Connecting the Dots. an overview of the Bible in stories. 2005, 2016 Louise Holzhauer

Transcription

1 Connecting the Dots an overview of the Bible in stories 2005, 2016 Louise Holzhauer

2 Connecting the Dots an overview of the Bible in stories Table of Contents Page Week 1 - Creation & Fall 1 Week 2 - Noah & the Ark 8 Week 3 - Abraham & Isaac 15 Week 4 - Joseph & His Brothers 22 Week 5 - Moses & the Red Sea 29 Week 6 - David & Goliath 36 Week 7 - Jonah & Daniel 43 Week 8 - Jesus, Birth & Baptism 50 Week 9 - Jesus, Miracles & Message 57 Week 10 - Jesus, Death & Resurrection 64 Week 11 - Apostles & Epistles 71 Week 12 - Revelation, Now & Not Yet 78 Maps 85 Timeline , 2016 Louise Holzhauer

3 Creation & Fall Week 1 - Day 1 The events in today s reading occurred untold eons before they were written down by Moses, a prophet of God (whom we will meet again in Week 5), around 1300 B.C. A spirit of mystery and of majesty pervades the text which is appropriate as we reach back into the timeless past toward Creation... Do not trouble yourself now about the scientific details (which are not in the text); enjoy the poetic beauty of the narrative and discover its inherent themes. Genesis means beginning. You are about to read the beginning of the Bible. You are about to read the beginning of everything. Read Genesis 1: The first four words of Chapter 1 are significant in and of themselves. Write them out: 2. Put yourself in the strange world that existed in verse 2 and describe it: 3. List the things which were created on the first four days: Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: 4. Describe the differences between the world that existed in verse 2 and the one that existed in verse 19. Is anything the same? Creation & Fall Page 1

4 Week 1 - Day 2 Yesterday you read about the first four days of Creation. God spoke and the world was. The ocean rose and fell in time with the moon s phases and the trees bore fruit of every kind. Yet all was empty, all was waiting for God to speak again. Read Genesis 1: What was created on the 5 th and then the 6 th, pinnacle day of Creation? Day 5: Day 6: 2. In what way was man different from everything that was created before (see verses 26 & 27)? What do you think this means? 3. God blessed the people that He created and gave them the rest of His Creation to use and to care for (verse 28). How do you see the same blessing and responsibility in your own life? 4. What is man given to eat? (This will change later.) 5. What benediction does God pronounce over all of Creation, including man, in verse 31? Creation & Fall Page 2

5 Week 1 - Day 3 The world was created from nothing: plants and animals, fish and birds, last and most amazing, humankind. God saw that all of it was good, without dissension or destruction or death. Chapter 2 of Genesis describes Day 7 of Creation and then flashes back to give a more detailed account of the creation of man on Day 6. If last is best in the creation order, pay special attention to God s final creation! Read Genesis 2: Describe in your own words what God did and decreed on Day 7 of Creation (see verses 2 and 3): 2. Of what two substances was man formed (verse 7)? What spiritual significance might these have? 3. What is the first thing in all of Creation that was not good? 4. Although we can tend to read it with a cynical eye, the creation of woman is a beautiful and a very intimate scene. Describe the relationship which is portrayed in verses 22-25: 5. Why do you think that the man and woman were not ashamed of their nakedness? Creation & Fall Page 3

6 Week 1 - Day 4 Genesis 3 is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible. It records what has come to be known as the fall of man, man s great disobedience and its consequences. Up until now everything in Creation lived in harmony, reveled in beauty, feasted on bounty, enjoyed perfect intimacy with fellow creatures and with God. We do not know how long this period lasted, whether moments or decades or more, but it was not long enough! Read Genesis 3: The Bible later identifies the serpent as Satan, who leads the whole world astray. (Rev. 12:9) We assume that Satan chose the form of a familiar presence in the garden to allay suspicion. What is his defining characteristic (verse 1)? 2. Satan begins by questioning God (verse 1) and ends by contradicting Him (verse 4). What did he promise to the woman if she would eat the fruit (verse 5)? 3. Unknown in the Garden until now, shame enters right after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. (Nowhere is it called an apple!) What evidences of shame do you see in this passage? 4. If God knows everything, why would He call out to the man and woman, saying Where are you? and asking Have you eaten...? (Hint: if you questioned a disobedient child in such a way, even though you already knew the truth, what would your reasons be?) Creation & Fall Page 4

7 Week 1 - Day 5 Adam and Eve failed the test, listened to a lying serpent, disobeyed God. As a result they began to feel shame and hid themselves from each other by making clothes and from God by taking cover in the Garden. Finally, they began to play the blame game until no one s crime was hidden any longer. Consequences to follow. Read Genesis 3: Although we tend to focus on the physical aspects of our own lives, we all have a hidden, spiritual life, too. The Bible continually invites us to look for the spiritual behind and beyond the physical. Each of the consequences decreed for serpent, man and woman is literal, but they have deeper, spiritual counterparts, as well. What will the serpent eat? Who is made of dust (verse 19) and what might that imply? 2. One of the most far-reaching consequences of humankind s disobedience is actually found in verse 15, which will be explored more fully as a group. What do you see as the central concept of verse 15? 3. Adam and Eve had clothed themselves with leaves, previously. What does God use to clothe them in verse 21? Does anything surprise you about that? 4. What is the final and greatest consequence that is given to man in verse 19? (Think about it.) Help! I ve fallen and I can t get up! Creation & Fall Page 5

8 For Group Discussion The following questions will be discussed as a group. Look them over ahead of time and make notes on your thoughts. Also record anything of significance to you during your group meeting. 1. What do you think it means to be made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)? 2. When Satan offered Eve the chance to be like God, was he offering her something that she didn t already have? 3. Have you ever heard lies whispered in your ear? What are some of the lies that you tend to believe? 4. Since the introduction of disobedience, deceit, selfishness, blame-shifting and shame, do you think man is still made in the image of God? 5. Looking over Genesis 3:14-24, what are some of the different types of barriers and separations which occurred as a consequence of the fall? 6. Did Adam and Eve receive the promised penalty for their disobedience? Can you see the vague promise of a battle and a victory in Genesis 3:15? Creation & Fall Page 6

9 Notes & Prayer Requests Creation & Fall Page 7

10 Noah & the Ark Week 2 - Day 1 The story of Noah has delighted countless children with its happy imagery of a floating zoo. The challenge for you will be to get beyond that stereotype to the drama and the agony of real people undergoing tremendous disaster and to find meaning for your own life today. The following events occurred eons ago, when the earth was a different place and men lived hundreds of years... Read Genesis 6: At this time, the world was clearly divided into two camps which ought not to have mixed. No one knows exactly who the sons of God were possibly fallen angels or a godly line of descendants from Adam and Eve who married into unbelieving families. What consequence does God impose and why (verse 3)? 2. From the whole chapter, describe the general condition of the heart and life of man at this time: 3. In what ways was Noah different from the people around him? 4. A cubit was about 18 inches long. Therefore the ark was about 450 feet in length and equal to the capacity of 522 standard, railroad boxcars (The MacArthur Study Bible. Word Publishing, 1997, p. 25.) How many people did it carry? 5. What did God promise, or covenant with all the creatures contained inside? Noah & the Ark Page 8

11 Week 2 - Day 2 It took Noah one hundred years to build the gigantic, three-story ark. All that time, ignorance and evil raged around him in the world. 2 Peter tells us that Noah was a preacher, trying to convince his careless neighbors that God meant business! Imagine how they might have reacted to him. Imagine how he must have felt about the coming destruction. Imagine the strength of his faith in God to keep on building. Read Genesis 7: God specified that more of certain animals were to be taken than of others. We will find out why later on. How many of each type were taken? Clean : Unclean : 2. Who brought the animals into the ark (verses 6:20 and 7:9)? Who shut the door behind them all (7:16)? 3. As far as we know, what did people and all the animals eat at this point? (Certainly helps with the predator problem!) 4. Describe in your own words, the world that must have existed within the moving walls of that huge warehouse of life: Noah & the Ark Page 9

12 Week 2- Day 3 Noah and as many as 80,000 animals (some of the larger ones were surely represented by babies of their species) and insects filled the ark. As large as it was, there must have been days when it was not large enough! When Noah s family was safely inside, the flood waters began to rise. Read Genesis 7:17-8:12 1. Reread verse 7:22. By what method did God extinguish His creatures, including man, which were not on the ark? In what ways is this an un-creation when compared to Genesis 2:7? 2. Do you think this was a just sentence? Why or why not? 3. A raven is independent, an intelligent forager and eats just about anything. The dove is pickier, more delicate and more easily domesticated. Do you see the logic of Noah s choices for his advance scouting parties? 4. The symbol of a dove and olive branch has always been one of peace, originating with this story (see verse 8:11). What kind(s) of peace do you think it symbolizes here? Noah & the Ark Page 10

13 Week 2 - Day 4 Noah and his family lived in the ark for over a year, presumably caring for the thousands of animals inside. In all that time they had not seen a tree or a building or another human being (of which there were none). And they had not set foot on dry land for all that time until now. What would YOU want to do first? Read Genesis 8: What parallels do you see between God s instructions in verses and His instructions to Adam at Creation in Genesis 1:28? 2. Although we skipped the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, it also involved people bringing an offering to God of the things which they had made or cared for. God had apparently given some instructions regarding offerings; some are more acceptable to God than others. For example Noah chooses an offering of the clean animals - which is one reason why more of them were brought along. What do you think this act of offering meant to Noah? 3. Later, in the New Testament, people themselves are described as a fragrant aroma to God, and their prayers as incense. What do you think Noah s offering meant to God? 4. Have you ever offered anything to God? If so, what was it? Noah & the Ark Page 11

