Project Philip Ministry®
WHO IS GOD?
www.connect.bible/en-gb/wig Bible League International serves the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word. Who is God? © 2016 Bible League International All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other—without prior written permission of Bible League International. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, International Edition © 2016 by Bible League International. For permissions and availability of this and other resources, contact: Email:
[email protected] Web: www.bibleleague.org P-ENG-67976: ISBN: 978-1-62826-797-6 2021-04-04
Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lesson 1: Who is God? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lesson 2: God created people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lesson 3: Out of the Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lesson 4: Promise for all. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Lesson 5: God gives his Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Lesson 6: Royal birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Lesson 7: Band of angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Lesson 8: The Son of God in the Temple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lesson 9: Jesus forgives sin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Lesson 10: Who does God love? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Lesson 11: Jesus closes the Temple market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Lesson 12: How God forgives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Lesson 13: Did God defeat death? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Introduction
Do you ever wonder about God? ▪ Who is God? ▪ What has God done? ▪ And how should I live if I believe in God? Who is God? is a series of lessons to help you learn about God and answer these important questions. Who is God? is designed for small group studies. You will learn more and get help from others in a small group. But you may also use these lessons by yourself. There are 13 lessons. When you meet with your group, read the selection from the Bible and then read the lesson. Next, answer the questions at the end of each lesson. Use the questions to discuss what you have read and learned about God. When you are finished, you may want to say the prayer at the end of each lesson. God listens to us when we talk to him. The Bible has books with chapters and verses in each book. So, Genesis 1:27 is in the book of Genesis. The first number before the colon (:) refers to the chapter (chapter 1), and the number after the colon (:) is the verse number (verse 27). “ I began to find solutions to the problems I was facing in life. I learnt new ways of thinking about my relationship 4
Introduction
with God based on the Word of God. It even helped improve my family life. life.”” Madagascar With a group: You can use Who is God? with a study group, your family, friends or neighbours, but ideally with the help of a leader. Everyone in the group should participate in reading and discussion. Let everyone provide their own answers to the questions. Encourage everyone to read aloud if they would like to. The best size for the group is 3 to 10 people so that everyone has the opportunity to participate. And always show respect to one another, even when there is disagreement. Listen to what other people think and believe, and try to find your answers in the Bible. You can talk to God (through prayer) and ask him for help to understand the Bible. By yourself: Read the passage from the Bible along with the lesson. Then write down your answers to the questions at the end of each lesson. Take the time to write honest and complete answers. Writing is another way to talk to God and tell him what you are learning. It can also be a way of asking God questions. If possible, find someone to help you study and learn from Who is God? And always remember to ask God for help to understand what you are reading. “Who is God?” is the most important question you can answer. You are reading this book because you want to know who God is and because you are wondering how your life can be different, and better, because you know God. Let’s find out …
Introduction
5
1 Who is God?
Who is God? What is God? Who created the earth, the moon and the stars? The Bible tells us that God is the creator of all things. God does not create in the same way as humans do. We create things with tools and use what already exists, but God created the universe with the words of his mouth. He spoke, and everything was created. The Bible tells us that this powerful God who created the world also loves us and takes care of us. All throughout the Bible, God shows us what he is like. He is good; he knows what we need, and he provides it for us. Now, everything God created ends in death. But the Bible tells us that the God who created life will rescue his creation from death. This is the story of the Bible, and it will help us understand what is important and how God loves us. “ I started by forgiving my family—all of them. But I forgave them as Christ forgave me. I now love all of them and cele celebrate brate with them when any one of them succeeds in life. When I feel like holding a grudge with someone, I remember that this isn’t how God treats me. me.”” Peter Peter,, Zimbabwe
6
Lesson 1: Who is God?
Bible study Read the story about creation from the Bible in Genesis 1:1–13. Discuss the questions with the group. And think about how God cares for you.
Genesis 1:1–13 1In
the beginning, when God created the earth and sky, 2the earth was without form and not yet useful for anything. Deep waters covered the earth, and darkness covered the water. God’s Spirit was moving like a storm over the surface of the water. 3Then
God said, “Let there be light!” And light began to shine. 4He saw the light, and he knew that it was good. Then God separated the light from the darkness. 5He named the light “day” and the darkness “night”. There was evening, and then there was morning. This was the first day. 6Then
God said, “Let there be a dome to separate the water above from the water below.” 7So God made the dome and used it to separate the water. Some water stayed below the dome and some water was above it. 8God named that dome “sky”. There was evening, and then there was morning. This was the second day. 9Then
God said, “Let the water under the sky come together in one place. Then dry land will appear.” And it happened. 10God named the dry land “earth” and the water that had come together “seas”. And God saw that this was good. 11Then
God said, “Let the earth produce all kinds of plants. Let there be plants that produce grain and Lesson 1: Who is God?
7
trees that produce fruit containing seed.” And so it happened. 12The earth produced plants. There were all kinds of plants that produce grain and all kinds of trees that produce fruit containing seeds. And God saw that this was good. 13There
was evening, and then there was morning. This was the third day.
Study questions 1.
What was the earth like before God began to create? (Genesis 1:2)
2.
How does God create the world? (Genesis 1:3,6,9)
3.
What is good about what God created? (Genesis 1:4,10,12)
Reflection questions 1.
2.
8
Have you ever thought, “Why am I alive? What is my purpose?”
