FROM SUFFERING TO GLORY

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLORE the account of Jesus' meeting the two travelers after His Resurrection; TRUST that Jesus provides meaning in things we don't understand; and REHEARSE various ways Jesus has given us help through the power of His Resurrection. 

FOCAL VERSES Isaiah 53:5-8; Luke 24:25-27; 44-47

KEEP IN MIND

"And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Understanding Comes Through the Word of God (Isaiah 53:5-7, 8a)

2. Understanding Comes Through Relationship with the Savior (Luke 24:25-26)

3. Understanding Comes in Accepting God's Will (vv. 27, 44-47)

IN FOCUS STORY

Demetrius could not understand why his life was going down the tubes the way it was. "How long, Lord?" he said as he began to get dressed to look for another job. Just then, his wife, Andrea, came in. "Demetrius, you're going to do fine today," she said with a calm assurance. 

"I don't know, honey. I can't understand why all of this is happening right now," Demetrius replied, "In the last two weeks, I lost my job, our car threw a rod, and we found out my mom is sick with cancer."

Andrea put her hands on his shoulders. "Demetrius, we have to trust that God has a plan for our family and that He will help us to understand. We've got to believe the Scriptures and He will open our understanding. As the song says, we'll understanding it better by and by. Right now, we're walking by faith. God will heal Mom. We will drive again- even if public transportation has to be our friend for a while. Above all, let's keep the faith that you will get this job and it will be better than you can even imagine!"

Demetrius stood in front of the mirror straightening his tie and contemplating what Andrea said. Maybe this was for the better. He prayed for God to help him understand it all. 

Through Jesus, we can find meaning in the things that we don't understand. In today's lesson, we can learn to trust that Jesus will give us understanding in the difficult times. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

The Suffering Servant. The book of Isaiah contains four songs or poems describing the servant Yahweh. The most famous of these songs is found within Isaiah 52:14 through 53:12. Theses songs describe a servant of Yahweh who has been called to lead the nations to worship God. The servant is persecuted and oppressed but ultimately rewarded. Jewish scholars usually identify this servant as the nation of Israel, which had suffered injustice under Assyria and Babylon. In the New Testament, this Servant came to be identified as Jesus, who is the embodiment of Israel. 

Emmaus. A village about seven and a half miles from Jerusalem. This was one of the first places where Jesus made a post-resurrection appearance. The name Emmaus probably meant "hot spring." Josephus wrote of a village called Emmaus, but the actual site of the village remains widely disputed. 

The Two Disciples. The identity of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus remains unknown. Some scholars believe that these two disciples were Cleophas and Mary.

BACKGROUND

During the time after Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples experienced confusion and despair. They had watched their hoped-for Messiah ruthlessly murdered at the hands of the Roman establishment. They had trusted that He would be the one who would overthrow foreign oppression and restore Israel to its former glory. Now their leader was dead in a grave, and they had all scattered back to their homes wondering what had happened. If Jesus really was the promised Messiah, the could not understand anything that had transpired within the last few days. 

Isaiah 53 gives some insight into what happened when Jesus endured the betrayal of the Jewish leaders and death form the Roman government. His suffering and pain were all a part of God's plan to redeem Israel and the whole world. It was this aspect of Jesus' life that was difficult for the disciples to see; not only would He be a glorious King who would lead Israel to peace and prosperity, but He would also be a Suffering Servant and die at the hands of foreign powers. 

It took Jesus Himself to show the disciples that His death was not the end. He had to interpret the Scriptures in order for them to understand the full scope of what God was up to during the Crucifixion and how this played a part in His large purpose. Jesus showed how, in passages like Isaiah 53, God had already spoken about His death and resurrection. He talked with His disciples about how God's plan could be found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and how now they were to go out and proclaim the message of forgiveness and love to the entire world. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What animal images explain the Messiah's attitude during His suffering (Isaiah 53:7)?

2. What in Isaiah's prophecy declares that Jesus will be tried in a court of law (Isaiah 53:8a)?

3. What does Jesus imply to the real issue with the disciples (Luke 24:25)?

4. What proof do we have that Jesus fully accepted and expected Calvary (Luke 24:26, 46)?

 DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What is the relationship between the suffering and the glory in Jesus' being "wounded for our transgressions...bruised for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5)?

