometime during Resurrection day (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5)

• To 10 of the disciples locked in the Upper Room on Resurrection night without Thomas (John 20:19–23)

• To all 11 disciples including Thomas a week later in the Upper Room (John 20:26–29)

• To seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee after a night of terrible fishing (John 21:1–14)

• To more than 500 followers gathered with the apostles in one place (Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:15–18; 1 Corinthians 15:6)

• To James, Jesus’ brother, who later became one of the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 15:7)

• To His disciples and others present on the Mount of Olives as He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:4–12)

• To Saul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9)

J EIGHT

105

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS

These appearances have been described by those who actually saw the resurrected Jesus or by those

closely associated with them. The New Testament records were completed by A.D. 100, approximately 70 years after the events actually happened. The people who wrote these records would have been able to speak with many of the eyewitnesses.

The Resurrection is central to the Christian faith. Jesus died for our sins; He was buried, and He rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–6). The tomb was empty. There is no satisfactory explanation for this other than the fact that Jesus who was crucified had come back to life and was physically seen by hundreds of His followers after His death on the Cross.

PROVING THE RESURRECTION

There is clear evidence to support the historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. When the evidence is examined, the

Resurrection is the only explanation that fits the circumstances.8 • Something drastic happened around

A.D. 30 to give rise to a new religion called Christianity.

• The official day of worship was changed from the Sabbath to Sunday by Jewish believers who once held the Sabbath to be holy.

• The women’s testimony that Jesus was alive was accepted, even though the witness of women in those days was

8 The Believer’s Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, Editors’ commentary on 1 Corinthians 15, p. 1643.

not legally recognized.• There was a radical change in the

behavior of the disciples. They demonstrated new zeal and energy after the devastating events surrounding the crucifixion. They showed a new kind of courage and commitment that enabled them to face persecution and death. Such boldness after the reports about the Resurrection points to the fact that now they knew Jesus was alive. They had seen Him for themselves.

• The tomb was empty. No body was ever produced to disprove the Resurrection account.

• The post-Resurrection appearances lasted for 40 days and then suddenly stopped when Jesus ascended to heaven.

• There were a multitude of Old Testament prophecies precisely fulfilled in the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

• Jesus continually said that He would rise again on the third day and He did.

UNSPEAKABLE JOY

Nothing but joy would have filled the hearts of the disciples as they saw Jesus time after time in His

resurrected body. • He could pass through walls and enter

rooms where the doors were locked.• He could vanish in the blink of an eye.• His physical body could be felt and seen.• His physical features were recognizable.

His was an actual bodily resurrection that guarantees the resurrection of all believers (John 11:25–26). Christ is the first fruit, promising that all those who belong to Him will be resurrected also when He returns to earth (1 Corinthians 15:20).

JEIGHT

106

J EIGHT

106

The key to this unspeakable joy is the confi dence and boldness that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ. The disciples had it and everyone who repents of their sin and makes Jesus their Lord and Savior can have it too! Living in a relationship with Jesus gives a person • the courage to face obstacles, • the capacity to reach out to others

in love, • the boldness to stand for what is

right, and • the comfort of knowing that one

is never, ever alone.

THAT’S UNSPEAKABLE JOY!

107

INTRODUCTION“Drama in the Classroom”: This activity is optional but it will get the point across today about eyewitnesses. Stage the incident below in front of the students that makes them eyewitnesses to a surprise interruption of your class. It should be dramatic and filled with gestures and loud talking so as to make an impression on them. Then, when the intruder is gone, ask them to give you their eyewitness accounts. Do not let them know that you staged the situation until later.• Have all the students sit down in their usual places and tell them to open

their Bibles. • Have one of your helpers come in looking for something she left in the cabinet, but

now it is gone.• She should be loud and overly dramatic as the search begins. • She can come over to you and ask if you took her papers. • There could even be some angry outbursts, slamming of doors, etc., as the

search continues. • Then have another helper go to the person and ask her to leave the room because a

disruption is being created while students are trying to study their Bibles. • The person should refuse to leave and begin talking louder. • Then, finally, as the door is held open for her and the security guards are being called,

she storms out.

Discuss what just happened with the students. Pretend you are just as shocked as they are. Ask them to tell you what they remember about the incident. When all details have been recalled and shared, explain to them how you set up the situation so as to make them actual eyewitnesses.


GRADES 1–4 UNSPEAKABLE JOY!JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES





WORD Eyewitness


108

J EIGHT GRADES 1–4

THE GREAT DILEMMAIt was the Sunday after Passover. The tomb was open but there was no body. So where was Jesus? Who had stolen His body? Wasn’t there supposed to be a Roman guard at the tomb? Where were those crazy disciples of His? Could they have stolen His body and then pretended that He had come back to life?

All of these questions were being asked that fi rst Easter morning. What on earth had happened? There had been an earthquake at the grave site. Did the earth just open up and swallow the body? No one had the answer—at least not yet!

EXPLORING THE BIBLEA. THE BODY IS GONE! (MATTHEW 28:11–15) • Verses 11–12: The body was gone and the guards were in trouble. What did the

chief priests try to do? • Verse 13: What was to be the story the guards told everyone? • Verses 14–15: Why didn’t it work?

B. JESUS IS ALIVE! (1 CORINTHIANS 15:1–9) Reports began to come in that Jesus had been seen alive and well. There were nail prints in His hands and a wound in His side. He appeared in rooms behind locked doors. His body seemed to be intact. He could eat food. He was talking and walking!

ASK diff erent students to read the following verses and then stand up to describe what they read. Go quickly without any commentary. When the last reference has been read, ask the class what they would conclude from hearing these eyewitness accounts.

• To Mary Magdalene—John 20:11–18• To the women on the road—Matthew 28:9–10• To Peter—Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5• To the two men on the Emmaus road—Luke 24:30–31• To the 10 disciples in the Upper Room—John 20:19–23• To all 11 disciples in the Upper Room—John 20:26–29• To seven disciples on the Sea of Galilee—John 21:1–14• To more than 500 followers—1 Corinthians 15:6• To James, His own half-brother—1 Corinthians 15:7• To those gathered when He ascended—Acts 1:4–12• Later, to Paul on the Damascus Road—Acts 9

C. THE ONLY LOGICAL CONCLUSIONSAY: So many diff erent appearances to so many diff erent people in so many diff erent places! The reports began to circulate throughout Jerusalem.

109

JGRADES 1–4 EIGHT

• There were eyewitness reports about Jesus’ having been seen alive everywhere.• Jesus had said He would be raised three days after His death and all the reports

indicated this was true.• The tomb was empty and there was no body that could be produced to prove Jesus

was dead.• Once terrifi ed and afraid for their lives, the disciples were now overwhelmed with

unspeakable JOY!• What is the only conclusion to draw? [Let the students answer—] Jesus is alive!

SAY: The disciples had seen the resurrected Christ. They had watched Him return to heaven.• The disciples began to preach the Gospel with power and confi dence. • They knew Jesus was very much alive and they could not keep silent.• Peter and John even accused the religious leaders before all the people of having

killed the Messiah. • They were soon arrested but they would not be quiet. Their answer to this

persecution is our key verse today. • “For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”—Acts 4:20

THE CROSSROADSTo be an eyewitness, a person has to have experienced the life-giving presence of Jesus personally. It is a choice everyone makes for himself or herself. It is a gift Jesus gives that cannot be earned or paid for. It is free for the asking. If you’ve never asked for His forgiveness and salvation, then you can do it today. [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Proof of the Resurrection Supplies: Dog tags, necklace chain or cord, preprinted verse labels, cross bead, glue sticks, permanent markers• Distribute permanent markers and glue sticks among the Huddle Groups.• Provide each student with a cross bead, three dog tags, necklace chain and fi ve

1”x1-1/2” labels preprinted with the following.1. “Proof of His Resurrection”2. “Seen by Mary Magdalene, John 20:11–18”3. “Seen by the Disciples, John 20:19–23”4. “Seen on the Sea of Galilee, John 21:1–14”5. “Seen by 500 Followers, 1 Corinthians 15:6”

• Instruct the students to glue the cross bead onto the fi rst dog tag and affi x the “Proof of His Resurrection” label to the back.

• Next, have them affi x the remaining labels to the fronts and backs of the other dog tags.

110110


• Decorate as desired with permanent markers.• Tell the students to keep these tags as a reminder that the Bible is true and Jesus is

the true Savior of the world.

HUDDLE GROUP: Eyewitness Accounts• ASK the students to share information about any important events they have

witnessed.• LISTEN carefully and ASK questions to get more detail.• Why is an eyewitness account so important in a court of law? • ASK: If more than 500 people had seen something happen and they all agreed

about what took place, would you believe it was true? • READ 1 Corinthians 15:6–9 aloud. Then ASK the students to share their own stories

about how they came to know Jesus. • SUMMARIZE by having the students discuss the kind of information they should

share when they witness to others.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What story was told to cover up the disappearance of Jesus’ body? (The disciples stole

the body.)2. Who saw Jesus fi rst after He came out of the tomb? (Mary and some of the women)3. Describe Jesus’ resurrection body. (had scars, could pass through walls, travel rapidly)4. Name two people to whom Jesus appeared.5. Describe His appearance on the Sea of Galilee. (disciples fi shing; Jesus cooking

breakfast)6. What did Thomas tell the others that he must see before he believed? (nail prints)7. Who saw Jesus on the Road to Damascus? (Paul)8. How did Jesus fi nally leave the earth? (Mt. of Olives with disciples watching)9. Why is the Resurrection so important to Christianity? (basis for eternal life)10. How does Christianity diff er from other world religions? (We worship a living God.)

111

INTRODUCTIONList five to eight important historical events that students will recognize. Ask them how we know these events actually took place. We have eyewitness accounts from those who were present. The Resurrection is the most important event in history and we know it happened because we have eyewitness accounts!

Transition to the lesson by telling the group that they are about to hear from another group of eyewitnesses. Reports have just come in regarding the most important event in human history—the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s listen to their stories and see if they make sense.

THE GREAT DILEMMA[Challenge the students to put themselves in front of the tomb that Sunday morning. Ask them what they would have thought when they looked in and saw the tomb was empty. Listen carefully to their comments.]

It was the Sunday after Passover. The tomb was open but there was no body. So where was Jesus? Who had stolen His body? Wasn’t there supposed to be a Roman guard at the tomb? Where were those crazy disciples of His? Could they have stolen His body and then pretended that He had come back to life?

All of these questions were being asked that first Easter morning. What on earth had happened? There had been an earthquake at the grave site. Did the earth just open up and swallow the body? No one had the answer—at least not yet!


GRADES 5–6 UNSPEAKABLE JOY!JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES





WORD Eyewitness


112


TRUTHA. THE BODY IS GONE! (MATTHEW 28:11–15) • Verses 11–12: The body was gone and the guards were in trouble. What did the

chief priests try to do? • Verse 13: What was to be the story the guards told everyone? • Verses 14–15: Why didn’t it work?

B. JESUS IS ALIVE! (1 CORINTHIANS 15:1–9) Reports began to come in that Jesus had been seen alive and well. There were nail prints in His hands and a wound in His side. He appeared in rooms behind locked doors. His body seemed to be intact. He could eat food. He was talking and walking!

[Read the descriptions of Jesus’ appearances in 1 Corinthians 15.]

Over the course of 40 days, Jesus appeared to hundreds of people in all kinds of places. Sometimes He came at night, sometimes in the morning and sometimes in the middle of the day. No one seemed to know where He might suddenly pop up. • To Mary Magdalene—John 20:11–18• To the women on the road—Matthew 28:9–10• To Peter—Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5• To the two men on the Emmaus road—Luke 24:30–31• To the 10 disciples in the Upper Room—John 20:19–23• To all 11 disciples in the Upper Room—John 20:26–29• To seven disciples on the Sea of Galilee—John 31:1–14• To more than 500 followers—1 Corinthians 15:6• To James, His own half-brother—1 Corinthians 15:7• To those gathered when He ascended—Acts 1:4–12• Later, to Paul on the Damascus Road—Acts 9

C. THE ONLY LOGICAL CONCLUSIONSo many different appearances to so many different people in so many different places! The reports began to circulate throughout Jerusalem.• There were eyewitness reports about Jesus’ having been seen alive everywhere.• Jesus had said He would be raised three days after His death and all the reports

indicated this was true.• The tomb was empty and there was no body that could be produced to prove Jesus

was dead.• Once terrified and afraid for their lives, the disciples were now overwhelmed with

unspeakable JOY!What is the only conclusion to draw? [Let the students answer—] Jesus is alive!