What does it mean to you that God creates everything and everyone? Do you think God made you?
Lesson 1: Who is God?
3.
Are you searching for God? How? Where are you looking?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “God, you are the Creator. Thank you for bringing order to the chaos in the beginning. Thank you for bringing light into the world and into my life. Thank you for the fruits and vegetables that grow for us to eat. And thank you for making us a home on the dry land where we can live. Please help me understand who you are and why you love me. Amen.”
Lesson 1: Who is God?
9
2 God created people
When God created, it was spectacular. He created a beautiful world for us to enjoy! Take a moment to look around; look up to the sky or off into the horizon. Look at the hills and valleys, the rivers and seas, and see all varieties of living things. His creation is wonderful! The Bible tells us that God brought order out of chaos. He put the land, sea and the sky in their proper places along with animals, fish and birds. Not one of these things was made in God’s image, until God made humans. This means that every person, whether they are a member of our family or a hated enemy, is made in God’s image. “ Studying the Word of God gave me a real understanding of the personal relationship you can have with God. I studied it every day, and eventually some of my family members started coming to church too! too!”” Migena Migena,, Albania
Bible study Read Genesis 1:26–31. Discuss the questions with the group. And think about how everyone is made in God’s image.
Genesis 1:26–31 26Then
God said, “Now let us make humans who will be like us. They will rule over all the fish, the birds and 10
Lesson 2: God created people
the tame animals. They will rule over all the large animals and small creatures that crawl on the ground.” 27So
God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created both male and female. 28God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children who will also have many children. Fill the earth with people and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29God
said, “I now give you every plant on earth that produces grain and every tree that produces fruit. They will be food for you. 30And I give all the green plants as food for all the other living, breathing things on earth. These plants will be food for the wild animals, the birds and the small creatures that crawl on the ground.” And so it happened. 31God
looked at everything he had made. And he saw that everything was very good. There was evening, and then there was morning. This was the sixth day.
Study questions 1.
How should humans live with everything God created? (Genesis 1:26)
2.
What does God say humans should do? (Genesis 1:28–30)
3.
What is different about the world that makes it very good? (Genesis 1:31) Lesson 2: God created people
11
Reflection questions 1.
Why do you think God made males and females in his image?
2.
How do you show that you are made in God’s image?
3.
Do you see God’s image in others? How do you see that?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, thank you for making me in your image. And thank you for making everyone in your image. That’s important, and I need to treat others differently because everyone has your image. And help me to take care of your world in the way that you take care of me. Amen.”
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Lesson 2: God created people
3 Out of the Garden
God’s powerful act of creation shows us how he has ordered the world, and it shows us how he relates to his creation. The Bible tells us that God is all-powerful and all-caring. The Bible also tells us that we are created in God’s image, and he wants a personal relationship with us. God wants us to know him, listen to him and learn how we should live. The story of Adam and Eve is about the first people who enjoyed a relationship with God. It was exciting at first and then very disappointing. God showed his awesome power and faithful care, even when the people he created were not faithful to him. But God is always faithful and able and willing to forgive. “ A man comes to our village often, inviting us all to study God’s Word by telling us that Jesus really loves us. This was new to me. Every E very day I am overwhelmed by what I am learning from God’s Word. And now I know that my friends, the ones who I thought were so bad, are just like me. But I didn’t abandon them. Instead, I am trying to show them how God’s love can turn their lives around. around.”” Abhijit Abhijit,, Bangladesh
Bible study Read about Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:7–9,15–18,21–25 and Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
13
3:1–21. Discuss the questions with the group. And think about what goes wrong for Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:7–9 7Then
the Lord God took dust from the ground and formed a man from it. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nose, and the man became a living being. 8The Lord God planted a garden in the east, in a place named Eden. And that is where he put the man he had made. 9Then the Lord God caused all kinds of trees to grow in the garden. The trees were beautiful and produced tasty fruit. In the middle of the garden, he placed two special trees. One produced fruit that gives life to people. The other produced fruit that gives people knowledge about good and evil.
Genesis 2:15–18 15The
Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to work in it and take care of it. 16The Lord God gave him this command: “You may eat the fruit from any tree in the garden except one. 17You must not eat any fruit from the tree that gives knowledge about good and evil. When you eat fruit from that tree, on that day you will certainly die!” 18Then
the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make the companion he needs, one just right for him.”
Genesis 2:21–25 21So
the Lord God caused the man to sleep very deeply. Then he took one of the ribs from the man’s body and closed the opening. 22The Lord God used the rib from the man to make a woman. Then he brought the woman to the man. 23And the man said, 14
Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
“Finally! One like me, with bones from my bones and a body from my body. She came out of man, so I will call her ‘woman’.” 24That
is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins together with his wife. In this way the two people become one. 25At
that time the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed.
