Tuesday, April 2, 2013

THE LORD APPEARS


By the end of the lesson, we will:

DESCRIBE the events of the Resurrection in this passage; REFLECT on the power displayed in Scripture; and DECIDE to seek the fulfillment of all that Jesus has promised us. 

Focal Verses: Luke 24:36-53

Keep in Mind: 

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me." (Luke 24:44)

At-A-Glance

1.) Jesus' Appearance to His Disciples Behind Closed Doors (Luke 24:36-43)
2.) Jesus' Appearance to His Disciples in Jerusalem (vv. 44-49)
3.) Jesus' Ascension (vv. 50-53)

In Focus: Promises made are often hard to keep. In today's lesson, we will see how Jesus kept His promises and fulfilled all Old Testament prophecies. 


Background: On the third day after the death of Jesus, two disciples encountered the resurrected Jesus on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-21, 28-35). Because they were so grief stricken, they were unaware it was Jesus. He opened the Scriptures to them and revealed the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of the Messiah. After such sadness and despondency over the death of their leader, His words restored their hope. They invited Him to stay with them since it was so late when they arrived in Emmaus. They shared the Lord's Supper. Once they recognized Jesus, He disappeared. They then returned to Jerusalem to witness to the other disciples about their encounter with the resurrected Savior. Today's text tells of Jesus' appearance to the disciples and His ascension. 


Search the Scriptures: 

1. What evidence did Jesus offer to the disciples to prove who He really was (Luke 24:39-40, 42-43)?
2. Why did Jesus tell the disciples to remain in the city (v.49)?

Discuss the Meaning:

1.) People make promises that they do not keep. This can cause us to doubt others. What qualities make a person trustworthy?
2.) Some people say that regardless of others lack of dependability, we would have to trust Jesus before we could learn to trust others. Is this advice true? How difficult is it to apply this to our lives?


Lesson in Our Society:

We learn to trust people based on their word. Jesus proved He is trustworthy because He has fulfilled every promise made. He wants us to trust Him unconditionally and seek to live out His promises. In today's society, it can be difficult living out the promises of God. What hindrances do you face in seeking to fulfill God's promises? How can you overcome the stumbling blocks? 


Make it Happen:


Jesus appeared to the disciples to prove He had been resurrected and to give reassurance to them. Sometimes we need evidence before we believe promises made by others. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament about the Messiah. He is trustworthy. What promises has God made to you through His Word? There is no need to delay in seeking the fulfillment of God's promises for your life. This week, write down the promises and corresponding Scriptures. Pray and ask God for guidance in the steps to take. Step out by faith and take action. Every word God proves true. 
(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)




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From Acorns to Oak Trees: Something for the youth!






From The Junior High Magazine:
 





COMFORTING SPIRT

LESSON AIM: 

KNOW: Realize the power of the Holy Spirit. 
FEEL: Reflect on the power of God displayed in Scripture. 
DO: Experience the fulfillment of all that Jesus has promised us. 

Reality Check 
Jason and Bell looked through the photo album as if it was their very first time seeing the pictures. Uncle Saul's funeral had been just three hours earlier. Everyone was sitting around reminiscing about times spent with their uncle, He was still their favorite uncle and would probably continue to be. Bell's eyes glazed with tears that wouldn't fall. Jason knew she wanted to cry, but she was holding back her tears.
"We all miss him," Jason said. He gave Bell a hug, and they turned the next page. Big Mike came to the door and told them to come down to eat. Bell closed the book, and all three followed the smell of food. 
They walked into a feast. Most of the dishes were ones Uncle Saul had enjoyed. Pastor Stokes blessed the food and invited everyone to dig in. As family and friends passed plates and bowls around, stories about Uncle Saul continued. Family members took turns cheerfully recounting funny memories and recalling memorable gestures Uncle Saul had done in his unique way.
Toward the end of the meal, Pastor Stokes got everyone's attention and said, "Uncle Saul was a great man of God. Follow his model. He was an example to all his family of what it meant to follow God. He  helped much and complained little. Don't ever forget that. Indeed, God truly blessed us all with Uncle Saul."
After everyone said their goodbyes to the pastor, Jason reflected on His Bible study lesson how Jesus rose and came to see the disciples. That had to bring them a lot of joy. He thought about Uncle Saul up in heaven and that he would not come back. Jason realized he would see his uncle again someday in heaven. Jason just smiled. 

1.) What kind of person do you think Uncle Saul was?
2.) How did the family deal with the loss of their beloved uncle?
3.) Compare how the family dealt with Uncle Saul's death and how the disciples dealt with the death of Jesus. How were the two experience different?


PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES:


In My Heart
Recite this verse: "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (Luke 24:44)

The Lord Appears
Junior should reflect on the power of God displayed in the Scriptures and how the disciples were changed from hiding men to bold men proclaiming God's message. 


EXPLORE THE MEANING
How to Experience the Promise
Juniors will experience the fulfillment of all that Jesus promised us as they meet with other believers and worship Him. 
1. Meet with fellow believers regularly in church of Bible study.
2. Read and discuss the promises of God found in the Scriptures. 
3. Worship together, proclaiming the risen Christ. 
4. Pray and ask that the Holy Spirit be with you to guide you. 

Promises Kept

While the disciples were hiding in disbelief of what the Scriptures foretold, Jesus appeared among them and proved the Scriptures to be true. He proved that He was alive and ate with them. Juniors will see that once the disciples believed, He blessed them and ascended into heaven, leaving them on earth to worship and praise His name. Juniors will see that all the promises of Jesus are reliable. 

QUESTION FOR JESUS
Juniors should take some time to reflect on what questions or comments they would make to Jesus if He appeared to them today. 
(Excerpt from The Apostolic Light)

Please share your thoughts in the comment box. 




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