14 Week 2 - Day 5 Noah and his family gratefully, and perhaps shakily, left their ark home with all its living cargo and offered their worship to God. The world was different than the one they left, and there was much to do and to endure. God, for His part, gave them a housewarming gift of radiant beauty and lasting promise. Read Genesis 9: Man s relationship to the animals is altered now. What two new conditions do you see implemented in verses 2 and 3? 2. In addition to some possible health concerns in consuming animal blood, Noah is to avoid the blood for its significance. What spiritual significance does the blood have (verse 4)? 3. Why is murder prohibited, and what is the penalty? 4. What is the everlasting covenant which God reaffirms when we see the rainbow in the clouds? A covenant is God s gracious promise to be true to His word, even when we are not true to ours. Noah & the Ark Page 12

15 For Group Discussion 1. Compare and contrast the following concepts from the story of Creation and the story of Noah: the significance of family: man s heart and obedience: God s judgment: man s rescue: 2. Can you see aspects of both gratitude and appeasement in Noah s offering? What is the significance of God s response? 3. Don t you suppose there were others who tried to build themselves a boat in those last, desperate days? When you find yourself going under, what kinds of boats (if any) do you try to build for yourself instead of turning to God? 4. What does the rainbow symbolize to you both in this story of Noah and in your own life? Noah & the Ark Page 13

16 Notes & Prayer Requests Noah & the Ark Page 14

17 Abraham & Isaac Week 3 - Day 1 Ten generations have passed since the flood. Disobedience and immorality have once again flourished in the world, but God has remained true to His promise not to bring another watery end. Instead, He begins to work in a new way in the life of a childless merchant called Abram, a citizen of the world s capital city, Ur. We begin to be able to date our story now from recorded history - approximately 2000 years B.C. Read Genesis 11:31-12:9 1. What were the things that Abram had to leave behind in Ur? 2. What did Abram stand to gain from following God s call? 3. When Abram reaches the far-off land of Canaan, what does he do there? 4. There are really two parts to the promise which the Lord reiterates in verse 7. Can you see them? 5. Would you call Abram reckless? Foolish? Wise? What do you think motivated Abram to leave everything and tramp around in the desert with his wife and nephew? Abraham & Isaac Page 15

18 Week 3 - Day 2 God told Abram to leave Ur, the center of all civilization at that time, the city where writing was first invented and where Abram had prospered. Settling in Canaan, Abram prospered again, but he also grew old, and no child was born to him by his wife Sarai, a child which seemed to be part of God s promise. Read Genesis 15: What is the first thing God says to Abram in this passage? Why, do you imagine, He said that? 2. The custom at this time was that if a man had no children, he would choose a person born in his house, either a relative or even a trusted servant, to be the heir of his property. Why do you think Abram would rather have a son than a servant as his heir? 3. Verse 6 is very important, a concept which is repeated again and again throughout the Bible. Restate it in your own words. 4. We have already observed the concept of a covenant, a binding agreement, in the story of Noah. In Abram s time, the idea had become formalized, and royal treaties were often ratified by both parties walking between the pieces of sacrificial animals. This was to say symbolically, so may it be done to us, if we break our agreement. Abram surely expected to be asked to walk between the pieces. Instead, what happens - who walks between the pieces? What does that imply? Abraham & Isaac Page 16

19 Week 3 - Day 3 Abram has had some roller coaster years since he left his home and set up housekeeping in Canaan. We have skipped over some of his family problems and a military victory, as well. Abram has at least one child, although not by his wife (age 90), and a household of over three hundred retainers to care for. He has reached the ripe old age of ninety-nine, prosperous, but still without an heir and probably wondering about those promised descendants. Read Genesis 17: Since the days of Adam, God has not walked with his people like He did in the garden. However, He has communicated directly with Noah and now with Abram, neither of whom lived perfect lives. Why would you say He chose to talk with them specially? 2. What two things does God require of Abram in verse 1? 3. What does God promise to do for Abraham? 4. Abram means father and Abraham means father of a multitude. We have already seen that God requires obedience, that blood symbolizes life, that following God means both sacrifice and blessing, and, now, that God is going to set Abram s descendants apart for Himself. Explain how all these elements come together in circumcision: the sign of the covenant God is making with Abraham. Abraham & Isaac Page 17

20 Week 3 - Day 4 We covered untold thousands of years of history in the first nine chapters of Genesis. But the story of Abraham goes on for fifteen chapters! That gives you some idea of Abraham s importance in Biblical history. And of all the stories about Abraham, none is more important or more symbolic than the one you will begin reading today. Read Genesis 21:1-8; 22:1, 2 1. His parents waited a very long time for Isaac, sometimes expecting, sometimes doubting. What phrase is used to describe the timing of Isaac s arrival (21:2)? 2. We have seen that names are important to God. Isaac means laughter. Both Abraham and Sarah laughed at the idea that they would have a child in their golden years. How has their laughter changed now? 3. In view of your answers to 1 and 2, how would you describe Abraham s and Sarah s faith? 4. The second part of this story (22:1, 2) takes place when Isaac is a youth, when his father has come to love him for himself as well as for his promised existence. Both Adam and Noah underwent extraordinary tests of faith, but this... Such a thing has not been asked of a human being before or since. Can you imagine any more difficult test? What would you have been feeling? Abraham & Isaac Page 18

21 Week 3 - Day 5 Abraham received the ultimate test of his long and difficult life when God told him to take his son, Isaac, up to the mountains and sacrifice him. He appears, from the text, to have immediately and unquestioningly obeyed, believing that the story would somehow have a happy ending. Think about the spiritual implications of this narrative for your own life as you share the drama and terror of Abraham s and Isaac s situation. Read Genesis 22: How many days did Abraham have to ponder his fate while traveling toward Isaac s death? 2. Abraham knew that God required Isaac s sacrifice, so why does he lie in verses 5 and 8 or is He lying? Read Hebrews 11:17-19 which describes what went on in Abraham s mind and heart. What was it that got him up that mountain? 3. According to verse 12, what was the test that Abraham passed? Are you being, or have you ever been, asked to take a test of your faith, to surrender something important? If so, describe it. 4. How is the substitute sacrifice provided? Remember this for later! What God requires God supplies. Abraham & Isaac Page 19

22 For Group Discussion 1. We have skipped around in Abraham s life, missing some important events. It would be worth reading his whole story from Genesis 11 to 25 when you are able. What, just from our readings this week, would you say is Abraham s defining characteristic? What evidence makes you say this? 2. Reread Genesis 12:1-3. How will Abraham be blessed? Discuss how this is and isn t fulfilled in Abraham s lifetime. 3. Sarah s name went from Sarai, my princess, to Sarah, the royal title Princess which is what a queen or noblewoman would have been called by her people. Discuss Abraham s call, pro and con, from his wife s perspective. 4. The sacrifice of Isaac is virtually impossible to comprehend. It was a superhuman test which most, if not all, of us would fail. It is also difficult to understand how God could require it. In the end, of course, He didn t. What characteristics of God, both comprehensible and incomprehensible, do you find in this story which can also be seen in the stories of Adam and of Noah? 5. There is another perspective we have not considered: what it would be like to be Isaac. Are you willing to lie down on the altar, if God asks you to? Abraham & Isaac Page 20

23 Notes & Prayer Requests Abraham & Isaac Page 21

24 Joseph & His Brothers Week 4 - Day 1 You may be relieved to know that Isaac grew up without further incident and married a girl from back home in Mesopotamia. One of their sons, Jacob, was also known as Israel, a name which will eventually designate all Abraham s descendants. Following the custom of the day, Jacob married several women and had twelve sons in all. Rachel, Jacob s most beloved wife, had only two sons before she died, Joseph and Benjamin. As the story opens Benjamin is too young to mean much, but Joseph has stolen his father s heart and earned his brothers wrath. Read Genesis 37: Joseph was the second youngest of all his brothers, which means that the rest of them (besides Benjamin) were mature men. What motives could drive grown men to hate their young brother so much? 2. Describe, in your own words, the apparent meaning of Joseph s dreams. 3. What are the similarities in Jacob s reaction to Joseph s dreams and the brothers reaction to them? The difference? 4. Do you think that Joseph has done anything wrong here? Has Jacob? What character traits might need to be developed further in Joseph? Joseph & His Brothers Page 22

25 Week 4 - Day 2 Joseph is Jacob s most-loved son, and the Bible later says that the Lord was with Joseph, as well. His older brothers envied and hated him so that they could hardly speak to him, yet he seemed naively unaware of their thoughts. And that will prove a near-fatal mistake. Read Genesis 37: The brothers apparently recognized Joseph from afar because he was wearing the coat of many colors. What do you think it symbolized to them? 2. Reuben was the eldest brother. As a sort of surrogate father, he is the one most responsible for the actions of the rest. Why do you think he wanted to save Joseph? 3. Which brother thwarts Reuben s plan to rescue Joseph? (This must have been done a bit sneakily, while Reuben was away somewhere.) What do you think his motives are? 4. This is a pretty dysfunctional family, overall. In fact, all the families we have studied so far have had some big problems. Yet, God chose them out of all the families of the world to be immortalized in the Bible and to be the human ancestors of God s son, Jesus Christ. Why do you think He might have done that? Joseph & His Brothers Page 23