113

JGRADES 5–6 EIGHT

After 40 days, Jesus returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost. The disciples began to preach the Gospel with power and confidence. They knew their Savior was very much alive and they could not keep silent. Peter and John spoke boldly in the temple and even accused the religious leaders before all the people of having killed the Messiah. Needless to say, the chief priests were furious with the two men and had them arrested. When finally they were released, they were ordered to stop speaking or teaching anything in the name of Jesus. Their answer to such a demand is today’s key verse:

“For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” —Acts 4:20

NOW WHAT?Explain to the students how they, too, are eyewitnesses of the Resurrection if they have received Jesus as their Savior. There is no way to keep silent about what they know really happened. Share your own personal testimony about your salvation experience. Ask other leaders to do the same. Allow some of the students to share theirs. Once you have been saved, you immediately become an eyewitness to the Resurrection of Jesus. The unspeakable joy you feel makes you want to tell everyone else about what you have experienced.

To be an eyewitness, a person has to have experienced the life-giving presence of Jesus personally. It is a choice everyone makes for himself or herself. It is a gift Jesus gives that cannot be earned or paid for. It is free for the asking. If you’ve never asked for His forgiveness and salvation, then you can do it today. [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

CONNECTION Have two or three students share in great detail the sightings of Jesus discussed in today’s lesson. How do their accounts differ? What caused the differences? How are the Gospels like eyewitnesses? Ask the students to share their own personal account of when they received Jesus as Savior.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What story was told to cover up the disappearance of Jesus’ body? (The disciples stole

the body.)2. Name one time when Jesus told the disciples He was going to die? (right before

He entered Jerusalem, at the Last Supper, to Martha when Lazarus was raised, after having spoken with the rich, young ruler)

3. Who saw Jesus first after He came out of the tomb? (Mary and some of the women)4. Describe Jesus’ resurrection body. (had scars, could pass through walls, travel rapidly)5. Name two people to whom Jesus appeared.

114114


6. What member of Jesus’ family saw Him? (James, His brother)7. Describe His appearance on the Sea of Galilee. (disciples fi shing; Jesus cooking

breakfast)8. What did Thomas tell the others that he must see before he believed? (nail prints)9. Who saw Jesus on the Road to Damascus? (Paul)10. How did He fi nally leave the earth? (Mt. of Olives with disciples watching)11. Why is the Resurrection so important to Christianity? (basis for eternal life)12. How does Christianity diff er from other world religions? (We worship a living God.)

9THE SON RISE

J E S U S R E T U R N S TO H E AV E N

116116

117

40 DAYS WITH THE RISEN CHRIST

It had been 40 days since Resurrection Sunday, and soon Jesus would return to His Father in heaven. He made at least

10 different appearances to those whom He knew had received Him as Lord.In and around Jerusalem:• To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)• To the other women (Matthew

28:1–10)• To Peter (Luke 24:34)• To 10 of the disciples (Luke 24:36–43)• To the 11, including Thomas (John

20:26–29)

At His ascension (Acts 1:4–12)• To the disciples on the road to Emmaus

(Luke 24:13–35)• In Galilee to Peter and six disciples who

were fishing (John 21:1–24)• To 500 people at one time, exact

location unknown (1 Corinthians 15:6)• To James, the brother of Jesus and the

apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7)

• To Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–6)

Christ’s victory over death guarantees the final resurrection of all believers. Jesus Himself had said it, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19).

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION BODY

Christ appeared in His resurrected body. It was indeed a real body.

• It could be felt because it consisted of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).

• It was capable of taking in food (Luke 24:42, 43).

• It was clearly recognizable (John 20:16, 20, 25, 28).

However, this body possessed some special characteristics.• It could pass through locked doors and

suddenly appear in the middle of a

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 9 THE SON RISEJESUS RETURNS TO HEAVEN

THOUGHT Share the Gospel wherever you go.

PASSAGE Acts 1:1–11

WORDS Work, Wait

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this isnot your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works,so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:8–10

118

room (John 20:19, 26).• It could vanish from sight in an instant

(Luke 24:31).• It could move quickly from one

geographic point to another (Luke 24:31, 36).

In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul declared that Christ became the firstfruits of a spiritual inheritance. Through Adam, man received a physical body; through Christ, man receives a spiritual body in the resurrection. Just as man had borne the image of Adam’s body on earth, so man will have a similar body in heaven as does Christ. It would be impossible for our natural, corruptible body to live in heaven among incorruptible bodies. What a person’s resurrected body will look like is not clearly defined in Scripture. Observations about the characteristics of Christ’s resurrected body can only provide clues as to the nature of the believer’s body after death.

PERISHABLE VS. IMPERISHABLE

The apostle Paul explained the phenomenon of spiritual existence in 1 Corinthians 15:42–44. This

perishable body in which we live will someday die and decay as it returns to the ground. In its place we will receive a new, imperishable body, somewhat like a tiny acorn planted in the ground dies and then gives rise to a mighty oak tree. The new resurrected body is related to the old body in some sense, but it is a new creation altogether. A gigantic oak tree bears little resemblance to the acorn from which it sprang; even though the two are related, they seem as different as night and day. Yet, somewhere within the acorn lies the

promise and the pattern of the tree it will someday become.

The same thing is true about our eternal bodies. These bodies will be so grand and so glorious that our finite minds can only catch a glimpse of them. Trying to understand this new experience is much like expecting an acorn to understand roots, branches, bark and leaves or asking a caterpillar to appreciate the beauty of its butterfly wings and the ability to fly. John wrote in 1 John 3:2: “what we will be has not yet been made known.” Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13: 11–12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” As children, could we have ever imagined the mature adults we have become? THE COMMISSION TO THE DISCIPLES

One last time Jesus appeared to the disciples on the Mount of Olives. He told them not to leave Jerusalem but

to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The disciples asked if He were going to restore the kingdom of Israel. He quickly responded that it was not for them to know when this would take place. It would happen, but the exact time remained hidden.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus laid out the Great Commission to His beloved disciples. The task that lay before them was enormous, but He promised to be with them and to empower them through the Holy Spirit. They had been trained well; they were ready.

The Great Commission was also set forth in the Gospel of Matthew 28:18–20 in more

J NINE

119

detail. The disciples and the other believers were to be His witnesses:• In Jerusalem where the church would

spring to life on the Day of Pentecost• In Judea and Samaria through the

witness of Philip in Samaria and Peter in the house of Cornelius when the Gospel was opened to the Gentiles

• To the ends of the earth through the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul

In one generation, the Gospel had been sent out in every direction that could reach the ends of the earth. The commission Jesus gave remains in place for every succeeding generation; it will be in effect until His return.

TIME TO GO

It was now time for Jesus to go. His ascension would put an official end to His earthly ministry. He had done what

He had been sent here to do. Now, He was going home to be with His Father. As the disciples watched, • Jesus literally began to rise up into

the air;• He disappeared within a cloud that

had come to receive Him, almost as if to be enveloped once again in the glory of God;

• The disciples watched Him go up out of sight. They would see Him no more on this side of heaven. This formal departure was necessary to make His exit sure and certain;

• Two men in white apparel appeared and asked why the disciples continued to look upward;

• The men said the resurrected Jesus will return in the same manner at a time of God’s choosing. No man would know

the hour or the day of His return. • Now, Jesus is seated at the right hand

of God, interceding constantly in behalf of all believers (John 17:1–6).

• The glory He possessed before in heaven has now been restored (John 17:5).

WHAT NOW?

The disciples returned to Jerusalem and went into the Upper Room where they had eaten the Passover

meal with the Lord. It was the same place He appeared to them twice after His resurrection. They must have been comforted by its familiarity. Along with Jesus’ mother, His brothers and the other women who supported His ministry, all 11 disciples were gathered there. They prayed and asked God for wisdom and direction. Jesus was gone, and they had been told to wait for the power that was coming. That is just what they did—they waited.

JNINE

120

J NINE

120

121

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY: The Number 40[Prominently display a “40” sign.] ASK the students whether they remember any Bible lessons where the number 40 was used. If they need help, have them look up a few of the Bible references below. You may ned to give them Scripture references to look up. Here are some suggestions. [List them on the board.]• It rained 40 days and 40 nights during Noah’s time (Genesis 7:4).• Before going to Egypt, Moses stayed in Midian 40 years

(Acts 7:29–30).• The children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years (Numbers 14:33).• Solomon ruled Israel for 40 years (2 Chronicles 9:30).• Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness after His baptism

(Matthew 4:2).• The risen Christ appeared to the disciples and others over a period of 40 days

(Acts 1:3).

SAY: In today’s lesson, we are going to look at another time when the number 40 became significant. Let’s open our Bibles to Acts 1:3 to find out why a period of 40 days had been so significant to the disciples.

EXPLORING THE BIBLEEXPLAIN: During a period of 40 days, Jesus appeared to His followers on at least 10 separate occasions. Five of these appearances occurred on Resurrection Sunday. The disciples knew it was Jesus when they saw Him. How did they recognize Him? What was the same about Him? What was different?


GRADES 1–4 THE SON RISEJESUS RETURNS TO HEAVEN



WORDS Work, Wait



122

J NINE GRADES 1–4

A. THE RESURRECTED BODY OF JESUSHAVE the students look up these Scriptures to get a description of how Jesus looked.• John 20:16: His voice?• John 20:17: His body?• John 20:25–27: His hands and side?• John 20:26: His movements?• John 21:13: His ability to eat?• Acts 1:9–10: His capacity to travel?

B. OUR RESURRECTED BODYSAY: First Corinthians 15:42–44 tells us we will have a diff erent body in heaven. To understand this better, think about these transformations.• A small acorn into a mighty oak• A caterpillar into a butterfl y• A kernel of wheat into a stalk of wheat• A seed into a watermelon• A baby into an adult

» How could you ever explain to a baby what it means to be an adult? » A baby does not have the mental ability to understand. » Neither do we have the ability to understand what a heavenly body will be like

because we are bound by time and space in these earthly bodies. » Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that our eyes have not seen nor our ears heard all

that God has prepared for those who love Him. » Spend a few minutes letting the students discuss this topic.

C. TIME TO GO!READ aloud Acts 1:9–11.• Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus was gone.• One minute He was standing on the ground and the next He was in the air. • He returned to His Father in heaven and to the glory that was His before his birth.• All the disciples could do was to stare at the sky above.• What did the angel tell the disciples? What does this tell us about when Jesus will

return? • Have the students draw a picture of this scene. Let them ask questions.

D. THE GREAT COMMISSIONREAD aloud Acts 1:8. • What had Jesus told the disciples to do? • Where were they supposed to go?• What were they to wait for? • What were they supposed to do in these places? Read Matthew 28:18–20.

123

JGRADES 1–4 NINE

STATE: Within one generation, the apostles had sent out the Gospel message in every direction across the globe. On a map, have the students locate the city of Jerusalem. Then have them draw arrows out from Jerusalem to the areas where the Gospel was taken during the fi rst century. What areas remain today that still have not heard the Good News about Jesus? Put a question mark in these areas.

THE CROSSROADSSTATE: There were three other post-resurrection appearances by Jesus after He had returned to heaven. ASK the students if they can name any of them. • Stephen saw Christ standing at the right hand of God just before he was stoned to

death (Acts 7:56). • John, exiled to the island of Patmos off the coast of Turkey, was allowed to see the

gloried Christ seated on heaven’s throne (Revelation 1:12–17). • Then, one day in the bright light of the noon day sun, Saul of Tarsus, later known as

Paul, was blinded by a vision of the resurrected Christ. It changed his life forever and resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the Western world (Acts 9:3–6).

EXPLAIN: Paul and the other apostles preached Christ crucifi ed, risen and coming again. Thinking that His return would be soon, the early disciples set about trying to accomplish the Great Commission as quickly as possible. Would Christ be pleased with what we have done in our generation? How many people have you told about Jesus? Have you made a complete and total commitment to honor Christ with your life? If you haven’t, then there’s no more important decision you will ever make than the one to receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Now is the time. [Share the plan of salvation as you close in prayer.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: “Heaven Bound” Bumper StickerSupplies: Blank bumper stickers, markers• Distribute markers to each Huddle Group.• Provide each student with a bumper sticker.• Instruct the students to write “Heaven Bound” on the bumper sticker, and decorate

it as desired.• Remind students that Jesus is coming again to take Christians to live forever with

Him in heaven! Encourage them to display their bumper sticker on a notebook or window as a witness to others about the salvation of Jesus.