Genesis 3:1–21 1The
snake was very clever and sly, more than all the other animals the Lord God had made. The snake asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2The
woman answered, “God said we may eat fruit from all the trees in the garden, 3except one. He said, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden. You must not even touch that tree, or else you will die.’” 4But
the snake said to the woman, “No, you will not die. knows that when you eat the fruit from that tree you will learn about good and evil, and then you will be like God!” 5God
6The
woman could see that the tree was beautiful. And the fruit looked so good to eat. She also liked the idea that it would make her wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Her husband was there with her. She also gave him some of the fruit, and he ate it too. 7Then
it was as if their eyes opened, and they saw things differently. They saw that they were naked. So they sewed some fig leaves together and tied them around their waists. 8That
day, the wind began to blow, and they could Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
15
hear the Lord God moving through the garden. The man and his wife heard him coming, so they hid among the trees. 9The Lord God called to the man and said, “Where are you?” 10The
man said, “I heard you in the garden. And I was afraid because I was naked. So I hid.” 11God
said to the man, “Where did you get the idea that you were naked? Did you eat the fruit I told you not to eat?” 12The
man said, “The woman you put here with me gave me some of the fruit from that tree, so I ate it.” 13Then
the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?” She said, “The snake tricked me, so I ate the fruit.” 14The
Lord God said to the snake, “To punish you for what you did, I put a curse on you. Among all the animals, tame or wild, I will punish only you in this way. You must crawl on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. 15I will cause you and the woman to hate each other. Your offspring and hers will be enemies. Her offspring will strike at your head, and you will strike at his heel.” 16Then
God said to the woman, “When you become pregnant, you will still have to work hard. And along with the troublesome work, you will have many children to take care of. You will want to rule over your husband, but he will keep you under control.” 17Then
God said to the man, “I told you not to eat the fruit from that tree, but you listened to your wife and ate it. So, because of what you did, I will put a curse on the ground. To get food from it, you will have to work hard all your life. 18The ground will grow thorns and 16
Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
weeds, but for food you will have to grow plants in the fields. 19You will have to work hard for your food, and sweat will drip from your face. You will work until the day you die, and then you will become dust again. I made you from the dust, and when you die, you will become dust again.” 20The
man named his wife Eve. He gave her this name because she would be the mother of everyone who ever lived. 21The
Lord God used animal skins to make clothes for the man and his wife to wear.
Study questions 1.
Which trees could Adam and Eve eat from, and which tree did God tell them they should not eat from? (Genesis 2:16–17)
2.
Why did Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree? (Genesis 3:6)
3.
What did God say to the snake, to the woman and to the man because each one of them disobeyed him? (Genesis 3:14–19)
Reflection questions 1.
How did the snake trick Adam and Eve into eating the
Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
17
forbidden fruit? Does Satan still do the same thing today?
2.
How did Adam and Eve’s relationship change because they disobeyed God?
3.
Did God abandon Adam and Eve when they disobeyed? How does God treat you today?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, when we disobey you, we give up life for death. And death is all around us. We fight with each other and do not listen to you. But you do not abandon us. You give me the things I need, and I can trust you. Help me learn how to listen to what you say. Amen.”
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Lesson 3: Out of the Garden
4 Promise for all
God made a good world, filled with marvellous creations for us to care for and enjoy. But Adam and Eve disobeyed God and that brought death into our world. They ruined the gift of life God provided, and today we all fight with each other and with God. Because of their disobedience, God sent them out of his good garden. Like Adam and Eve, everyone continues to disobey God. Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel, who show us that disobedience leads to death. Cain killed his brother Abel because he was jealous of him. And the violence increased throughout the world. But God wanted to make a family of those who would obey him, so he did not give up on people. God found a man named Abram and called that man to follow God’s commands. Because he obeyed God, God promised to bless the entire world through Abram. “ I have Christ in my heart now, and I want to help my friends and other students at university know him too. I am a happy girl because I have the Lord Jesus now. now.”” Merry Merry,, Armenia
Bible study Read the story about Abram in Genesis 12:1–3. Discuss the Lesson 4: Promise for all
19
questions with the group. And think about how great God’s promises are to this one person.
Genesis 12:1–3 1The
Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country and your people. Leave your father’s family and go to the land that I will show you. 2“I will make you and your descendants a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous. I will do this to make you a blessing to others. 3I will bless those who bless you, but I will put a curse on anyone who dishonours you. It is through you that blessings will come to all the families on earth.
Study questions 1.
What does God ask Abram to do? (Genesis 12:1)
2.
What does God promise to do for Abram? (Genesis 12:2)
3.
When Abram obeyed God and left his homeland, why do you think he was willing to do this? (Genesis 12:3)
Reflection questions 1.
2.
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Why do you think God promised so much to just this one person?
What kind of person do you need to be to bless others?
Lesson 4: Promise for all
3.
Does God bless your life today? How does this happen?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “God, I’m learning to trust you. You want to bless people like me so that I can know how great you are and so that I can bless others in my life. Teach me to trust you like Abram trusted you, because then everyone in my life will be blessed. Amen.”
Lesson 4: Promise for all
21
5 God gives his Son
Abram trusted God, and God blessed him and his family. Because of God’s promise, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, which means “father of many”. Abraham’s family grew to be a great nation called Israel. When they trusted God, God took care of them and protected them. But when Abraham’s family chose their own way and disobeyed, God punished them and their lives were filled with many troubles. In the same way that Adam and Eve were forced out of the garden because they disobeyed God, the Israelites were forced out of their home when they refused to listen to God. But God kept telling them that he would keep his promise to Abraham. So God sent Israel another gift, his own Son. God’s Son was born an Israelite, one of Abraham’s family, and a descendant of Adam and Eve’s family. This Israelite would undo what God’s people had done since Adam and Eve. And this One would finally defeat death. He would be a blessing to all people. And his mother’s name was Mary. “ Because Jesus changed my life, I know he can do the same for each of you. you.”” Godfrey Godfrey,, South Africa
Bible study Read the story about Mary in Luke 1:26–35,46–55. Discuss the 22
Lesson 5: God gives his Son
questions with your group. And think about what a great thing God does for this young girl named Mary.
