second quarter 2018 vol. 44, no....

The Older Teen QuarTerly

SECOND QUARTER 2018 VOL. 44, NO. 2

This lesson material is based on the International Uniform Sunday School Lesson Outlines, copyrighted by the Division of Christian Education, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission.Scriptures taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Teen Scene, (USPS 697-060) (ISSN 0746-6927), Copyright © 2018, R.H. Boyd Company, 6717 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1017. Teen Scene is published quarterly by R.H. Boyd Company. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, Tennessee.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Teen Scene, R.H. Boyd Company, 6717 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1017.For Customer Service, call (615) 350-8000, Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central, or fax (615) 350-9018.The publisher, R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, bears no responsibility or liability for any claim, demand, action, or proceeding related to its content, including but not limited to claims of plagiarism, copyright infringement, defamation, obscenity, or the violation of the rights of privacy, publicity, or any other right of any person or party, and makes no warranties regarding the content.

Teen Scene contains Sunday school mate rial for young people ages 15–17. In addition to introductory material and bibli-cal exposition, each lesson contains lesson applications along with activities and questions that enhance the studentsʼ under-standing of the presentation. Biblical prin-ciples are specifi cally written to reflect the interests and problems of growing teens.

DR. TOY LISA MITCHELL received her M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary before completing a Ph.D. in Mass Communications at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Mitchell has served in numerous capacities in churches, including youth minister, Sunday school and Bible study teacher, young adult facilitator, and associate minister as well as facilitating workshops and speaking at womenʼs revivals, Bible studies, and other church services. Currently, she works as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University as well as directing “The Gospel” radio talk show and co-hosting “Sistah Speak.” One of her greatest aspirations is to teach the Word of God to those who truly desire to know and live the Word.

www.rhboyd.com

R. H. BOYD, D.D., LL.D.Founder (1896–1922)

H. A. BOYD, D.D.(1922–1959)

T. B. BOYD, JR., D.D.(1959–1979)

DR. T. B. BOYD III(1979–2017)

LADONNA BOYD, MBAPresident/CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF: Tia Ferrell, M.S., (Coordinator); Olivia M. Cloud, M.R.E.; (Associate Editor); Kaitlyn Depoister, B.A.; Landon Dickerson, B.A.; Kizzy Thomas, M.Div.; Roxanne Lambert, B.A.; Lauren Oldham, B.A.; Freida Crawley, B.S.; Carla Davis, B.A.; Yoni Limor, B.A.

DAVID GROVES, D.Min., Ph.D.Director of Publications

KEATON BELL, M.EdDirector of Finance

STEVEN PUCKETT, A.A.S.Director of Operations

This quarter focuses on ways Godʼs people have acknowledged the great-ness and justice of their God.

We begin with Easter, as a study of the ways Jesus provided a channel for giving God glory and honor. Then, there is an examination of times when the Hebrew people sang praises to God. Finally, the quarter concludes with a call for human beings to emulate Godʼs justice toward one another, as justice is a primary characteristic of Godʼs nature.

UNIT I — APRILThe first unit, “All Glory and Honor,”

has five sessions. The sessions from Luke and John deal with how Jesusʼ res-urrection opened the way to honor God. We find incredible symbolism when we examine the visions in Revelation.

UNIT II — MAYUnit II, “Give Praise to God,”

has four sessions that emphasize the peopleʼs response by bringing offer-ings and dedicating their lives to Godʼs work found in Exodus, Leviticus, and 2 Corinthians. Godʼs reconciling action for His people is seen in Psalms and Hebrews, so there is rejoicing. We too can rejoice.

UNIT III — JUNE The final unit, “God Is Just and

Merciful,” has four lessons that remind us that human interpretations of the Law must not conflict with mercy and jus-tice as acted out in our daily lives. The lessons will teach Christians to have a desire for justice and mercy in the world when they see an injustice. Jesus will speak about justice in lesson three, and call out the Pharisees for being blinded by the Law. The last lesson discusses reaping the rewards of Godʼs justice, and not being consumed with fleeting earthly wealth. Rather, we should be Kingdom-minded and focused on our eternal blessings.

THIS QUARTER’S SCENE

A Messagefrom the President/CEO...

Greetings in the name of our Lord,Welcome to a new quarter of study and

interaction with Godʼs Word. As you work through this quarterʼs content, we pray that the Spirit of the Lord will fill you and grow you in His knowledge and grace. These lessons have been carefully and prayerfully prepared by our staff of writers with you and your congregationʼs spiritual growth in mind. We are confident that this product is doctrinally sound and powerfully insightful.

This quarter will take an in-depth look at the greatness and justice of our Heavenly Father. During the month of April, the sessions will discuss the theme of “All Glory and Honor.” The sessions from Luke and John deal with how Jesusʼ resurrection opened the way to honor God. The visions in Revelation praise God with majestic symbolism.

Mayʼs theme, “Give Praise to God,” has four sessions that emphasize the peopleʼs response by bringing offerings and dedicating their lives to Godʼs work found in Exodus, Leviticus, and 2 Corinthians. The unit concludes with one session drawn from Psalms and Hebrews that rejoices in Godʼs reconciling action on behalf of the people.

We will end the quarter in June with “God Is Just and Merciful.” There are four lessons that remind us that human interpretations of the Law must not conflict with mercy and justice as acted out in our daily lives. The lessons from Matthew analyze conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees on questions of mercy and justice. The lesson from Luke examines how God dis-penses justice and mercy.

For 122 years, the R. H. Boyd Publishing Corporation has pursued the vision of our founder to provide edifying, engaging, and high-quality literature for the African-American home and church. It is our mission to uphold that vision in all the years to come. Though this world may appear dark and hopeless, we believe the Church can be a shining beacon for Jesusʼ love and mercy. May God bless you as you explore His Word this quarter, and may you grow in your diligence and study.In His Mercy,

LaDonna Boyd, MBAPresident/CEO

APRIL — ALL GLORY AND HONOR

1 Lesson 1 A Promise Kept ................................. 5

8 Lesson 2 Choosing to Follow ........................... 9

15 Lesson 3 Love and Care ................................. 13

22 Lesson 4 Worthy of Allegiance ....................... 17

29 Lesson 5 Let’s Celebrate! ............................... 21

MAY — GIVE PRAISE TO GOD

6 Lesson 6 Cheerful Giving .............................. 25

13 Lesson 7 Giving Your Best ............................. 29

20 Lesson 8 Joyful Responsibility ....................... 33

27 Lesson 9 Restoration Project ......................... 37

JUNE — GOD IS JUST AND MERCIFUL

3 Lesson 10 A Desire for Mercy ......................... 41

10 Lesson 11 Just Citizens ................................... 45

17 Lesson 12 More Than Lip Service .................... 49

24 Lesson 13 How I Live Now Matters ................. 53

C O N T E N T S

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: To allow more space for exposition and lesson activity, print Scripture pas-sages may not appear in their entirety for all lessons. For complete print text and further exposition, consult Boyd’s Commentary.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 3 TEEN SCENE

1. Usual Signal for Beginning2.Prayer(ClosingwiththeLordʼs

Prayer)3. Singing (Songs to Be Selected)4. Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1–6 (KJV)Director: I therefore, the prisoner of

the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

School: With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Director: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

School: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Director: One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

All: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Recitation in Concert:Psalm 34:4–10 (KJV) 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard

me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamp-eth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

9 O fear the Lord ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Closing Work1. Singing2. Sentences: Exodus 3:4–8 (KJV) 4 And when the Lord saw that

he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

8 And I am come down to deliv-er them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

3. Dismissal with Prayer

TEEN SCENE 4 SECOND QUARTER 2018

SUGGESTED OPENING EXERCISES

Week of 04.01.18 T e e n s C e n e 5

THEY found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”

• • • • • •10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

• • • • • •30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talk-ing to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.

34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!”

LIVING [Greek: Zao (Za-o)]—to live, breathe, be among the living

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” (Luke 24:34, NRSV)

A PROMISE KEPT

04.01.18

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Luke 24:2–5, 10–11, 30–34Background Scripture: Luke 24:1–35

To allow more space for exposition, all lesson print Scripture passages may not appear in

their entirety.

AND they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 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?