124

J NINE GRADES 1–4

HUDDLE GROUP: Work While You WaitSAY: Jesus is coming back again. We do not know when, but it could be soon. When He does come, He must fi nd us doing the same thing the apostles did that fi rst century—sharing the Good News of His love for all mankind. We want to take as many people as possible with us to heaven. While we wait, we must be working. What kind of a witness are you?1. Divide the class into groups of three or four. 2. Make sure each group has a Bible.3. Have them practice sharing the Gospel with one another. Remind them about the

ABCs of Salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, and Ephesians 2:8–9. 4. Move among the groups and listen to what they are telling one another. 5. Clarify, encourage or answer questions to keep each small group interacting with

one another.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Describe the characteristics of Jesus’ resurrected body. (could eat, pass through walls,

had scars from the crucifi xion; voice and body recognizable; could move from one location to the next quickly)

2. What is the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:18–20)3. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? (go, make disciples, baptize, teach, and do not

be afraid)4. How did the disciples do?5. When is Jesus coming back? 6. How will He come back? (in the same manner in which He left)7. What are we supposed to be doing until He comes back? (the Great Commission)

124

125

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY: The Number 40[Prominently display a “40” sign.] ASK the students whether they remember any Bible lessons where the number 40 was used. If they need help, have them look up a few of the Bible references below. • It rained 40 days and 40 nights during Noah’s time (Genesis 7:4).• Before going to Egypt, Moses stayed in Midian 40 years

(Acts 7:29–30).• The children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years (Numbers 14:33).• Solomon ruled Israel for 40 years (2 Chronicles 9:30).• Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness after His baptism

(Matthew 4:2).• The risen Christ appeared to the disciples and others over a period of 40 days

(Acts 1:3).

SAY: In today’s lesson, we are going to look at another time when the number 40 became significant. , Let’s open our Bibles to Acts 1:3 to find out why a period of 40 days had been so significant to the disciples.

TRUTHEXPLAIN: During a period of 40 days, Jesus appeared to His followers on at least 10 separate occasions. Five of these appearances occurred on Resurrection Sunday. The disciples knew it was Jesus when they saw Him. How did they recognize Him? What was the same about Him? What was different?


GRADES 5–6 THE SON RISEJESUS RETURNS TO HEAVEN



WORDS Work, Wait



126

J NINE GRADES 5–6

A. THE RESURRECTED BODY OF JESUSHAVE the students look up these Scriptures to get a description of how Jesus looked.• John 20:16: His voice?• John 20:17: His body?• John 20:25–27: His hands and side?• John 20:26: His movements?• John 21:13: His ability to eat?• Acts 1:9–10: His capacity to travel?

B. OUR RESURRECTED BODYSAY: First Corinthians 15:42–44 tells us we will have a different body in heaven. To understand this better, think about these transformations.• A small acorn into a mighty oak• A caterpillar into a butterfly• A kernel of wheat into a stalk of wheat• A seed into a watermelon• A baby into an adult

» How could you ever explain to a baby what it means to be an adult? » A baby does not have the mental ability to understand. » Neither do we have the ability to understand what a heavenly body will be like

because we are bound by time and space in these earthly bodies. » Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians that our eyes have not seen nor our ears heard all

that God has prepared for those who love Him. » Spend a few minutes letting the students discuss this topic.

C. TIME TO GO!READ aloud Acts 1:9–11.• Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus was gone.• One minute He was standing on the ground and the next He was in the air. • He returned to His Father in heaven and to the glory that was His before his birth.• All the disciples could do was to stare at the sky above.• What did the angel tell the disciples? What does this tell us about when Jesus will

return? • Have the students draw a picture of this scene. Let them ask questions.

D. THE GREAT COMMISSIONREAD aloud Acts 1:8. • What had Jesus told the disciples to do? • Where were they supposed to go?• What were they to wait for? • What were they supposed to do in these places? Read Matthew 28:18–20.

127

JGRADES 5–6 NINE

NOW WHAT?STATE: There were three other post-resurrection appearances by Jesus after He had returned to heaven. ASK the students if they can name any of them. • Stephen saw Christ standing at the right hand of God just before he was stoned to

death (Acts 7:56). • John, exiled to the island of Patmos off the coast of Turkey, was allowed to see the

gloried Christ seated on heaven’s throne (Revelation 1:12–17). • Then, one day in the bright light of the noon day sun, Saul of Tarsus, later known as

Paul, was blinded by a vision of the resurrected Christ. It changed his life forever and resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the Western world (Acts 9:3–6).

EXPLAIN: Paul and the other apostles preached Christ crucified, risen and coming again. Thinking that His return would be soon, the early disciples set about trying to accomplish the Great Commission as quickly as possible. Would Christ be pleased with what we have done in our generation? How many people have you told about Jesus? Have you made a complete and total commitment to honor Christ with your life? If you haven’t, then there’s no more important decision you will ever make than the one to receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Now is the time. [Share the plan of salvation as you close in prayer.]

CONNECTIONSAY: Jesus is coming back again. We do not know when, but it could be soon. When He does come, He must find us doing the same thing the apostles did that first century—sharing the Good News of His love for all mankind. We want to take as many people as possible with us to heaven. While we wait, we must be working. What kind of a witness are you?• Divide the class into groups of three or four. • Make sure each group has a Bible.• Have them practice sharing the Gospel with one another. Remind them about the

ABCs of Salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, and Ephesians 2:8–9. • Move among the groups and listen to what they are telling one another. • Clarify, encourage or answer questions to keep each small group interacting with

one another.

128

J NINE GRADES 5–6

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Describe the characteristics of Jesus’ resurrected body. (could eat, pass through walls,

had scars from the crucifi xion; voice and body recognizable; could move from one location to the next quickly)

2. Name the people to whom Jesus appeared after He was resurrected. (Mary Magdalene; the other women; Peter; John; the other disciples; to over 500 people at one time; James, His brother; Paul; the two on the road to Emmaus)

3. Explain what a corruptible body is. (one that will die)4. Explain what an incorruptible body is. (one that is spiritual and eternal; one like Jesus

had)5. How does one get an incorruptible body that will never pass away? (ask Jesus to be

your Savior)6. What is the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:18–20)7. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? (go, make disciples, baptize, teach, and do not

be afraid)8. How did the disciples do?9. When is Jesus coming back? 10. How will He come back? (in the same manner in which He left)11. What are we supposed to be doing until He comes back? (the Great Commission)

128

10THE GOSPEL SPREADS

T H E C H U R C H B E G I N S

130130

131

MOUNTAIN PEAKS OF PROPHECY

The Old Testament prophecies were difficult to understand without knowing that Messiah would have

two very separate and distinct comings. The Jews thought their Messiah would come once to set up His kingdom. They dismissed Isaiah’s descriptions of a Suffering Servant. They expected a military leader who would free Israel from Roman tyranny. The Son of God dying on a cross was hardly what they wanted. That is why so many Jews fail to accept Jesus as Messiah. Yet, between the point of the Crucifixion and the Second Coming, there lies a valley of time in which the Church, composed of both Jew and Gentile, was born and is now living. A new covenant replaced the old as Christ sacrificed Himself once for all mankind. This Church Age was a mystery hidden by God until Jesus spoke of it to His disciples (Matthew 16:18). Paul wrote about it to the church at Ephesus. We are now living in this valley between the two peaks of His Crucifixion and His glorious appearing (Titus 2:13). While we wait, we must not be idle.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

As Jesus ascended, it became apparent to the disciples that there would be an interval of time between His first

coming and His second. There was much work for the disciples to do during this interval. A new institution would develop that would carry on the work of Christ. Jesus had spoken of this to His disciples but they had been slow to understand. Speaking to Peter and the others, He declared that “on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

After Pentecost, the apostles went to work to build the church. As Christ-followers, they were to duplicate themselves and they did. Peter’s first sermon after Christ’s ascension yielded 3,000 souls as the Holy Spirit called out those who would receive by faith the Risen Christ (Acts 2:41). The church was born. Now as a group of baptized believers, these men and women came together to form a living, breathing organism. The

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 1 0THE GOSPEL SPREADS THE CHURCH BEGINS

THOUGHT Faith in Christ makes us

part of the Church.

PASSAGES Acts 2:42–47;

1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Revelation 19:5–9

WORD Family

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her....” —Ephesians 5:25

132

world would now look upon this “body of believers” as the new “body of Christ.” Jesus was the Head of the Church, having laid down His life for His followers. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He would guide and direct their lives, their thoughts and actions.

A MYSTERY

Yet, it was the apostle Paul to whom Jesus gave the full revelation of this mystery about the Church. It was a

truth previously hidden and now divinely uncovered (Ephesians 3:1–12). The Church would be a body of baptized believers composed of both Jews and Gentiles from every nation and every tribe across the face of the earth. In Christ, Jew and Gentile are equal. As the chosen people of God in the Old Testament, Jews are called to enter into a new covenant made possible by the death of Christ. Some Jews hear and receive the Gospel, but the majority of them have rejected the invitation to become part of the Church. The Greek word ekklesia translates into English as church and refers to all Jews and Gentiles who have submitted their lives to the authority of Christ.

ORGANIZED TO FUNCTION AS A BODY9

This family of believers spans the globe. They have organized themselves into local congregations.

All true believers comprise the universal Church that will one day be reunited with

9 The Believer’s Study Bible, “The Body of Christ Alive Today” by O. S. Hawkins, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, pp. 1854-1856.

Christ at His Second Coming. Until then, here on earth they function as His body doing His work. They are characterized by their unity of belief and purpose. • One Accord: Those who have been

redeemed desire to come together in fellowship and mission. They find strength and encouragement in their mutual commitment to Christ. The Holy Spirit draws groups of people together to function as the body of Christ. Peter’s affirmation of Christ as the Son of the Living God in Matthew 16 is the foundational truth upon which they all agree.

• One Message: Peter stood on the day of Pentecost to proclaim the truth spoken by the prophets Joel, Isaiah and David in the Psalms regarding Messiah’s arrival. This preaching of God’s Word set a precedent of proclamation as believers gather together. As described in 2 Timothy 3:16, God’s Word presents truth (doctrine), reproves sin, corrects false thinking and behavior, and instructs in righteousness. The exaltation of God’s Word became for the early church the central focus of their gathering as it is today.

• One Purpose: Believers within a church strive to build up the church by making disciples of other believers who join their fellowship. This is done through various teaching ministries. There is unity among these groups as they love and support one another and mature in their faith.

• One Mission: The apostles and those they led to Christ had only one mission—The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). They immediately reached out where they

J TEN

133

lived and from there, went beyond into the world to share the Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith. Within a generation, they had taken the Gospel to their world. Churches today continue in this tradition as they send people and resources into their communities and to other countries.

THE SURE FOUNDATION10

Peter wrote in his first letter that those who receive Christ in faith have become “living stones who are building up a

spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:4–5). Christ Jesus is the chief cornerstone of that house and He calls us to build on that foundation. Worship is at the very core of what a church does. It is the wellspring out of which everything else flows. Worship occurs as we assign to God the glory and honor due Him. Such fellowship with God results in abiding fellowship with one another.

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

God revealed to Paul other mysteries about the Church that are described throughout his writings.

• Christ is the Head of the Church, one body composed of both Jew and Gentile believers (Ephesians 3:1–12; Romans 16:25; Colossians 4:3).

• The translation of all those who are living, often called the Rapture, will occur prior to the Second Coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

• The equipping of the saints to do

10 The Believer’s Study Bible, “The Church: Build-ing on the Rock,” by Joel Gregory, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, pp. 1852-1853.

the work of Christ on earth through special abilities known as spiritual gifts: prophecy, service, teaching, administration, exhortation, giving of resources and mercy-giving.

• In Ephesians 5:23–32, Paul describes the Church as a bride and Jesus as a Bridegroom who will come one day to take His beloved back to heaven to live with Him for eternity. The image of a great wedding is pictured in Revelation 19:5–9 and takes place right before the Battle of Armageddon when the Seed of the woman finally crushes the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15). We are that Bride because we are the Church. We are waiting for our Bridegroom to come and on His robe will be written these words—

“King of Kings and Lord of Lords!”

JTEN

134

J TEN

134

135

INTRODUCTIONIf possible, BRING several church bulletins to the classroom and pass them out to your students. Then ASK these questions and let the students discuss. • Why do we have churches? • Why do you think there are so many?• What is a church supposed to do?• Who is responsible for making sure the church grows?