Luke 1:26–35 26–27During
Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin girl who lived in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary. 28The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.” 29But
Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?” 30The
angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus. 32He will be great. People will call him the Son of the Most High God, and the Lord God will make him king like his ancestor David. 33He will rule over the people of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34Mary
said to the angel, “How will this happen? I am still a virgin.” 35The
angel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High God will cover you. The baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.”
Luke 1:46–55 46Then
Mary said,
“I praise the Lord with all my heart. 47He, 48He
my God and Saviour, has made me so happy!
has shown his care for me, his servant, Lesson 5: God gives his Son
23
a person who is so unimportant. And from now on, people will think of me as a person God blessed in a special way. 49Yes,
the Powerful One has done great things for me.
His name is holy. 50He
always gives mercy
to those who worship him. 51He
reached out his arm and showed his power.
He scattered those who think they are better than anyone else. 52He
brought down rulers from their thrones
and raised up the humble people. 53He
filled the hungry with good things,
but he sent the rich away with nothing. 54–55God
has helped Israel, the people he chose to serve him. He will never forget his promise to be kind to us. This is what he promised our ancestors, Abraham and his descendants.”
Study questions 1.
2.
24
What does it mean for God to say that Mary was special? (Luke 1:28,31–32)
How will Jesus be like King David? (Luke 1:32)
Lesson 5: God gives his Son
3.
When Mary hears about her child, what does she say God remembers? (Luke 1:50–55)
Reflection questions 1.
Mary is told her child will be the Son of God. What do you think that means?
2.
What do you think made Mary so willing to listen to God?
3.
Mary was certain God was keeping his promises. Are you certain God keeps his promises?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, when I hear about the young girl, Mary, and how she was certain you are keeping your promises, I want to believe you like she did. You have kept your promises to Abraham, and I can have the blessings that Mary believed through your Son, the Son of God. Amen.”
Lesson 5: God gives his Son
25
6 Royal birth
When God’s Son, Jesus, was born, the world saw what God was really like. Jesus would be the king of the Israelites and give full meaning to all the promises God made to Abraham for all the people of the world. But Jesus was not an ordinary king, and he was not the kind of king the people wanted. Jesus was the One that God said he would send to fulfil his promises, but he did not live in a palace. He was a humble and poor king. He did what God sent him to do. Jesus announced that God’s kingdom was coming, and that if people trusted him, they would become part of this kingdom. At the time of Jesus’ birth, there was a Roman king named Augustus Caesar. He liked people to think of him as a god. Members of the royal family in Rome were sometimes called by the name “son of god”. This family ruled the part of the world where Jesus was born, and they collected taxes to pay for Caesar’s expanding empire. “ The Word of the Lord had a tremendous impact on my life. It was a 180-degree turn! turn!”” Daniel Daniel,, Chile
Bible study Read the story about the time of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1–7.
26
Lesson 6: Royal birth
Discuss the questions with your group. And think about what kind of king Jesus was.
Luke 2:1–7 1It
was about that same time that Augustus Caesar sent out an order for all people in the countries under Roman rule. The order said that everyone’s name must be listed for taxes. 2This was the first counting of all the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3Everyone travelled to their own home towns to have their name put on the list. 4So
Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It was known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. 5Joseph registered with Mary because she was engaged to marry him. (She was now pregnant.) 6While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. 7She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full.
Study questions 1.
Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem so close to Jesus’ birth? (Luke 2:1–3)
2.
How can Jesus’ birth be compared to those of other kings? (Luke 2:4–6)
3.
What does the family’s poverty tell you about Jesus the king? (Luke 2:7) Lesson 6: Royal birth
27
Reflection questions 1.
Why is it important that Jesus was born in such poor circumstances?
2.
How is Jesus different from other kings and rulers?
3.
What kind of king would you expect God to send for you?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus into this world to be king. Now I can know what you are truly like. You sent your Son to live with the poor of this world. You gave us Jesus to be our king and to teach us how you want us to live in your kingdom. Teach me to see the world as your kingdom and to love the way that you love. Amen.”
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Lesson 6: Royal birth
7 Band of angels
The birth of a king is an important event, especially when the king is God’s Son. Kings of the world celebrate with parades and parties, but God’s ways are different. Jesus was not born into a family of wealth or political power. So instead of royal decrees, God sent his messengers (angels) to announce Jesus’ birth to the poor. Shepherds watched over their flocks in the fields. They guarded the flock against thieves and wild animals. On this one night, angels suddenly appeared, announcing that God’s glory was here to bring peace to his people. The angels also announced that Jesus was God’s promised One and the Saviour. Long ago, God’s people could see his glory when he was with them. They knew God was protecting and helping them. But because they disobeyed God, it had been a long time since people had seen God’s glory. But for these shepherds, God’s glory was shining around them. “ Since that day when Jesus found me, my life has been totally changed by his grace. I will continue to tell others that Jesus is the solution! solution!”” Julião Julião,, Mozambique
Bible study Read the story about angels announcing Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:8–20. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about why God sent angels to these shepherds. Lesson 7: Band of angels
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Luke 2:8–20 8That
night some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very frightened. 10The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make all God’s people happy. 11Today your Saviour was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This is how you will know him: you will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13Then
a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” 15The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven.