• • • • • •10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

• • • • • •30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

6 T e e n s C e n e Week of 04.01.18

One of the worst feelings to experience is the pain of losing a loved one or a friend. Maybe youʼve

already lost someone close to you, and it hurt badly. Losing someone close to you can bring about a sense of loneliness and isolation. When Jesus was put to death on the cross, His family and friends were feel-ing this way. They had no hope for their future, and were fearful for their own lives because others who followed Jesus were being persecuted. They decided to go to the place where Jesus was buried. They were shocked to discover his body was gone! Jesus was missing from a tomb that had been heavily guarded and sealed. They soon were told that He was no longer dead, but He had risen! Their faith and hope were dramatically restored. I. A Promise Kept (Luke 24:2–5)

Matthew 16:21–23 depicts Jesus telling His dis-ciples about His death, burial, and resurrection. However, it is apparent that they either didn’t believe or didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. He had told them that He was going to be the final sacrifice for their sins and save them. But they were still upset that He had died, and they believed that He was gone forever. In todayʼs story, Jesusʼ followers were on their way to honor His body with expensive spices, which was a Jewish tradition. Upon arriving, they were shocked to find the tomb was empty and the body was missing. Angels appeared and told them that Jesus was not there. They also reminded them that Jesus had told them He would rise from the dead. Throughout Jesusʼ life and the lives of His follow-ers, every promise that Jesus made was true, which is why we should believe His promises to us today. It wasn’t by chance that Jesus came back to life, it

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was the fulfillment of a promise He had made to His followers before His untimely death. II. Faith Restored (Luke 24:10–11)

Once they were on their way back from the tomb, they were filled with excitement and faith. They remembered Jesusʼ promise about rising from the dead, and they believed. But when they told the other followers who hadn’t seen the empty tomb, they weren’t convinced. However, the Apostle Peter decided to go see if what they said was true. He found the tomb empty just as they had said it was, and He was amazed. Jesusʼ body was miraculously missing, and no one knew how it would have been possible to take it. The tomb where Jesus was buried had been guarded so no one could go in and steal His body. No one had tried to steal the body because they would have been put to death upon being caught. III. The Confirmation of the Resurrection

(Luke 24:30–34)After His resurrection, Jesus began to appear to

His followers to show them that He was indeed alive. He appeared to two men traveling by foot. He talked to them for a while, although they didn’t realize who they were talking to. Jesus helped them understand that everything that had happened was foretold. They did not realize it was Jesus until after He had disap-peared. They told the other followers that Jesus was alive and had appeared to them, stirring up more faith amongst His followers. The faith that we have in Jesus starts with believing in the things that we read about in the Bible. Jesus doesn’t expect us to have blind faith. We have to be aware that He blesses us because He loves us. Our faith grows as we not only learn about Jesus, but also, experience His blessings.

Why did

Jesus

appear

to the

Disciples?

Where does our faith start?


April 2 M Luke 24:36–49 The Reasons for the Resurrection April 3 T 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 Paul—Witness to the Resurrected ChristApril 4 W 2 Timothy 3:14–17 Scriptures Equip Disciples for Good WorkApril 5 T Acts 8:26–35 Ethiopian Eunuch Hears the Good NewsApril 6 F John 21:15–23 Lead My People and Follow MeApril 7 S John 20:30–31; 21:24–25 John’s Testimony to Jesus Is TrueApril 8 S John 21:1–14 Jesus Serves Breakfast to the Disciples

How can

we rely on

God’s

promises

in the

Bible?

onica, Monica!” Her teacher shouted as she looked up from her folded arms. “Are you listening at all?”

“Yes ma’am, I…”“You see me after class,” her teacher said sternly.

When class was over, Monica waited for the others to file out of the room. Once they were all gone, she waited for the worst.

“Sit down, Monica. Whatʼs going on with you? You used to be one of my best students—straight Aʼs, and always paying attention.” The thoughts Monica had been keeping to herself came out all at once.

“Daddy left in the middle of the night a month ago. He never even said goodbye. Just gone. Momʼs not making enough to even pay rent, and we are moving. I’m trying. I don’t even know what to do. We’ve lost so much. Why doesn’t he care about us?”

Her teacher sat in silence for a minute, then she said, “I’m so sorry. I know things seem rough right now, but I have something that might help you.” She began to look through her bag and pulled out a Bible and handed it to her. “Put this in your bag. Whatever you’re going through, this book will help you. Know that I am always here to talk if you want. And remem-ber that the Lord is always there to comfort you.”

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional April 2–8, 2018


JUST after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. 9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the dis-ciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

FISHING [Greek: halieno (ha-le-yu´-o¯ )]—to catch fish

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. (John 21:12, NRSV)

CHOOSING TO FOLLOW

04.08.18

L2

John 21:4–13Background Scripture: John 21:1–14


their entirety.

BUT when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisherʼs coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.


The Lord knows that life after death holds much more for those who believe in Him. For Christians,

we get to spend forever being with God in heaven after we die. But God wants to take care of us while we are here on earth, too. Throughout Jesusʼ ministry, He was constantly taking care of others and provid-ing for their needs, including those of the disciples. Jesus knew they were struggling in their faith after He was crucified. So, He appeared to them several times to promote their faith and encourage them in their ministry. Todayʼs story is one of the most important appearances Jesus made before He ascended perma-nently into heaven. I. A Call from the Shore (John 21:4–6)

The disciples were adjusting to a new way of life without Jesus. They knew that Jesus was alive, but He would be going back to heaven soon, and they would have to continue His ministry. The disciples stayed together after Jesusʼ death because His work still needed to be done, and they would have to depend on each other for comfort, love, and strength.

Many of the disciples were fishermen by trade, and one day decided to go fishing before meeting with Jesus. By nightfall, they had not caught any fish. Suddenly, a voice called out to them from the shore telling them that if they cast their nets to the other side of the boat, they would catch a great many fish. Not knowing that it was Jesus, they did what was sug-gested to them and caught more fish than they could bring into their boats! II. The Excitement of Jesus (John 21:7–11)

After this happened, the Apostle John recognized that it was Jesus who had called out to them. The Apostle Peter got so excited that he grabbed his

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clothes and jumped out of the boat to swim ashore to be with Jesus. One of the last times that Peter had seen Jesus face-to-face was before He was crucified. Jesus had told Peter he would deny knowing Him three times. What Jesus had prophesied was true. Peter became scared after Jesus was arrested. And just as Jesus said, Peter denied even knowing Jesus when others asked him. Peter was ashamed of what he had done but wasnʼt afraid of the repercussions for his mistake. He knew that Jesus still loved him, and he still loved Jesus with all his heart.

This scene depicts what our relationship with Jesus should look like. It starts with having faith that our sins are forgiven, and knowing that we can always run to God, even after disappointing Him with our bad choices. Jesus already knew that Peter was sorry for his sins and forgave him. Christ knows our hearts, too, and wants us to always come back to Him after we sin. III. Breakfast with Jesus (John 21:12–13)

After Peter had jumped out of the boat to swim to Jesus, the rest of the disciples brought the boat, and all of the fish, back to shore. Jesus had already prepared some breakfast and told them to bring the fish they had just caught so He could cook it. Jesus also had bread, and He broke it and ate with them. It had been a while since they had eaten with Jesus. He wanted another personal moment with His disciples. There is an interesting point at the end of verse 12 that talks about the fact that the disciples knew it was Jesus who had blessed them. They didn’t have to ask. Do you know Jesus like that? Do you know for sure when He alone has blessed you? Remember that, like the disciples, we should be able to recognize the works of Jesus and give Him the glory for our lives.

Why was

Peter so

excited to

see Jesus?

How can you

recognize Jesus’ words?


Apr 9 M John 18:15–18, 25–27 Peter Denies Jesus Three TimesApr 10 T John 20:24–28 Thomas Moves from Doubt to FaithApr 11 W Matthew 10:5–15 Go Proclaim the Good News Apr 12 T Matthew 9:35–38 As Laborers Go into the HarvestApr 13 F John 10:11–18 Other Sheep Will Listen to MeApr 14 S Matthew 10:34–39 Lose Your Life for My SakeApr 15 S John 21:15–25 Follow Me and Feed My Sheep

How can

you give

God glory

for your

accomplish-

ments?


did it,” thought Desmond as he read his first academic scholarship offer to college. He jumped out of his seat and ran over to show his mother who had been waiting to see his joyous reaction.

“I did it! Look! A full scholarship. All of my hard work paid off, and I did it all by myself. I mean, I knew I was going to make it because every-body told me how smart I am. But still, I did it, and it sure feels good knowing that I could have only gotten here by my own determination!” Then he saw the look of disappointment on his motherʼs face. “Whatʼs wrong, Momma? Why aren’t you happy for me?”

“Yes, of course I am, Baby. But you’re using the word ‘I’ way too many times. Do you really believe you did that all by yourself?”

“What? Yes, No one helped me. I don’t get it.”“Son, if it wasn’t for the Lord giving you a smart

mind, you wouldn’t have any of this. What I’m trying to tell you is that you can’t forget that every blessing you have is from the Lord. I am very proud of you. You have worked hard for this, but don’t forget who gave you all your abilities. As quickly as the Lord gave them to you, He can take them away.”

“You’re right, Momma, I’m sorry. I have to thank God and remember that I got this academic scholar-ship because of Him, not me.”


WHEN they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”

LOVE [Greek: Phileo (fele-o)]—to approve of, like, or sanction

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” (John 21:16, NRSV)

LOVE AND CARE

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John 21:15–22Background Scripture: John 21:15–25


their entirety.

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.16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.