26 Week 4 - Day 3 We last saw Joseph slung on the back of a camel, in the company of Arab slavers, headed for Egypt. He s had a few ups and downs in the intervening years of slavery, but ultimately, he ended up in prison where an unusual and very useful talent has surfaced. Remember those dreams Joseph had as a child? Read Genesis 41: Pharaoh is king of one of the greatest nations ever to exist at this time, circa 1750 B.C. Dream-interpretation was a popular science in Egypt, and Joseph had some experience with it in his prison years. How would you have felt if Pharaoh had called you to interpret a dream? How does Joseph seem to feel? Why is that? 2. How does God use these dreams to aid the land of Egypt? 3. How does God use these dreams to aid Joseph? 4. What character qualities do you see in Joseph here? Do you note any difference from his younger years? If you see changes, what do you think caused them? Joseph & His Brothers Page 24

27 Week 4 - Day 4 Joseph experienced what can only be called a meteoric rise to power, from the depths of slavery and prison, to Pharaoh s right-hand man. He has probably been in Egypt about half his life now, and he has an Egyptian wife and family, too. But back home in Canaan, things weren t going so well... Joseph s brothers came to him in Egypt and bought grain for their family without recognizing that the great, Egyptian ruler was their long-lost brother! Only Benjamin did not go, and Joseph told them that if they returned, all the brothers must appear before him. Read Genesis 43:1-9; 43:24-44:12 1. Why do you think Joseph insisted that if the brothers returned, they had to bring Benjamin? 2. What prophecy is being fulfilled in verse 43:26? 3. In 43:8, 9 Judah offers himself to Jacob as insurance for Benjamin. In what way is Jacob unchanged? What changes do you see in Judah? 4. As the brothers are leaving Egypt for the second time with their life-saving grain, Joseph arranges a little surprise for them. He places his own valuable and recognizable ceremonial goblet into Benjamin s sack of grain and then accuses the brothers of stealing it. Why would Joseph want to do this? What could he be testing? Joseph & His Brothers Page 25

28 Week 4 - Day 5 Joseph s brothers can now expect imprisonment or even death, the very things they meant for Joseph so long ago. But having lived so many years with their secret guilt has brought some changes, and there is one great secret they do not yet know! As this passage opens, Joseph s cup has been found with Benjamin, and Judah is making good on his pledge to guarantee Benjamin s safe return to Canaan... Read Genesis 44:33-45:8 1. Judah reiterates his pledge to take Benjamin s place. What does he express as his motivation? 2. Before revealing himself, Joseph spoke to his brothers through an interpreter, watching them secretly, almost from afar. What things in this passage show you a growing intimacy as Joseph reveals himself? 3. After his reunion with his brothers, Joseph sent for Jacob also, and he lived in Egypt for seventeen years before he died. The brothers returned to Canaan to bury their father, but they wondered whether Joseph wouldn t take this new opportunity to exact his revenge. Read Genesis 50:15-26 Why does Joseph deal kindly with his brothers? God s purposes may be hidden, but they are never thwarted. Joseph & His Brothers Page 26

29 For Group Discussion 1. We have had to truncate Joseph s story a bit this week, and you are encouraged to go back and read it in its entirety (Genesis 37-50). What character qualities do you see as important and godly in this story, both in Joseph s character and the characters of others? 2. How do you see God s promises to Abraham (see Genesis 12:1-3) begin to be fulfilled through the life of Joseph? 3. What similarities do you see between Isaac s life and Joseph s? What differences? 4. Genesis 45:5 and 50:20 describe a very important Biblical principle. State it in your own words. 5. There seems to be a theme developing God s purposes accomplished through bitter trials and unexpected rescues. How do you see this principle in any of the stories we have read so far? Have you seen it in your life or the lives of others around you? Joseph & His Brothers Page 27

30 Notes & Prayer Requests Joseph & His Brothers Page 28

31 Moses & the Red Sea Week 5 - Day 1 God has chosen Himself a people, the seed of woman, the descendants of Noah, the children of Abraham. But these people have left the land God promised to give them for the prosperous but pagan kingdom of Egypt. During several hundred years there, they grew from a family into a nation. And then into that nation was born a man, Moses, (and his brother, Aaron) whom God would use to change history once again. Read Exodus 1:1-12; 3: In verse 1 we see that Jacob (Joseph s father) had another name meaning struggler or prevailer so that his children were known as: 2. From verse 7, how do you think Joseph s family was getting along in Egypt? Do you think they were in any danger of losing their separate heritage and becoming Egyptian? 3. What did Pharaoh want to accomplish in making slaves of the people? Did he achieve his goal? 4. The American church today has a pretty easy existence in the midst of an increasingly pagan culture. How do you imagine persecution would affect the church for good and for ill? 5. God reveals his name to Moses for the first time in the Bible, but we do know that names are significant to God. What do you feel is the significance of God s name? Moses & the Red Sea Page 29

32 Week 5 - Day 2 Moses obeyed God and asked Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt, but Pharaoh wasn t willing to lose his free labor supply. As a result, God sent nine plagues into the land, from freeranging frogs to inexplicable clouds of darkness. Still Pharaoh remained stubborn and he was losing his patience with Moses, too. Read Exodus 7:1-5, 10:27-11:10 1. Some have speculated that Moses stuttered or had some other speech impediment. In any case, Aaron did part of the talking for Moses (7:1,2). What do you gather is the job of a prophet? Have we met any other prophets in the Bible? 2. God makes a great distinction between Israel and Egypt. Why do you think this is? 3. In addition to your reading above, look at Ex. 9:34. Who hardened Pharaoh s heart in each case? Moses wrote this book probably many years later, with the benefit of hindsight, and he was able to see both perspectives on Pharaoh s heart. Pharaoh chose to harden his heart (and suffered the consequences for it), and yet God had purposed it. When you choose to love, do you believe that God intends it? When you choose not to love, do you think God could have purposed that, too? 4. What is the tenth and final plague? Does it remind you of any of the other Bible stories you have read so far? Moses & the Red Sea Page 30

33 Week 5 - Day 3 God promised vengeance upon Egypt because that nation had enslaved and persecuted His people, Israel. Pharaoh had even ordered that all the Israelite male children be killed, and he is about to get a taste of his own medicine. But God has also promised to protect Israel from the coming plague of death. Read Exodus 12:21-41; 13: Many Jewish people (descendants of the Israelites) still celebrate Passover to this very day. Describe this first occurrence of Passover in your own words. What was it for? How was it done? 2. How is the Passover sacrifice story similar to Abraham and Isaac s sacrifice story? 3. In the beginning of the Book of Exodus, seventy starving people left their homeland and ended up in Egypt to become the forebears of slaves. How many are leaving now, and what do they have with them (in addition to Joseph s mummy)? 5. God gave the people visible assurance of his constant presence with them. What would have been the benefits of a cloud by day and a flame by night? Moses & the Red Sea Page 31

34 Week 5 - Day 4 An incredible multitude of people have left Egypt with all their belongings and children and animals. They aren t moving very fast or very well (think Wagon Train here). Now that the plagues have ended and Pharaoh is watching his slaves, gold, and livestock march away, he isn t quite so sure about the wisdom of his decision to let them leave. Read Exodus 14: How did the Israelites react when the dust of 600 Egyptian chariots rose over the desert behind them? 2. Verse 14 contains a promise and a command and a rebuke. Explain each. 3. It probably would have taken many hours for all the Israelites to cross the sea. What prevented the Egyptians from following them until daybreak? 4. In Jewish literature, streams and pools are symbols of life and refreshment, but seas are symbolic of chaos or even death. How does the sea represent death in this instance? And yet, how does the sea give life? Moses & the Red Sea Page 32

35 Week 5 - Day 5 The children of Israel escaped into the barren desert where they would wander as nomads for forty years before God led them back to Abraham s Promised Land. The books of Exodus through Deuteronomy describe the fickle faithlessness of the people, many mighty miracles which saved them from disaster and the development of a way of life based upon the principles and decrees of God. Three months after the people left Egypt, Moses was called alone to the top of a smoking mountain, Sinai, and given ten laws which would form the basis of their lives forever after. Read Exodus 19:1-6; 20: Think back over all the stories you have read thus far. Why did God need to give these people such explicit instructions? 2. It is a great exercise to look deep into each of the Ten Commandments and apply them to your own life. For now, pick one of them that you feel you struggle with. What is it saying? How are you confronted by it? 3. Many people interpret these commandments as one big No! from God. Can you see how they actually enhance life on earth? Where are the blessings that come from living according to God s revealed will? 4. God made a way through the sea, a way through the desert and now He has given His children a way through life itself. But always they grumble and doubt. Does this remind you of yourself at all? God can make a way where there is no way. Moses & the Red Sea Page 33