2. How does aligning ourselves with God's purpose help us to understand our sorrows and disappointments?

3. How can we us Scripture as our guide through difficult times?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

1. When we go through difficult times, it is hard to understand what God is doing. In these times, we must continue to draw strength from our relationship with Jesus and use Scripture to increase our faith. What difficult local and global situations are causing you anxiety? How can you be more diligent in the Word and steadfast in prayer regarding those issues?

2. As saints of God, people expect that we can give a word to someone else. Consider your neighbors and friends who are going through difficulty. What scriptural encouragement can you give them in their time of need?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Often we are called to share our testimony with others who are wrestling with things they don't understand. Read the excerpt from "Our Testimony" in the ViewPoints Resource Guide. Then ask God to give you the opportunity to share your testimony with someone who needs to know Him.

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

THE THIRD DAY

AIM FOR CHANGE 

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

REVIEW the miraculous story of the Resurrection; EXPLORE the possible feelings and emotions of those who discovered the empty tomb; and LIST ways to share the glorious Gospel message in our everyday lives. 

FOCAL VERSES Hosea 6:1-3; Luke 24:1-12

KEEP IN MIND

"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" (Luke 24:6-7).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Anticipating His Presence (Hosea 6:1-3)

2. Seeing the Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-3)

3. Declaring the Prophecy Fulfilled (vv. 4-9)

4. Proclaiming His Resurrection (vv. 10-12)

IN FOCUS

Jason was wrongly convicted of a serious crime. He began serving time in prison as a young man. He was given a life sentence and was incarcerated for more than fifteen years before things changed for him. After years of prayer and a series of legal disappointments, a local Innocence Project investigated his case and provided him free legal representation. 

Upon his release, Jason stood on the stairs of the courthouse with his family. The press asked what sustained him when victory looked improbable and whether he ever believed this day would arrive. Jason recounted God's faithfulness as demonstrated in the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus. He told how God kept him during the most difficult time in his life. He testified of his unflappable faith and told how his family continued to life him in prayer as God opened doors. He let the news crew know that God is faithful despite the way our situation may appear. 

We can trust God's Word and His promises of deliverance, even when victory looks improbable. In today's lesson, we will review the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day as the fulfillment of long-awaited prophecies. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Luke. The author of the Gospel that bears his name. Luke wrote an orderly account documenting a careful investigation of the things that had been fulfilled to present to Theophilus. Some scholars believe Theophilus to be a Roman official who wanted to know what Christianity was all about. This book was written between the years of 50 and 70 A.D. (see Luke 1:1-4). Luke was an educated Gentile, a doctor, and a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14) (Encountering the New Testament, 62). 

Hosea. The author of the book that bears his name, Hosea, son of Beeri, was a prophet who addressed the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His book / prophecy is a love story where his marriage to a prostitute named Gomer served as an object lesson for the relationship between God and His covenant people. 

Jerusalem. The city captured by David and made the capital of his kingdom where he built his palace and where his son Solomon built the temple. It later became the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The name means "possession of peace." Ironically, the site of Jesus' crucifixion was a hill called Golgotha just outside the walls of ancient Jerusalem. 

BACKGROUND

The book of Hosea was written and recorded events between 800 and 700 B.C. It presents dual themes of God's love and wrath. It tells of God's love for a sinful people. Hosea shows that although Israel has rejected God's covenantal love and merits judgments, God still chooses to restore them. 

Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure with prophecy and teaching. He foretold His death and resurrection on their way to Jerusalem, but they did not understand. Passing through Jericho, He healed a blind beggar and converted Zaccheaeus. Right before the Passover, Jesus presented Himself in Jerusalem as the long-awaited Messiah and then wept over the city. Conflict ensued as He denounced the moneychangers in the temple and challenged scribes, lawyers, and religious leaders who sought to trap and discredit Him. Jesus wanted to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread by partaking in a Passover meal, often called the Last Supper, with the twelve disciples before He suffered. There He predicted betrayal from among them. He also compared that bread and wine they consumed to His body and blood that would be broken for them. He instructed the disciples to be great through service. Jesus was betrayed by Judas after praying on the Mount of Olives and denied by Peter after being arrested. He appeared before the religious council and Herod before being sentenced to death by Pilate. He was crucified at a place called Calvary (Golgotha) with two others, buried in a tomb, and then resurrected three days later.