Think back to a time that you were hurt by one of your friends. Maybe they made fun of you or

ignored you when they were around their other friends. Being hurt by our friends is painful and can cause us to be angry, bitter, or even cut off that friendship. But if and when that friend comes to us to apologize, we have the opportunity to make things right again. Most of the time, we don’t go seek out that person to let them know that we have forgiven them unless they have apologized first. However, this was the case for Jesus when He spoke with Peter in todayʼs story.I.PeterʼsForgiveness(John21:15–17)

It isnʼt entirely fair to say that Peter had not apolo-gized at all. Peter was remorseful for denying knowing Jesus at the time He was arrested. But still Peter hadnʼt spoken face-to-face with Jesus until now. As Jesus and the disciples were sitting around and eating, Jesus asked Peter the same question three different times: “Do you love me?” The reason Jesus asked three times was because Peter had denied knowing Him three times. Each time Jesus asked him this, Peter confirmed that he did love Him. Jesus also told Peter to feed His sheep, which means that Jesus wanted Peter to take care of other Christians and share His love with others. Not only was Jesus forgiving Peter unconditionally, He was also commissioning him to do His work. God doesnʼt want us to continuously wrestle with the sins we have committed if we have repented of them. He wants us to go out and do His work because the deeds of the past have been forgotten by God. II.PeterʼsFuture(John21:18–19)

After Jesus forgave Peter, He told him of his future. Peter was going to have a successful ministry, which would undoubtedly lead to his death. This would

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happen because Peter lived in Rome, a place that was not open to Christianity. It would be many years after his death before Christianity would be allowed in Rome. Still, the Gospel had to be spread, and Jesus knew that Peter would do everything in his power to spread the Good News. This is why Jesus told Peter that one day he, too, would be arrested and killed because of his faith. III. The Testimony of John (John 21:20–22)

Throughout his Gospel, John calls himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” The very final scene that John gives us of Jesusʼ life is found here in a conver-sation on the shoreline with Peter, where he asked Jesus about Johnʼs life, and whether or not he would stay faithful to God. Jesus tells Peter to only con-cern himself with the matters of his own faith. Jesus doesnʼt want us to be concerned with the ministry of other people before we are concerned with our own. Here, Peter was trying to compare his ministry with the ministry of John. But Jesus didnʼt want it to be a competition; but rather, He wanted everyone work-ing together for the good of His Kingdom. This still applies today. There are many people who do many different things for the glory of God. We should be careful not to compare them to ourselves for how much of an impact we are having for Jesus. Instead, we should be concerned with doing exactly what we feel led by God to do.

There is nothing wrong with being a student and living a normal life. But it can be easy to get dis-tracted in our daily routines and forget to spend time growing our faith, which can often lead us to be more comfortable with sin. Every day, we are either grow-ing our faith or making it weaker. Ask God to help you establish a routine of daily growth in Christ.

How is

John’s

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different

than

others?

How can we be

set apart for God’s work?


Apr 16 M Genesis 9:8–17 God Promises Mercy to All PeopleApr 17 T Job 1:6–12 Job’s Pain Determined in Heavenly CourtApr 18 W Exodus 19:20–25 Moses Summoned by GodApr 19 T Hebrews 12:1–6 Jesus, Our Example on the ThroneApr 20 F Ezekiel 1:5–14 Vision of Four Living Creatures Apr 21 S Revelation 19:1–8 Elders Worship and Praise God TogetherApr 22 S Revelation 4:1–6, 8–11 Heavenly Worship

What are

some steps

you can take

to follow

God better?

his isnʼt about you! Donʼt get it?” Kanisha shouted to Jillian over the music. “This is about standing up for what you believe in, for what we believe in.”

“I know, but whatʼs wrong with drinking a little? Besides, you know how into Darius I am, and he just asked me to go have a beer with him!” Jillian said.

“No Jillian, you can’t forget about what we’ve learned about breaking the rules. You know we aren’t allowed to drink, we aren’t even old enough! And it’s against the law.”

“Hey, Jillian!” Darius called from the other side of the room. “You coming, or what?”

“Please, Jillian, don’t go. It’s a bad mistake. Darius isnʼt a good guy and kids know that we’re Christians. If they see you partying, they’ll think you don’t care about your faith. Let’s just get out of here. We shouldn’t even be at this party, anyway.”

“Ugh! Okay, youʼre right. Letʼs just go,” Jillian said in disgust. She turned to take one last look at Darius only to see him with his arms around another girl. She walked out feeling better about doing the right thing. Sitting in the car, she said, “Kanisha, thanks for reminding me to do the right thing. I might not have done what’s right without you there."



AND the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald.

4 Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twen-ty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads.

5 Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thun-der, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God.

• • • • • • 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, “Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,10 the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

ELDERS [Greek: Presbyterous (Pres-bu’te-ros)]—A leader whose authority comes in principle, from the wisdom associated with age

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11, NRSV)

WORTHY OF ALLEGIANCE

04.22.18

L4

Revelation 4:3–5, 8–11Background Scripture: reveLation 4


their entirety.

AND he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded light-nings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

• • • • • • 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, say-ing, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and wor-ship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy plea-sure they are and were created.


Throughout the Bible, there are two common reasons why God created us: to know Him and

make Him known. Making Him known is pretty self-explanatory. But how do we truly know God? We can read about Him, and we can know facts about Him; but to have a personal relationship with God, we have to worship Him. Todayʼs passage gives us a picture of how to know God in a personal way through wor-ship. In Revelation, God gave John a vision of what His throne looks like and how all of heaven worships Him constantly. I. The Throne of the Almighty God

(Revelation 4:3)God gave John a vision while he was exiled on

an island because of his faith. But while he was on that island, God showed him a vision of the greatest place in existence: Godʼs throne. It is described as something that is like nothing we have on earth. John says that the throne is made of something that looks like various precious stones, and around the throne, there is a rainbow. The only other time a rainbow is mentioned in the Bible is during the story of Noah, thousands of years before, to signify a promise God made to never destroy the earth. Rainbows are impor-tant to the Lord because they show a sign of promise. Godʼs throne also had lightning and thunder coming from it! Godʼs power is always on display in heaven. II. The Heavenly Throne Room (Revelation 4:4–5)

Godʼs throne was not the only thing that God allowed John to see. The throne room was just as amazing and beautiful as the throne itself. The room surrounding the throne had twenty-four smaller thrones with twenty-four elders sitting in them. These elders show the order or the administration of heaven

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with the Lord being at the head. Traditionally, elders in the Bible were older religious leaders and officials who helped create the rules and regulations of the church, traditions that are carried over in churches today. John also says that in front of the throne there are seven torches, which represent the seven Spirits of God. This refers to Revelation 1:4 and will also be addressed again in Revelation 5:6. These Spirits play a significant role in the Kingdom of God. They potentially have several different functions. It could be a reference to Jesusʼ power, as it is in Revelation 5:6. It could also be a reference to the angels of the seven churches, or even vision of the fullness of the role of the Holy Spirit. There is something like a sea of glass or crystal around the throne. Then John describes some of the creatures in heaven, which sound like strange beasts with multiple eyes and horns—nothing like we’ve ever seen! III. The Purpose of Heaven (Revelation 4:8–11)

This is our ultimate purpose. The focus of their worship was on the works of God and His creation. They were exclaiming that because God has created everything, He has the right and control over every-thing. Regardless of what our decisions are, God knows us because He created us. This is something that Christians should remember. There is nothing more important for our growth and relationship with God than to worship Him. By simply worshiping God through prayer, song, or praising Him aloud, God reveals Himself more and more to us. We will have a better understanding of our purpose for Him when we openly and unapologetically worship God.

What is

significant

about the

rainbow

around

God’s

throne?

Why did John get a glimpse of Heaven?


Apr 23 M. 1 Peter 1:3–9 Rejoice! Your Salvation Is in ChristApr 24 T. 1 Corinthians 15:20–28 All Subject to God Through ChristApr 25 W. Exodus 29:38–46 Sanctified by Lambs Sacrificed DailyApr 26 T. Romans 8:31–39 Christ, Our Suffering, and SalvationApr 27 F. Ezekiel 2:8–3:11 Eat the Scroll, Speak My WordsApr 28 S. Revelation 5:1–5 Only One Can Open the ScrollApr 29 S. Revelation 5:6–14 All Creatures Worship the Lamb

How does

worshiping

God help

lead others

to Jesus?

ey Will, hand me that aux cord,” Darrell said riding in the car. Without warning, Darrell blasted Lecraeʼs Blessings and knew every word.

After the song was over, Will asked, “Hey, who was that? You were really into it. Was that a Christian song?”

“Yeah, he’s one of my favorite artists. His music really helps me get into the mood to worship God, you know? Like, I really feel God when I listen to him sing.”

“What do you mean, ‘feel God’?” Will asked.“You know, like, worshiping Him and praising

Him for all the good things in our lives, Man.” Darrell explained.

“You mean like what they teach us in church and stuff? Man, I only go to church ʼcause I have to. Iʼve never felt God like that. All of those songs are so old that they sing in church anyway. But I can say, I liked this dude’s song. This is different. I could really get into it. But is this worship?”

“Yeah, Man, just let it come from the heart and worship God. Thatʼs all you have to do.”

“Alright, cool. Iʼll download some of songs I like and just keep listening.”



THEN I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. 8 When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 They sing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation;10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.”11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they num-bered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

WORTHY [Greek: Axios (a’)]—to have worth or value

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: Singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12, NRSV)

LET’SCELEBRATE!

04.29.18

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Revelation 5:6–13Background ScriptureS: reveLation 5:6–14


their entirety.

AND I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.