EXPLORING THE BIBLEA. WHERE DID THE CHURCH COME FROM? Share with the students ideas from the Bible Background section. Include these things. You many want to have different students read the Scriptures given in this section.• Whose idea was it? (Matthew 16:18)• When did it start? (Acts 2 at Pentecost)• Who can join? (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Roman 10:9–10)• What is a church supposed to do? (worship, disciple, encourage/help, missions)• What does the church teach and why? (2 Timothy 3:16)• Why do we need churches? B. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Ask the students to discuss how a person becomes a member of a local church. [Answer: confession of faith, baptism, and a decision/request to join a particular congregation] Listen to their answers. You may even want to list them out. Correct any misunderstandings before moving on.

TEACHING PLAN J O U R N E Y 1 0

GRADES 1–4 THE GOSPEL SPREADS THE CHURCH BEGINS


part of the Church.



WORD Family


136

J TEN GRADES 1–4

C. PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE SAY: Ask the students if they can think of people here at the church who have helped them throughout the years.• Why do you think people volunteer here at the church? • Why do people leave America and go to other countries to help start churches?• What is the diff erence between building a church and growing a church? • How can we help grow the church? • How does God feel about people who unselfi shly give of their time to help

grow a church?

D. SUPPORTING THE CHURCH Once a person has joined a particular church family, it is important to help the church grow and reach others for Christ. Ask the students to suggest ways we can support the church. These ideas should be mentioned.• Regular attendance• Participation in worship and Bible study• Tithing • Giving fi nancially to mission projects• Going on mission trips• Getting involved in local mission projects• Praying for the church staff • Bringing unsaved friends to church

THE CROSSROADSThe Church is the living, active, moving body of Christ. For those of us who have received Christ and become members of His Church, there is much for us to do. There is a world, a neighborhood, a street, a house where people live without knowing Christ. We need to take the Church to them so that they, too, can experience God’s redemptive love. If you have not received Christ or been baptized as a believer, there is no better time than now to do that. Then you can offi cially identify with a group of believers who cherish His Word and serve Him in every way and fi nd great joy in belonging to a local church. [Close in prayer as you share the plan of salvation.] BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: My Church Family Grow-ChartSupplies: Preprinted cardstock, die-cut church buildings, glue sticks, markers• Distribute glue sticks and markers to each table.• Provide each student with a preprinted cardstock sheet and a church cut-out. The

cardstock should be preprinted with the following.• My Grow-Chart

1. Attend worship and Bible study.2. Tithe.

THE CROSSROADSThe Church is the living, active, moving body of Christ. For those of us who have received Christ and become members of His Church, there is much for us to do. There is a world, a neighborhood, a street, a house where people live without knowing Christ. We need to take the Church to them so that they, too, can experience God’s redemptive love. If you have not received Christ or been baptized as a believer, there is no better time than now to do that. Then you can offi cially identify with a group of believers who cherish His Word and serve Him in every way and fi nd great joy in belonging to a local church. [Close in prayer as you share the plan of salvation.]

137

JGRADES 1–4 TEN

3. Participate in missions projects.4. Pray for church staff .5. Bring unsaved friends to church.

• Instruct the students to glue the church onto the sheet and decorate as desired, perhaps with details of their own church.

• Encourage the students to keep this chart in a place where they can update it each week. Being part of a Bible-believing church family will help each one of us become mature Christians. Together we can do more to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

HUDDLE GROUP: The Body of ChristUSE the key verse Ephesians 5:25 to talk about the church as a family united in our love for Christ fi rst and for one another. When one family member is hurting, we all need to be concerned and helpful.

ASK the students to locate 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 and listen as you read it aloud. [Use much expression and a little drama as you talk about the eye, the ear, the foot, etc. You could act out the foot trying to be the head or the eye saying it doesn’t need the foot, etc. The students might really like to dramatize this themselves. You can also draw funny pictures to represent this comparison.]

Then DISCUSS how this passage compares our physical body to the church as a spiritual body. ASK the following questions.• Who is the Head of the Church? • Who are the hands? The feet? The mouth? • Why is this comparison of the church to a body meaningful? • How does it help us understand our responsibility?

Here are some thought questions to share with the group. Students may comment if they wish. • Do you attend church regularly?• Do you go to worship with your parents each week? Why is it important to go to the

Worship Service?• What do you do during the song service? During the sermon? During the invitation?

During the off ering?• What do you like best about church? What do you like least? What does it take to

become the member of a church?• How do you help fulfi ll the mission of the church to spread the Gospel?• What talents or abilities do you have that could be of service in the church?• What changes do you need to make regarding your participation here at church?• CLOSE in prayer asking God to help us all love the church more.

138

J TEN GRADES 1–4

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Whose idea was it to form a church? (Jesus)2. What is the key idea upon which the Church is founded? (Jesus is the Son of the

Living God.)3. Who is responsible for organizing the fi rst-century church? (The apostles and their

followers)4. Who is the body of Christ? (We are.)5. Who is the Head of the body? (Jesus)6. What does the word church mean? (“called-out ones”)7. What is the message of the Church? (All who place their faith and trust in Christ will

be saved for all eternity.)8. Who is the Bride of Christ? (We are—the Church)9. When will there be a marriage supper for the Lamb? (when Christ comes back to

earth to defeat Satan)

138

139

INTRODUCTIONHand out a church bulletin to each person in your class. • Ask students to look it over and identify how many different organizations, ministries,

programs, etc. they can count. • Then ask them to think about how many people it takes to run the church.• Make a list of people who are paid (like pastor, ministers, secretaries, facilities, etc.) • Does it seem appropriate to pay ministers, pastors and missionaries? • Then ask them to list those who volunteer at the church who are not paid. • Have them explain why people do things for the church when they are not paid to do

it. (We want them to think about the love for Christ that motivates people to work in the church.)

TRUTHA. WHERE DID THE CHURCH COME FROM? Share with the students ideas from the Bible Background section. Include these things.• Whose idea was it? (Matthew 16:18)• When did it start? (Acts 2 at Pentecost)• Who can join? (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Roman 10:9–10)• What is a church supposed to do? (worship, disciple, encourage/help, missions)• What does the church teach and why? (2 Timothy 3:16)• Why do we need churches? B. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Ask the students to discuss how they think a person gets to become a church member.


GRADES 5–6 THE GOSPEL SPREADS THE CHURCH BEGINS


part of the Church.



WORD Family


140

J TEN GRADES 5–6

[Answer: confession of faith, baptism, and a decision/request to join a particular congregation] Listen to their answers. You may even want to list them out. Correct any misunderstandings before moving on. C. PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Have the students consider the people at the church who have helped them over the years. Ask them to share what that person meant to them. Explain the concept of gifts that the Holy Spirits gives to each of us to serve the church. List these on the board and briefly discuss each one: prophecy, administration, teaching, exhortation, service, giving of resources and mercy giving. Then try to identify the gift the students have seen in those who have meant something special to them. Ask them to consider what job they might like to do in the church when they get older. [Please share experiences you have had as a child with someone who helped you in the church. Kids love stories.] You might want to suggest that the students write a thank-you note to their special person. [Bring note cards if possible.]

D. SUPPORTING THE CHURCH Once a person has joined a particular church family, it is important to help the church grow and reach others for Christ. Ask the students to suggest ways we can support the church as you list them on the board. These ideas should be mentioned.• Regular attendance• Participation in worship and Bible study• Tithing • Giving financially to mission projects• Going on mission trips• Getting involved in local mission projects• Praying for the church staff• Bringing unsaved friends to church

E. THE BODY OF CHRIST Ask the students to locate 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 and listen as you read it aloud. [Use much expression and a little drama as you talk about the eye, the ear, the foot, etc. You could act out the foot trying to be the head or the eye saying it doesn’t need the foot, etc. The students might really like to dramatize this themselves. You can also draw funny pictures of the members of the body.] Then discuss: Who is the Head of the Church? Who are the hands? The feet? The mouth? Why has Christ designed the Church in this manner, like a body? Conclude by saying that Christ is the one who gives us knowledge, direction, purpose, love and joy. He is the Head and the heart of the Church. How can we live without our head on straight? We are His hands and feet to do whatever He needs done to bring others to Him. Amen?

141

JGRADES 5–6 TEN

NOW WHAT?The Church is the living, active, moving body of Christ. For those of us who have received Christ and become members of His Church, there is much for us to do. There is a world, a neighborhood, a street, a house where people live without knowing Christ. We need to take the Church to them so that they, too, can experience God’s redemptive love. If you have not received Christ or been baptized as a believer, there is no better time than now to do that. Then you can officially identify with a group of believers who cherish His Word and serve Him in every way and find great joy in belonging to a local church. [Close in prayer as you share the plan of salvation.]

CONNECTIONIn some ways, the Church is like God’s school. In Bible times, the synagogue was a place where Jewish boys went to learn the law of the Lord. They would hear and memorize it so that it would stay in their hearts forever. Church is the same way! It’s a place where believers can do life together. They can glorify, honor, and praise God. It’s a place to get recharged! Then we can learn and be encouraged to go out and share Christ with those who are lost.

Discuss the following questions involving your participation in church.• In what activities do you participate at church?• How often do you attend?• Do you go to worship with your parents each week?• Why is it important to go to the Worship Service?• What do you do during the song service? During the sermon? During the invitation?

During the offering?• What do you like best about church? What do you like least?• What does it take to become the member of a church?• What is the church’s mission?• How do you help fulfill that mission?• What talents or abilities do you have that could be of service in the church?• Would God be pleased with your attitude about His church? Why or why not?

142

J TEN GRADES 5–6

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. Whose idea was it to form a church? (Jesus)2. What is the key idea upon which the Church is founded? (Jesus is the Son of the

Living God.)3. What makes Old Testament prophecy diffi cult to understand? (There are two

separate comings of the Messiah.)4. What are the two comings? (As a man and then as a glorious king)5. When will the Second Coming take place? (No one knows.)6. What happened at Pentecost? (The Church was born.)7. Who is responsible for organizing the fi rst-century church? (The apostles and their

followers)8. Who is the body of Christ? (We are.)9. Who is the Head of the body? (Jesus)10. What was the mystery Paul revealed about the Church? (that Jews and Gentiles were

equal under the New Covenant)11. What does the word church mean? (“called-out ones”)12. What is the message of the Church? (All who place their faith and trust in Christ will

be saved for all eternity.)13. Who is the Bride of Christ? (We are—the Church)14. When will there be a marriage supper for the Lamb? (when Christ comes back to

earth to defeat Satan)15. What will be written on the robe of Christ when He comes in glory? (“King of Kings

and Lord of Lords”)

142

11THE KING RETURNS!

T H E R A P T U R E A N D T H E S E CO N D CO M I N G

144144

145

THE EXPECTATION

The apostles and the early church expected Jesus to come back immediately during their lifetime.

Paul referred to this as the blessed hope in Titus 2:13. This expectation is what kept the apostles going as they endured extreme persecution. The imminent return of Christ gave a sense of urgency to their preaching. It produced a fervor and a sense of immediacy every day for their message and their mission. “Repent now before Christ returns to take His Church back to heaven with Him. Then it will be too late!”

THE RAPTURE

Where had the disciples gotten the idea that Jesus was coming back soon to take them out of

this world? The night before Jesus was crucified, He tried to prepare them for what was about to happen. He told them several things that would keep them from being upset or troubled. These words of comfort are found in John 14:1–6 and gave them hope for His imminent return.

• There are many mansions where My Father lives.

• I am telling you the absolute truth.• It’s almost time for me to leave you.• I am going back to my Father’s house to

make room for you to come and be with Me there.

• When the time is right and everything is ready, I’m coming back to get you so that we can always be together.

This passage was referring to a point in time after the Resurrection and the Ascension, when believers would be literally escorted by Christ out of this world and into heaven. The disciples believed what He said and made it an important part of their preaching. They would have played these words over and over in their minds as they endured physical beatings, excruciating torture, wild animals in the Coliseum, cold, dark prison cells and their own executioners. “Where is Jesus? He said He was coming back. I hope it’s today.”

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 1 1 THE KING RETURNS! THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING

THOUGHT Jesus promised He would

come back again.