36 For Group Discussion Once again, we have condensed the story of Moses for time s sake. In fact, Moses death isn t recorded for another two hundred pages after the Red Sea incident! Read it in the Bible first, but the old Charleton Heston Ten Commandments movie is not a bad way to visualize the whole story. (Beware that several fictional characters and story lines are thrown in.) 1. How is the image of a bush, burning in the wilderness, a good picture of what God means to do with Moses? With each of us? 2. In every Bible story we have looked at so far, we have seen a people on the move, traveling from one place to another. Compare Noah s and Abraham s moves to Moses s: 3. Think of and describe the many ways that God reveals Himself in this story. 4. What pattern are you seeing in regard to sacrifices and, more specifically, sheep? 5. As an Israelite, standing on the edge of the parted Red Sea, what would urge you forward? What would pull you back? How do you see these forces at work in your own life? Moses & the Red Sea Page 34

37 Notes & Prayer Requests Moses & the Red Sea Page 35

38 David & Goliath Week 6 - Day 1 We have skipped a lot of history since Moses. The Israelites made it back to Canaan, their Promised Land, and lived there for approximately 400 years before today s story begins (around 1000 B.C.). In that time, they conquered most of a large territory and settled in it by tribes which corresponded, more or less, to the twelve sons of Jacob (aka Israel). Their only rulers were wise or brave judges God raised up from time to time, but generally, every man did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6) Harassed by neighboring enemies, the people asked God to give them a king. Saul was the first king over Israel, but he was unstable and jealous, so the Lord chose a boy named David to grow into the job. The prophet, Samuel, anointed David as the next king over Israel, but it was a secret from all but his family. Read I Samuel 17: Goliath was huge, a descendent of the mysterious people called the nephilim, (see Genesis 6:4) who were known as giants. It is thought that there are about 40 shekels in a pound and that a cubit measures about 18 inches. That would make Goliath how tall? And his armor weighed how much? 2. The Philistines were the western neighbors of the tribe of Judah and a frequent enemy in the fight for territory. Restate, in your own words, the remarkable offer which Goliath made in verse 9: 3. On what were the Israelites (rather reasonably) basing their fear? 4. David, though a youth, was old enough to travel alone and work for his father, perhaps around the age of 15. What was David s job? David & Goliath Page 36

39 Week 6 - Day 2 Yesterday you read about David, a shepherd from Bethlehem, the youngest of eight brothers. This same David would become the greatest king that Israel would ever have, a man after [God s] own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) He was also a musician and a poet, and many of his writings have been preserved for us in the book of Psalms. Read Psalm Who is the shepherd in this Psalm? Who are the sheep? 2. The shepherd does what is best and right for the sheep. Ultimately, however, what is God s motivation for leading us along the good pathways? 3. Green pastures and still waters give way to the valley of the shadow of death. The shepherd takes no detours but leads through frightening wilderness as well as restful plains. What has David learned about following the shepherd through the shadows? 4. David wrote this poem long after his encounter with Goliath. What verses might have been inspired, at least in part, by his feelings during that encounter? 5. Memorize this psalm if you do not know it already. Repeat it to God in prayer as you move through your days this week. What is the most meaningful phrase to you right now? Why? David & Goliath Page 37

40 Week 6 - Day 3 David, as a youth, went back and forth from his father s flock to the battlefield where King Saul and his army, with three of David s brothers, were fighting against the Philistines. Goliath, a giant of a warrior, stepped forward twice a day, every day, to taunt Israel who had no comparable champion. Read I Samuel 17: Imagine the scene as David arrived to find both armies poised on the brink of battle. Immediately, he leaves the supplies he is bringing and goes into the lines to find his brothers, where he hears Goliath s challenge. Who is a logical, representative leader that might have gone out to face Goliath on the Israelites behalf? 2. What are the three things which Saul will do for the man who defeats Goliath? 3. What do you learn about David s character from his actions and statements in this passage? 4. Brothers again. Compare David s actions and Eliab s reaction to young Joseph and his brothers. 5. We know from Psalm 23 that David learned a lot about God during his shepherding days. If we suppose Goliath to be the lion (verse 34ff), what is David foretelling about his own relationship to the people of Israel? David & Goliath Page 38

41 Week 6 - Day 4 David has volunteered to fight the Philistine champion, and the King of Israel (either from conviction or exasperation) has given his blessing. Of course David did not come prepared for battle... Read I Samuel 17: Knowing that David is destined to become the next King of Israel, how do you see it as symbolic that Saul clothes him? That the clothes and armor are not usable? 2. Compare the two warriors who faced each other over the fate of their peoples: Goliath: David: 3. God is teaching a lesson by the exaggerated differences between these two. What is the lesson? 4. Goliath uses a soldier s weapons. What kind of weapons does David use? With what does David strike the killing blow to Goliath (verse 51)? 5. Why do you think that the Israelites were subsequently able to rout the Philistines? David & Goliath Page 39

42 Week 6 - Day 5 In case you are wondering, David did marry Saul s daughter and went on through many dangers to become the next king of Israel. Although the greatest king of that nation, he was by no means perfect or untroubled. Just after another great ordeal, he penned the following prayer which might also express his feelings about the victory over Goliath: 1. Summarize the message of this psalm: Read Psalm Reread verse 21. Evil shall slay the wicked. David used Goliath s own sword to slay him; give an example from life of an evil thing slaying those who use it. 3. This psalm repeats over and over that the Lord helps His people. What are the people to do? List as many things as you can find. 4. There are many promises in this psalm. Look beyond the literal nature of these promises to their spiritual meanings, as well. Which verse encourages you most and why? The battle is the Lord s. David & Goliath Page 40

43 For Group Discussion 1. When Goliath steps forth, he is called the Philistine champion or the man between the two. David also becomes the man between the two for his side, standing between the people and their enemy. We have seen this principle in other Old Testament stories, too, haven t we? As David and Goliath each represent their nation, what is at stake? 2. David is, in some ways, a picture or a type of God shepherding His people. (The role of a shepherd is not always peace and rest!) How do you see this in the story of David and Goliath? 3. Compare the story of David and Goliath to the story of Joseph. Compare the literal events and also the spiritual truths. (Comparisons can be made to Abraham and Isaac, to Noah s Ark and to Moses and the Red Sea, also, if you like to think about such things.) 4. We have read a couple of beautiful psalms this week, one familiar and one not so familiar. You are encouraged to read or even memorize more of them (try Psalm 103 or 131, for example). Psalms are prayers. What did either of these two psalms teach you about prayer? 5. The story of David and Goliath has been used to describe many conflicts: the church and the world, Martin Luther King and racism, etc. Have you ever seen it played out in your own life? Pray along with Psalm 34, thanking God for that personal victory. David & Goliath Page 41

44 Notes & Prayer Requests David & Goliath Page 42

45 Jonah & Daniel Week 7 - Day 1 None of David s line was able to govern Israel as righteously as he. In the time of David s grandchildren, the nation split into two kingdoms called Israel, in the north, and Judah, in the south. Both kingdoms were often attacked by external enemies and beset by corruption within. God sent many prophets to warn them both against their idolatry and debauchery. We will meet two of them this week, including a man named Jonah that God sent to warn Israel s enemies! Read Jonah 1: Jonah lived at approximately 760 B.C. during a time of relative peace and prosperity for the people of Israel, the northern kingdom. Their occasional enemies were the Assyrians whose capital city was Nineveh, hundreds of miles away. What might have been some of Jonah s reasons for not wanting to preach against Nineveh? 2. Surely Jonah did not believe he could escape entirely from God. What might he have meant to escape from? 3. Just when Jonah should have been most vigilant - at least for his own skin - he is found lying down on the job! Is there any way in which you need to be alert to spiritually hostile circumstances around you but have been lulled to sleep by complacency or even exhaustion? 4. When he was finally cornered, Jonah did proclaim God s power and offered himself as a sacrifice for the others, who were probably Phoenician sailors, not Israelites. How is this ironic in light of his non-mission to Nineveh? Jonah & Daniel Page 43

46 Week 7 - Day 2 Large sharks and sperm whales capable of swallowing a person whole are not unknown in the Mediterranean, but the fish which ingested Jonah is not identified, and it is clearly a miraculous event. Look for the mystery and the beauty and the spiritual truths Jonah found in the pitch dark belly of the great fish God had prepared for him. Read Jonah 2:1-3:10 1. From Jonah s prayer, 2:3, who cast him into the sea? Who saved him from the depths? Do you find this ironic or comforting? Why? 2. Jonah speaks of ocean depths, smothering waves, tendrils drawing him downward, fainting. And yet, most people can relate to his emotions, even if they have never been drowned. Does Jonah s prayer speak to you at all? Why and how? 3. See the power of God s word! When God created the world, He spoke it into being. When God spoke to the fish, Jonah got a second chance. What did God s word bring about in Nineveh? 4. God sent His own Hebrew prophet to a foreign, pagan people and they listened! How is this a small fulfillment of the call of Abraham? How should it give us hope in our day? Do you see yourself anyplace in this story? Jonah & Daniel Page 44

47 Week 7 - Day 3 In 722 B.C., approximately 40 years after Jonah s adventure, the faithless northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria of which Nineveh was the capital city. You would think that Judah, the southern kingdom, would have turned back to God with a passion! But they did not, and Judah was also defeated and exiled in several waves ending in 586 B.C. by the Chaldeans (a.k.a. Babylonians). It was their policy to resettle conquered nations in other territories, so that most of Judah was deported to other areas of the eastern world. Read Daniel 1: Babylonian food was not prepared according to Jewish standards of cleanliness (which animals could be eaten, means of butchering, etc.). In addition, some of Nebuchadnezzar s food would have been dedicated to his idols before serving. Would you have eaten it? Why or why not? 2. The boys were youths, perhaps 14 to 17 years old, held hostage and indoctrinated in a new - and impressive - culture. They were prisoners, yet also pampered guests. What different types of temptations faced them? 3. Compare young Daniel to Joseph at Pharaoh s court. 4. What advantages did the four friends have in their fellowship together? Jonah & Daniel Page 45

