The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Philip

    “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

    Acts 8:35

    Philip went to Samaria to share the Gospel Message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Many of the people believed in Jesus. Philip listened to God when He spoke to him – for when God sent him away from the many people who were being saved into a desert land, Philip went. While Philip was there, he met one man who was searching for the truth about Jesus. This man needed someone to teach him, and God sent Philip to be that one who could show him how to know Jesus.

    An Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem. He was on his way home, reading the writings of Isaiah. (Isaiah is the Major Prophet in the Old Testament which includes the most prophecies of Jesus.) The Spirit told Philip to join that chariot (see Acts 8:27-29). When Philip ran to meet that chariot, he heard the man reading from Isaiah, which told of the Messiah (Jesus) who was to come. Philip asked the Ethiopian if he understood what he was reading. “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:31). Philip immediately recognized that this man was open to hearing the message of Jesus. “32. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth” (Acts 8:32-33). This Scripture is from Isaiah 53:7-8. The eunuch asked of whom this was speaking. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Philip preached Jesus right out of Isaiah chapter 53. Preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Philip told the Ethiopian Eunuch about Jesus. One can only imagine the message that Philip shared! The death and resurrection of Jesus was still recent enough that many people were still talking about the event, not fully understanding what had transpired. But Philip preached Jesus from the Old Testament Scriptures, revealing what had taken place.

    What was the Ethiopian Eunuch’s response to this “good news?” “… And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). This man understood that Jesus had died for sin, was buried, and lived again. By the Scriptures in Isaiah and Philip’s preaching, this Ethiopian Eunuch believed in his heart that, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” How had this happened? “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Because Philip was faithful to share the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, the Ethiopian Eunuch found Jesus and believed upon Him – and was saved.

    The Ethiopian Eunuch wanted to be baptized to identify his life with Jesus (see Romans 6:3-6). “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). Read the interesting thing that happened next. “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Philip disappeared, but the Ethiopian Eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

    Read what God had revealed to David, which he then recorded in the Psalms. “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God” (Psalm 68:31). God knew that one day an Ethiopian Eunuch would go to Jerusalem to worship – searching for God (see Acts 8:27). (Also read Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 for God to hear a stranger calling to God.) God sent Philip to tell that Ethiopian Eunuch how to be saved. This should be an encouraging thing to understand that if someone is searching for God, God will send someone to show that person how to find Him. Just like God sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch. Read what is specifically written for each Christian: “13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:13-14). Preacher means “apostles and teachers to preach, publish, or announce religious truth; the gospel with its privileges and obligations.” Every Christian can teach someone else the truth about Jesus. These verses in Romans were quoted from the Old Testament book of Isaiah (Isaiah 52:7). Notice that these verses are found in the chapter right before Isaiah 53 that tells about Jesus’ suffering death – the very chapter that the Ethiopian Eunuch had been reading! And God sent him one, Philip, so that that man could be saved.

    Believers are supposed to tell others about Jesus. Do you think that Ethiopian Eunuch who had been searching for Jesus, finally finding Him, told others how to meet Jesus? Imagine the people he was able to teach about Jesus once he returned home! Christians must understand the necessity of telling others about Jesus, so that that someone can tell can tell someone else. That is how the Gospel message has always been shared – from one person to another.

    Do you know of someone special that you can tell about Jesus.

  • Lesson 13: Luke and John: A Man, but God’s Son

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    —John 3:16

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Many people may be able to quote this verse. Although though this verse is very familiar, we are to understand it in a new light as we study this lesson. The word so means “in this way; in this manner.” This helps us to understand that God really did love the people He created in this world. He revealed that love by giving His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, which paid the debt owed because of sin. He did this for whosoever would believe because He did not want anyone to perish. God wants all of His creation to have eternal life with Him. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe in God’s Son, Jesus, or to choose not to believe.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was born as a man, but He was God come in the flesh – for He was God’s Son. Jesus came into the world to reveal God to man. Each of the writers of the four Gospels understood this, and they were eyewitnesses of this. Each of these men wrote to specific audiences as a witness to anyone who would believe. We, too, should find someone we can tell about Jesus and become a witness to them telling them of Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned about two of the Gospel writers: Matthew and Mark. They wrote to specific audiences as a witness for Jesus. They each presented Jesus in a different light: Matthew presented Jesus as the King, and Mark presented Jesus as a Servant. But each of them wanted people to understand who Jesus was and why He had come.