PASSAGES 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58

2 Corinthians 5:10

WORD Promise

The Lord. . . is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. —2 Peter 3:9

146

The apostle Paul also understood that Jesus was coming back. Some of the believers in the church at Thessalonica thought they had missed Jesus’ return and were left behind. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 to assure them they had not. In so doing, he gave an extraordinary description about what has come to be known as the Rapture. Just as Jesus told His disciples that He would return for them in John 14, Paul describes the return of Christ to gather believers to be with Him forever. Paul explains:• The Lord will come bodily from heaven

to the air space above the earth as the archangel shouts.

• A trumpet call will be sounded for the Christians who are already dead to be resurrected.

• Believers alive at this time will be “caught up” or raptured with them.

• Together these believers will rise to meet Jesus in the clouds.

• The raptured Christians will then be with the Lord forever.

Paul told the church at Thessalonica to comfort one another with the certainty of his words. What Paul described appears to be the fulfillment of what Jesus told His disciples the night before He died. Writing to the church at Corinth about this same event, Paul further explained that our earthly bodies will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye into heavenly bodies. Our corruptible bodies will put on incorruptible ones. Our mortality will put on immortality and death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54–55) because we will live forever in the Father’s house.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

There are more than 300 Scriptures that refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Different words and phrases

were used in the Old and New Testament to describe the same event. The Rapture or blessed hope of the Church as described by Paul in Titus 2:13 and by John in John 14 represents only the first phase of Christ’s return. His glorious appearing on earth at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 19:11) is quite different from the snatching away of believers to meet Him in the air.11

FIGURE 1

THE BEMA: THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (2 CORINTHIANS 5:10)

After the Rapture takes place, a time of judgment will be established in heaven to examine the works

of believers while on earth. In Paul’s day the Bema was a reviewing stand where dignitaries were seated to watch athletic contests. Winners were brought before the Bema to receive garlands and praise for their athletic feats.

During this heavenly review, Christ will examine our motives, our attitudes and our heart’s desire. If our works were done to honor Him, then when they are cast into the fire, they will burn to reveal gold, silver and precious stones. If our works were done out of selfish motivations, then the fire will consume them like wood, hay and stubble. If our works are consumed, we will still

11 Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible, AMG Pub-lishers, 2000, p. 1,286.

J ELEVEN

147

be saved, but we will miss the blessing of rewards from the One who gave everything for us.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that “eye has not seen or heard all the things that God has prepared for those who serve Him with their lives.” Whatever rewards Jesus has prepared will be worth whatever it cost us here on earth. The Bible does describe five different rewards in the form of crowns that believers may receive.

• The Incorruptible Crown for a disciplined, moral life (1 Corinthians 9:25)

• The Crown of Rejoicing for those who focus on winning souls (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

• The Crown of Righteousness for those who look forward to Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

• The Crown of Life – for those who humbly endure the trials on earth (James 1:12)

JELEVEN

THE RAPTUREJohn 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18;

1 Corinthians 15:51–58

THE GLORIOUS APPEARING Revelation 19 & 20

A movement from earth to heaven A movement from heaven to earth A simple occurrence without angels or impending judgments

A complex series of events involving a massive procession of believers on white horses with hosts of angels

No prophecy left to be fulfilled before it takes place

Many prophecies to be fulfilled literally before Christ sets up His eternal kingdom.

Jesus comes for His own (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Jesus comes with His own after the Tribulation (Revelation 19:14).

He comes in the clouds but not to the earth (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

He comes literally to the earth on a white horse after the Tribulation (Revelation 19:14).

He claims His Bride, the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

He comes with His Bride after the Tribulation (Revelation 19:6–14).

Only believers will see Him coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

Every person living will see Him ride in (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7).

The Tribulation begins (2 Thessalonians 1:6–9).

The Millennial Kingdom begins after the Tribulation & His Glorious Appearing (Revelation 20:1–7).

The saved are delivered from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10).

The unsaved are delivered into the hands of their Righteous Judge at the Great White Throne after the Tribulation (Revelation 20:11–14).

148

J ELEVEN

148

• The Crown of Gloryfor those who correctly teach the Word of God and are good shepherds to their fl ocks (1 Peter 5:2–4)

It will be enough for Jesus to say: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We will want to lay any crowns we receive at the feet of Jesus in love and gratitude.

THE CONSEQUENCES

All signs point to the imminent return of Christ. Nothing is left to be fulfi lled before the trumpet

sounds and the archangel shouts. Just as He promised, Jesus will appear and those who have placed their faith in Him will rise

to meet Him in the air. The Rapture will reward our choice of faith. The Bema will reveal the true motivation behind our good works. All things will be made known as we stand before the One who died in our place.

The Tribulation, the emergence of the Antichrist and Israel’s covenant with Satan’s world leader are events that will occur after the Rapture. Judgment waits for those who refuse to place their faith in Christ. Yet even during this time, amid all the horror and chaos, God will still extend His mercy to any who will repent because—“The Lord. . . is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

149

INTRODUCTIONASK the students to share with the class any events that they have coming up that they are very excited about. Then ASK the following questions:• Are you sure this event is really going to happen? How do you know?• What do you think it will be like?• How will you feel if it doesn’t happen?• What will you do then?

SAY: Jesus had made the disciples a huge promise. In today’s lesson, we will find out what it was. If Jesus doesn’t keep His promise, then Christians everywhere will despair. Let’s see what’s really going on.

EXPLORING THE BIBLE SAY: Draw a timeline like the one illustrated here. Ask the students to name the four key Bible events that have impacted the whole world. Then just a little to the right of the cross, have them draw an arrow pointing upward to represent Jesus’ return to heaven..

All four events involve the struggle between good and evil—between God and Satan. The first three are: (1) Creation and the Fall; (2) the Flood; and (3) the First Coming of Christ, including His birth, death and Resurrection. The fourth event will be the Second Coming of Christ when Satan is defeated.


GRADES 1–4 THE KING RETURNS! THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING


come back again.


2 Corinthians 5:10

WORD Promise


150

J ELEVEN GRADES 1–4

All other events surrounding the end of human history should be viewed in relation to these four events. There have been many important events in history, but none have impacted humanity to the degree these four have, including all the wars that have ever been fought.

A. A PROMISE (John 14:1–3) • Verse 3: Why did the disciples think Jesus was coming back soon?• Verse 2: Where is Jesus now?• Verse 1–3: What did He tell the disciples the night before He died? • Verse 6: How would they know how to go where He was?

B. A TRUMPET (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18)The apostle Paul knew that Jesus was coming back. God had shown him some important details about how Christ would reappear on earth. • Verse 16: How will we know He’s coming? Who will get to meet Him fi rst?• Verse 17: If you are still alive when Jesus comes back, what will happen to you? • Verse 17: Where will you meet the Him? Will His feet touch the earth?

C. A WHITE HORSE (Revelation 19:11–16)• Verse 11: Who is riding the white horse?• Verse 14: Who was with Him?• Verse 16: What titles were given to Him? What did they mean?• Verses 19:20; 20:2–3: What happened to Satan and his buddies?

Ask if the students think these two events sound like the same happening. (No, they do not.) Let’s look at the diff erences between them. D. THE RAPTURE AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARINGDraw a simple chart on the board to illustrate the diff erences between these two events. [See the information in the Bible Background.] Explain that both are part of the Second Coming of Christ, but they are two separate occurrences. [Walk through the items that are listed on the chart.] Have the students draw in the Rapture on their timelines with an arrow pointing upward. On the timeline, draw an arrow pointing downward beside the arrow pointing up. Then on the other side of the crown, draw another line going down to represent the Second Coming.

151

JGRADES 1–4 ELEVEN

THE CROSSROADSAsk the students to share with the class some of the rules their parents have for them. Ask: What are some consequences for not obeying parents? • What are the consequences of not accepting Jesus as our Savior?• What are the consequences of not doing good works that honor Christ?• If the Rapture comes without any warning, will you be left behind?

Explain that someday we will see Him coming to take us home. It could even be today. If He comes today, will you meet Him in the air? [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT:Mother’s Day BroochSupplies: Die-cut cardstock circles or hearts, safety pins, tape, glue sticks, markers, glitter, jewels• Distribute tape, glue sticks, markers, glitter and jewels to each Huddle Group.• Provide each student with a brooch cut-out and a safety pin.• Instruct the students to create their own brooch design using the markers, jewels

and glitter. • When complete, tape the safety pin to the back.• Encourage the students to tell their moms how much they love them. Thank them

constantly with hugs and kisses.

HUDDLE GROUP: The Second Coming• Ask the students if they understand the diff erence between the two parts of the

Second Coming. If not, review and explain and then use the following questions to spark a lively discussion.

• What diff erence does it make when Jesus comes? • If you are a believer, who else do you want to make sure is in heaven with you

for eternity?• What do you need to do to make sure that person knows what will happen

someday soon?• Why is it hard to talk to others about their salvation? • What can make it easier? • Why is God waiting to send Jesus back?• What do you think it will look like when we see Jesus at the Rapture?• Have the students walk to the window and look toward the east and up at the sky.

Do they see anything? Ask them to imagine what it will look like when we hear the trumpet and see Him in the clouds.

• Ask the students why they think the Lord has not come yet and then read 2 Peter 3:9.

152


REVIEW QUESTIONS1. When did the apostles think Jesus was coming back? (very soon)2. How could they be sure He would come back? (John 14:3)3. To which of the apostles did Jesus reveal the details of His return?

(Paul and John)4. What do we call the two parts of the Second Coming? (the Rapture and the Glorious

Appearing, Titus 2:13)5. Are they two separate events? How do you know? (yes; described in Scripture)6. What does the word rapture mean? (“caught up”)7. When could it take place? (any possible moment)8. Describe the details of the Rapture Paul gave in 1 Thessalonians 4. (trumpet, shout,

clouds, sky, dead fi rst, then those alive)9. Why does God delay the return of Jesus? (He is not willing that anyone should perish

for eternity.)

152

153

INTRODUCTIONA. UPCOMING EVENTSAsk the students to share with the class some of the things in their future to which they are really looking forward. Pick out one or two of these to discuss. Consider these questions.How do they know this event will happen?What do they think it will be like?What are the benefits of this coming to pass?What are the problems if it doesn’t happen?

Jesus had made the disciples a huge promise. In today’s lesson, we will find out what it was. If Jesus doesn’t keep His promise, then Christians everywhere will despair. Let’s see what happened.

B. BIBLE TIMELINEAsk the students to name the four key Bible events that have impacted the whole world.

All four events involve the struggle between good and evil—between God and Satan. The first three are: (1) Creation and the Fall; (2) the Flood; and (3) the First Coming of Christ, including His birth, death and Resurrection. The fourth event will be the Second Coming of Christ when Satan is defeated.


GRADES 5–6 THE KING RETURNS! THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING


come back again.


2 Corinthians 5:10

WORD Promise


154


All other events surrounding the end of human history should be viewed in relation to these four events. There have been many important events in history, but none have impacted humanity to the degree these four have, including all the wars that have ever been fought.

Explain that in today’s lesson, we will look at the fourth event, the Second Coming of Christ, but we will look at its two different parts. Ask the students if they know what the two parts are called.

TRUTHA. A PROMISE (JOHN 14:1–3) • Verse 3: Why did the disciples think Jesus was coming back soon?• Verse 2: Where is Jesus now?• Verse 1–3: What did He tell the disciples the night before He died? • Verse 6: How would they know how to go where He was?

B. A TRUMPET (1 THESSALONIANS 4:16–18)The apostle Paul knew that Jesus was coming back. God had shown him some important details about how Christ would reappear on earth. • Verse 16: How will we know He’s coming? Who will get to meet Him first?• Verse 17: If you are still alive when Jesus comes back, what will happen to you? • Verse 17: Where will you meet the Him? Will His feet touch the earth?

C. A WHITE HORSE (REVELATION 19:11–16)• Verse 11: Who is riding the white horse?• Verse 14: Who was with Him?• Verse 16: What titles were given to Him? What did they mean?• Verses 19:20; 20:2–3: What happened to Satan and his buddies?

Ask if the students think these two events sound like the same happening. (No, they do not.) Let’s look at the differences between them. D. THE RAPTURE AND THE GLORIOUS APPEARINGDraw a simple chart on the board to illustrate the differences between these two events. [See the information in the Bible Background.] Explain that both are part of the Second Coming of Christ, but they are two separate occurrences. [Walk through the items that are listed on the chart and quickly and simply fill in the one you have drawn on the board.] Have the students draw in the Rapture on their timelines with an arrow pointing upward. They can also write “Glorious Appearing” over or below “Christ’s Second Coming.”