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What assurance is given about the Lord's faithfulness in Hosea 6:1?

2. What emotion did the women experience during this event (Luke 24:4)?

3. How did the eleven disciples respond when they heard Jesus had risen (vv. 11-12)?

THE MEANING

1. The Resurrection is so important to the Gospel message that Paul says without it our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). What do you believe about the Resurrection? Why is it essential to the Gospel? Why is it important to share?

2. In the In Focus story, Jason gave testimony to the truth of God's deliverance. When was the last time you did the same? Brainstorm reasons to share the Gospel and at least four strategies to do so with family, friends, and co-workers. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

You never know how people will respond when you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The disciples responded with disbelief to the news of the Resurrection. We can expect that others will react similarly. We cannot allow our sense of anxiety and fear of rejection to be hindrances to our sharing the Good News of the Resurrection with others. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

List ways you can share the glorious Gospel message with others. Determine what opportunities God gives you daily to do that. Make a list of the people and places you encounter daily that need to hear that Jesus Christ cares about their situations. Then pray and ask God to give you both wisdom and boldness to declare that He is alive. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

A MESSIANIC PRIEST-KING

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

OBSERVE how Jesus' humility amid suffering fulfilled prophecies made about Him; TRUST that we will become all that God has ordained us to be, even if the road to destiny is difficult; and PRAY 

for strength to endure when things don't appear as God has promised. 

FOCAL VERSES Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 6:9-6; 

John 19:1-5      

KEEP IN MIND 

"And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands" (John 19:3). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Messianic Priest-King Prophesied (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

2. The Messianic Priest-King Symbolized (Zechariah 6:9-14)

3. The Messianic Priest-King Realized (John 19:1-5)

IN FOCUS STORY

 We Will Follow Him

By Bishop G. T. Haywood

Jesus is the Lord of glory, 

He's the Prophet, Priest, and King. 

He's the beauteous Rose of Sharon

And His praises I will sing. 

He's the Lily of the Valley, 

He's the Comforter and Friend; 

He's the fairest of ten thousand

Him I will follow to the end. 

Though the world rejects my Savior, 

Him I will follow all the way. 

For with Him is light and gladness 

And He leads to realms of day

Where the flowers bloom forever

In the city bright and fair. 

There the glories of His Kingdom

We eternally shall share. 

Jesus is our Messiah, our Priest, and our King. Today's lesson confirms the prophecy of salvation and recalls the perecution the Savior faced. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

 

Pilate. Pilate was the sixth Roman procurator of Judea and Samaria. He held office for twelve years. By the end of the time, because of insensitivity to Jewish religious concerns and thirst for power, he was hated by both Jews and Samaritans. He was recalled by Tiberius and banished to Vienna, where he committed suicide. 

The Crowd. This is the Jewish crowd that decided Jesus was a blasphemer and worthy of death. A few days before, a similar crowd had followed Him through the streets praising Him as the coming Messiah. 

BACKGROUND

The Jewish people looked forward to a coming Messiah who would bring their nation back to its former glory. This was supported by prophecies from the Old Testament dating back to the book of Genesis. Many of these prophecies describe a coming righteous King who will rule justly and fairly. Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Zechariah 6:9-14 are two prophecies that describe the coming Messiah as a King who will right the wrongs of Israel and restore the nation to its former glory. This Messiah would come form the line of David, and He would not only be a King, but also a Priest. This was unprecedented. 

At first glance, Jesus did not fit the descriptions in any of these prophecies. He was lowly and rejected. He suffered humiliation through being flogged with thirty-nine lashes. Ultimately, He was led to death by crucifixion. The soldiers of Pilate captilized on this and mocked Jesus. They gave Him a crown of thorns and a purple robe. After they slapped Him in the face multiple times and spit on Him, they shouted, "Hail, King of the Jews!' as a bitter way to humiliate Him further. 

Although these were acts of humiliation and suffering, they also brought Him further to his destiny as Messiah. The coming Messiah was a King, but He was also described as a Branch, which symbolized lowliness and humility. He was also a Priest and a King and, through His death on the cross, he became a Priest for us by offering up His own body as the final and ultimate sacrifice. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1.What condition was inherent in the promise of God to Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 23:6)?

2. What term, referring to His relationship to David, do Jeremiah and Zechariah use for the Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12)?