We worship God in church and at Sunday school and in many other places. But how often do we

take the time to worship Jesus? Usually the act of worshiping God for sending His Son to die is about as close to worshiping Jesus as we get. The second half of John’s vision of heaven (continued from last weekʼs lesson) shows the importance of worshiping Jesus the Son as well as God the Father. Even though they are One, we should remember that worshiping Jesus for what He did for us is very important. I. A Picture of Jesus (Revelation 5:6–7)

When we read through Revelations, some of the things that we are told are hard to understand or inter-pret. These verses are no exception. To better under-stand what is being talked about here, we have to look at the resemblance of this Lamb to others in the Bible. After studying the Lamb in other parts of the Bible, it is easy to see that Jesus is the One being referred to here as the Lamb. Revelation 5:5 helps us understand that this is a picture of what Jesus has done for us, dying on the cross and taking on the sin of the world. There is also a scroll that is referred to, the one that the Lamb takes from the Father. Only the Lamb has the ability to break the scroll’s seal.

This scroll possibly represents the power to take sin from the world, being that the Lamb is the only one who had that ability. The most important thing to learn from this is that Jesus is all powerful and has complete authority over all things. Yet, He gave His life for sins that we have committed and will commit so that we can spend forever with Him. II. Worthy of All Worship (Revelation 5:8–10)

In last weekʼs lesson, we learned of twenty-four elders and some other amazing heavenly creatures. In

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todayʼs story, those same elders and creatures make another appearance. When the Lamb took the scroll out of Godʼs right hand, they all began to worship the Lamb. Remember that the Lamb is a picture of Jesus. They all bowed down and presented Him with gifts that had specific purposes.

The harps that were given show the need for musi-cal worship. The bowls that were given were full of prayers from the saints. Then they began to wor-ship Jesus by singing. The worshipful song declares that Jesus is the only One who has given all people the opportunity to know God and have eternal life through His death, burial, and resurrection.

In many different places in the Bible, music is used as a way to worship. This is why music is used in churches as a form of worship. It is prevalent in the Old and New Testaments. III. The Only Worthy One (Revelation 5:11–13)

Once these few had begun to worship, the rest of the heavens joined in. John says that there were thousands and thousands worshiping Jesus. It can be easy to forget the impact that Jesusʼ death had on the world, but He died for us all. It gave creation the chance to turn back to the way it was originally intended. Not everything is perfect, but we have the opportunity to know God in a very personal way because of Jesusʼ death. This is why Jesus was being worshiped so intently.

The last song shows every part of creation crying out and worshiping Jesus. Even those who were not saved and were in hell were worshiping Him. We should realize that one of our main purposes is to worship Jesus. Without Him, we have no hope for a future or life after death. So, prepare your hearts, and worship Jesus.

How can

you better

worship

Jesus?

Why should

we worship Jesus?


Apr 30 M. Exodus 25:1–9 Give As Your Heart Prompts YouMay 1 T. Matthew 6:1–4 Give Alms QuietlyMay 2 W. 2 Corinthians 9:1–5 Gather Together Your Bountiful GiftMay 3 T. Leviticus 27:30–33 All Tithes Are HolyMay 4 F. Psalm 112 Blessings of the RighteousMay 5 S. Exodus 35:10–19 Gifts for the TabernacleMay 6 S. Exod. 35:20–29; 2 Cor. 9:6–8 Give Cheerfully and Generously

Why is

worship

an essential

part of

being a

Christian?

ndrea, why are you always so happy and praising the Lord? Your mom just died like a month ago, and youʼre about to have to move to another town to live with your dad! I

feel like you should be more upset,” MacKenzie said as they were walking out of church. “You were even singing and raising your hands during the music today. How can you be so happy?”

“I am hurting,” Andrea confessed. “It’s hard…really hard. I miss my mom so much. It makes me cry a lot. But she taught me an important thing while she was sick. She told me that I would be in a lot of pain after she died, but that I had to continue to praise and worship God even after she was gone. So, thatʼs what I do. I thank Him that I even had a loving mother.”

“But your whole life is changing. Donʼt you get upset at God for taking your mother? It seems like He is being really unfair to you,” MacKenzie said.

“My momma taught me that bad things happen as a result of sin being in the world, but God is always good,” Andrea explained. God doesn’t do these things to us. So, I worship God because He is every-thing that is good. And I know that one day, Iʼll see my mom again,” Andrea said.

“I hope I can have faith like you one day, Andrea!”

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional April 30–May 6, 2018


AND they came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was will-ing, and brought the Lordʼs offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the sacred vestments.

22 So they came, both men and women; all who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and pendants, all sorts of gold objects, everyone bringing an offering of gold to the Lord.

• • • • • •25 All the skillful women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun in blue and purple and crimson yarns and fine linen; 26 all the women whose hearts moved them to use their skill spun the goatsʼ hair. 27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and gems to be set in the ephod and the breastpiece,

• • • • • •29 All the Israelite men and women whose hearts made them willing to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.

• • • 2 Corinthians 9:7 • • • 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

OFFERING [Hebrew: Nedabah (Ned-aVa’)]—to give back

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7, NRSV)

CHEERFUL GIVING

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L6Exodus 35:21–22, 25–27, 29;

2 Corinthians 9:7Background ScriptureS: exoduS 25:1–7; 35:4–29;

LeviticuS 27:30–33; 2 corinthianS 9:6–8To allow more space for exposition, all lesson

print Scripture passages may not appear in their entirety.

AND they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lordʼs offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

• • • • • •25 And all the women that were wise heart-ed did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goatsʼ hair.27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

• • • • • •29 The children of Israel brought a will-ing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

• • • 2 Corinthians 9:7 • • • 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudg-ingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.


God had chosen the Hebrews as His people many years before they were taken captive in Egypt.

God always wanted to have a close relationship with His people, but they seemed to constantly turn away from Him. God allowed the people to be slaves to the Egyptians for over 400 years. But after the people cried out to God to save them, He sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt.

Today’s story finds the Hebrews freed and wander-ing in the desert searching for the land God promised. During their search, God called them to build the first temple called the Tabernacle, which basically means a moveable temple. They needed a place to offer sac-rifices and worship God. The people were filled with joy and wanted to give back to God with their own personal items. I. Giving Back to God (Exodus 35:21–22, 25–27)

The Tabernacle had been completed, and it was time to use it. But first, the people felt compelled to fill the Tabernacle with their valuable possessions. This is significant because these people were very poor. Not only that, but most of their prized possessions prob-ably had come from the Egyptian people when God told them to ask for some of their possessions (Ex. 12:35). God never ordered the people to give their finest possessions to Him. They gave because they wanted to. The things that they gave signified that they not only trusted the Lord with their possessions, but also that they were thankful to God for delivering them from the oppression of the Egyptians.

When reading this story, we may stop and think, “God has never saved me like that, why should I give to Him?” The answer is simple. God has actually given more to us than He did to them. He sent His

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Son to die for our sins, so we should feel compelled to give back, just like Godʼs people wanted to. II. Giving Your All (2 Corinthians 9:7)

There are many verses in the Bible about giving back to God, like the Hebrew people did. This should be con-sidered an offering, which is also what this verse is talk-ing about. When we give back to God, we commanded to do so through tithes and offerings to the church. This practice was established in the Old Testament and is also mentioned throughout the New Testament. In Leviticus 7:30–34, God commanded His people to give 10 percent of their income back to Him.

In the book of Deuteronomy, the idea of the offer-ing is introduced. This is not a set number, but rather, anything that you give back to God above your 10 percent. Todayʼs verse tells us that we should plan our offerings. Our giving is not to be done on a whim; but rather, it is something we should make provision for beforehand. Even if you donʼt have a regular income, it is still important to give God a portion of the money that you get. Remember to be mindful of what you give and not to give out of compulsion. God doesnʼt want us to give only out of obligation. He wants our giving to be meaningful to us and to help His Kingdom in the most effective way. If we give to the wrong cause or person, that money could be wasted instead of being used for good. Be careful how you give, but have fun with it!

Giving can be very rewarding. If you cannot give money, there are other ways that you can give back to God. Volunteering at a food shelter or helping the elderly are great ways to give back to God. There is a wonderful story of a woman giving back to God in Mark 12:41–44. This shows that Jesus cares more about the heart of the giver than the gift.

What are

some ways

you can

give?

Why does God want

us to give back to Him?


May 7 M Proverbs 3:1–10 Honor God with Your First FruitsMay 8 T Revelation 14:1–5 Martyrs, First Fruits for God May 9 W Philippians 4:15–20 Gifts, a Pleasing Sacrifice to GodMay 10 T Leviticus 2:1–10, 14 Preparing Grain OfferingsMay 11 F Leviticus 22:17–20 Acceptable Offerings Are Without Blemish May 12 S Leviticus 23:1–8 Observing the Sabbaths and the Festivals May 13 S Leviticus 23:9–14, 22 Present Your Fruits to God First

Why does

God care

about how

we give

and our

attitude

for giving?

yrone, you just gave money at the church,” said Kristen

“Yeah? So what?” “So, you told me last

night when we went out that you didnʼt have enough

money to take me to the movies.”“Well, I knew that I had just enough money left to

give in church today. I had already set that aside from when I got paid last,” Tyrone said.

