Adult Sunday School Lesson

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2025

April 6, 2025

Christ’s Once-For-All Sacrifice
Printed Text: Hebrews 9:23-10:1-4, 11-14, 19-25
Devotional Reading: Mark 10:41-45
Background: Hebrews 9:23-10:25

April 13, 2025

Christ, the Atoning Sacrifice

Printed Text: 1 John 2:1-6: 1 John 4:9-17

Devotional Reading: Psalm 40:1-10

Background Scripture: 1 John 4:1-19

April 20, 2025

Christ Dies and Rises to New Life
Printed Text: Matthew 27:39-40, 45-54; 28:1-10
Background: Matthew 27:24-28:10
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 2:1-13

April 27, 2025

The Lamb is Worthy
Printed Text: Revelation 5:1-10
Devotional Reading: Psalm 118:15-29
Background: Revelation 5

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 6 April 2025, 09:00 AM EST

Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Christ’s Once-For-All Sacrifice
Printed Text: Hebrews 9:23-10:1-4, 11-14, 19-25
Devotional Reading: Mark 10:41-45
Background: Hebrews 9:23-10:25

KEEP IN MIND:

“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”(Hebrews 9:24).

AIM FOR CHANGE:

KNOW Jesus’ sacrificial death opens the way to the presence of God,

FEEL the importance of holding on to faith in Jesus; and

SHARE our faith with others.

BACKGROUND:

Sacrifices were practiced from the earliest of times in the Old Testament.  Sacrifices from the produce of the land and firstborn of the flock were offered by Cain and Abel; Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices after he left the ark.  The Mosaic sacrifices were prior to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.  Animals were imperfect sacrifices that could not completely purify and atone for the sins of the people.  If they could, they would have ceased.  The annual sacrifice on the Day of Atonement was a visible reminder of the sins of humanity.

The writer expressed the importance and superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the New Covenant to the Levitical priesthood and the Mosaic covenant.  The Levitical high priest could only enter the Holy of Holies, which was the most holy place (inner sanctuary of the temple) one day a year, the Day of Atonement, the 10th day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar (September-October).  On the Day of Atonement, the high priest made reconciling sacrifices for the sins of the entire nation.  The images that the writer revealed about the Day of Atonement emphasize the superiority of the priesthood of Christ.

The new covenant, which was initiated when Christ died, frees believers from the bondage of the first covenant. God took away the Levitical sacrificial system, which was the first arrangement, when He established the perfect sacrifice—Jesus Christ.

LESSON COMMENTARY:

Christ, the Perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:23-28)

²³Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
²⁴For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
²⁵not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another--
²⁶He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
²⁷And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
²⁸so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

In connection with the New Covenant, the writer enunciated his basic principle: the death of Christ was necessary.  Mere copies of the heavenly things might be adequately hallowed by animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required more than that.  The expression "heavenly things" referred quite generally to the new priestly arrangements, which have heaven as their focal point.  These arrangements involve dealing with people's sin and must thus be inaugurated with a sacrifice adequate to "do away" with that sin.  The death of Christ meets this requirement.

Christ was appointed as High Priest of the New Covenant to represent sinful people in heaven itself, that is, in the presence of God.  So, His sacrifice had to be greater than that which allowed entrance into a mere man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one.  Nor could Christ offer repeated sacrifices as in the Levitical institution, for that would have required Him to die many times since the Creation of the world.  Instead, the heavenly ministry of Christ called for a thoroughly sufficient, one-time sacrifice.  This is precisely why He appeared once for all; at the end of the ages to do away with sin, which the priests in the old arrangement could not do.  

With this observation, eschatological realities come into focus.  Humans are sinful creatures destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. But this danger is turned aside by the fact that Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.

One Sacrifice of Christ is Sufficient (Hebrews 10:1-4)

¹For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.
²For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.
³But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.
⁴For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

By virtue of its anticipatory character, the Law could never... make perfect those who draw near to worship.  By "make perfect" the writer did not mean sinless perfection.  He was concerned with that definitive removal of guilt which makes free access to God possible for worshipers who trust in the sufficiency of the Cross.

The continuous sacrifices of the old order which are "repeated endlessly year after year" testify to the Law's incapacity to "perfect" its worshipers.  Far from enabling them to achieve a standing before God in which they would no longer have felt guilty for their sins, the yearly rituals (of the Day of Atonement) served as a kind of annual reminder of sins, since animal blood has no power to take away sins.

Perfection Sits At the Right Hand of God (Hebrews 10:11-14)

¹¹And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
¹²But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
¹³from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
¹⁴For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Christ's sacrifice on the cross redeemed us from the curse of the law.  Because His work is complete, "he sat down on the right hand of God."  In contrast, the Old Testament priests had to continually stand and make sacrifices.  Their work was never finished.  The description of Christ sitting down symbolizes that His sacrifice completed the work that God appointed Him to do.  There is no need for another sacrifice.  "It is finished!"  We need not try to gain eternal life through good works.  Only through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can we inherit eternal life.