3. What was the purpose of placing the crown on the head of Joshua, the high priest (Zechariah 6:11-13)?

4. What symbol is used by Zechariah to represent the Priest-King, and by the soldiers to mock the Priest-King (Zechariah 6:11, 14; John 19:2, 5)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Today's text provides three images of the Messianic Priest-King.  Do they indicate at change or consistency in God's promise to David?

2. What was the significance of scourging Jesus if Pilate found "no fault in him" (John 19:1, 4)?

3. Zechariah was prophet to those who were returning from captivity to rebuild the temple. Why was the prophet instructed to explain that the coming Messiah would build the temple (Zechariah 6:12, 13)? What is the significance of the symbolic crowns being placed in the  temple as memorial (v. 14)? What do these crowns signify for us?

4. How do the lyrics to Bishop Haywood's song "We Will Follow Him" (In Focus) reveal the true nature of Jesus as our Messianic Priest-King? What does this mean for us as His followers?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

The popular understanding today is that the way of humility and suffering is the way of weakness. That is because humility stands in opposition to the world's way of dominating and forcing people to give us what we want and what is "rightfully ours." This is not the way to go about things if we believe and trust that God is fighting our battles and has our best interest in mind. 

1. As saints of God, are we expected to influence a change in this worldly perception? If so, how might we do that?

2. There are those in the church who feel that the way of humility and suffering is "old school" and out of touch with what is needed today. How do you respond to that perception?

3. What examples did Jesus give us of strength in the midst of humility? How can we exemplify those examples in our lives?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. What encouragement do you gain from today's text to take you through when the struggle is most demanding?

2. God's way is different than man's way. We must remember to choose the way of humility and pray for patience to see God's promises come to pass. Take time this week to make a list of the promises found in the Bible that are revealed in you life. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLORE the importance of keeping worship form becoming rote;

UNDERSTAND the danger of losing our passion for things we habitually do for God; and EMPLOY ways to remember that God's house is a house for prayer and that we must remain on fire to give Him proper worship. 

FOCAL VERSES Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 7:9-11;

 Mark 11:15-19.

KEEP IN MIND

"Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD"

(Jeremiah 7:11).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Isaiah Reminds the People that the Temple is a Symbol of Hope (Isaiah 56:6-7). 

2. Jeremiah Warns Against Temple Abuse (Jeremiah 7:9-11)

3. Jesus Expresses Outrage (Mark 11:15-19)

IN FOCUS STORY

Ten Signs That Your "Temple" Needs Cleaning

What actions indicate susceptibility to the danger below? How would you avoid or rectify these pitfalls? What suggestions do you have to avoid or rectify these errors?

1. Little appetite for the Word of God: If you no longer hunger and thirst for knowledge of the Bible, you run the risk of serious spiritual malnutrition. 

2. Neglecting personal prayer: Like physical exercise, prayer requires discipline and determination. 

3. MIA during worship assemblies: If this describes you, then you are missing the connection of fellowship and support you need. 

4. Bystander status with local church programs: A branch in the relationship between identity as a saint of God and your faithfulness to the ministry of the church can leave you without connection and accountability. 

5. Increased criticism: An attitude of judgement and criticism poisons the air around you, harms the church, and distracts those who seeking the Lord. 

6. No excitement regrading saved souls: A loss of joy about new saints who receive the baptism in Jesus' Name or the Holy Ghost signals a loss of joy for your own salvation. 

7. Absence of concern for others: This coldness is a warming that the love of Jesus is missing. Check to see where your leftover pain is still aching. Then give that over to the Lord!

8. Craving for non-Christian fellowship: When the majority of your friends shift form those who turn first to God to those who turn first to lust, swearing, or sexual pleasure, you are in dangerous company.

9. Lack the desire to share your testimony: If you never seen to fin the time and place to say you are saved, you have to ask yourself if it is because of shame. Check your surroundings and your activities for the source. 

10. No joy about Jesus: You are in serious trouble and should stop and pray-now!

Far too often, our service in the church and our devotional habits become routine and mundane. In today's lesson, we will see that God intends for His house to be one of prayer, worship, and genuine service. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

The Second Temple. In 586 B.C., the Babylonians destroyed the original temple in Jerusalem that had been built by King Solomon. 