“But, why are you giving money to the church instead of taking me to the movies? We donʼt need to give money yet. We’re not grown-ups,” Kristen said.

“Look, my dad taught me a long time ago that when I got my first job, I was to give to God first. No exceptions. You know I like taking you out and all. But I have to give back to God before anything else,” said Tyrone.

“I see. Well, next time we go out, you’d better have some extra money!” demanded Kristen.

“Why are you being like that. Kristen? Canʼt we just have fun spending time together? With that atti-tude, we probably wonʼt be going out again.”

“Especially if youʼre giving to God before me,” Kristen said as she stormed off.

Tyrone knew he had done the right thing, even though he had made Kristen very upset.

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional May 7–13, 2018


THE Lord spoke to Moses: 10 Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest.

11 He shall raise the sheaf before the Lord, that you may find acceptance; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall raise it. 12 On the day when you raise the sheaf, you shall offer a lamb a year old, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the Lord.

13 And the grain offering with it shall be two-tenths of an ephah of choice flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire of pleas-ing odor to the Lord; and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. 14 You shall eat no bread or parched grain or fresh ears until that very day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your settlements.

• • • • • •22 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your har-vest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the alien: I am the Lord your God.

HARVEST [Hebrew: qatsiyr (ka-ster)]—the gathering in of a crop

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. (Leviticus 23:10, NRSV)

GIVINGYOUR BEST

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Leviticus 23:9–14, 22Background ScriptureS: LeviticuS 2:14; 23:9–22


their entirety.

AND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.12 And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord.13 And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the Lord for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.14 And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offer-ing unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

• • • • • •22 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God.


Understanding where blessings come from is very important to the growth of a Christian. We are

simply stewards of the things that God allows us to have. This doesnʼt just mean physical products, like clothes or food. It also means friendships, jobs, and responsibilities. Even our responsibilities are bless-ings because through them we have the opportunity to prove ourselves worthy of being trusted with greater duties. In the Bible, we are shown that God gives people blessings and expects them to do the right thing with them. Very early during His relationship with the Hebrew people, God commanded them to give back to Him so that they could show that they were obeying His commands and trusting in Him. I. Give First to God (Leviticus 23:9–10)

One of the most important things to know about Godʼs relationship with the Hebrews is that He always used a prophet, leader, or king to speak to His people and give them direction. Very rarely did God ever speak to the people directly. In todayʼs story, the person that God was speaking through was Moses. He came to Moses and told Him to tell the people that after they reaped the grain of the harvest, they were to give the first fruits to the priest of the Tabernacle. The priest was to sacrifice those offerings back to God. By doing this, they would show the Lord that they were thank-ful and trusted Him. They knew that everything they had been given was because the Lord allowed them to have it.

Giving the first and best fruits back to God was an act of worship and thankfulness. Even though this was an act carried out many years ago, this still applies to Christians today. Throughout the Old and New Testament, the Bible talks about giving our first fruits

Why did God want the first fruits?

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back to God. The New Testament includes first fruits as being works of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:23). So, we are to be like Christ to others, along with first giv-ing a tenth of our money back to God, before we do anything else with it. II. Instructional Prophecy (Leviticus 23:11–14)

If you study the Bible long enough, you begin to realize that the entire book, every story, every written word, is directed at three events: the coming of Jesus, Jesusʼ life, and the work of Jesusʼ ministry after His death and resurrection. The focal point of the Bible is around Jesus. In the Old Testament, there are many different stories or signs that point to Christʼs coming. This story is no doubt right in line with that. We read here that a perfect lamb should be given as a sacrifice. This points directly to the sacrifice that Jesus made because He is referred to as the Perfect Lamb. As you continue to read the Bible, see if you can find signs and traditions of the Hebrew people that point to the coming of Jesus. III. Remembering Those in Need (Leviticus 23:22)

Matthew 25:40 speaks about the importance of tak-ing care of those in need. It says that whatever you do for others, it is as though you are doing it for the Lord. This verse in Leviticus also exemplifies those same principles. The Lord commanded that the people reaping the harvest must leave some grain in the fields for those who were in need. But this wasnʼt just for the poor; it was also for people who did not live there or who were traveling.

God also wants us to take care of those who are in need. We should strive to always be aware that there are people in need all around us. We have the opportunity every day to give back to such people.

Why is

taking

care of

others so

important

to God?

Who canyou helpin your

community?


May 14 M. Leviticus 26:3–6 Keeping the Sabbath Yields Good CropsMay 15 T. Acts 4:32–37 Lands and Houses Shared with AllMay 16 W. Galatians 6:1–5 Bear Each Other’s BurdensMay 17 T. Leviticus 26:9–13 I Will Maintain Covenant with YouMay 18 F. Leviticus 25:13–17 Fairness in Buying and Selling PropertyMay 19 S. Leviticus 25:35–38 Helping One Another Face DifficultiesMay 20 S. Leviticus 25:1–12 Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee

Why does

giving your

first to God

allow Him to

trust you?

asmine groaned as her phone alarm went off for the fourth time, making her get out of bed. Usually, it would be three hours later and she would feel rested. But today she had to be up really early because she had a huge history exam. She had only studied a few hours. As

she stumbled down the stairs to resume studying, she noticed her mom sitting at the kitchen table.

“Good morning, Early Bird! Ready to get to that test today?” her mom asked.

“Mom? Why are you up so early? What are you read-ing?” Jasmine asked.

“Oh, I usually wake up early every morning to spend time with God and read His word,” she said.

“But why? Itʼs so early. You could just wait till like after work to read.”

“Well, my day gets busy, and I have found that if I give the first part of my day to God, for the rest of the day I am more spiritually uplifted. You should try it, too. It’ll change your life,” her mom said.

“I mean, I guess I could. But really I don’t want to lose my sleep time.”

“Well, you don’t have to get up this early, but try waking up twenty minutes earlier and reading your Bible. That’s what I did. Then I kept waking up earlier and earlier. Give your first to God, Baby. Even the first part of your day.”



SPEAK to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land shall observe a sab-bath for the Lord. 3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in their yield; 4 but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of complete rest for the land, a sab-bath for the Lord: you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.

• • • • • • 7 for your livestock also, and for the wild animals in your land all its yield shall be for food. 8 You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the period of seven weeks of years gives forty-nine years. 9 Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; on the tenth day of the seventh month—on the day of atonement—you shall have the trumpet sounded throughout all your land. 10 And you shall hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you: you shall not sow, or reap the after-growth, or harvest the unpruned vines.

12 For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you: you shall eat only what the field itself produces.

JUBILEE [Hebrew: yobel (yô-bēl)]—A year of emancipa-tion and restoration to be kept every fifty years

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you, the land shall observe a sabbath for the Lord. (Leviticus 25:2, NRSV)

JOYFUL RESPONSIBILITY

05.20.18

L8

Leviticus 25:2–4, 7–12Background ScriptureS: LeviticuS 25


their entirety.

SPEAK unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord. 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

• • • • • • 7 And for thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat. 8 And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.11 A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed.12 For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field.


God has created a beautiful world. He created it for His glory, but also for us to live in. He has given us

this world, of which we are caretakers, to use it and grow His kingdom. He has allowed us to continue to grow and advance the world with our minds and our talents. God knows that we need to learn how to take care of His world. In todayʼs passage, He gives instructions to His people on how to care for the earth and the land that He had given them. He also teaches them how to take care of themselves. I. God Knows His Creation (Leviticus 25:2–4, 7)

When God created the earth, He took the time to set apart a day for all of His people to rest. Everything that God does is for His glory. By creating a day of rest, He gives us an opportunity to grow in Him more and prepare ourselves to do His work for the rest of the week. In todayʼs passage, He was telling the Hebrew people to do something similar to keeping the Sabbath. They were to work their fields for six years, but every seventh year, they were to let the fields rest. These are the same instructions for rest that God gives us: to work six days, but every seventh day, we are supposed to rest and focus on God.

He gave the people these instructions as a method of keeping their land healthy so it would sustain them for many years. This method is still used by farmers today. The Hebrews had to plan how they would have food for that seventh year. They relied on God to give them more than what they needed so that they could save up for the year of rest for the land. II. A Year of Rest and Reset: Jubilee

(Leviticus 25:8–12)The year of Jubilee was a very important time for

the Hebrew people. It was a time that they would not

Why should we trust God’s direction?

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only rest, like the Sabbath year, but also a year when all wrongs would be made right. All land that was rented or borrowed would be given back to its original fam-ily. Debts were forgiven, and a time of restoration was carried out. This happened only once every fifty years. Jubilee was a time for celebration. Most people would only get to experience it once in their lifetime. The year of jubilee would begin on the Day of Atonement, a Jewish holiday. Trumpets would sound on the Day of Atonement and the festivities would begin. People would travel back to their family’s original tribe, and the Hebrew community would be made whole again. For a whole year, they would allow the land to rest. This meant that the animals they used to work the land would also have a time of rest.

God encourages us to rest so that we can be our best when He calls us to do something. If we get over-worked, we may not be effective for His plan.