155

JGRADES 5–6 ELEVEN

NOW WHAT?A. THE BEMA (2 CORINTHIANS 5:10)[Set up a mini-courtroom scene and choose a judge, defendant, prosecutor, and jury. The crime can be something like being late for church or not getting a name badge or eating all the doughnuts in class before anyone gets there. Conduct the trial; call witnesses; find the defendant guilty; and sentence him/her to the lake of remorse, a blue cloth you have laid out in the corner of the room.]

Explain how someday, as believers, we will all stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of how we served Jesus. [Briefly explain the Bema and what it stands for.] Here is where our good deeds on earth will be judged and rewarded. • Ask the students to name some good works that Christians do and list them on

the board.• Explain the criteria that will be used to judge our good works. • Discuss how a person would feel if his works were all burned up.• What can be done to keep this from happening?• How do we get rewards in heaven? What might they look like?• What will we do with our rewards?

B. THE CONSEQUENCES• Ask the students to share with the class some of the rules their parents have for

them. Ask: What are some consequences for not obeying parents? • What are the consequences of not accepting Jesus as our Savior?• What are the consequences of not doing good works that honor Christ?• If the Rapture comes without any warning, will you be left behind?

C. THE JOURNEY UPHave the students walk over to the window and look out and up toward the east. Explain that someday we will see Him coming to take us home. It could even be today. If He comes today, will you meet Him in the air? [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

CONNECTIONAsk the students if they understand the difference between the two parts of the Second Coming. If not, review and explain and then use the following questions to spark a lively discussion.• What difference does it make when Jesus comes? • If you are a believer, who else do you want to make sure is in heaven with you

for eternity?• What do you need to do to make sure that person knows what will happen

someday soon?• Why is it hard to talk to others about their salvation?

156

J

• What can make it easier? • Why is God waiting to send Jesus back? • What do you think it will look like when we see Jesus at the Rapture?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. When did the apostles think Jesus was coming back? (very soon)2. How could they be sure He would come back? (John 14:3)3. To which of the apostles did Jesus reveal the details of His return?

(Paul and John)4. What do we call the two parts of the Second Coming? (the Rapture and the Glorious

Appearing, Titus 2:13)5. Are they two separate events? How do you know? (yes; described in Scripture)6. What does the word rapture mean? (“caught up”)7. When could it take place? (any possible moment)8. Describe the details of the Rapture Paul gave in 1 Thessalonians 4. (trumpet, shout,

clouds, sky, dead fi rst, then those alive)9. What is the Bema? (the place where believers receive their rewards)10. What types of rewards will be given out? (crowns)11. Why does God delay the return of Jesus? (He is not willing that anyone should perish

for eternity.)

156

ELEVEN GRADES 5–6

12THINGS TO COME

T H E A L P H A A N D O M E G A

158158

159

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The book of Revelation completes the story begun in Genesis. Satan’s destructive influence is finally wiped

out. Christ is the victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The book was written to comfort believers in the first-century churches who were undergoing extreme persecution. Written by the Apostle John around A.D. 95, it was a message from Jesus Christ to all believers about how Christ would return to judge all unbelievers and defeat Satan completely. What began in Genesis is fulfilled in Revelation. John was the only one of the original 12 disciples still alive in A.D. 90. He was the one who called himself “the disciple whom

Jesus loved.” He was the only disciple not to abandon Christ at the Crucifixion. He stood with Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross and took her under his care after Jesus died. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea west of Turkey because of his bold testimony for Christ (Revelation 1:9; 19:10). He was sent along with other political prisoners to work as a slave in the rock quarries there. Little did John know that on that small island, he would be given a vision of the glorified Christ and His final kingdom. God would literally pull back the curtain of time to unveil to John’s mind those events that would lead to the end of human history and the final judgment.

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 1 2THINGS TO COME THE ALPHA AND OMEGA

THOUGHT The whole Bible is

about Jesus.

PASSAGE Revelation 19–21

WORD Jesus

And He said to me: “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” —Revelation 21:6

GENESIS REVELATIONHeaven and earth are created. A new heaven and earth appear.There is a garden. There is a holy city.The first Adam is married to Eve. The Second Adam, Jesus, is joined by

His Bride, the Church.Sin enters the world. Sin is destroyed.The Seed of the woman will be bruised. The Seed of the woman crushes Satan.

160

THE IMPENDING JUDGMENT

As the book of Revelation opens, John enters the throne room of heaven and sees a vision of the glorified

Son. Heavenly messengers deliver seven letters of rebuke and commendation to the churches of Asia Minor. At the end of chapter 3, the Church is not mentioned again until Revelation 19. The Rapture has taken the true believers out of the world. The Church has been delivered from the judgment that is coming. Those who are left are the ones who refused to accept Christ as Savior. With the church gone, there is no further restraint of evil. Judgment will come as the Tribulation begins.

THE TRIBULATION, THE ANTICHRIST AND THE FALSE PROPHET

The Tribulation is the seven-year period of time that precedes the Second Coming of Christ and His Glorious

Appearing. Evil will reach its highest pinnacle of horror as divine judgment is poured out on the earth. • The Tribulation will display the wrath

of God, the fury of Satan and the evil nature of man.

• A figure known as the Antichrist will rise to power and attempt to set up a one-world government.

• He will sign a covenant with Israel to ensure peace and security, but three-and-a-half years later he will revoke it (Daniel 9:27).

• He will be the most charismatic leader the world has ever known, promising peace, but pushing the world into war.

• He will be intelligent and persuasive (Daniel 7:20).

• He will control the global economy (Revelation 13:11–18) by ensuring peace through treaties, agreements and alliances.

• He will be controlled by Satan, the father of all lies (Revelation 13:4).

• He will plunge the world into the most catastrophic war of all times.

• His rise to power will be orchestrated by the False Prophet who will promote the worship of the Antichrist as God (Revelation 13:6–8).

• A mark on the right hand or on the forehead will be required to participate in any kind of buying or selling. The mark will consist of the number 666! Only those bearing this mark of “666” will have a chance of survival.

As the angel continues, John is about to see the first part of the Tribulation unfold before his eyes.

THE LAMB AND THE SCROLL

John looked at the One seated on the throne. In His hand, he saw a book with seven seals. An angel asks who is

worthy to open the scroll. There appears to be no one who can. One of the elders speaks to John to tell him the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, is worthy enough to open the scroll. John turned to see in front of the throne a Lamb who looked as if he had been slain. As the Lamb took the scroll, thousands and thousands of angels burst into song: “You are worthy to take the book and to open it” (Revelation 5:9).

J TWELVE

161

THE JUDGMENTS: THE SEALS, TRUMPETS AND BOWLS

The Tribulation will last for a period of seven years during which time God will send 144,000 Jewish witnesses

along with two others, possibly Moses and Elijah, to give people one more chance to trust Christ before He returns to the earth. The horror of all wars in history and all natural disasters will be nothing compared to what will happen during the Tribulation. One judgment should have been enough to send all people to their knees crying for mercy, but that does not happen. Therefore, God allows the earth to fall into complete chaos so that a remnant might be saved. • The Seals: Revelation 6

These judgments cover the first 21 months of the Tribulation as the Antichrist rises to power and deceives the world with diplomacy and economic peace. The first four seals are known as “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” During this time one quarter of the world’s population will die from famine, earthquakes, economic ruin and war.

• The Trumpets: Revelation 8–9 As the world falls into chaos, supernatural events will take place that almost defy comprehension. The trumpet judgments will be worse than those of the seals. Stars will fall out of the skies. One third of the earth will be burned; one third of the sea will become blood; one third of the fresh water on the earth will be poisoned; and demonized locusts will torture the living.

• The Bowls: Revelation 16 God will literally pour out His wrath on the face of the earth in the form of the bowl judgments. Disease will be rampant among the world’s population. All the sea will turn to blood. The sun will scorch mankind. An earthquake will destroy every city on the planet, and islands and mountain ranges will disappear. Finally, the judgment of the seals, trumpets and bowls will be finished as the earth lies in ruins.

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB (REVELATION 19:7–10)

Prior to the final confrontation at Armageddon, a scene takes place in heaven depicting the union of Christ

with His Bride, the Church. Following the Rapture of the Church, these believers have gone through judgment at the Bema of Christ. Their works have been tried in the fire and they have been cleansed and purified. These believers are now formally presented to Christ as in a ceremony and are ready to stand beside Him as He confronts Satan. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Church will be celebrated during the Millennium when Christ lives with His Bride in peace.

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON (REVELATION 19:11–16)

Next, armies from around the world gather to fight for superiority over one another. Satan has orchestrated

the event so as to confront the armies of heaven and destroy Israel, God’s chosen people. As John looks on, he sees a figure

JTWELVE

162

J TWELVE

on a white horse who is ready to make war (Revelation 19:11–16).• His eyes are like blazing fire.• On His head are many crowns.• His robe appears to have been dipped

in blood.• Behind Him are the armies of heaven

riding on white horses and dressed in fine white linen. They include angelic hosts, the Church, the Old Testament saints, and those saved during the Tribulation.

• Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword.

A warrior goes into battle with his sword drawn. Christ’s sword is His spoken word proceeding out of His mouth. The One who spoke the world into being (John 1:1–3) will now subdue Satan and the armies of the world with only His spoken word. There will be no need of tanks, planes, rockets or missiles. This King conquers by the power of His word. His victory is written on His robe: “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16). • The Beast and False Prophet are cast

into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).• Those who rejected Christ during the

Tribulation are slain (Revelation 19:21).• Satan is bound and thrown into the

bottomless pit for a period of 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).

THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM (REVELATION 20:1–10)

Christ will then begin His 1,000-year reign on earth in power and glory.

• The remnant of the Jews saved during the Tribulation will worship their

Messiah in the Millennial Temple filled with His glory (Ezekiel 43:4–5).

• Israel will worship her Messiah as a remnant of the Jews has been saved.

• The throne of David will be re-established and Israel will possess the land again.

• The earth will be transformed.• The desert will bloom and rain will fall

abundantly (Isaiah 30:23–24; 35:7).• The animal kingdom will lose its

predatory nature so the wolf can lie down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6–9). The curse of Genesis 3 will be lifted.

• People will be freed from physical disease and sickness (Isaiah 29:18).

SATAN IS LOOSED

At the end of the Millennium, Satan is set free for a time and allowed to tempt man to reject God. Even

after having lived under the righteous rule of Jesus, people will join Satan again in rebellion against God. Fire comes down from heaven to destroy Satan’s followers. Satan himself is cast into the lake of fire where the Beast and false prophet had been sent. There, they are tormented day and night forever and ever.

THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

This judgment takes place after Satan has been cast into the lake of fire. It does not involve Christians. The dead

are resurrected from their places of torment and now stand before the throne of Christ (Acts 17:31). This host of souls is judged by the very One they rejected. No one will be able to hide from His penetrating gaze

163

(Hebrews 4:13). Each will be judged on the basis of what is written in the books. • The Book of Law renders every man

guilty and condemned to death (Galatians 3:19–21) because Jesus said we would be judged not only on what we have done but also on what we have thought.

• There are books in which are recorded every deed done by every person (Revelation 20:12–13).

• The Lamb’s Book of Life bears the names of those who placed their faith in Christ for salvation (Revelation 21:27).

The courtroom is silent as the Judge opens the books and looks into the face of each defendant. He studies the records and is ready to hand down the verdict. There is no advocate for the condemned and no defense against the crimes committed. There is no mercy or shed blood to atone for the sins of these unbelievers. It is too late. Their rejection of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit proved to be the truly unpardonable sin. The Judge speaks: “Guilty as charged”—and sentences each defendant to the lake of fire. There can be no sin present where God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell in eternity. It is done! Jesus, the Son of the Living God, now rules for eternity.

JTWELVE

164164

J TWELVE

165

NOTE TO TEACHERS:This lesson has a great deal of information in it. Take a deep breath and dive in! If you prefer, you can break it down and teach in two lessons. This is easily done as the story of heaven continues into Journey 13. We are trying to give the students a broad overview of how God works out Satan’s final punishment and Jesus is crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This lesson is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 when now “the seed of the woman” crushes the head of the serpent.

Depending on the grade level you teach, you may choose to emphasize one event more than another. First and second graders will not like to hear the details of the Tribulation. The older students may be more interested in the details. The objective is to get each event lined up properly so that we can see the order in which they will take place.