Following years of exile, contingent of about 42,360 Jew was given permission by King Cyrus to return and rebuild the Temple, which lay in ruins (Ezra 2:64). Renovation of the temple was begun under the direction of the governor Zerubbabel. These renovation attempts were slow, and the focused on the rebuilding of the altar. Not surprisingly, this second temple was not as splendid as the original. 

Many years later, the seventeenth year of this reign, Herod the Great announced his plans to again renovate the Temple. He began in 20 or 19 B.C. by enlarging the Temple Mount (also known as Mount Moriah) area to accommodate larger crowds of pilgrims who regularly attended Passover and other religious festivals.

Herod provided a thousand wagons to transport stones form the limestone quarry. Additionally, Herod hired ten thousand skilled craftsmen to work on the building of the Temple. Because the law required that only priests could work on the holiest parts of the temple, including the sanctuary and the Court of Priest, more than thousand priest were trained as carpenters and masons. 

According to records by the historian Josephus, the inner courts were completed after a year and a half. He also recorded that during the construction of the inner courts, no rain fell during the day. While Herod had the original foundations of the temple removed, the eastern wall was kept intact. Construction on this Temple continued for twenty years; however, it was sufficiently ready for use and was dedicated within three and a half years of its commencement, thus fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that another temple would be constructed when people had been restored to the land (Isaiah 2:2-3; 44:28, 56:7, 66:20-21). 

BACKGROUND

Even when they were captives in Babylon, the Jews were required to follow the laws of God. Writings from the prophets like Isaiah continued to remind the people that the salvation of the Lord was "close at hand" (Isaiah 56:1, NIV), thus affirming their hope that they would be restored to their land. God's commandment to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8) was especially difficult for Jews living in captivity. They were enslaved in pagan lands and this prohibition against working on the Sabbath was often impractical. Similarly, other pagan customs were imposed on the Jews that made it difficult for them to follow God's laws and commandments. Isaiah had prophesied to King Hezekiah that some of his heirs would one day serve as eunuchs in the palace of Babylon (2 Kings 20:18). While the Bible does not say that this is what happened to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, most biblical scholars recognize that this is what happened to foreign men serving in the royal palace of Babylon. Such conditions would have been prohibited from temple service when they returned to Jerusalem. Moreover, the eunuchs would be unable to father children and ensure the community of their family name. However, we read that this law would be overruled if the eunuch kept the Sabbath holy and obeyed God to the best of his ability

(Isaiah 56:4-5). 

This is clear indication that God, then as now, is far more concerned about the hearts of His people rather then their physical condition. Similarly, special place of honor would be established in the Temple for the eunuchs (v. 5). Here we see that God would publicly honor the faithfulness of these men who had been physically altered against their will, yet who continued to honor and serve Him and follow His laws. More importantly, this is further confirmation that God has no intention of allowing His beloved to remain as outcasts. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What blessings did God offer to the non-Jews who embraced Him (Isaiah 56:7)?

2. What sins did God accuse the nation of Judah of committing (Jeremiah 7:9)?

3. What accusation did Jeremiah and Mark make against worshippers and and leader (Jeremiah 7:11 and Mark 11:17)?

4. How did the scribes and the chief priests respond to Jesus exposing the evil being done in the temple (Mark 11:18)?

5. How did the people respond to Jesus' actions and why (Mark 11:18)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. In Mark 11:15-17, Jesus was indignant when He saw the temple being misused. What do you think should be the appropriate response and action of Christians who witness ungodly behavior and practices in the church?

2. Mark 11:18 records the reactions of the people and the scribes. Think about the role scribes and priests were supposed to have. What great opportunity did they miss and why?

3. Examine the list in In Focus. How can the ten signs result in a modern-day version of the situation described in Jeremiah 7:9?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

1. Jesus lashed out against a spirit of depravity and monetary greed that had pervaded the temple. One need only read the newspaper to see the ways greed and corruption appear to be imbedded in our society. Where do we find greed present in our churches? Is there anything that can be done to turn this over?

2. Our faith in God must be exemplified through our care and compassion of others. Do you believe these qualities are hall marks of churches today?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

A true believer does more than follow rituals and traditions. Being children of God means that we must make every effort to live according to His Word. When we live according to our own desires rather than God's will, we eventually cling to fallacies and fall into a life of self-deception. Examine your life and ask God for fresh fire. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the Word Inc.)