    In this lesson, we continue with the last two Gospel writers: Luke and John. They, too, wrote to specific audiences. Luke was a Greek physician, and he wrote collected evidence declaring of a certainty that Jesus was a Man. He recorded Jesus’ lineage back to the first man, Adam, and then to God. This letter was addressed to a specific friend, Theophilus, and Luke wrote of the availability of the gospel to anyone – not just to the Jews.

    The book of John was written many years after the other three Gospels. John wanted people to understand just who Jesus is. He presented Jesus as God’s Son. It was written to anyone who would believe and receive Jesus as his or her personal Savior. In the book of John, Jesus declared He was “I Am”, whom the people were to recognize was God’s name in the Old Testament. John also told of seven particular witnesses who declared “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.”

    As we complete our study of the witnesses who wrote the four Gospels, we are to recognize something. Just as they had a specific audience to whom they wanted to tell about Jesus, we are to pray and ask God who he wants us to tell about Jesus. Remember that we, too, are to be witnesses for Jesus in the world today.

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 13 Questions

    Y3Q1 – Lesson 13 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We used stickers to make a poster with the verse John 3:16.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter One is available at Amazon.

  • He Lives

    “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …”

    Matthew 28:6

    Jesus taught his disciples many things as He walked this earth. However, the most important thing He wanted them to grasp, they did not understand. “31. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.32. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him” (Mark 9:31-32). He repeatedly warned them of what was coming, yet they did not comprehend what He said. When the time came for Jesus to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, the disciples were afraid and fled. “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled” (Matthew 26:56).

    On the third day after Jesus was crucified and placed into the tomb, the women went to anoint the body of Jesus. When they arrived, the stone had been removed from the tomb, and it was empty. “4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). They had not understood the saying of Jesus either. They did not understand that Jesus was alive. The two men explained: “6. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 8. And they remembered his words” (Luke 24:6-8).

    That same day, two were walking discussing all of the things that had happened, when Jesus began to walk with them – but they did not know it was Him (see Luke 24:13-16). As they explained the events according to their understanding, Jesus began to teach them. “26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:26-27). Jesus had done what He came to do. He paid the penalty of sin for mankind (see Romans 6:23).

    So the Gospel Message is simple. Paul summed it up for us as it was given to him.“3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The most important aspect of Christianity is that we serve a living Saviour, and He is in the world today! Just as He physically walked with His disciples while He lived on this earth, Jesus still walks with any Christian who will read His Word and walk with Him. The words of the following song explain this amazingly well:

    He Lives

    by Alfred H. Ackley

    Verse 1:

    “I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;

    I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

    I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

    And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

    Refrain:

    He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

    He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

    He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

    You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 2:

      In all the world around me I see His loving care,

      And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair.

      I know that He is leading, thro’ all the stormy blast,

      The day of His appearing will come at last.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

      Verse 3:

      Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

      Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

      The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

      None other is so loving, so good and kind.

      Refrain:

      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

      He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,

      He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

      You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”

      Christians serve a living Saviour. Remember what the angel told the women as they looked in the empty tomb for the dead body of Jesus Christ: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said …” (Matthew 28:6).

      Do you serve a living Saviour, who walks with you and talks with you along life’s narrow way?

      Does Jesus live within your heart?

      How to have Jesus in your heart.

    1. Lesson 12: Matthew and Mark: The King, yet a Servant

      Key Verse

      But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

      —Philippians 2:7

      Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We have just completed a look at the life of Jesus here on earth. In this lesson, we will learn of two witnesses who told others about Jesus. One of the witnesses reminded the people that Jesus was the Promised King. The other witness told that Jesus was God’s Promised Servant. In this lesson’s Key Verse, we understand that Jesus came not proclaiming that He was the king, but becoming God’s Servant made in the likeness of men. Because of that obedience, He was revealed as God’s Promised King.

      Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was the promised King, yet He was God’s Servant. Because Jesus came, fulfilling God’s plan, people have the opportunity to become Christians. It should then be their goal to want to know Jesus better – just as the witnesses, Matthew and Mark, did and were able to become God’s servants by telling others about Jesus. That is what Christians today are to do – become God’s servants telling others about Jesus.

      Lesson Summary: Read what Paul understood about Jesus in the following verses. “7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:7-11). Paul did not believe in Jesus while He was alive on the earth. It was not until much later – after many witnesses had spread the gospel of Jesus that Paul became a Believer. The previous verses Paul recorded sums up what we will learn about in this lesson.