48 Week 7 - Day 4 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego used their Chaldean names and were promoted to serve as important officials in the Babylonian civil government. Presumably, they kept some of their Hebrew customs and adopted some of the norms of the Babylonians around them. But when it came to worship, they refused to bow to any God except the Hebrew God of their homeland. Because Nebuchadnezzar s court was made up of many different nationalities and religions, such national loyalty could be catching, could be dangerous. Read Daniel 3: Why do you think the king summoned all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of his image? 2. The kingdom of Babylon was extremely pluralistic. They attempted to assimilate and tolerate all the pagan religions and cultures that they conquered, as long as the king was acknowledged as head over all of them. Do you think that this policy contributed to their success as conquerors? Or to the relatively short duration of their empire? Note any similarities or differences you find between this ancient, eastern policy of tolerance and the idea of tolerance we see in America today. 3. What are the idols that you are being pressured to worship? (Think symbolically here.) 4. Verses 17 and 18 comprise one of the most beautiful commitments of faith ever uttered. Restate their defense in your own, more modern words: Jonah & Daniel Page 46

49 Week 7 - Day 5 Daniel served the kings of Babylon as an administrator and advisor for about 65 years, until the Babylonians were conquered in their turn. Then he served the Persian/Median conquerors for several years more. It might surprise you to know that today s story of Daniel in the lions den occurred at the end of that time, when Daniel was a venerable, old man in his eighties. Read Daniel 6: The satraps wanted to find some corruption or passion that they might use against Daniel. What was the only excess they could accuse him of? 2. Daniel followed a pattern of worship which was exemplified by David and his son, Solomon to pray three times daily facing the temple in Jerusalem. This was not a command but an expression of the most fervent prayer in times of battle or persecution (e.g., I Kings 8:44, 45). In what ways is Daniel going into battle in this passage? Why do you think he prayed so obviously, in front of his window? 3. We find it hard that the families of Daniel s enemies died along with those responsible for the treachery. There is a Biblical principle which says that while the children are not responsible for the sins of the fathers (Ezekiel 18:4), they may endure hardship or even death as a natural consequence of them. Relate this to Adam and Eve s fall. Cite an example of this principle from today s newspaper. 4. God sent an emissary to walk beside His faithful followers in the terror of the flames and the darkness of the pit. Have you ever experienced God s supernatural presence in a time of great trouble? If you were charged with loving God, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Jonah & Daniel Page 47

50 For Group Discussion 1. Jonah gave in to the pressures of his world and ran from God. There are so many excuses Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel might have used to avoid their unpleasant trials. What are the excuses you find yourself using to avoid hard things? 2. King Nebuchadnezzar s golden idol is never described. Some think it was a statue of himself, others say it was the god Marduk and some think it may have been a totem composed of multiple gods from the many nations represented at the Babylonian court. This makes it doubly appropriate as a symbol of the idols we worship today. List some of them: 3. Describe the type of fellowship which Daniel and his friends enjoyed with one another. Describe the more mysterious fellowship with God which Jonah found inside the whale, Daniel in the lion s den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the middle of the fiery furnace. 4. Over and over again we have seen that God is a God of unexpected rescue. How many such rescues did you find in these stories from the books of Jonah and Daniel and of what other unexpected rescues did they remind you? 5. God s ways are very mysterious and we certainly cannot predict a happy outcome in every circumstance. It is important to know what we believe regardless of the seas that may rage around us. Reread Jonah s prayer in Jonah 2 and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego s defense from Daniel 3:17, 18. Using these and other examples from the Bible stories we have read, develop a definition of Biblical faith : Jonah & Daniel Page 48

51 Notes & Prayer Requests Jonah & Daniel Page 49

52 Jesus, Birth & Baptism Week 8 - Day 1 The people of Judah, the heirs of Abraham, were crushed and exiled from their homeland. Some were permanently assimilated into other cultures, but a faithful remnant remained. During the time they were being assaulted and conquered, God sent them prophets to foretell their doom. But the God of unexpected rescues also gave them many, elusive hints of a greater glory to come. Today you will hear from several of those prophets who wrote many centuries before their words were fulfilled. Read Daniel 7:13, 14; Isaiah 9:1-7; Micah 5:1-5a 1. Our old friend Daniel was given a number of visions and dreams during his lifetime, and an angel named Gabriel was sent by God to help him understand them. Who does he name as being presented before God, preparing for an eternal kingdom to come? 2. Isaiah was writing to a people in anguish. List all of the descriptions of their despair that he uses in verses 1-7: 3. According to Isaiah, what is the name of the region belonging to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali which will be made glorious by the mysterious, coming child? But according to Micah, what city, belonging to the tribe of Judah, will this miraculous person come from? What was Judah s defining moment in Genesis 44:33, 34? 4. Many beautiful descriptions designed to give an exiled people hope are included in these texts about the eternal One who will sit on David s throne and shepherd God s people. Which name or description evokes the most feeling in you and why? Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 50

53 Week 8 - Day 2 The following events took place in a backwater town of northern Israel around the year zero (perhaps in 4 or 5 B.C. according to some scholars). In the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments the nation of Israel, which returned to its homeland following the Babylonian exile, was ruled in turn by Persia, Syria, Greece and finally by Rome. The Hebrews built a temple for God in Jerusalem and continued to remain a people apart, with their own laws, culture and religion, although continually oppressed. They were looking for a savior. Read Luke 1: What does Mary have in common with Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Jonah and Daniel? 2. There are many linkages between today s passage and the stories you have read previously. List one or two that stand out to you: 3. The child will be the offspring of a humble young girl and the miraculous, indescribable power of God through the Holy Spirit. What will He be called? Compare this to what He was called by Daniel (see yesterday s question #1). 4. It seems to have been several months before Mary s fiancé came to terms with his pregnant bride (Matthew 1:19-25), and we know nothing of Mary s parents. When she found out that she was pregnant, she ran to her much older cousin, Elizabeth, who greeted her with love. Elizabeth would soon give birth to a boy named John, whom we will meet again. Describe the types of comfort and support that Mary and Elizabeth would have been to each other. Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 51

54 Week 8 - Day 3 People of a certain generation will recognize today s reading from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The words are like poetry, and it is easy to fall into a dreamy reverie as you read them. Try to get beyond the Christmas story familiarity to the details of the text. Then go back and read it again for its beauty! Luke was a Gentile (non-jewish) Christian who wrote this text sometime around 65 A.D. and then the book of Acts shortly afterward. He says that he compiled his facts from eyewitnesses. Mary is the most probable eyewitness here who might have lived to talk with Luke. Try to put yourself in Mary s place as you read. Read Luke 2: Mary and Joseph were living in Nazareth. Why did they go to Bethlehem? How does this settle a contradiction from Day 1 this week? 2. Why is it not at all out of character for God to send his Son into a manger and first reveal the identity of the Savior to shepherds? 3. For whom is this great joy intended? Compare this to God s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. 4. The shepherds did two things as a result of their visit to Bethlehem. What were they? Do you think that people today who have known God in their lives (including you) should or would do those same things? Why or why not? Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 52

55 Week 8 - Day 4 Herod the Great was appointed by Caesar Augustus to rule the frontier province of Palestine. Although he did so quite successfully for 34 years, he begat a ruthless dynasty of Herods who appear in the New Testament committing various acts of incest and injustice. At least one of Herod the Great s wives was an Israelite, and he had close contacts among the Hebrew political hierarchy and priesthood. But King Herod would never stand for any up-start King of the Jews in his territory! Read Matthew 2: How many wise men does the text mention? Why do you think that there are traditionally three magi in every nativity scene? 2. Some believe that the wise men came from Persia where the Hebrew Scriptures had been known and studied since Daniel s time. At any rate, they were not Israelites. Why would God show them the truth about the Savior of His people and hide the same truth from all the learned and powerful Jews? 3. This chapter of Matthew is busy with fulfilled, Old Testament prophecies. Describe some ways in which you see the history of Israel paralleled in the life of the child Jesus. 4. The magi came because they had seen evidence of the Christ child (meaning anointed or chosen one), in this case the star. What evidence of God have you seen in your life or the world? Have you sought the source with the eagerness of the magi? What gifts have you brought Him? Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 53

56 Week 8 - Day 5 The Bible skips more than thirty years from Matthew 2 to Matthew 3, jumping to Jesus adult life. Recall that Mary s cousin, Elizabeth, was also pregnant when we last saw her. She, too, had a son and named him John. He became a prophet and preacher of some renown in the desert of Judea where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea. He used to perform a Hebrew cleansing ritual there in the river for his followers and converts... Read Matthew 3: The most common use of baptism in Hebrew tradition was as a rite of conversion for non- Israelites into the Hebrew religion. It signified the non-jew, washed of his uncleanness, beginning a new life with God. What is the basic message of John s baptism (which John implies Jesus has no need of)? 2. The Pharisees and Sadducees were Jewish leaders, both in politics and in religion. They were divided into two parties with different beliefs, but both held themselves apart and above the common people. Apparently, John s baptism was very popular, and some of them came out of curiosity or a desire to be seen. According to John, what is it that they lacked? What do you think that means? 3. The word trinity is not in the Bible, but this is one of the clearest texts where the three persons of God are all seen in one place. How are Father, Son and Spirit all present at Jesus baptism? 4. The gentle dove is a symbol of peace, dating from the story of Noah. In this passage it perhaps foretells the humble grace of Jesus ministry. How would you say this contrasts with John s message? For unto us a Son is given. Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 54