The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.” 16So
they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17When they saw the baby, they told everyone what the angels had said about this child. 18Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them. 20The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It was just as the angel had told them.
Study questions 1.
30
What titles does God give to Jesus, and what do they mean? (Luke 2:11)
Lesson 7: Band of angels
2.
What was the news about? And why was it good news? (Luke 2:10–11)
3.
How would the shepherds know they had found the child the angels talked about? (Luke 2:12,17)
Reflection questions 1.
Why do you think God sent angels to these shepherds and not to someone else who was more important?
2.
The shepherds were afraid. Would you be afraid of God’s glory? Why or why not?
3.
Do you know that Jesus is the Saviour? What does that mean?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. And thank you for sending angels to announce this good news that Jesus is the Saviour. Help me to understand and believe this good news. Amen.”
Lesson 7: Band of angels
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8 The Son of God in the Temple
The Temple in Jerusalem was the most important place for God’s people, the Israelites. God agreed to meet his people in a place where they could make peace with him for all the wrong things they had done. The Temple was that place. In the Temple, God’s people offered sacrifices to show that they realized they had done wrong. And when they made these sacrifices, God promised to forgive them. Over 500 years before Jesus, a foreign army destroyed the Temple. God allowed this to happen because his people did not use the Temple the way God commanded. The Israelites rebuilt the Temple, but in the time that Jesus lived, people disagreed about whether God approved of the new Temple. Still, many Israelites thought of the Temple as the only place to offer sacrifices to God. Jesus and his family visited the Temple to celebrate the Passover, the most important religious holiday. When Jesus was just twelve years old, Mary and Joseph accidently left him behind as they returned home from the Temple. But Jesus was not lost. He was talking about God’s work with the religious teachers in the Temple. While others were unsure about the Temple, Jesus understood its importance as a place to teach God’s Word. “ I was a Hindu bby y birth. We worshipped our gods and offered sacrifices, believing that it would bring good 32
Lesson 8: The Son of God in the Temple
fortune. Instead, it was a life of despair and hopelessness. I could not help but receive Jesus into my life. I felt like a new person. person.”” Khumraj Khumraj,, Nepal
Bible study Read the story about Jesus coming to the Temple when he was a young boy in Luke 2:41–52. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about what Jesus told his parents.
Luke 2:41–52 41Every
year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43When the festival was over, they went home, but Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know about this. 44They travelled for a whole day thinking that Jesus was with them in the group. They began looking for him among their family and close friends, 45but they did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there. 46Three
days later they found him. Jesus was sitting in the Temple area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and wise answers. 48When his parents saw him, they wondered how this was possible. And his mother said, “Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you.” 49Jesus
said to them, “Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be in my Father’s house.” 50But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them. Lesson 8: The Son of God in the Temple
33
51Jesus
went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52As Jesus grew older, he also grew in wisdom. God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.
Study questions 1.
When and why did Jesus’ family travel to Jerusalem? (Luke 2:41–43)
2.
What was Jesus doing with the teachers in the Temple? (Luke 2:46–47)
3.
What did Mary and Joseph think about Jesus staying in the Temple? (Luke 2:48–51)
Reflection questions 1.
In what ways did Jesus continue to grow? What do you think that means?
2.
What do you think Jesus was doing in the Temple? Why was it important?
3.
What do you think God’s work is? Are you part of God’s work?
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Lesson 8: The Son of God in the Temple
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, I know you want me to admit my wrongs and act the way you command. The work you do in my life restores me when I have done wrong things. You showed me this in what the Temple symbolized long ago, and today it happens when I talk to you and admit my wrongs. You forgive me, God, and I’m thankful. Amen.”
Lesson 8: The Son of God in the Temple
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9 Jesus forgives sin
The Bible said that as Jesus grew physically, he also grew in wisdom. As a grown man, he began to teach with remarkable wisdom. Jesus was a prophet who spoke with the wisdom of God. People loved that about him. They also loved the miracles he performed that helped the sick, weak and poor. Jesus healed many people during his life because this was part of the work God gave him to do. Jesus healed the sick and those who could not walk, gave sight to the blind and even brought people back from death. Storms obeyed his commands, and demons were afraid of him. This made Jesus very popular with the people and a threat to those who were in power. One day, the friends of a paralysed man wanted Jesus to help their friend. Because there were so many people inside the house listening to Jesus, they went up on the roof, made a hole and lowered the man down in front of Jesus. Jesus healed the man so that he could walk, and he also restored the man’s relationship with God. Jesus used the man’s physical healing to show people how he can heal their relationship with God. “ I accepted Christ under extraordinary circumstances. I had a vision or a dream, and I knew it was Jesus. I knew without a doubt my life would change. I gave my life to Jesus. Jesus.”” Tabitha Tabitha,, India 36
Lesson 9: Jesus forgives sin
Bible study Read the story about Jesus healing a man and restoring his relationship with God in Luke 5:17–26. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about how God can restore you.