So, what does this lesson mean for us in todayʼs world? It means that we need to slow down and expe-rience life and God more intimately. It is so easy to get caught up in a lifestyle that only allows a time of rest for sleep. But that can hurt our relationship with the Lord. We need to find ways to set aside time for God, and allow Him to work in us while we rest. One of the Ten Commandments tells us to honor and observe the Sabbath, and we should always strive to carry out Godʼs commands and rest as much as we can on Sunday. In following Godʼs command to rest, we shouldnʼt waste our time just watching TV or being on social media. Instead, we should spend time with our family. We also should spend some time praying for His guidance in our lives and reading His word. The Bible is nothing short of the greatest book ever writ-ten, and the stories within it are captivating.

Why did

God want

people to

return to

their

families?

Why is rest

important?


May 21 M. Leviticus 16:15–19 The Atoning Sacrifice for the People May 22 T. Psalm 34:11–18 The Lord Hears the Righteous CryMay 23 W. Hebrews 2:5–9 Jesus Tasted Death for EveryoneMay 24 T Hebrews 2:10–13 Jesus Brings Salvation Through Suffering May 25 F Hebrews 2:14–16 Jesus Destroys the Devil’s PowerMay 26 S. Hebrews 7:18–28 Jesus, the People’s High Priest Forever May 27 S Psalm 34:1–10; Jesus, Our Redeemer and Deliverer Hebrews 2:17–18

What should

we do while

we rest?

ad, look. I know how you feel about practice on Sunday. But next week is the cham-pionship game, Dad! Please! I have to go!” Derrick said.

“Boy, you know the rules, youʼre not going to practice. Sundays are for spending time with the Lord and with family. Go put your shoes on,so we can go eat with your grandma,” said his dad.

“This is so stupid. Why do I have to always be the one not making practice cause of some dumb rule?”

“That dumb rule comes from God Himself, Son,” Derrickʼs dad explained.

“From God?” Derrick was confused. “I thought that was just your rule. What are you talking about?”

“In the Bible, God gave a law in the Ten Commandments that we are supposed to rest every seventh day. That comes straight from Him, not me.”

“But why?” asked Derrick.Because,God knows that we need rest. Playing ball

all the time and not resting will affect your grades and your relationship with God. Donʼt think I havenʼt notice this attitude youʼve been carrying. You need to slow down. Learn your priorities, Son, and realize that God knows whatʼs best for you. Now go put your shoes on like I told you.”



I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. 9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.10 The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

• • • Hebrews 2:17–18 • • •17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacri-fice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

SAVED [Hebrew: hosi (ho-si)]—to help, to accept help

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. (Psalm 34:6, NRSV)

RESTORATION PROJECT

05.27.18

L9

Psalm 34:1–10; Hebrews 2:17–18Background ScriptureS: LeviticuS 16; pSaLm 34; heBrewS 2:5–18To allow more space for exposition, all lesson


I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked unto him, and were light-ened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 9 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

• • • Hebrews 2:17–18 • • •17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make recon-ciliation for the sins of the people.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.


Throughout our lives, we learn to rely on certain people whom we know we can call on anywhere

and at any time, and they will be there for us. These are our true friends and family members who care about us. But there is One who we can always turn to no matter where we are, no matter what the circum-stance is. In todayʼs passage, it is easy to see why David was giving God so much praise and glory.

David had been running from King Saul, who had been trying to kill him out of jealousy. King Saul knew that God had annointed David as the next king of Israel. So, Saul went after him. When David escaped, he was captured by another king who kept him until God opened a way to David’s freedom. Todayʼs passage reveals Davidʼs praise to God. I.DavidʼsBlessing(Psalm34:1–7)

This passage was written during a time of despera-tion for David. As David is writing this, he is most likely hiding out in a cave still fearing for his life. Yet, here he praises God for bringing him out of the trouble he found himself in. 1 Samuel 13:14 calls David a man after Godʼs own heart, meaning that David wanted the same things that God wanted.

David wasnʼt perfect and made many mistakes throughout his life. Yet, God loved David, and here we see David reciprocating the love he has for God. What we read in Psalm 34 shows us that David was truly and purely praising God for saving his life. He begins by talking about how he would always stay true and loyal in blessing Godʼs name and lifting Him up for the rest of his life. Then he proclaims what God has done for Him and why He is giving Him praise.

Why does God

want to help us?

Why

sho

uld

we

prais

e G

od?

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This passage is an example of how we should react when God helps us out of bad situations, even ones that we have created for ourselves. God is very real and present constantly in our lives. He can help us out of any situation. But we must remember that when He does help us out of difficult situations, we should recognize and testify about what God has done for us, just like David does here. These experiences help develop our testimonies.II. Take Refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8–10)

David continues to praise the Lord by helping his readers understand that He is the only One who can help us through all circumstances. David also calls us to have a healthy fear of the Lord. This means that we should be too scared to not do what the Lord tells us to because any other way will lead to disaster. We can take comfort knowing that He loves us regard-less of our past or what we have done. David finishes verse 10 by telling us that we should seek the Lord, regardless of who we are. This means that we should learn about Him, pray to Him, and worship Him for our entire lives.III. Jesus, Our Savior (Hebrews 2:17–18)

This passage in Hebrews brings to life for us the reality that Jesus is our true Savior. Like the passage that David wrote, we see here that Jesus has saved us from the worst thing that attacks us, our sin. If it wasn’t for Him, all would be lost for us. We should always realize that what we have received in Jesus is the most wonderful salvation that could ever take place. So, we should praise God even more than David praised God. He is our Savior! Whatever may come our way, He has us!

Why

should we

not worry

about what

can hurt

us?

Why is our

salvation greater than

David’s?


May 28 M. 1 Samuel 21:1–6 David Eats the Bread of Presence May 29 T. Hosea 6:1–6 Lord Desires Mercy Not SacrificeMay 30 W. Leviticus 19:9–10 Plucking Grain Deuteronomy 23:25May 31 T. Luke 14:1–6 The Sabbath Is for Merciful ActsJune 1 F. John 5:9–18 The Father and I Are WorkingJune 2 S. Psalm 10:12–18 Deliver Justice for the Oppressed June 3 S. Matthew 12:1–14 Meet Human Need on the Sabbath

How can

you grow a

healthy fear

of the Lord?

endall was speechless when he showed up to the hospital. He knew his grandma was gone, but he couldn’t wrap his head around it. As soon as he

saw his mother, he hugged her.“I just don’t know how to cope with losing Grandma,”

Kendall said to his mom. “When she moved in with us a few years ago, she changed everything for me, even taught me about Jesus. I feel so lost now.”

“What do you think she would tell you to do right now?” his mother asked.

“Knowing her, she would probably tell me to praise God. She was always praising God when bad things happened to her. I always thought it was strange until she helped me understand that praising God is impor-tant because we have faith that He is going to make our situation better,” Kendall said.

“Things will be different, but one thing that won’t change is that we are still going to praise the Lord, even through this hard time.”

“I know that is what Grandma would have wanted. We have to praise Him all the time, in the good and in the bad,” Kendall said.

“When the Lord brings us out of this, we will look and see how our relationship with Him has grown.”

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional May 28–June 3, 2018


AT that time Jesus went through the grain-fields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.”

3 He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?”

• • • • • • 6 “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means,‘Idesiremercyandnotsacrifice,ʼyou would not have condemned the guilt-less. 8 For the Son of Man is lord of the sab-bath.” 9 He left that place and entered their syna-gogue; 10 a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him.

11 He said to them, “Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other.

MERCY [Greek: eleos (é-le-os)]—the giving of Grace by God to keep His promises

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” (Matthew 12:7, NRSV)

A DESIRE FOR MERCY

06.03.18

L10

Matthew 12:1–3, 6–13Background ScriptureS: matthew 12:1–14


their entirety.

AT that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

• • • • • • 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sac-rifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. 9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, say-ing, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.


What is the most important quality to our Christian lifestyle? Many people focus on different things,

like praying and having a close relationship with God. Others believe that being a Christian is only about fol-lowing a bunch of rules. It can be dangerous to only focus on one or the other. Being a Christian is about two things: knowing God, and making Him known. All other things pale in comparison. There are many rules that we are told to follow that can almost become a burden to us if we don’t understand their meaning and heart behind the rule.

In todayʼs story, Jesus teaches that the needs of oth-ers are more important than following human rules. Helping others and being Godʼs representative to them are more important than trying to keep every little rule that we are presented with. I. Jesus Is the Law (Matthew 12:1–3, 6–8)

Jesus was not only a master of Jewish Law, but He was the One who wrote it thousands of years before. The Bible says that Jesus studied the Law when He was growing up, and He knew that the purpose of the Law was to help Christians have a close relationship with Him and represent Him for Kingdom growth. The Law wasn’t set in place to hurt others, and the Law is not more important than those in need. In todayʼs story, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders who claimed His disciples were breaking the Law by pluck-ing grain for themselves to eat on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of rest and no work is to be done, but plucking grain was considered an act of work. The reli-gious leaders thought this would be a great opportunity to catch Jesusʼ disciples breaking the Law. They didn’t like Jesus because so many people had begun to follow Him instead of them.

Why are the

needs of people more

important than the

law?