      Matthew understood that God had sent Jesus as the Promised King, and He was a witness to the Jewish people of that fact. We will learn many ways Jesus lived, and taught, as the Promised King.

      Mark revealed that Jesus was God’s Servant. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans – people who did not know or understand the promises of God to His people. In the book of Mark, we will learn just the kind of servant Jesus was – constantly on the move ministering to the people.

      Most importantly, we are to learn that Jesus will be with witnesses of the gospel, even today.

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 12 Questions

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 12 Children’s Worksheets

      If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember what they have learned.

      We made a banner with a crown to remind us that Jesus is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

      Check here to find out more about The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three – Quarter One.

    2. Choose to be a Servant

      “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

      Mark 10:44

      Remember, there are choices to be made everyday. Some choices are minor with few consequences. Others have major ones. The most important will always be the choice of where one will spend eternity. Next, one must choose how to live here on earth. Although Peter was a Believer, Peter was one came to a crossroad in his life. Initially, he denied Jesus. However, when given a second chance Peter fully committed to following Jesus. He is only one of many of whom we can read about in the Bible. Mark was another. Many remember that Mark left in the midst of Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas. When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on the second journey, Paul refused. The strife between Paul and Barnabas was so great, they separated. Paul took Silas on the second missionary journey, and we do not hear much more of Barnabas. However, we can learn more about Mark.

      Mark is first mentioned in Acts when many were gathered at his mother, Mary’s, house in prayer for Peter (see Acts 12:12). We learn that Mark was related to Barnabas (see Colossians 4:10). When Paul and Barnabas began to travel preaching the Gospel message, they took John Mark (see Acts 12:25). “And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister” (Acts 13:5). Mark was to minister to Paul and Barnabas on this journey. It appears that the events that took place at Paphos caused Mark to loose courage and leave for home (see Acts 13:6-13). This is why Paul refused Barnabas’ request to take Mark on the second missionary journey. Mark had not proven himself as a faithful minister (a servant). Consider Mark’s thoughts as he quit, not remaining a faithful minister (servant) for the furthering of the Gospel message.

      Time passed, and we learn a few things of what happened to Mark after his great failure. Mark is mentioned in Paul’s letters to Colosse. About twenty years had passed, and Paul was in prison. He sent a letter to the Colossians. We learn that Mark (Marcus) was still alive and actively serving Christ. “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)” (Colossians 4:10). Mark was with Paul, and maybe going to see the Colossians. Paul wanted them to receive Mark. Paul described Mark (Marcus) as a fellow-laborer: “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers” (Philemon 1:24). Mark became of help to Paul. Read what Paul wrote in second Timothy: “… Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Not only was Paul a servant of Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:1), Paul had obviously recognized what Mark had become: a faithful servant of Jesus.

      Peter, a servant of Jesus (see 2 Peter 1:1), acknowledged Mark in 1 Peter. “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Most believe these comments refer to the fact that Peter was the one who won Mark (Marcus) to Jesus. It also helps us recognize that Mark had proved himself as a faithful Christian in his service with Peter.

      We have the witness of the two great Apostles (and servants) of Jesus (Paul and Peter) that Mark was considered profitable for the Christian ministry and was faithful for many years. However, probably the most important acknowledgment is the fact that the Holy Spirit inspired John Mark to record the book of Mark, one of the four Gospels. He was privileged to be one of the four who recorded the life of Jesus’ life here on this earth. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans presenting Jesus as a Servant. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Mark emphasized what Jesus did more that what Jesus said. Jesus revealed He was God’s Son by the actions He did while on the earth – for He changed the world forever.

      Mark is a great example of one who in spite of an early failure, did not quit the Lord and proved himself faithful to the end. When Mark was faced with a major crossroad in life (remaining with Paul on his missionary journey), he chose to turn and leave. However, when given another chance to be used by God, Mark chose to follow Christ in ministry with Paul, Peter, and in the recording of Jesus’ life. It is interesting that Mark wrote of Jesus, acknowledging Jesus as God’s Servant. Mark wrote how Jesus’ works verified His Words. He focused on the importance of what Jesus did. In those actions of Jesus, Mark helped all who read to recognize that Jesus truly is the Son of God.