Luke 5:17–26 17One
day Jesus was teaching in a house. Some Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting inside with him. They had come from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The Lord was giving Jesus the power to heal people. 18There was a man outside who was paralysed, and some other men were carrying him on a mat. They tried to carry him inside and put him down before Jesus. 19But they could not find a way to get the man to Jesus because of all the people. So they went up on the roof and made a hole by removing some tiles. They lowered the man down on his mat into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” 21This
made the teachers of the law and the Pharisees say to themselves, “Who is this man who dares to say such things? What an insult to God! Only God can forgive sins!” 22But
Jesus knew what they were thinking and responded, “Why do you have these questions in your minds? 23Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ because no one can see whether it happened or not. But what if I say to him, ‘Stand up and walk’? 24Then, if it happens, you will know that I, as the Son of Man, have power on earth to forgive sins.” So Jesus said to the paralysed man, “I tell you, stand up! Take your mat and go home!” Lesson 9: Jesus forgives sin
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25The
man immediately stood up in front of everyone. He picked up his mat and went home, praising God. 26Everyone was completely amazed and began to praise God. They were filled with great respect for God’s power. They said, “Today we saw amazing things!”
Study questions 1.
How did the friends of the man who couldn’t walk bring him to Jesus? (Luke 5:18–19)
2.
What did Jesus say that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees did not like? (Luke 5:21)
3.
What did Jesus say to the man who could not walk? What did Jesus tell the crowd? (Luke 5:20,22–24)
Reflection questions 1.
Why do you think so many people came to Jesus that day?
2.
Why did the religious leaders object to what Jesus said?
3.
Jesus knew how to help the man. Do you believe Jesus knows how to help you?
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Lesson 9: Jesus forgives sin
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “God, thank you for healing the sick and performing miracles to help those in need. And thank you for promising to restore the relationship between you and me when I believe in Jesus. I believe that you forgive me and do not hold my sins against me. Now teach me to treat others the same way that you treat me. Amen.”
Lesson 9: Jesus forgives sin
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10 Who does God love?
Most of the religious officials did not like what Jesus was doing and saying. So they tried to make him look bad in front of others or catch him in some mistake. One big problem they had with Jesus was the people he helped: sinners, the sick and the weak. Religious leaders were sure that because God was good and pure, he could not be around sinners. But sinners liked Jesus, and he welcomed them. When the religious officials saw Jesus eating and talking with people who they called sinners, they thought they had Jesus trapped. But God does not abandon sinners. Jesus came to show everyone what God was really like and that God helps sinners who ask for a relationship with him. Jesus told stories to show that God loves everyone and is even a friend to people who make bad choices. He reminded the religious leaders that God does not love people because people are good. God loves people because God is good. “ We prayed and studied God’s Word, and our lives changed. It was amazing for us. It was wonderful. And we saw how God helped us. us.”” Kare Kare,, Armenia
Bible study Read the story Jesus told about a father and his two sons in 40
Lesson 10: Who does God love?
Luke 15:11–32. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about how God is good to you.
Luke 15:11–32 11Then
Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. younger son said to his father, ‘Give me now the part of your property that I am supposed to receive some day.’ So the father divided his wealth between his two sons. 12The
13“A
few days later the younger son gathered up all that he had and left. He travelled far away to another country, and there he wasted his money living like a fool. 14After he had spent everything he had, there was a terrible famine throughout the country. He was hungry and needed money. 15So he went and got a job with one of the people who lived there. The man sent him into the fields to feed pigs. 16He was so hungry that he wanted to eat the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17“When
the son realized how foolish he had been, he thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat. 18I will leave and go to my father. This is what I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers.’ 20So he left and went to his father. “While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 21The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But
the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on Lesson 10: Who does God love?
41
his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party. 25“The
older son had been out in the field. When he came near the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26So he called to one of the servants and asked, ‘What does all this mean?’ 27The servant said, ‘Your brother has come back, and your father killed the best calf to eat. He is happy because he has his son back safe and sound.’ 28“The
older son was angry and would not go in to the party. So his father went out and begged him to come in. 29But he said to his father, ‘Look, for all these years I have worked like a slave for you. I have always done what you told me to do, and you never gave me even a young goat for a party with my friends. 30But then this son of yours comes home after wasting your money on prostitutes, and you kill the best calf for him!’ 31“His
father said to him, ‘Oh, my son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But this was a day to be happy and celebrate. Your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’”
Study questions 1. 2.
What did the younger son do and why? (Luke 15:12–16)
How did the son plan to solve the problems he caused? (Luke 15:17–19)
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Lesson 10: Who does God love?
3.
How did the father treat the son when he came back? (Luke 15:20,22–24)
Reflection questions 1.
Does the father’s reaction to his returning son surprise you? Why?
2.
Have you ever acted like one of these sons?
3.
How does God treat you if you believe in his Son and receive his forgiveness?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “God, thank you for being a good Father and for loving me when I do not obey you. Thank you for promising to welcome and accept me when I am honest about what I have done wrong. And help me to be more like you because of your love for me. Amen.”
Lesson 10: Who does God love?
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11 Jesus closes the Temple market
When Jesus came to earth, he showed us what God is like. Jesus’ teaching, healing miracles and care for hurting people showed us that God is merciful, kind and willing to forgive anyone. Jesus also taught us to live the way God intended. Jesus saw religious leaders using the area around the Temple to sell animals for sacrifice at unreasonable prices. That made it difficult for people to pray and experience God’s mercy, kindness and forgiveness while they worshipped at the Temple. Jesus reminded the people that God never intended for anyone to be cheated in the Temple. God told the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before that his Temple would be a house of prayer for all nations. Greedy people who used the Temple for profit did not honour God. That made Jesus angry, and he forced them out of the Temple. “ The parable of the prodigal son gave us great hope that our heavenly Father had completely forgiven us. I was greatly motivated to share the Gospel with others so I can serve my community better. Our entire community has changed! changed!”” Tajiyo Tajiyo,, Ethiopia
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Lesson 11: Jesus closes the Temple market
Bible study Read the story about Jesus closing the Temple market in Luke 19:41–48. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about what caused Jesus to be upset.