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITIESWe are going to play a game called “Let’s Get It Straight.” Choose the group of ideas/events that best suits the age of your class. A. Prepare a set of cards with the names of foods we eat during the day. Mix the cards

up and lay them out on the floor. As everyone watches, choose a group of students to arrange them in the order we would probably eat them during the day. The foods could include oatmeal, cereal, orange juice, eggs, toast, bacon, sandwich, cookies, fruit, chips, fried chicken, green beans, rolls, baked potato, and apple pie.

B. Prepare a set of cards with the holidays during the year. Do the same thing as described above in terms of getting them mixed up and then reorganized in the proper order. Include New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.


GRADES 1–4THINGS TO COME THE ALPHA AND OMEGA


about Jesus.


WORD Jesus


166

J TWELVE GRADES 1–4

C. Prepare a set of cards with historical events and do the same things. Include the Pilgrims’ coming to America; the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George W. Bush is elected President, terrorist attack on 9/11, World War II, man reaches the moon, Jesus is born; Moses receives the Ten Commandments; Adam and Eve disobey God’s command.

SAY: Just as we put these notecards in the correct order, in today’s Bible lesson we are going to put in order all the events that are still to come when Jesus comes back to earth. We will see how fi nally Satan is punished for all the evil he has done. We are going to take a quick walk through the book of Revelation to see how these events unfold.

EXPLORING THE BIBLEA. THE BOOK OF REVELATIONExplain what a special book Revelation is and how God promises to bless those who read it. Remind the students who wrote it and who he was. [Have each student open his/her Bible and turn through the pages of Revelation as you point out where these events are described. This will only take a few minutes to do but it will give the students a general idea of how things will unfold. ] • Revelation 6–11; 15–18: The Tribulation• Revelation 19:7–9: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb• Revelation 19:11–16: Christ’s Second Coming (The Glorious Appearing)• Revelation 19:17–21: Battle of Armageddon• Revelation 20:1–3: Satan cast into bottomless pit for 1,000 years• Revelation 20:4–8: Christ’s 1,000-year reign• Revelation 20:7–10: Satan loosed; then thrown into lake of fi re• Revelation 20:11–15: Great White Throne Judgment• Revelation 21–22: A new heaven and a new earth; eternity

B. GOD’S TIMELINEProvide the students with paper on which they can draw a timeline of coming events. This timeline will run from the book of Genesis through the book of Revelation.

Refer to the Bible Background information as you choose the events you want your class to post on their timeline. They can draw symbols, write words or use pre-pared labels to place on their timeline. Younger students can track 5–8 events. Here are some events to use.

167

JGRADES 1–4 TWELVE

Events to locate on the timeline:• Creation and The Fall• The Flood• Moses/The Ten Commandments• Jesus’ Birth• Jesus’ Crucifi xion And Resurrection• Jesus’ Return To Heaven• The Growth of the Church• The Rapture• World Disasters (the Tribulation)• Satan’s Final Defeat• Jesus, The Alpha and Omega (Revelation 21:6)• A new heaven and earth (Revelation 21–22)

THE CROSSROADSSAY: We are in the fi nal countdown! Judgment Day is coming! Are you ready? Explain how the early church greeted each other with the word maranatha, which may be translated: “Lord, come quickly.” Are you ready to see Jesus return? If not, you can be. [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Alpha and Omega EtchingSupplies: Blank cardstock sheets, 5” x 5” craft foil, preprinted sheet with symbols for “Alpha” and “Omega” and trimmed to 5” x 5”, ballpoint pens, tape or glue sticks, markers and religious stickers• Distribute pens, tape or glue sticks, markers and stickers to each Huddle Group.• Provide each student with a cardstock sheet, foil square and preprinted tracer sheet.• Instruct the students to lay the tracer sheet over the foil square. Using the ballpoint

pen, have the students follow the preprinted design, pressing hard to imprint the design onto the foil.

• Next, tape or glue the completed etching onto the center of the cardstock.• Have the students write

“… I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” —Revelation 21:6

on the cardstock and decorate as desired with markers and stickers.• Have the students keep this reminder of God’s plan for their lives from beginning to

end. All they need to do is receive Jesus as their Savior and then learn to do what the Bible teaches about honoring God with their lives.

168

J

HUDDLE GROUP: Final CountdownUSE the following questions to start a lively discussion about where we are in terms of when Jesus may return. • Looking at the timeline, where would you put us today?

(between the Cross and the Rapture)• What is the next major thing to happen? (the Rapture)• When will it happen? (no one knows)• From the looks of the timeline will we be here on earth during the Tribulation?

Why or why not? (no, because of the Rapture)• What does God expect us to be doing while we wait for His return? (witnessing,

studying His Word, worshipping Him, doing good works to honor Christ; looking forward to His coming)

• Can you think of anyone you want to share the Gospel with before it’s too late?

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What book provides an account of Creation? (Genesis)2. What book describes the destruction of the earth? (Revelation)3. Who is the father of lies? (Satan)4. What does the Lamb’s Book of Life contain? (the names of the saved)5. Where does Satan fi nally end up? (The lake of fi re)6. Who crushes his head? (Jesus)7. What title is given to Jesus when He comes to defeat Satan? (King of Kings and Lord

of Lords)

168

TWELVE GRADES 1–4

169

NOTE TO TEACHERS:This lesson has a great deal of information in it. Take a deep breath and dive in! If you prefer, you can break it down and teach in two lessons. This is easily done as the story of heaven continues into Journey 13. We are trying to give the students a broad overview of how God works out Satan’s final punishment and Jesus is crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This lesson is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 when now “the seed of the woman” crushes the head of the serpent.

Depending on the grade level you teach, you may choose to emphasize one event more than another. First and second graders will not like to hear the details of the Tribulation. The older students may be more interested in the details. The objective is to get each event lined up properly so that we can see the order in which they will take place. John’s Revelation is an amazing story and those who read it are promised a special blessing (Revelation 1:3). If you are interested, an excellent visual resource and commentary is Charting the End Times by Tim LaHaye, Harvest House Publishers, 2001.

INTRODUCTIONBegin the introduction by asking the students how their week went. Ask them if they had any opportunities to share their faith in Christ with someone else. Encourage them to always look for opportunities to share the love of God with others.

Transition to today’s passage by explaining that the book of Revelation is God revealing more about Himself to us.


GRADES 5–6THINGS TO COME THE ALPHA AND OMEGA


about Jesus.


WORD Jesus


170

J TWELVE GRADES 5–6

TRUTHA. THE BOOK OF REVELATIONExplain what a special book Revelation is and how God promises to bless those who read it. Remind the students who wrote it and who he was. [Have each student open his/her Bible and turn through the pages of Revelation as you point out where these events are described. This should only take a couple of minutes, but it will establish that what you are about to tell them comes directly from God’s Word.] • Revelation 6–11; 15–18: The Tribulation• Revelation 19:7–9: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb• Revelation 19:11–16: Christ’s Second Coming (The Glorious Appearing)• Revelation 19:17–21: Battle of Armageddon• Revelation 20:1–3: Satan cast into bottomless pit for 1,000 years• Revelation 20:4–8: Christ’s 1,000-year reign• Revelation 20:7–10: Satan loosed; then thrown into lake of fire• Revelation 20:11–15: Great White Throne Judgment• Revelation 21–22: A new heaven and a new earth; eternity

B. GOD’S TIMELINEGive each student a note card and have him or her draw a time line on it. Tell each one that today we will complete the time line by adding different events.

Refer to the Bible Background information to choose the details you want to share. Have the students add to their own individual timeline. Review what should already be on the timeline: creation, flood, cross, resurrection, Rapture, and the Bema. Work through today’s events in this order. [Not too much detail!]• The Tribulation (with seals, trumpets, bowls)• The Marriage Supper of the Lamb• The Battle of Armageddon• Christ’s 1,000-Year Reign• The Loosing of Satan• The Great White Throne Judgment• Eternity

NOW WHAT?We are in the final countdown! Judgment Day is coming! [Let the students help as you put the finishing touches on the butcher paper timeline. You may want several students to hold it up so you can review the events one more time.] Ask the following questions to get the class thinking about where we are now and what we should expect.• Looking at the timeline, where are we today? (between the Cross and the Rapture)• What is the next major thing to happen? (the Rapture)• When will it happen? (no one knows)

171

JGRADES 5–6 TWELVE

• From the looks of the timeline will we be here on earth during the Tribulation? Why or why not? (no, because of the Rapture)

• What does God expect us to be doing while we wait for the Rapture? (witnessing, studying God’s Word, worshipping Him, doing good works to honor Christ; looking forward to His coming)

• Explain how the early church greeted each other with Maranatha, which may be translated: “Lord, come quickly.” Are you ready to see Christ come in the clouds? If not, you can be. [Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer.]

CONNECTIONSome people do not believe that Satan exists. The Bible says he does (Ephesians 2:2; John 12:31). Use the following as discussion questions.• Why did Satan think he could defeat God? (pride)• What historical events illustrate the presence of Satan’s activity in this world?• How have you been touched by evil? • Where do you see sin in your own life?• How do you cooperate with Satan on a daily basis?• When did Satan confront Jesus? (in the wilderness after Jesus was baptized)• Why did Satan finally leave Jesus alone? (He would not give in to Satan; He quoted

Scripture back to him.)• What can you do to destroy the influence of Satan in this world?• Will Satan win in the end? How do you know? (Revelation 20:10)

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What book provides an account of Creation? (Genesis)2. What book describes the destruction of the earth? (Revelation)3. In what book did Paul write about the Rapture? (1 Thessalonians)4. What is the Tribulation? (The destruction of the earth)5. Where do believers receive their rewards? (Bema)6. What numbers reveal the mark of the Antichrist? (6–6–6)7. Who is the father of lies? (Satan)8. What does the Lamb’s Book of Life contain? (the names of the saved)9. Where does Satan finally end up? (The lake of fire)10. Who crushes his head? (Jesus)11. What title is given to Jesus when He comes to defeat Satan? (King of Kings and Lord

of Lords)

172

J

172

TWELVE GRADES 5–6

13HOME AT LAST!

A N E W H E AV E N A N D A N E W E A R T H

174174

175

OUR ETERNAL STATE

John describes in Revelation 21 a new heaven and a new earth. The old heaven and earth created in Genesis

are now gone, perhaps destroyed by fire as described in 2 Peter 3:12. The heaven Peter is speaking about is the heaven around and above the earth where the birds fly. This had been the domain of Satan and his demons for a short time after the Millennium and must now be cleansed and purified before the new earth can be put in place.

As John watches, the New Jerusalem, God’s holy city, comes down out of heaven in radiant beauty. Our eternal home is described in Revelation 21–22. • Everything is new and beautiful (21:1).• There is no longer the curse of sin

(22:3).• There is no need for the sun to shine

(22:5). Jesus is its light!• There will be no night, only day (21:25).• Believers are able to see the Father

face-to-face and have fellowship with Him (22:4).

• This is the place where the Bride of Christ, the Church will live forever (21:9–11).

• The city is like a cube with a height, width and length of 1,500 miles surrounded by a wall made out of jasper (Revelation 21:18).

• There are 12 gates, three on each side of the wall. Each gate is a large pearl and the streets are purest gold (Revelation 21:21).

• On each gate is written one of the names of the 12 tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob (Revelation 21:12).

• The foundation of the city wall appears as 12 layers of precious stones, each one in rich, vibrant colors (Revelation 21:19–20).

• There is no temple in the city because nothing separates Christ from those He has brought to His Father’s house (Revelation 21:22).

• The angel shows John a river of life that flows from God’s throne (Revelation 22:1).

• The Tree of Life, last seen in the Garden

BIBLE BACKGROUND

J O U R N E Y 1 3HOME AT LAST! A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH

THOUGHT Jesus is preparing a

home for us.

PASSAGES John 14:1–6;

Revelation 20–22

WORD Home

The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the Lamb.

—Revelation 21:23

176

of Eden, is now present in the Holy City (Revelation 22:22).

• Paradise has been recreated. All that was lost in the Fall has been restored by the Lamb.

JOHN, WRITE WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN!

Once the revelation was completed, John fell to his feet to worship the angel who had ushered him through

the Tribulation, the Millennium, and now into eternity. The angel rebuked John for such worship, saying that he, too, was a servant like John. The angel told John not to seal up the message, but to faithfully write down everything he had seen.

• For hundreds of years, people from every generation have read this account and waited for the Lord to return. Yet, Jesus has not come for His Bride. The time must be growing short. The signs all point to Him coming soon! John told us that Jesus is coming quickly and His rewards are in His hand. Therefore,

• The undecided must decide!• The witnesses must witness!• The servants must get busy serving!