Why

wer

e

the

disc

iple

s

hung

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Jesus pointed out examples of mercy God lovingly had given to those who had done forms of work on the Sabbath. Jesus finished by telling them that He is Lord over the Law. His statement, to the religious leaders, sounded like blasphemy. They did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. Yet, they had no argument against Him because they knew God was a God of mercy. II. A Miracle on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9–13)

Throughout Jesusʼ earthly ministry, the Pharisees and the Sadducees consistently tried to derail His ministry and teaching. They were intentional and deliberate in their attempts to test Jesus at every oppor-tunity. Right after they had accused Jesusʼ disciples of sinning on the Sabbath, and even after being proven wrong, the religious leaders continued to accuse Jesus, this time directly. After Jesus left, He went to the syna-gogue and found a man there who had a handicapped hand. Jesus wanted to heal the man, but the religious leaders accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. They asked Him if it was lawful for the man to be healed on the Sabbath. Jesus replied to their question with anoth-er question. He asked if they would save one of their own livestock if it had fallen in a ditch on the Sabbath. He also asked them whether a man was much more important than an animal. Then He reminded them that is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

This story should show us that we need to be aware of our intentions in whatever we are doing. If our intentions are to promote Godʼs love through our deeds, then breaking human rules is less important. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. broke some human laws and rules as he led the Civil Rights Movement, but this kind of action must be done prayerfully and carefully. Obeying the rules is important, but showing the love of God and caring for His people is more important.

How

can you

represent

Christ to

others?

Why is God’s love

more important

than social status?


June 4 M. Psalm 78:1–8 Rehearse the Deeds of the Lord June 5 T. Ezekiel 17:22–24 God’s Tree of Justice for AllJune 6 W. Matthew 16:13–20 Jesus Affirmed as Son of ManJune 7 T. Matthew 13:54–58 Jesus Not Believed in Hometown June 8 F Luke 18:1–8 Will Son of Man Find Faith? June 9 S. Matthew 13:34–43 Jesus Explains Parable of the Weeds June 10 S. Matthew 13:24–33 Defer Judgment until the Final Day

How can you

reach those

you know don’t

follow Jesus?

acqueline, I can’t believe you missed Bible study last week to hang out with those kids! Then I heard you went to Shaniceʼs party! Is that why you missed youth meeting on Saturday?” Kiara interrogated her

childhood friend while they sat at the lunch table. “Well I had a purpose and I….” Just then Shanice

walked up to them.“Hey Jacqueline! Um, I was wondering if maybe

after school we could talk some more about that stuff we talked about the other night?” said Shanice.

“Yeah, of course. Iʼll meet you outside by the flag pole,” Jacqueline responded.

“Cool, thanks,” said Shanice as she walked away. Kiara became even more concerned and started to

get angry. “How could you do this? You partied with them instead of going to church? Now you guys are friends? Going to church is more important than a party! Plus they do the kind of stuff we don’t do!”

“Kiara!” Jacqueline interrupted, “Stop! I went to see if I could talk to some of them about Jesus. I started talking to Shanice about it and stayed later at her place after the party. That’s what she wants to talk about. I think she might want to become a Christian!”

“Oh, dang. I’m sorry. I would have gone with you! uld have led all them to Jesus!”

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional June 4–10, 2018


HE put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to some-one who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. 27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?ʼ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.ʼ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?ʼ 29 But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reap-ers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.ʼ”31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;

32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

PARABLE [Greek: parabole (pa-ra-bola)]—a metaphorical story

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: “It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:32, NRSV)

JUST CITIZENS

06.10.18

L11

Matthew 13:24–33Background Scripture: matthew 13:24–43


their entirety.

ANOTHER parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.31 Another parable put he forth unto them, say-ing, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.


When you read about Jesusʼ ministry, you will notice a common technique He how He would

teach the people. He taught fictional stories to help them understand His point. These stories were called parables, and they were meant to help the people understand the message Jesus was trying to give them. Some of the most important parables Jesus taught are the ones we are reading today. The reason they are so important is because they are still applicable to the modern world. For example, we should know from Jesus’ parables that Godʼs kingdom is selective. Nothing that we can do on our own makes it easy to get in. Heaven is a very real and holy place intended for the glorification of God. I.DonʼtBeFake(Matthew13:24–30)

In the first parable, Jesus explained the state of those who truly believe in Him and those who only say that they do. In todayʼs world, it is easy to say that you are a Christian. In fact, in some places, it is trendy or cool to at least say you are a Christian and maybe even go to church once in a while. Jesus says that those who only say they are Christians are like weeds that have been planted among wheat. They look, act and talk like the real thing, but their hearts are not the same at all.

God doesnʼt look at the outward appearance. He looks at our heart and the intentions behind our actions. There are people who will do a lot of things that look like they are doing it for the Lord, but their intentions are to bring glory to themselves and not to God. Those who truly love the Lord will be kept by Him, like the good wheat. Those whose intentions are for themselves will be cast in the fire like weeds. God cares about the heart more than the deed.

How can you help

those who say they are

Christians, but aren’t?

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II. The Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:31–32)Jesus told another parable during the same mes-

sage. He told about the Kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds that you can plant. But once grown, it becomes a very large plant reaching between six to twenty feet tall! The reason that Jesus made this comparison is because He wants us to see that Godʼs Kingdom is continuously growing throughout the world. When Jesus was on earth, His Church was very small because His ministry had just begun. Plus, some who were followers of God were having a hard time accepting the fact that Jesus was Godʼs Son. Now, it is roughly estimated that there are 2.2 billion Christians in the world.

Outside of Church growth, Jesus was also comparing the Kingdom of God to the way it grows within us as well. Our faith begins small, but it grows continuously. We need help growing in our faith and growing Godʼs Kingdom. If we take the time to grow our faith, it will help us grow Godʼs Kingdom even more. III. Growing the Kingdom (Matthew 13:33)

Jesus told another story that is similar to the comparison of the mustard seed. He compared the Kingdom of God to the effect that yeast has in bread. When yeast is mixed with flour, it causes the dough to rise and expand into bread. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is the same way. The Kingdom of God expands because His followers share the Gospel, like putting yeast into flour.

How can you be like the yeast? Do you exhibit Christian love in your actions and attitude toward others? God expects us to help His Kingdom grow because He has given us the tools and ability to do so.

Why is it

important

to grow

our faith?

Why did Jesus use a

mustard seed?


June 11 M. Isaiah 1:12–17 Wash Away Your Evil Ways June 12 T. Amos 5:18–24 Let Justice Roll Like WaterJune 13 W. Exodus 20:12; Deut. 5:16 Honor Your Father and Mother June 14 T. 2 Corinthians 3:1–6 The Spirit Gives Life June 15 F. Acts 10:23–33 Call No One Profane or Unclean June 16 S. Mark 7:14–23 What Defiles Comes from the Heart June 17 S. Matthew 15:1–9 Treat Your Parents Justly

What can you

do to help

show others

how to live as

a Christian?

amar sat in the locker room listening to his teammates talk about all they had done after prom the week before. He was angry that some of them were the same guys that he went to church with. He had even held Bible study with

them in youth group meetings. Now he’d had enough!“Guys! Stop! Yʼall are making me sick,” he finally

shouted. “What? You got a problem, Lamar? Just because

you decided not to party with us after the prom, you’re upset because we did?”

“No, Man. That’s not it at all. I know you guys and this ain’t us. Most of yʼall say you follow Jesus, but then yʼall are talking about all of this?”

“Dang, Lamar. It’s no big deal, Man. Just having some fun, Bro.”

“No Man! You don’t get it. Yʼall say you’re Christians? You guys look exactly like everybody else, Man. Check yourselves. Figure out if you are who you say you are. Either you’re following Christ or you’re not.”

All the guys went silent as Lamar walked out of the locker room.

“Man, maybe heʼs right,” Ramon spoke as the others all agreed. “We canʼt live like that if we are Christians. We’ve got to be who we say we are.”



THEN Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradi-tion of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.” 3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,ʼ and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.ʼ 5 But you say that whoever tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is given to God,ʼ then that per-son need not honor the father. 6 So, for the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God.

7 You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied right-ly about you when he said: 8 ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;

9 in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.ʼ”

TRADITION [Greek: Paradosis (Pa-ra-do-ses)]—some-thing that is carried on throughout the generations

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;’ (Matthew 15:8, NRSV)

MORE THAN LIP SERVICE

06.17.18

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Matthew 15:1–9Background ScriptureS: matthew 15:1–9;

mark 7:1–13To allow more space for exposition, all lesson


THEN came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tra-dition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the command-ment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatso-ever thou mightest be profited by me;

6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the com-mandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

A couple of weeks ago, we learned about the importance of our intentions. Jesus taught on this during His ministry and instructed

that the wellbeing of others, and the growth of His Kingdom, were more important than laws and rules made up by religious officials. There are


many rules within various denominations that have been interpreted differently. This is what makes the denominations separate. However, protestant denomi-nations have the same two goals in mind, knowing God and making Him known. Rules or interpretations shouldn’t stand in the way of those goals. Today, we see another story about the religious leaders trying to impose their laws upon Jesusʼ ministry and how His teachings should mold and reflect the values that we take throughout our Christian journey. I. Love Over Tradition (Matthew 15:1–2)

The religious leaders became almost obsessed with trying to catch Jesus or His disciples in acts that disobeyed the Law. The reason that they were doing this is because Jesus was taking so many of their fol-lowers, that they were beginning to lose money. Their doctrine was on the teachings of rules, regulations, and traditions that had been established in the Jewish philosophy and theology over hundreds of years. Now, the religious leaders were using these teachings as a way to make money. In the passage for today, we see that the religious leaders charged Jesusʼ disciples over a very small matter, but one that was established by the elders of their community which was to wash their hands before they ate. That’s right, the disciples got in trouble for not washing their hands. But Jesus knew their hearts and their lives. II. Jesus Knows the Heart (Matthew 15:3–6)

The religious leaders certainly had their own issues, and Jesus knew about all of them. After His disci-

ples were accused of breaking a tradition, Jesus asked them how much more important it was that they keep the Ten Commandments. He told them that they were directly teaching against the Fifth Commandment of

Why do we have traditions

in the church?