Luke 19:41–48 41Jesus
came near to Jerusalem. Looking at the city, he began to cry for it 42and said, “I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But it is hidden from you now. 43A time is coming when your enemies will build a wall around you and hold you in on all sides. 44They will destroy you and all your people. Not one stone of your buildings will stay on top of another. All this will happen because you did not recognize the time when God came to save you.” 45Jesus
went into the Temple area. He began chasing out the people who were selling things there. 46He said, “The Scriptures say, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer.’ But you have changed it into a ‘hiding place for thieves’.” 47Jesus
taught the people in the Temple area every day. The leading priests, the teachers of the law and some of the leaders of the people wanted to kill him. 48But they did not know how they could do it, because the people were always around him. Everyone was so interested in what Jesus was saying, they could not stop listening.
Study questions 1.
Why was Jesus crying for Jerusalem? (Luke 19:41–44)
Lesson 11: Jesus closes the Temple market
45
2.
Who did Jesus throw out of the Temple and why? (Luke 19:45)
3.
What should the Temple be used for? (Luke 19:46)
Reflection questions 1.
Do you know of people using religion for their own profit? What do you think about that?
2.
Why did the religious leaders want to kill Jesus?
3.
Why did the people listen to Jesus? Are you listening to Jesus today?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “God, thank you for coming to earth and showing us what you are like in Jesus. You forgive us freely, and you want us to have a relationship with you. You don’t want this relationship to be a business. Thank you for making it possible for me to have a relationship with you through your love. Amen.”
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Lesson 11: Jesus closes the Temple market
12 How God forgives
While Jesus continued to teach the people about having a relationship with God, the religious leaders kept plotting against him. They wanted to kill Jesus because they were threatened by his teaching. He taught that he was God’s Son, the true King. The leaders tried to say that Jesus’ claims were false and insulted God. So the religious leaders from the Temple secretly paid one of Jesus’ own followers to betray him and hand him over to their soldiers. While Jesus was praying, soldiers came to arrest Jesus. They beat him and treated him like a criminal. The religious leaders said Jesus threatened Roman power because he claimed to be the only true king. Jesus was nailed to a cross and executed—that was how the Romans killed their enemies. Even the crowds in Jerusalem turned against Jesus and made fun of him along with the soldiers. The Bible tells us that Jesus was a sacrifice for our sins. Instead of blood from a sacrificed animal, God’s own Son gave himself to restore our relationship with God. “ I told him [my Project Philip small group leader] about my behaviour issues, and he told me that Jesus could help me. I asked him to pray for me, and when he did, I felt the presence of Jesus. He gave me peace. I immediately felt deliverance and freedom. freedom.”” Anzhela Anzhela,, Armenia
Lesson 12: How God forgives
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Bible study Read the story about Jesus’ death in Luke 23:32–49. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about why Jesus died.
Luke 23:32–49 32There
were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be killed. 33They were led to a place called “The Skull”. There the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. They also nailed the criminals to crosses beside Jesus—one on the right and the other on the left. 34And
Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive these people, because they do not know what they are doing.” The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus’ clothes between them. 35The people stood there watching everything. The leaders laughed at Jesus. They said, “If he really is the Messiah, God’s Chosen One, then let him save himself. He saved others, didn’t he?” 36Even
the soldiers laughed at Jesus and made fun of him. They came and offered him some sour wine. 37They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38(At the top of the cross these words were written: this is the king of the jews.) 39One
of the criminals hanging there began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself, and save us too!” 40But
the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. 41You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!”
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Lesson 12: How God forgives
43Then
Jesus said to him, “I tell you for sure, today you will be with me in paradise.” 44It
was about noon, but it turned dark throughout the land until three o’clock in the afternoon, 45because the sun stopped shining. The curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces. 46Jesus shouted, “Father, I put my life in your hands!” After Jesus said this, he died. 47When
the army officer there saw what had happened, he praised God, saying, “I know this man was a good man!” 48Many
people had come out of the city to see all this. When they saw it, they felt very sorry and left. 49The people who were close friends of Jesus were there. Also, there were some women who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They all stood far away from the cross and watched these things.
Study questions 1.
Who else was killed alongside Jesus? What did they talk about? (Luke 23:32,39–43)
2.
What did Jesus say when he was dying? (Luke 23:34,43,46)
3.
What did people say about Jesus when he was dying? (Luke 23:35–42,47)
Lesson 12: How God forgives
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Reflection questions 1.
Why was it important for Jesus to forgive the people who were killing him?
2.
Why do some people understand who Jesus is and others do not?
3.
When Jesus died, was he dying for you? How do you know?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, thank you for giving your Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for me. When he died, he died for me. Thank you that your Son forgave those who did not know what they were doing. Often I do not understand what I’m doing wrong, and Jesus is ready to forgive me also. I need your forgiveness. Amen.”