All eternity hangs in the balance. Not one day should be wasted. This could be

the day He comes!

10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEAVEN

There are many things about heaven the Bible does not describe. We can only imagine what waits for us

there. However, there are some things we can know. Here are 10 frequently asked questions about heaven.12

1. Is heaven a real place or just a state of mind?• John 14:2–3: Jesus said He was going

to get a place ready for His disciples. That place is heaven with its own physical location.

• Acts 1:9–11: Jesus left this place on His way to another place.

• 2 Corinthians 12:2–3: There is a third heaven where God lives beyond the first heaven where the birds fly and the second heaven that contains the sun, moon, stars and planets.

2. Where do Christians go when they die?• 2 Corinthians 5:8: When a Christian

dies, he/she is immediately taken into the presence of the Lord.

• Luke 23:43: Jesus told the repentant thief on the cross that he would be with Him in Paradise that very day.

• John 14:1–3: The heaven that will be our eternal home is still under construction.

12 Adapted from sermon notes, “The Truth About Heaven,” Dr. Robert Jeffress, First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX. January 20, 2008.

J THIRTEEN

177

3. What happens to an unbeliever when he/she dies? • The unbeliever goes to a place called

Hades, which is hell, as described in Luke 16:23. After the Great White Throne judgment, all unbelievers will be resurrected and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).

4. What is the difference between the Millennial Kingdom and the New Heaven and the New Earth?• Revelation 20 describes the 1,000-year

rule of Christ where the earth is remade and we reign with Him in peace after the Tribulation.

• In Revelation 21, God has created a new heaven and a new earth where believers will live with Him throughout all eternity. It is a beautiful city with streets of gold.

5. Will we know each other in heaven?After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared to hundreds of people who recognized Him in His heavenly body. We will have bodies like Jesus with flesh and bones and yet not be limited by space or time. Just like people recognized Jesus, we will be able to recognize one another but our relationships in heaven will be different.

6. How old will we be in heaven?The Bible is silent on this issue. Even though Jesus was about 33 years old when He died, there is no mention in Scripture about us being the same age in our heavenly state. This is something we will discover when we get there.

7. Will there be animals in heaven?There are references to animals in the Millennial Kingdom when the wolf lies down with the lamb. Jesus rode into battle with Satan on a white horse. Our special relationships with pets are gifts from God to enjoy while we are on earth. 8. Will there be marriage in heaven?Jesus was very clear on this subject when the Sadducees asked Him about this. In Mark 12:24–25 Jesus says there is no marriage in heaven because we will be like angels who do not marry or are given in marriage. A husband or wife will recognize one another but their relationship will be different; it will be heavenly.

9. What will we do in heaven?• Revelation 22:5 says that we will reign

with Christ doing whatever He asks us to do.

• As Genesis explains, we were created in God’s image and God is always an active agent for good, for right and for service. It would seem He would have us be active, too, in the same ways.

• To every believer, the Holy Spirit has given special capacities known as spiritual gifts to use in service to Him. There will be much to do as we worship Christ and our gifts may play into that.

10. Are Christians in heaven aware of what is happening on earth?There is a passage in Revelation 6:9–10 that talks about those who trusted Christ during the Tribulation and were killed for their faith. When the fifth seal judgment is opened, these martyrs ask God how long He will allow this persecution to go on before destroying Satan. It would appear

JTHIRTEEN

178

J THIRTEEN

from this that the dead do know something about what happens on earth, but there is no defi nitive statement about this in the Bible.

Often the passage in Hebrews 12:1–2 is taken to mean that those who have gone on before us are gathered around peering down over the edge of Paradise to watch what we do. This passage should be interpreted in a diff erent light. The “great cloud of witnesses” is a reference to the

heroes of the faith described in Chapter 11. Their faithfulness is to be a source of constant encouragement to us. We are not the fi rst to struggle with problems and diffi cult situations. Others have come before us who did the same thing. They remained steadfast and true to their calling and so can we.

178

179

INTRODUCTIONSAY: We want to get the students talking about home and how good it feels to come home after a long trip. • Discuss with the students trips or vacations they have taken that took them away from

home for a long period of time. • Ask them to describe how they felt when they made it back home, slept in their bed,

put on their favorite clothes and saw their friends again, etc. • Listen to their comments about how good it felt to be home again.• Then say: “That’s how we will feel when we get to heaven. We will know that we’re

home! We’re home at last! “

TRANSITION to the lesson by saying that today we are going to talk about our eternal home—heaven—and what it will be like. • The Bible is silent on many of the details. There may be questions you have that we

cannot answer. • It is important to remember: We should never trade what we know about heaven for

what we don’t know. • God has remained silent on many things. However, the things we do know are the

most important, like—“How can someone be sure he/she will go to heaven?” • Let’s dive into God’s Word and find out some things we did not know.

EXPLORING THE BIBLE: Revelation 21–22Not only did John get to see the wars, earthquakes, disease, and destruction of the end times, he also got to see the beauty of heaven and how we will spend eternity. Let’s read the description of what John saw and then we are going to draw pictures of what we think heaven might look like. Listen to the details as we read.


GRADES 1–4HOME AT LAST! A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH


home for us.


Revelation 20–22

WORD Home


—Revelation 21:23

180

J THIRTEEN GRADES 1–4

• Verses 21:1–3: The Holy City, the new Jerusalem• Verse 21:4: What will not be in Heaven• Verses 21:9–10: The Church, the Bride of Christ• Verses 21:9–14, 21: The radiance of God, the city wall, the gates of pearl• Verses 21:15–17: The length, width, and height of the city made as a cube;

each of the three measurements being 1,500 miles• Verses 21:19–21: The foundation of the city composed of 12 layers of

precious stones.• Verses 22:1–5: The throne of God, the river of life, the tree of life and the Lamb

with angels and resurrected believers worshiping constantly, the 24 elders and the four living creatures in Revelation 4

Supply the students with some art supplies to draw a picture of what they think heaven might look like. Allow about 15 minutes to do this. You may need to help some who need inspiration. Tell them to reread the verses if they need some ideas. Allow them to work alone or with one or two others.• They can draw pictures of loved ones who have died.• They can include mansions and streets of gold, angels singing and fl ying, the

throne of God, etc. • They can draw the wall/gates/foundations of the city around heaven with its

many colors. HUDDLE GROUP 1: What Will It Be Like?Once this art activity has been completed, gather them in a circle and let them share what they have drawn. • Comment on their creativity and their understanding about what they read in

Chapters 21 and 22.• Then tell them that you want them to ask you any question they may have about

heaven. • Explain that you may not have the answer because the Bible just doesn’t tell us

everything about what it will be like. Some things we are just going to have to fi nd out when we get there.

• Be alert to any student that expresses fear or worry about going to heaven.• Describe the joy of being in the presence of Jesus. We won’t need any other light

than the glory that shines from Him. • Use the information in the Bible Background about 10 frequently asked questions

about heaven. Ask them what they think and then share the answers found in Scripture.

181

JGRADES 1–4 THIRTEEN

THE CROSSROADSClose the session by sharing with them your desire to see each one of them in heaven so that you can spend eternity together with Jesus.• Ask them to tell you how they think they can get to heaven. • Assure them that it’s not by being good or doing good deeds.• Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer. • Allow several children to volunteer to lead in prayer.

HUDDLE GROUP 2: Let’s Do it!

“The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the Lamb.”

Have the students join hands as a sign of the union we share in Christ. Repeat the key verse together and then sing any hymn or chorus you think appropriate. Remind the students of what Jesus said—“We are the light of the world.” He wants us to share His love with others by telling them about Him. [Tell them all to put one hand in middle like athletes ready to go out and play a game. Then do some kind of a crazy yell or cheer and say— “LET’S DO IT!”]

BIBLE LEARNING PROJECT: Eternity BraceletsSupplies: Kit with bead cord, pony beads in black, red, white, blue, green and yellow; “Six Colors of Salvation” Card• Provide each student with a kit and a “Six Colors of Salvation” card.• Instruct the students to thread each bead in the order listed below.• Explain the meaning of each bead as you go, using the explanation card.

» Black – Our Sin (For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. —Romans 3:23)

» Red – Jesus’ Blood (While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8)

» White – Clean (Wash me thoroughly…and cleanse me from my sin. —Psalm 51:2)

» Blue – Baptism (Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ. —Acts 2:38)

» Green – Grow (Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. —2 Peter 3:18)

» Yellow – Heaven (But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23)

182

J

• Help the students tie the bracelet around their wrist and let them practice sharing their faith as they describe the meaning of each bead. They can refer to the explanation card until they are able to do it on their own.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What is another word for heaven? (home)2. Why will there be no sun or moon in heaven? (Jesus is the Light.)3. What kind of bodies will we have in heaven? (like that of Jesus)4. Whose names are written on the gates of heaven? (the 12 tribes)5. What is the name of the city in heaven that will be remade? (Jerusalem)6. What is Jesus building for us in heaven? (mansions)7. How does one get to heaven? (personal faith in Christ)8. Can being a good person get you to heaven? (no) Why? (The Bible says that it is only

through Christ.)9. Will we know each other in heaven? How do you know? (The disciples knew Jesus.)10. What will we do in heaven? (Worship Jesus.)

182

THIRTEEN GRADES 1–4

183

INTRODUCTIONDiscuss with the students trips or vacations they have taken that took them away from home for a long period of time. Ask them to describe how they felt when they finally made it back home, slept in their bed, put on their favorite old clothes and saw their friends again, etc. Listen to their comments about how good it felt to be home again. Then say: “That’s how we will feel when we get to heaven. We will know that we’re home! We’re home at last! “

Transition to the lesson by saying that today we are going to talk about our eternal home—heaven and what it will be like. The Bible is silent on many of the details. There may be questions you have that we cannot answer. It is important to remember: We should never trade what we know about heaven for what we don’t know. God has remained silent on many things. However, the things He has revealed to those who wrote the Bible are the most important things for now.

TRUTHNot only did John get to see the wars, earthquakes, disease, and destruction of the end times, he also got to see the beauty of heaven and how we will spend eternity. Let’s read the description of what John saw and then we are going to draw pictures of what we think heaven might look like. Listen to the details as we read.• Verses 21:1–3: The Holy City, the new Jerusalem• Verse 21:4: What will not be in Heaven• Verses 21:9–10: The Church, the Bride of Christ• Verses 21:9–14, 21: The radiance of God, the city wall, the gates of pearl• Verses 21:15–17: The length, width, and height of the city made as a cube;

each of the three measurements being 1,500 miles


GRADES 5–6HOME AT LAST! A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH


home for us.


Revelation 20–22

WORD Home


—Revelation 21:23

184

J THIRTEEN GRADES 5–6

• Verses 21:19–21: The foundation of the city composed of 12 layers of precious stones.

• Verses 22:1–5: The throne of God, the river of life, the tree of life and the Lamb with angels and resurrected believers worshiping constantly, the 24 elders and the four living creatures in Revelation 4

Discuss with the students about what they think heaven might look like. Allow about 15 minutes to do this. You may need to help some who need inspiration. Tell them to reread the verses if they need some ideas. Allow them to work alone or with one or two others. NOW WHAT?Close the session by sharing with them your desire to see each one of them in heaven so that you can spend eternity together with Jesus.• Ask them to tell you how they think they can get to heaven. • Assure them that it’s not by being good or doing good deeds.• Share the plan of salvation and close in prayer. • Allow several children to volunteer to lead in prayer.

CONNECTIONREFER to the Bible Background section and use the 10 most frequently asked questions about heaven to start your discussion. ASK the students what they think are the answers to these questions. LISTEN carefully to their responses and then clarify.

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What is another word for heaven? (home)2. Why will there be no sun or moon in heaven? (Jesus is the Light.)3. What kind of bodies will we have in heaven? (like that of Jesus)4. Whose names are written on the gates of heaven? (the 12 tribes)5. What is the name of the city in heaven that will be remade? (Jerusalem)6. What is Jesus building for us in heaven? (mansions)7. How does one get to heaven? (personal faith in Christ)8. Can being a good person get you to heaven? (no) Why? (The Bible says that it is only

through Christ)9. Will we know each other in heaven? How do you know? (The disciples knew Jesus.)10. What will we do in heaven? (Worship Jesus.)

THE COMING KING - Prestonwood Baptist Church · THE COMING KING GPS CURRICULUM ... • Large-group...

Documents

Transcript of THE COMING KING - Prestonwood Baptist Church · THE COMING KING GPS CURRICULUM ... • Large-group...