      It is almost as if Mark understood that actions are as important as words. He wrote what Jesus said: “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all” (Mark 10:44). Mark recognized Jesus was a faithful servant of all. Where Mark had once failed as a servant, he learned from his failure and became a great servant for Jesus, following Jesus’ example.

      Have you chosen to become a faithful servant of Jesus Christ?

      Do you allow your actions as a servant of Jesus to speak louder than your words?

    3. Lesson 11: Jesus is Alive: The Four Gospels

      Key Verse

      3b. … Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.

      —1 Corinthians 15:3-5

      Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verses. We learned of Jesus death in our last lesson, ending with His empty tomb having only a few women who were witnesses to His resurrection. In this lesson’s Key Verses, we can understand that Jesus not only died for our sins – just like the Old Testament had foretold, but He was buried and rose again – just like Jesus had taught. Finally, we can read that Jesus was seen by Cephas (which was another name for Peter, and which means “a rock”). He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus appeared to many more people than this, showing that He truly was alive.

      Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus died for the sins of the world, and Jesus wants his followers, Christians, to know this. But more than that, Christians are to share this Gospel Message with the world.

      Lesson Summary: In the last lesson, we read that Jesus appeared first to Mary. He then appeared to the other women who had gone to the tomb. In this lesson, we remember again the rumor the guards were paid to spread that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we understand that many people did not know what to believe. Two particular followers of Jesus were on the road to Emmaus when Jesus began to walk and talk to them – but they did not recognize Him. When they asked Him to stay for dinner, it was not until after He blessed and broke the bread that they recognized Him – and He disappeared. The two immediately went back to Jerusalem and told the disciples. That very night, Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room where the doors were shut. However, one disciple was missing. Jesus opened their understanding, and we will learn that Jesus explained to His disciples what He had done. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And the missing disciple? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.

      After the disciples saw Jesus, they went fishing. Jesus met them, cooking fish for them on the shore. It was here that Jesus began the commission given to His followers. Jesus completed that commission in what we, today, call “The Great Commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20. In that commission, Jesus gave the plan and direction of the furtherance of the gospel. Finally, we will read of the events of Jesus ascension into heaven.

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 11 Questions

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

      If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

      We used resurrection stickers to make a scene to remember Jesus is alive!

      The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three Quarter One is now available through Amazon.

    4. Crossroads

      “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

      1 Peter 1:7

      There are choices to be made everyday. Some choices are minor with few consequences. Others have major ones. However, many people do not seriously consider the most important choice that will be made: one’s destiny after death. There are only two choices, heaven or hell. The way is clearly explained in the Bible, yet most do not take the Words to heart. Read what Jesus said: “28.… for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). Jesus taught them the only good work that one could do to inherit eternal life. “28. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them,This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). Each person is given the opportunity to make that choice. To reject or believe in Christ.

      After one accepts Christ, the next important decision is to choose whether or not one will live a faithful Christ-like life. There are many examples of people in the Bible who have made a definitive decision to walk with Jesus, daily. One great example is Peter.

      While Jesus walked on this earth, Peter (along with the other disciples) readily walked with Jesus. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was the one who wielded the sword, cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest (see Mark 14:47 and John 18:10). However, just a few verses later we read as Peter denies even knowing Jesus. “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71). Peter had a decision to make. When he was questioned as to whether or not he knew Jesus, Peter denied Him. He was challenged about his faith in Jesus. We can read that initially, Peter failed miserably. We should be grateful that this was not a lasting failure.

      When Jesus rose from the dead, the women were specifically instructed to go tell Peter. “But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you” (Mark 16:7). Peter met Jesus in Galilee. Jesus spoke to Peter, and He gave Peter a chance to make a better choice. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). Three times Jesus asked Peter. Three times Peter declared that he loved Jesus. Jesus had a job for Peter, if he would only follow Jesus. Peter had a decision to make – was he finished following Jesus with all of the turmoil surrounding Him and His death? Or did Peter want to fully commit his remaining life to follow Jesus, obeying His commands? Peter not only declared he loved Jesus, but as we begin the book of Acts, we find Peter became quite the leader and preacher of the Gospel Message (see Acts 1:15-26; 2:14-40). After that first amazing sermon, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

      Peter had come to a crossroad in his life. Initially, he denied Jesus. However, when given a second chance Peter fully committed to following Jesus. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Peter had faced a great trial of his faith in Jesus. He chose to make his faith in Christ his faith. He understood how precious that faith in Jesus truly was, and Peter endured. At that crossroad, when Peter chose to continually walk with Jesus, he chose to make it his faith regardless of what others did. He remained faithful throughout the rest of his life. Peter was an apostle of Jesus, yet he was a servant as well. He recognized that he had a precious faith only through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ (see 2 Peter 1:1).