Christ is not only our Redeemer, but He is also our Defender.  Jesus is the Messiah who will ultimately defeat the wicked.  We, bearing the righteousness of God through Christ, do not have to fear the future.  Our Redeemer has secured our future for eternity through His sacrifice.  Thus, we can live victoriously.

The Priesthood of Christ Is Superior (Hebrews 10:19-21)

¹⁹Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,
²⁰by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
²¹and having a High Priest over the house of God,

In chapters 5 through 10 of the book of Hebrews, the writer has explained that the priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical priesthood, which was made at Mount Sinai.  The Levitical priesthood could not bring the people to perfection.  There was no permanent reconciliation between the people and God through the temporary animal sacrifices.  The people needed the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who gave His life once to restore the people to a relationship with God.  The Levitical high priests atoned for all sins of the people on the Day of Atonement.  Every year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies where he made a sacrifice for the nation’s sins.  A curtain prevented anyone from seeing the inner sanctuary.  When Jesus died for the sins of humanity, the curtain was torn open, permitting anyone to enter the holiest of all—God’s presence.  The high priest was no longer required for believers to be forgiven.  By a “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20), believers can go directly to God through faith in Christ.

During biblical times, the high priest passed through a veil to enter the inner sanctuary where God’s presence existed.  Because of Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross, believers can now personally come before God.  Christ shed His blood to give humanity the ability to come before God’s presence by faith.  Our High Priest is Jesus Christ, who experienced the pain, temptations, and trials that we experience as believers.  By the righteousness of Christ, the Superior Priest, we can approach God with “boldness . . . by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).  Through the shed blood of Christ, we can come before our Creator by faith.  Have you accepted Christ by faith and experienced a relationship with God that is only available through Christ, the Superior Priest?

The Priesthood of Christ and Our Profession of Faith (Hebrews 10:22-25)

²²let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
²³Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
²⁴And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
²⁵not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Through Christ, we can freely enter into the presence of God. Through faith in Christ’s work on our behalf, we have “full assurance,” or certainty, that our sins are forgiven. There is an allusion to Christian baptism when the writer refers to “our hearts sprinkled” and “bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). Because of the eternal efficacy of the blood of Christ, our consciences are cleansed. When the high priest entered the “holy place . . . He shall put on the holy linen coat . . . the linen breeches . . . a linen girdle . . . these are holy garments” and he must be cleansed; therefore “shall he wash his flesh in water” (Leviticus 16:3-4). Likewise, the believer must be cleansed before he or she can come before the Holy One. While we are declared “not guilty” because of the work of Christ, we need to cleanse ourselves daily by turning away from sin and turning to God to experience the fullness of relationship with Him. We must give ourselves completely to God and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus.

The writer encourages believers to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). God reveals His promises and truths through His Word; thus, we must embrace God’s Word and resist temptation and opposition. His promises are our treasures that we believe with a confident expectation. The foundation of our faith, therefore, is based upon the integrity and righteousness of Christ. We have hope because “God is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Although the Jewish Christians were experiencing persecution, the writer urges the believers to resist the temptation to apostasy. He wants to reassure the believers by calling them to remember, “He (God) is faithful that promised”; God will do what He has promised (Hebrews 10:23).

The writer instructs the believers to “consider”—which means to observe or contemplate—each other (Hebrews 10:24). Believers must provoke or stir up the qualities of love and good works toward each other (Hebrews 10:24). The writer knew believers could have an impact on one another by loving and doing good deeds for each other.

Because of the fear of persecution, some of the believers had stopped attending worship services; therefore, the writer encourages believers to pull together to stir up loving and active faith. The fellowship of believers is a source of encouragement; it is an opportunity to share faith and grow stronger. The writer urged the believers to get involved in encouraging or “exhorting one another” with the truth (Hebrews 10:25). The fellowship of believers promotes accountability; it is the opportunity to worship and pray with others.

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. How can we draw near and remain in the presence of God each day? How can we truly experience God’s presence?

2. When we accept Christ, He responds, “henceforth, I call you not servants . . . I have called you friends” (John 15:15). What should be our response to Christ as believers? Does your relationship with Christ reveal that He is your friend?

3. Explain the difference between a “willful sin” and an “occasional sin.” (Refer to the “knowledge of the truth” and the effects of deliberately rejecting “the truth” that are discussed in Hebrews 10:26.)

4. What is the “new and living way” that Jesus has prepared for believers to come into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:20)?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

Through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven and we have a new life. In today’s lesson, we can develop a personal relationship with Jesus by faith and enter into the presence of God.