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honoring your father and your mother. They were teaching a tradition that said that they should dedi-cate everything that they had to God. This included not taking care of their parents in old age and keeping everything that they had to themselves as a use for temple work. Jesus said that this was evil, and that God wanted them to take care of their parents. Jesus knew that they were only doing this for self-gain and wanted to show them that they were only going against Godʼs Word. III. Calling Out the Hypocrites (Matthew 15:7–9)

Jesusʼ anger burned against the religious leaders because He knew that they were taught to be in the ministry to help their people and serve God. Instead, they used their ministry only to make money and lead the people astray. In verse 7, we see that Jesus calls the religious leaders hypocrites. Then Jesus says that Isaiah, the prophet from the Old Testament, had prophesied about them in Isaiah 29:13. The reli-gious leaders acted like they were close to God and were doing His work, but Jesus knew their hearts and their motives.

Our actions are important because they reflect what our heart truly desires. If we say we are Christians, yet we are doing the Lordʼs work for per-sonal gain, we will be held accountable for that. If we put traditions above love, mercy, grace, and people, then we aren’t doing what the Lord wants. Rather, we are directly disobeying what He wants. When we become Christians, we take on the responsibility of being Christʼs representative at all times. Even though we may fail Him, we are still supposed to live a life that is pleasing to Him, which includes loving others and teaching them Godʼs Word correctly.

How

should

you try

to help a

hypocrite?

How can you tell

if someone is a

hypocrite?


June 18 M. Psalm 49:1–4, 16–20 The Folly of Riches June 19 T. Proverbs 22:1–2, 7–9, 16 Oppressing the Poor Leads to LossJune 20 W. James 5:1–5 Both Oppressors and Righteous Receive JusticeJune 21 T. Luke 6:20–26 Blessed Are the Poor June 22 F. John 3:16–21 Two Responses to the LightJune 23. S. Matthew 19:23–30 Entry into the Kingdom of Heaven June 24 S. Luke 16:19–31 Lazarus Cannot Help the Rich Man

What are

some steps

you can

take to

keep your

intentions

pure?

oy, you better not be eating without praying first!” Andreʼs grandmoth-er shouted at him.

“Itʼs okay, Mama. He was just hungry and for-

got,” Andreʼs mother said. He was getting tired of constantly being corrected by his grandmother for not being perfect. He sat quietly, looking at his phone.

“Look at him, always on that phone. I am sick of that boyʼs attitude, Denise. You’re not raising him right. He came in late to church this morning, look-ing sloppy. Probably ‘cause he was out last night with that girl he has been seeing,” said his grandmother.

“Can I just be excused?” Andre asked as he stood.“Yes, Andre,” Denise replied. As he walked

upstairs, he could hear his grandmotherʼs ranting. Then he heard his mom say, “Mama, I love you,

but you have to stop. Andre is a fine young man. I’m proud of him. He’s a good student, and he’s active in church. You need to stop criticizing so much and encourage him sometimes for the good things he does. You aren’t having any kind of godly impact on him by being that way. You aren’t perfect either, and you know it.”

Andre smiled as he listened to his motherʼs loving words of support.



“THERE was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich manʼs table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.ʼ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is com-forted here, and you are in agony.”

• • • • • • 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my fatherʼs house—

• • • • • • 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.ʼ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.ʼ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.ʼ”

SATISFY [Greek: chortazo (khor-tá-zo)]—to be filled

KJV NRSV

KEY VERSE: “But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.” (Luke 16:25, NRSV)

HOW I LIVE NOW MATTERS

06.24.18

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Luke 16:19–25, 27, 29–31Background ScriptureS: Luke 16:19–31; John 5:24–30


their entirety.

THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Laz-arus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich manʼs table: more-over the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abrahamʼs bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

• • • • • • 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my fatherʼs house:

• • • • • • 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.


Jesus was sent to earth to accomplish the task of dying for and saving us from our sins. We are not

responsible for saving ourselves from our sins. In fact, it is impossible for us to save ourselves. However, we are responsible for accepting that salvation and then living a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. This was the main message for almost all of Jesusʼ teachings He gave while on earth. In todayʼs passage, we are given another parable that Jesus told about how one manʼs decisions while on earth cost him everything for all of eternity. Jesus didnʼt teach stories like this to scare people. He wanted to show them the realities of what was to come and how the decisions we make now effect how we live for all of eternity. What we receive here on earth should have only one purpose, to bring glory to God. This story shows that a man who was given everything wasted what he was given on earthly pleasure. I. Choices Here on Earth (Luke 16:19–25)

As Jesus was preaching, He knew that he was preaching to a crowd who had great wealth. Money was important to them, and quite frankly, it was their God. Jesus talked about the love of money and the effects that greed can have on oneʼs life on Earth. However, the parable that is told in todayʼs lesson shows the effects that love for money can have on someone for forever. Jesus told of a man who was very wealthy and had more than enough things and food to keep him comfortable. There was a beggar who was sick and covered with sores who sat outside of the rich manʼs gate. Every day, the rich man would pass by the beggar and never help him. He simply ignored the man. Eventually, both the rich man and the sick man died. The rich man ended up going and

Why is it easy to love money?

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burning in hell. The poor, sick man went to heaven. While he was in hell, the rich man looked up and saw Abraham and begged him for help and relief from the flames.

This man loved his money too much to give to anyone else and kept it all to himself. Notice here how the passage doesnʼt say that being rich is wrong. There are people who are wealthy because God has blessed them with that wealth. Sadly, many do not use it for the glory of God. Rather, they use it only for self-gain and pleasurable lifestyles. II. The Consequences of Sin (Luke 16:27, 29–31)

After the rich man made his plea to Abraham, he heard Abraham speak. He said that there is nothing he could do to help him because the rich man had chosen to take on his own sin and ignore the poor, sick man while he was on Earth. His actions exemplified the things that were in his heart. But the rich man had one more plea. He begged Abraham to go back and warn his brothers so that they may be spared from the torment that he was in. Abraham told him that the only way they could be spared is if they made their own decisions to choose mercy and love and salva-tion over their own selfish ways. Jesus told this story to promote the fact that there is nothing in this world more valuable than love toward others. Money may buy cool things that we want, but in the end, God wants to know that you helped others and loved oth-ers with your actions. Everything that is done to those in need is done on behalf of Jesus. We are represent-ing Him with our actions everyday, good or bad. God will not be made a mockery of. He will only accept those who have recognized Him in their hearts as their Savior. There is nothing more that He wants than for us to do His will and have a relationship with us.

Is it wrong

to be rich?

Why didn’t the rich man

gain eternal life?


June 25 M. Genesis 50:15–21 Joseph Forgives His Brothers June 26 T. 2 Chronicles 7:12–16 Forgiveness and Healing of the LandJune 27 W. 2 Corinthians 2:5–11 Forgiving and Consoling the OffenderJune 28 T. Colossians 3:12–17 Forgive Each Other’s ComplaintsJune 29 F. Luke 17:1–4 Keep Forgiving Each OtherJune 30 S. Matthew 6:9–15 God’s Forgiveness Depends on Us July 1 S. Matthew 18:21–35 Offer Mercy and Forgiveness Freely

How can you

help others

with your

possessions?

he summer heat beat on Reneeʼs head as she hammered two boards together.

“Hey, Chelsea. Why do we have to be out here doing this? I shouldn’t be trying to build houses for poor people,” Renee said.

“I know right? I thought we were going to be hanging out with our Sunday school class today, not working,” Chelsea replied. Their Sunday school teacher overheard their conversation and walked over to explain.

“Hey ladies, yʼall are doing a great job. Do you know who we are building this house for?”

“No, not really.”“Our church partnered with Habitat for Humanity

to help this family,” he said as he pulled out a photo. “You see the mother in this picture? She works hard but doesn’t make a lot of money. The father was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident and can’t work. The family needs this house to survive.”

“I didn’t realize what was going on. That’s sad,” Chelsea said.

“What we are doing out here is sacrificing some of our time to help people in need. It’s something Jesus wants all of His followers to do. Just make sure your hearts are in the right place when you are giving back.”

GET YOUR READ ON! Daily Devotional June 25–July 1, 2018

second quarter 2018 vol. 44, no....

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