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Lesson 12: How God forgives
13 Did God defeat death?
How could the Son of God die? Many people don’t understand that when Jesus died, he showed us how God forgives our sins. Those people only see a weak, dying man who did good things and was hated by his enemies. But that is not the end for Jesus. When Jesus died, it was so we can receive the gift of new life. Before he was killed, Jesus promised that he would die and be raised to life three days later. People did not understand this until after it happened. His death showed how much he loved us, and his resurrection showed he defeated death for us. Because death has been the punishment for sin since the beginning with Adam and Eve, Jesus sets us free from death by his death and resurrection. Jesus’ death is frightening, but his resurrection is joyous for us. Both his death and resurrection are necessary to give us forgiveness and new life. Jesus helped his followers understand what this means, and this is the message his followers told the world. When you believe in Jesus who died and was raised to life, you will be given a relationship with God that never ends. “ Because the believers now take courage in God’s Word, their faith grows stronger. I am Tzotzil, and these are my people, so I know our troubles, and I know only the Gospel can help. help.”” Hermilo Hermilo,, Mexico Lesson 13: Did God defeat death?
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Bible study Read the story about Jesus’ resurrection in Luke 24:1–12,36–53. Discuss the questions with your group. And think about why Jesus’ life after death is so important.
Luke 24:1–12 1Very
early Sunday morning, the women came to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. They brought the sweet-smelling spices they had prepared. 2They saw that the heavy stone that covered the entrance had been rolled away. 3They went in, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4They did not understand this. While they were wondering about it, two men in shining clothes stood beside them. 5The women were very afraid. They bowed down with their faces to the ground. The men said to them, “Why are you looking for a living person here? This is a place for dead people. 6Jesus is not here. He has risen from death. Do you remember what he said in Galilee? 7He said that the Son of Man must be handed over to the control of sinful men, be killed on a cross and rise from death on the third day.” 8Then the women remembered what Jesus had said. 9The
women left the tomb and went to find the eleven apostles and the other followers. They told them everything that happened at the tomb. 10These women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and some others. They told the apostles everything that had happened. 11But the apostles did not believe what they said. It sounded like nonsense. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb to see. He looked in, but he saw only the cloth that Jesus’ body had been wrapped in. It was just lying there.
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Lesson 13: Did God defeat death?
Peter went away to be alone, wondering what had happened.
Luke 24:36–53 36While
the two followers were telling these things to the others, Jesus himself came and stood among them. He said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37This
surprised the followers. They were afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. 38But Jesus said, “Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt what you see? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me. Touch me. You can see that I am not a ghost. Ghosts don’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I have.” 40As
soon as Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41The followers were amazed and very, very happy to see that Jesus was alive. They still could not believe what they saw. He said to them, “Do you have any food here?” 42They gave him a piece of cooked fish. 43While the followers watched, he took the fish and ate it. 44Jesus
said to them, “Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must happen—everything written in the Law of Moses, the books of the prophets and the Psalms.” 45Then
Jesus explained the Scriptures to them so that they could understand their true meaning. 46Jesus said to them, “It is written that the Messiah would be killed and rise from death on the third day. 47–48You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. And it is written that the people of all nations must be told to change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name. 49Remember that I will Lesson 13: Did God defeat death?
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send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” 50Jesus
led his followers out of Jerusalem almost to Bethany. He raised his hands and blessed his followers. 51While he was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried into heaven. 52They worshipped him and went back to Jerusalem very happy. 53They stayed at the Temple all the time, praising God.
Study questions 1.
What happened at Jesus’ tomb that morning? (Luke 24:1–7)
2.
What did Jesus say about his death before it happened? (Luke 24:6–8,44–45)
3.
What did Jesus tell his followers to do? (Luke 24:46–49)
Reflection questions 1.
2.
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What do you think it means that Jesus was raised from death?
Why do you think it is important that Jesus rose from the dead?
Lesson 13: Did God defeat death?
3.
Why is it important to tell others about Jesus? Is that important for you?
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, you have defeated sin and death. Thank you for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. You defeated death by raising him from the dead. I trust you with my life, and I believe you can give me life that death cannot take away. Amen.”
Conclusion
Now that you have finished this short study, consider what you have learned and ask yourself again: who is God? The Bible tells us that God has come to earth in Jesus. So Jesus shows us what God is really like. This really is good news. This means we can be sure that God loves us. We can be sure that God forgives our sins when we ask him. We can be sure that God welcomes us as we are. Conclusion
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And we can see that God loves us so much that he refuses to leave us trapped in our sin and in fear of death every day. When we believe in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, then death loses its power over us. With Jesus as our friend, we know that he is helping us live a better life—the life God wants us to live. God promises to free us from sin and death. And we can boldly tell others about Jesus and what he has done in our lives. As Jesus shows us what God is really like, we can show our family and friends what Jesus is really like by following him. “ Things are looking good for me and my family. I have learnt so much about God’s peace and God’s forgiveness. I don’t miss a chance to testify to the goodness of the Lord. Lord.”” Regina Regina,, Kenya
Prayer You can say a prayer like this: “Dear God, thank you for your Son, Jesus. You have shown yourself to me in him. Thank you for forgiving my sins and saving me from death. Please give me the strength to follow your Son, Jesus, every day. Help me to follow him even when life is difficult or when people do not love me. Give me the strength to love others as you have loved me and to tell others about your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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Conclusion