57 For Group Discussion 1. Jesus fulfilled several hundred Old Testament prophecies. List some of the fulfilled prophecies that you found in this week s readings and what you think they meant: 2. Why would the Sadducees and Pharisees think that being sons of Abraham would make them acceptable to God? What are some differences in character or action between the Jewish leaders and Abraham, himself? Where do you see yourself on both sides? 3. John came to prepare the Jewish people to hear a new message. What was the main point of John s baptism and message? Why do you think it was critical for people to understand this message before they could hear more from God? Do you think this is still the case? 4. Christians through the centuries have maintained that Jesus was fully God and fully man. Read Isaiah 7:14. How is the virgin birth an important component of this doctrine? How, in our readings this week, do you see both strength and weakness, power and honor alongside humility and rejection? 5. Jesus might seem to be just another Bible character like Moses or David. But we have already seen several differences between Jesus and any other Bible character. Such as: Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 55

58 Notes & Prayer Requests Jesus, Birth & Baptism Page 56

59 Jesus, Miracles & Message Week 9 - Day 1 John, the baptizer, was an outspoken prophet who condemned not only the Pharisees but also the ruler Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, who had him thrown in prison. Just at the time John s ministry was ending, Jesus moved out of Nazareth, presumably His home since childhood, and began His own ministry in the populous and fertile region of Galilee. Read Matthew 4:17-5:22 1. The very beginning of Jesus message was the entirety of John s message. What was it? 2. Galilee was called Galilee of the Gentiles because it was the northern border region of Israel, surrounded by Gentiles (non-israelites). It was also a major trade route, teeming with foreigners and their foreign ideas. Why might this be a good place for Jesus ministry? 3. This passage recounts the calling of the first four out of the twelve closest followers of Jesus, called His disciples. What did these men leave? What did they gain? Would you have done as they did? 4. Have you ever wondered what God would say if He was invited into your church pulpit on Sunday? Known as The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7 recounts some of what He did say when He had that opportunity. Each blessing in verses 5:3-10 is a clever, spiritual paradox. It would be worth your time to prayerfully write out each one in your own words. For now, though, try to summarize the spiritual theme of this passage: 5. How can one be more righteous (verse 20) than the scribes and Pharisees who dedicated their whole lives to studying and living by God s laws? Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 57

60 Week 9 - Day 2 Eventually, Herod had John the Baptist beheaded in prison. When Jesus heard about the death of His cousin, who had influenced so many to turn to God, He felt the need to be alone for a time and retreated into the wilderness. But Jesus was never alone for long since the crowds would come to Him from everywhere, some to see the show or request a miracle, others to consider a new message, and a few to have their lives changed forever. But on one occasion, the crowds found themselves farther into the wilds than they may have intended... Read Matthew 14: At first Jesus told the disciples to feed the crowd, but their provisions were inadequate. In the end, what was the role they played in this miracle meal (verses 18 and 19)? 2. What are you learning about Peter s character? 3. What kind of resources did Jesus provide for the multitude? When Peter was sinking, what did Jesus provide for Him? What is it that you need Jesus to provide? 4. What caused Peter to get out of the boat? What caused him to sink? Does any of this remind you of you? Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 58

61 Week 9 - Day 3 Jesus spent three years traveling around Israel, from Galilee in the north to Judea in the south. Between the two lay Samaria, where a mixed race lived, descended from the Assyrians and the Israelites of the northern kingdom defeated in 722 B.C. Seven hundred years of prejudice and hatred lay between the pure Hebrews and the half-caste Samaritans who practiced their own, adulterated brand of Judaism. The perfect setting for a shocking story! Read Luke 10: The prophets and the king we have already read about saw angels, plagues, miracles, victories... What more could they have wished for that they did not see? 2. The Jewish teachers were not any happier with Jesus than they had been with John. Many of them came to test Him with unanswerable questions. Do you think that is the case here? What was Jesus s response to the lawyer s question? 3. Does the lawyer seem to believe he has kept God s law? Who do you think he thinks his neighbor is? 4. Using a Samaritan for this example would have been almost like using an Afghani for a positive role model the week after the Twin Towers fell shockingly offensive. Why do you think Jesus chose this illustration? State in your own words the lesson of this parable. Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 59

62 Week 9 - Day 4 Jesus performed a number of healing miracles during His three-year ministry, so when a close friend became ill, it was hard to understand why He wait two extra days before visiting his sickbed. Lazarus and his two sisters (Mary and Martha) lived together in the village of Bethany, outside Jerusalem. Going there was dangerous because the jealous and fearful religious leaders in the capital of Jerusalem wanted Jesus silenced by any means necessary. Read John 11: In verse 21, Martha confronts Jesus with the same statement that Mary repeats in verse 32. How does Jesus respond to Martha? To Mary? Why do you suppose His response was different in each case? Which response would you have wanted and why? 2. In verses 14 and 15 Jesus was actually glad that He had not been there to save Lazarus. What, then, accounts for His tears in verse 35? 3. When Moses asked God for His name, He answered, I AM. When Jesus said, I AM the resurrection and the life, He was saying much the same thing. What does the phrase mean to you? 4. When the disciples followed Jesus to Bethany, they expected to find death Lazarus s death or their own. What did they find with Him instead? Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 60

63 Week 9 - Day 5 After raising Lazarus, Jesus withdrew from the Jerusalem area for a time. When the Passover holiday came, it seemed that all Israel flocked to the capital; to this day, when celebrating the Passover feast, Jews everywhere say, Next year in Jerusalem. With close to a million people in the city, it shouldn t have been too hard to hide from the authorities who were determined to put Him to death. Jesus could disguise Himself, enter on foot under cover of darkness, with as little fanfare as possible... Read John 12: It was the duty of a household slave to clean the guest s feet. What does Mary s anointing of Jesus s feet say about her and about Him? 2. Jesus says that the disciples will always have the opportunity to give to the poor, but what does He imply about Himself? You, too, have the opportunity to give to the poor - are you? Do you have the opportunity for pure worship of Christ the way Mary had? If so, how? If not, why not? 3. When a king in the ancient east went out to battle, he rode a horse. When he came in peace, he rode a donkey (e.g., 2 Samuel 16:2). Jesus does not rebuke the people who welcome Him as king, but what kind of king is Jesus? What kind of king do the people have in mind, do you think? 4. The palm-waving people are quoting a portion of Psalm 118, a song of triumph traditionally quoted at Passover. Read Psalm 118:19-29, looking for shadows of Jesus and worshiping God as you read. His lovingkindness is everlasting. Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 61

64 For Group Discussion 1. If you haven t read them recently, you are strongly encouraged to read the rest of the Gospels. Jesus taught many more parables and lessons than you have read this week. However, try to summarize what you have read in a few sentences. How do the teachings of Jesus confront our natural inclinations? 2. Jesus demonstrated His control over various aspects of life on earth; list some of them. Which is most amazing? Which lesson or miracle speaks most to your heart? 3. When we left Jesus this week, He was heading into Jerusalem. Why was He greeted with enthusiasm? Why was it a courageous thing to do? Why do you think He went there? 4. How is Jesus different than you might have expected? (Think about what you ve read in the Old Testament.) What evidences did you find this week for the divinity of Jesus? What kind of follower would you have been, if at all (Pharisee, on-looker, friend, disciple...)? 5. Who do you say that He is? Does that have any implications for your life? Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 62

65 Notes & Prayer Requests Jesus, Miracles & Message Page 63

66 Jesus, Death & Resurrection Week 10 - Day 1 When Jesus entered Jerusalem during the annual Passover celebration he was a wanted man. The Jewish leaders didn t want to lose their status or authority - either to Jesus or to the Romans who might decide to quell this little disturbance with overwhelming force! But even the Jewish governing council feared to take Him in public because the crowds had hailed Him as king. All might yet have been well if not for the inside man. Read Luke 22:1-23, Jesus obviously knew who was going to betray Him, as it has been determined (verse 22). Have we had any previous clue as to Judas s character? Why do you think he did it? 2. Remind yourself about the significance of the Passover as given to Moses (Week 5 Day 3). What part is Jesus telling his disciples that He will play in the Passover celebration? 3. Jesus disciples did not yet know exactly what the new covenant was. We have read about several old covenants in the Old Testament, but they all come down to the same essence. Read Exodus 19:5, 6 which was the covenant given to Moses after the children of Israel fled from Egypt. Summarize it in your own words: 4. Consider Jesus agony in the garden, so terrible that He prayed through the night, bursting His capillaries and exhausting His disciples. Like Daniel in prayer, there is a battle going on here and an enemy to be fought. Describe it. When you take the Lord s Supper at church, what does Do this in remembrance of Me mean to you? Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 64