      In the book of 1 Peter, Peter wrote about the importance of being obedient to Jesus, not living as he had once lived when he was ignorant of the things of God. Instead, Peter recognized the value of denying himself and choosing instead to become holy in his life. He believed it was important for him to live each and every day in the fear of the Lord (see I Peter 1:14-17). Fear means “a good connotation as in a godly fear; reverence.” Peter encouraged other Believers to do the same.

      Do you have the precious faith that comes only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

      Have you come to the crossroad of life, choosing to deny yourself and instead to follow Jesus?

    5. Lesson 10: Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection: The Four Gospels

      Key Verse

      Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

      —Luke 24:7

      Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. We need to understand that Jesus was often called the “Son of man.” In our last lesson, we read that Jesus had been delivered into the hands of sinful men. In this lesson, we will see that those sinful men crucified Jesus, and more importantly that Jesus rose again on the third day. It is important to remember what Jesus had told the people (including the religious leaders). “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Consider the events of Jonah who spent three days and nights in the belly of the whale. We will read that Jesus’ body was in the tomb for three days and three nights.

      Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, and that He lives again. Any who believe this can have the gift of eternal life that Jesus’ life purchased.

      Lesson Summary: As we ended our last lesson, Jesus had been delivered by Pilate to be crucified.

      We will again, in this lesson, read directly from God’s Word. It could never be retold any better than the witnesses that were there who recorded it in God’s Word. If you are in a class setting, try to read as much of it to your students as they are able to understand. Explain the rest to them.

      In this lesson, we begin with the crucifixion of Jesus. Even while Jesus was on the cross, we will read that although there were many who mocked Jesus, at least two believed in Him. After Jesus died on the cross, two men (Joseph and Nicodemus) took Jesus’ body and buried it before the Passover. After Jesus had been dead for three days and three nights, some women went to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body with spices and ointments. Before they arrived, there had been an earthquake: the stone had been rolled away, revealing an empty tomb. As the women approached, they saw that empty tomb, and angels told them that Jesus was alive. The angels told the women to go tell the disciples. They went and told the eleven. Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene. Mary went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus.

      One of the watchmen told the chief priests that the tomb was empty, and the chief priests paid them a great sum of money to spread the lie that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Moreover, they told that story, “and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (Matthew 28:15b).

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Questions

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

      If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to make to help them remeber the lesson:

      We took a stand-up foam cross, added stickers to remember Jesus’ resurrection, and a verse.

      Purchase The Biblical Path of Life, Year Three – Quarter One.

    6. Is Church Important?

      “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

      Hebrews 10:25

      Jesus’ earthly parents took Him to the Temple when He was a child, and He continued to go as an adult. He not only went to the Temple, but also the synagogue. The synagogues had become common places of Bible teaching and worship. They were started during the Babylonian captivity. Because the people had no Temple in which to worship God, they began to meet in smaller groups for worship and biblical instruction. According to Jesus’ actions, He not only went to the synagogue regularly, but He taught there often as well.

      Jesus’ parents took Him to the Temple the first time shortly after He was born (see Luke 2:27). They took Jesus to the Temple when he was twelve years old (see Luke 2:46). When Jesus was an adult, He still went to the Temple and the synagogue often. “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Luke 4:16). It was His custom. There are dozens of verses in the Gospels declaring Jesus went to the synagogue and the Temple.

      Do you remember what often happened when Jesus went to the synagogues? Or even the Temple? When he went to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth where He read a portion out of Isaiah, see what the people did. “28. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29. And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong” (Luke 4:28-29). Not only were they angry with Jesus, they wanted to throw Him off of a cliff to kill Him. “But he passing through the midst of them went his way” (Luke 4:30). Nevertheless, Jesus did not quit going to the synagogue or the Temple. When He went, He often taught the people. When Jesus taught, He made known the need for repentance of sin. The people would then be given the choice – to accept Him or reject Him.