67 Week 10 - Day 2 The Jewish leaders wanted to see Jesus dead, but under Roman rule, they did not have the authority to inflict capital punishment. Therefore, they struggled to find some offense against Rome worthy of death. Pilate, the Roman governor in troubled Palestine, was already unpopular with both the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities. This Jesus situation put him smack between the two. Read Luke 22:54-23:5, Why do you think that Peter followed? Why do you think that He denied Jesus? Is this consistent with what you already know of him or not? 2. When Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders, He answered with a quote from Psalm 110, a Psalm of David, and then He gave the clearest statement of His identity that He would ever make (which was still a little ambiguous). What were His exact words in verse 70? Remind you of anything? How did the Jews understand it? 3. Afterward, when they brought Him to Pilate, what were the charges (true and false) which might stick under Roman law? 4. Barabbas, another imprisoned Jew, had incited a rebellion just as Jesus was accused of doing. Moreover he had committed murder, probably in the process, but the crowd chooses him to live. How are the kingdoms of Barabbas and Jesus in direct contrast? How do people today how do you often choose the ideals of Barabbas instead of the example of Jesus? Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 65

68 Week 10 - Day 3 A Roman crucifixion was a torturous business, sometimes lasting for days. Criminals were nailed to an upright wooden cross at the hands and feet where they gasped for air until they were too weak to push upward for another breath. While the victim s family and friends looked on in grief and horror, the contingent of soldiers who performed the execution divided any possessions and clothing among themselves. Note the contrast of loving attention and callous disregard in the following passage. Read John 19: Why do you think Pilate wrote, The King of the Jews over Jesus cross? 2. In the midst of His monumental suffering, Jesus looked at Mary and John (the disciple whom He loved) and gave them the gift of family. We know from other Bible passages that Mary had other children and John had relatives, also. Why do you think Jesus gave them so specifically to one another at this time? 3. When Jesus said, I thirst, how does this show you His true humanity? Now consider it as a spiritual statement. What might He have been asking for His soul? 4. Jesus fulfilled a number of Scriptures by His death on the cross, but the most amazing, perhaps, is Psalm 22, and you are encouraged to read it. Do you think Jesus, if He were a mere mortal, could have planned to make His life and death fit these words written a thousand years before? 5. His heart was pierced which must have mirrored His Father s broken heart. What significance have we seen in blood? What do you think is the significance of the water? Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 66

69 Week 10 - Day 4 Jesus death was the final blow to a group of men and women who had been running scared for months. He died on the eve of the Jewish Sabbath, which began at sundown on Friday, necessitating a hasty burial in a tomb more like a cave than a grave. No work could be done on Saturday, so several women watched where He was placed, planning to return later to lay His body out properly. And then all was quiet mourning until dawn of the third day. Read John 20: Mary Magdalene had been healed of seven demons by Jesus and had traveled with Him, contributing financially to His ministry. Why do you think she went to the tomb so early, by herself? Why did she stay and weep after Peter and John left? 2. In verse 17 Jesus tells Mary to let Him go, as they both have work to do. What does she have to do? When, does He imply, will be the time to cling to Him? What do you think that means? 3. Once again, Jesus is most-assuredly NOT what we expect! We stand with Mary, in the dark, not believing that dim form could be her dead Lord, and with Thomas saying, Unless I see. John s purpose in recounting his experiences with Jesus is so that believing, you may have life in His name. Are you convinced that Jesus lives? If so, why? If not, what would it take? 4. Think back to the first few verses in Genesis where the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the formless void. What happened then? The resurrection, too, is the beginning of a new world; where is the Spirit moving here? Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 67

70 Week 10 - Day 5 Jesus appeared to his disciples and to many others over a period of forty days after his resurrection. They no doubt had some sweet conversations and learned some wise lessons. But there was one disciple whose heart was longing for more. Read John 21: Perhaps the disciples merely went fishing because they were hungry. But what was the previous profession of at least some of these men? Might they have been returning to their old lives? Were they successful? 2. What do you know of Peter s character which is confirmed by his sudden swim? 3. There are two different Greek words used for love in this passage. phileo which is the warmer though fickle, brotherly affection, and agape which is more about complete commitment and steady obedience. Jesus asks for agape and Peter returns with phileo until verse 17 when both use phileo. What is healing about the fact that Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to express his love? What do you think Jesus is asking for? What is Peter trying to give? (Note that in the end Jesus accepts what Peter has to offer.) 4. Twice Jesus called Peter from his fishing to a life of loving God s people. Other Bible texts (e.g., 1 John 4:21) say that love for God is demonstrated by obedience and love for others. Do you love Him? Does it show? Follow Me! Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 68

71 For Group Discussion 1. The mystery of communion is a solemn re-enactment of Jesus s last meal on earth. Why is it significant that this was the Passover meal? Discuss Jesus s request that we do this in remembrance of Me. Consider our proper attitude, what is to be remembered, the meaning of His body and blood, and how we can encourage one another to celebrate it passionately. 2. Judas was one of Jesus twelve closest disciples and yet betrayed Him. Jesus knew that it would happen, and, in fact, it was a necessary part of God s plan (Acts 1:16). However, Judas is not absolved from his guilt. Peter also denied Christ at a crucial time, but he was forgiven and regained his place among the disciples. What are the differences between the two? What relevance does this have for you? 3. The priests and Pharisees said it was better that Jesus should die than that all Israel suffer at the hands of the Romans (John 11:50). But looked at another way, Jesus died in the place of just one man: Barabbas. How is Jesus a Passover sacrifice for Barabbas? By Jesus s definition of murder (Matt. 5:21, 22), is there anyone who has NOT committed it? As sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, have we not also committed cosmic treason? Do you need a lamb? 4. Think about John (John 19:26, 27) and Mary Magdalene (John 20:17) and Peter (John 21:15-17). Consider Jesus instructions to them. What does a life-giving belief in Jesus look like, do you think? Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 69

72 Notes & Prayer Requests Jesus, Death & Resurrection Page 70

73 Apostles & Epistles Week 11 - Day 1 Luke, who was not Jewish, came to believe in Jesus sometime in the mid-first century. He then undertook to write the story of Jesus s life (the Book of Luke) and the story of the spread of Jesus s message (the Book of Acts), of which he was a participant. When we left the disciples last week, they were marveling at Christ s post-resurrection appearances to them and listening to His calling on their lives. But they did not have long to enjoy His company... Read Acts 1:1-11; 2:1-6, Perhaps the disciples do not quite get it even yet. What were they asking Jesus for? What was His response? 2. What do you think the disciples were thinking as they stood transfixed, gazing at Heaven? 3. Pentecost is one of three great annual, Jewish festivals, occurring 50 days after Passover. The first-fruits of the harvest from God were offered back to Him at that time. What kind of harvest does God provide here? By tradition, Pentecost also coincided with the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai which was accompanied by fire, lightening, smoke, earthquake and other supernatural signs. Think of the two manifestations of the Spirit here and what they might suggest spiritually: wind: fire: 4. Consider the picture that we have of the first church in 2: What similarities do you see with your own church? What differences? Apostles & Epistles Page 71

74 Week 11 - Day 2 For the rest of their lives on earth, all of Jesus disciples became missionaries, spreading His message far and near, obeying His call to tend the sheep. All who saw the risen Lord and were commissioned by Him to spread the word became known as apostles (ambassadors, messengers). When they had established a church they generally moved on, but to keep in touch with the new believers, they wrote letters, which are known as epistles (from the Greek for letter ). Peter became an apostle to his fellow-jews, and two of his epistles are included in the Bible. The one you will read today was written to Jews living in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Read 1 Peter 1:1-9; 2: Peter is writing to a small, persecuted group of believers who are undergoing hard times, perhaps discrimination from other Jews around them. What characteristics of Peter seem unchanged? Is there anything that does seem to have changed? 2. Peter uses the phrase born again in 1:3. What does it mean to you in this context? 3. These Jews are very familiar with the concepts of sacrifice and priesthood. How have these concepts changed as Peter presents them? 4. Jews since the time of Abraham have considered themselves God s chosen people. Yet they never regained their former glory after the Babylonian exile when God disciplined them for a time because of their disobedience and idolatry. God even went so far as to call them not My people. (Hosea 1:9) How have these Jews now become God s people again? Apostles & Epistles Page 72

75 Week 11 - Day 3 Jesus beloved disciple, John, was apparently the youngest of His followers. At least He lived the longest - writing His gospel and letters possibly as late as 95 A.D. We do not know the destination of this letter, which reads more like a sermon. This passage is a beautiful expression of John s heart and at the same time counters some false teachings that were circulating in the early church. Read 1 John 4: You will hear many people say that it does not matter what you believe, just that you believe something, that there are many ways to God. What does John say about it? 2. John gives at least five tests or proofs of a valid, living faith. List the ones you find and observe whether they apply to you: 3. Look at verse 10. Your Bible may either say atoning sacrifice or propitiation. The Bible is progressive in its revelation of the truth: we have the meaning of Christ s death most fully explained when we reach the epistles. For what was Christ s sacrifice offered? How does that impact you? 4. Sum up this chapter of John s letter in one or two sentences: Apostles & Epistles Page 73

76 Week 11 - Day 4 Enter a new character as he described himself, one untimely born, because he did not know Jesus during His life on earth. Nevertheless, this Pharisee became, perhaps, the most influential and well-traveled of all the apostles and has more epistles included in the New Testament than anyone else. But he started his career as a rabid Christ-hater who persecuted, arrested and killed as many Christians (followers of The Way, ) as he could find. Read Acts 9: How is Saul s blindness and healing illustrative of his spiritual condition? 2. Ananias means whom God has graciously given. The word grace means undeserved favor. In what ways did God show His grace to Saul in this passage? (Try to find three or four.) 3. To what three groups of people is Saul chosen to be a messenger? Which is most surprising to you? In which group do you fall? 4. Saul was very well educated in every way and knew the Old Testament Scriptures best of all. What was he proving as he was confounding the Jews? What do you think was his greatest proof? Apostles & Epistles Page 74

77 Week 11 - Day 5 After arguing with the Jews many times and being violently persecuted for it Saul turned his attention to the Gentiles. He became known as Paul (in Latin), apostle to the Gentiles, and traveled to Asia Minor, Greece and Italy establishing and encouraging churches everywhere. Many of the books of the New Testament are letters from Paul to the various churches he loved. Today you will just get a little taste of his trials, his personality and his passion. Read 2 Corinthians 4:5-10; 5:17-21; Gal 3: Paul suffered many hardships, physical afflictions and persecutions everything from being stoned to multiple shipwrecks! What was his attitude toward his trials and why? 2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 is as concise a statement of the new covenant the gospel message as any anywhere. If you do not understand it, take some time to pray, ponder and study. If it is still unclear, ask your pastor or another Christian friend to explain more about it. Restate it in your own words. 3. What does it mean to you that those who are in Christ are new creatures? We don t look any different what is new? 4. The Galatian church was evidently being pushed to become Jewish even though they were Gentiles and to follow the letter of the Jewish laws. Who does Paul say was ever justified in God s eyes by following the law (verse 11)? How did Abraham become righteous before God? Do you think that applies to Noah, David, and the others too? Shed your old skin and try your new wings! Apostles & Epistles Page 75

78 For Group Discussion 1. After Pentecost, the disciples were changed men. They never did go back to fishing! How were they different? Why were they different? Is the same difference apparent in you? 2. What is the essence of the gospel message the apostles were preaching? How is it different from the old covenant message? Which covenant saves men? How much do you think the Old Testament heroes understood? 3. Throughout the previous centuries, Gentiles were looked down upon and rarely became Jewish converts. What about Christ s message and work resulted in the shockwave of evangelism that changed the world? Do you or should you have any direct involvement with evangelism yourself? 4. All of the Old Testament stories we have read point in various ways to Christ. How do you see Christ or some aspect of His work (there are many possibilities here) reflected in: Genesis 3:15: Noah s ark: Abraham s ram: Joseph & his brothers: Moses: David & Goliath: Daniel or his friends: Jonah: Apostles & Epistles Page 76

79 Notes & Prayer Requests Apostles & Epistles Page 77

80 Revelation, Now & Not Yet Week 12 - Day 1 We know little for certain about the writer of the book of Revelation. His name was John, and he was situated on the prison-island of Patmos off the coast of modern Turkey toward the end of the first century A.D. If, as tradition holds, he was one and the same with the apostle and disciple John, he would have been an old man. He would have seen all his companions reach Heaven, as he continued to preach and to wait for the promised return of His Lord Jesus. Read Revelation 1: While there are seven churches specifically named in verse 11, the number seven also denotes completeness in Jewish literature, so we may consider John s message for the whole church. How is it appropriate that a lampstand should symbolize a church? 2. What was Jesus like the last time John saw Him (Acts 1:9)? Do you think this new vision of Jesus might have been a bit of a shock for the beloved disciple? 3. List all the ways that John describes Jesus in this chapter, and choose one to be a special point of worship for you today: 4. The book of Revelation is written in code. Whether this is merely the poetic code of great, symbolic literature, a literal secret code written from prison to a persecuted people, or a heavenly code only revealed to those who visit there is a subject of intense debate. Some of the things of God are hidden (Deut. 29:29), but we can clearly understand the focus of this chapter. What is it? Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 78

81 Week 12 - Day 2 John transcribes seven letters to seven churches in seven regions of Asia Minor. Each letter is a bit different, and each has something to say to us today. We are only going to look at three of them, but try to hear what Jesus might be saying to you and to your church. Read Revelation 2:1-7; 3: Recall that the seven lampstands represent the churches themselves, and the angels of the seven churches probably refer to their pastors or leaders. Where is Jesus walking? What is He holding? 2. What rebuke does the church at Ephesus receive? What encouragement? 3. Names are important in the Bible. Generally, to know someone s name is to understand their character, their essence. In your own words, what would it mean to have God s name written on your body - or your soul (Rev. 3:12)? 4. What do you think is the gold that the Laodiceans should buy (3:18)? 5. Which church of the three you read about sounds most like your church? Like the church in the U.S. as a whole? Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 79

82 Week 12 - Day 3 By 90 A.D., the temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans, and the Jewish rituals of sacrifice and worship that went on there were never reinstated even to our era today. Perhaps John felt that not only had Jesus gone away, but so had much of the religion he had grown up with. What a comfort and a privilege then, to be invited to attend a worship service in the throne room of God Himself! Read Revelation 4:1-5:14 1. Beware of those who tell you that they know exactly what the book of Revelation means! Generally, there are a number of parallels to Noah s ark here - the creatures, the sea, the rainbow. It seems fairly certain that the four living creatures around God s throne represent all of Creation praising God (see verse 11). What do you think the twenty-four elders might generally represent? 2. Look back Week 2 Day 5 and remind yourself why God gave Noah the rainbow. In this passage, John cannot clearly see God sitting on His throne but sees Him as though through a rainbow. What might this mean? 3. Several Scripture passages use crowns as symbols for the rewards that wait for us in heaven (James 1:12, Rev. 3:11, etc.). What do the elders do with their crowns? Why? 4. In what form does Jesus appear in Chapter 5? What two things do the elders offer Him? 5. If our worship on Sunday morning is a pale shadow and yet a real participation in what is actually happening in heaven, what would you say are some of the most important elements of that worship? What can you do to participate more fully with all the heavenly host? Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 80

83 Week 12 - Day 4 As part of the celestial worship service, Jesus opens the seals of a book which reveals vast and frightening images of the world, including wars, disasters, Satan loosed and Death riding a horse! Is it the future? Probably. Does it depict present spiritual truths? Certainly. Is it for us to know times and dates? Definitely not (see I Thessalonians 5:1). Read Revelation 12:1-12; 19: Some people think that Revelation 12 presents a capsule of the spiritual history of the world, that the woman represents God s people. The Messiah was born out of Israel, and the New Testament church carries on His work under persecution. Where do these verses say the woman is now? And where is her child? 2. Satan is called the accuser of our brethren, charging them with crimes before God. Although Satan is a liar, it may very well be that some of his accusations are true. What are the three things which enable the brethren to overcome him (12:11)? 3. Again, names are important here. Write out the descriptions of the names of Jesus from 19: From the time of Noah onward, God has allowed all manner of people to live and even to flourish, the righteous alongside the evil, God s people alongside those who despise Him. Many people have doubted God because of this (ironically, they still benefit from His patience). Does it help you to know that there is justice waiting in the wings? Who will be the commander of the final battle? What is His weapon? Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 81

84 Week 12 - Day 5 Not so many weeks ago you read about the beginning of everything. A lot has happened since then: tough times, sacrifices, people being rescued right and left. Hopefully, you are a beneficiary of the greatest sacrifice, of the greatest rescue of them all. Read about your future as we come full circle, back to a garden with trees and fruit, where God dwells with men... Read Revelation 22: Although the sea was a symbol of chaos and death, fresh water was a symbol of life and purity in the deserts of the Middle East. Where does the water come from in verse 1? What does it nourish? 2. List all the reversals that you can see between this chapter and Genesis We are left with the impression that things will soon be over - that in the scheme of eternity, we have little time left in our present state. That is good news for some, but what about the immoral persons, idolaters and liars? What is the message in this chapter for them (verse 17)? Who speaks the message? 4. Not home yet. Imagine John s disappointment to find himself back on rocky Patmos with the other prisoners. As he wound up the last scroll to send it on to the churches, did he know that God had closed His Scriptures? Did he know that he was writing to us? Write out the final benediction John wrote to comfort the churches (verse 21), to carry us all until the great notyet: Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 82

85 For Group Discussion 1. The churches that John was writing to had lived beyond the novelty of a new religion and had undergone major persecutions and false teachings. They probably expected Jesus return long since. In what ways has your church weathered disappointments or crises? Has it grown tired? What food for thought do John s letters offer it? What encouragement? 2. What are the main components of the worship service John saw in heaven? What is our part in it? What is God s part? How will this vision affect your own worship next Sunday? 3. Although the exact timing remains unclear, it IS clear that the current order will come to an end eventually. Why do you think God has waited so long to send Jesus back? Do you long for that day or fear it? 4. And there shall no longer be any curse, Revelation 22:3. Look back at Genesis 3 and discuss the implications of this amazing and wonderful statement. 5. One of the great themes of the Bible is that God s people are not home yet. Adam and Eve got kicked out of their garden home, and the Israelites had a lot of trouble finding and staying in their Promised Land. Revelation gives us a quick glimpse of a place which reflects the real home of all those who love God, the place where He lives. How should knowing that you are not home yet impact your daily life (your material life, your friendships, your choices, your fears, your dreams)? Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 83

86 Notes & Prayer Requests Revelation, Now & Not Yet Page 84

87 Map of Israel (a.k.a. Land of Canaan) approx. scale of miles Maps are not to scale, approximations only. Locations are shown regardless of time period. Maps Page 85

88 Maps Page 86