      See a few of the following examples:

      • A ruler of the synagogue believed in Jesus to heal his daughter (see Mark 5:22-24, 35-43).
      • The people did not believe in Jesus (see Mark 6:2-6).
      • The people of Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth rejected Him, wanting to kill Him (see Luke 4:16-30).
      • Jesus taught in the Temple, and many did believe on Him (see John 7:28-31).

      Because Jesus went to the Temple and synagogues often, many of the religious leaders heard and believed in Jesus. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42).

      Today, we do not go to the Temple, for it has been replaced for Christians with the church building. The church building is the place that Christians go to meet in smaller groups for worship and biblical instruction. (Did you notice that was the same function as the synagogue?) Because Jesus found it important to go to the synagogue often, many recognized who Jesus was during the gathering of people in those locations. It was there that God’s Word was taught. Today, Christians are to attend church often. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Not only are we to attend church to learn more about the Bible, helping us to become better Christians, but for much the same reason that Jesus often visited the Temple and the synagogues – to encourage and teach others about Jesus.

      Admittedly, today’s churches are sometimes difficult places to attend regularly. There are obviously problems in some churches. It may even be difficult to find a true Bible believing and teaching church. However, each Christian is encouraged to go more and more often, for time is short. The synagogues Jesus attended were fraught with religiosity. The leaders taught a religious system and tradition more than God’s Word. Jesus was often challenged, met with confrontation, rejected, and at times even attended at the peril of His life. Yet He continued to frequent them regularly. However, while He was there, He taught the truth. Sometimes He said, “as it is written”, and often He referred to what they had heard and told them, “I say unto you” to correct what they had heard.

      Today, we have the complete written Word of God, and it is important that each Christian knows what the Bible teaches. When a Christian goes to church, one can be pretty confident that there is no fear of death. However, there may be challenges, confrontations, or even rejection. But that is no reason to quit attending church (maybe find a new one!). Jesus attended while He lived here on earth. Christians should be just as faithful, praying God will provide a Bible teaching church to attend. Paul encouraged the men he left in charge at the church in Ephesus. Remember what he taught them: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church was purchased with the blood of Christ. It is very important to Him.

      Have you found a Bible teaching church in which to attend faithfully?

    7. Lesson 9: Jesus’ Final Journey: The Four Gospels

      Key Verse

      And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.

      —Luke 9:51

      Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Recognize that Jesus understood He only had a set amount of time to do what God sent Him to do. He knew it was time that He should be “received up.” Received up means “the act of taking up (only found in Luke 9:51).” And steadfastly set means “to set fast or to fix firmly.” In other words, Jesus set forth with fixed purpose. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem with a particular purpose in mind – He knew it was time to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin by laying down His life, and then taking it up again (“15. … and I lay down my life for the sheep… 17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” John 10:15-16). Jesus understood that He was on the way to Jerusalem to die.

      Emphasis: We are to understand why Jesus came. Jesus said, “I lay down my life” (John 10:15 and 17). Knowing that, we are to understand the importance of Jesus going to Jerusalem that final time – and the obedience to His Father that took.

      Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of many personal encounters Jesus had with different people. Some believed in Jesus. However, a few refused to believe.

      As we begin this lesson, we find that although many believed in Jesus after Lazarus was raised from the dead, there were some who went and reported to the religious leaders what had happened. They began to spread word that they wanted someone to tell them where Jesus was. They made a plan to take Jesus by subtlety and kill Him. In this lesson, we will learn of one of Jesus’ own disciples who met with those religious leaders, promising to deliver Jesus to them.

      As Jesus made his final trip to Jerusalem, there were many who received Him, declaring Him as “the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” and throwing palm branches down in His path. During Jesus final supper with His disciples, He had much to teach them. Jesus was preparing them for His death – but they did not understand. As they went to the Garden of Gethsemane after that dinner, Jesus took three aside to watch with Him as He prayed. Shortly thereafter, Judas led the religious leaders to Jesus, betraying Him with a kiss. Jesus was arrested.

      There was an illegal trial by night where the religious leaders declared Jesus was guilty of death. When they took Jesus before Pilate, Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus. Nevertheless, the religious leaders insisted upon Jesus death, and Pilate delivered Jesus to be crucified.

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 9 Questions

      Y3Q1 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

      If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember what you learn in this lesson:

      One time we added stickers and a verse to a large foam palm leaf.

      Another time we cut out palm leaves from construction paper, glued verses on them, then attached them to straws to wave as palm branches.

      Purchase Y3Q1 of The Biblical Path of Life.