Faith is effective when we depend on God and rest in what Christ has done on the Cross. The writer of Hebrews urged believers to recognize the superiority of our faith and live in obedience to God each day. Through Christ, we have an eternal reward and significant privileges that we can experience through our new life in Christ. Through Christ, we can experience God’s presence and develop a relationship with Him. We can grow in faith and experience a deeper relationship with God when we trust and believe without doubts and concerns that the world presents. The world is temporary, but our life with God is eternal. Each day we must trust God and hold on to our faith and then share our faith with others. When we share our love for God, we can encourage others and introduce them to a new life through Christ.

NEXT WEEK LESSON:   April 13, 2025

Christ the Atoning Sacrifice
Printed Text: 1 John 2:1-6; 4:9-17
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 59:1-8
Background: 1 John 2:1-6; 4:7-21

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 13 April 2025, 09:00 AM EST
Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Christ, the Atoning Sacrifice

Printed Text: 1 John 2:1-6: 1 John 4:9-17

Devotional Reading: Psalm 40:1-10

Background Scripture: 1 John 4:1-19

KEEP IN MIND:

“In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  1 John 4:10, NRSV

LESSON AIM:

CONSIDER differences and similarities between God’s love and human love.

REFLECT on how His perfect love casts out fear in human life; and

DEMONSTRATE what it means to love others the way God loves us.

BACKGROUND

At the risk of oversimplifying, freedom could be a one-word summary of Paul’s emphasis up to the beginning of today’s lesson. For former pagans, this meant freedom from slavery to falsehood. For those who came to faith in Christ from Judaism, it meant freedom from repeated failures to keep God’s law.

But freedom can be a dangerous thing. Can we trust ourselves to do what is right if we are free from law or threat? That’s the fundamental question Paul addressed as today’s lesson picks up where the text of last week’s concluded.

LESSON COMMENTARY:

Christ As Advocate (1 John 2:1-6)

¹My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
²and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
³Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments.
⁴Whoever says, "I have come to know him," but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist;
⁵but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him:
⁶whoever says, "I abide in him," ought to walk just as he walked.

This chapter is a continuation of the thought begun in the previous chapter regarding the manner in which "little children" may have fellowship with God.  We have seen that we can have fellowship with God by walking in the light, that is, in God's presence.  The second thing we must do in order to maintain that fellowship is to confess our sins to Him.  When we walk in the light, we know that the blood of Jesus Christ keeps on cleansing us from all sin, but we also know that there is imperfection in our lives and that we must go to Him in confession.

In chapter 2 we come to the matter of the advocacy of Christ.  We will now see the conclusion of that which began with 1John 1:5, where John said, "This then is the message."  What is the message?  It is the message of the gospel of the grace of God that takes the hell-doomed sinner and by simple faith in Christ brings him into the family of God where he becomes an heir and joint-heir with Jesus Christ.  It is the relationship with the Father that is all important.

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not." John is writing these things to us because God does not want His children to sin. Although God has made ample and adequate provision for us not to sin, our entrance into His provision is imperfect -- because of our imperfection. Notice that this verse does not say that we cannot sin, but John is writing to us that we may not sin. God wants us to walk in a manner that is well pleasing to Him; that is, He wants us to walk in obedience to His Word.

God’s Command to Love One Another (1 John 4:9-11)

⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

The Apostle John gives hearers and readers of his letter the key indicator of a follower of Jesus Christ—love.  Just as God through Moses commanded the Israelites to love Him with all their heart, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4), and Jesus continued in this vein to love God and one another (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:36-39), John emphasizes what it means to be born of God.  Love is the principal thing that identifies someone who knows God.  Writing to what is probably a Gentile audience, he appeals to their logic by arguing that the one who does not love does not know God because He is love (verse 8).  Of particular note, John expresses that God is the very definition of love, the core of His nature, which runs deeper than believing that God is loving.  Love is the very motive behind everything God does.  God’s love is intense, fervent, and evidenced by redemption through Jesus Christ.  John reminds believers of God’s convincing proof of His love for humanity in the Person of Jesus Christ (verse 9).

John further emphasizes God’s love through Christ as the propitiation for our sins (verse 10).  Even today, many are amazed that God would allow His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins or that Jesus would willingly give Himself as a ransom (Mark 10:45).  Jesus said Himself that no one took His life, but He laid it down and took it up again at the Father’s command (John 10:17-18).  The appropriate and righteous response to the great love of God in Christ is that we are driven and motivated to love one another.

1. How can we demonstrate to unbelievers the difference between the love shown by God and that shown by the world? Why should we?  (Regarding motive; Regarding degree; With regard to limitations; With regard to recipients; With regard to methods)

2. What guardrails can we erect to ensure that we do not fail to show the love Christ desires?  (At work or school; At home; When gathered with other Christians)

3. What are some ways to reflect to others the love that God shows to us?  (To those sharing our faith and values; To those ambivalent to our faith and values; To those opposed to our faith and values)

God’s Love Perfected in Us (1 John 4:12-15)

¹² No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

¹³ Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

¹⁵ Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

God’s love is perfected in us when we live in community with love as the motive.  John reminds us that no one has ever seen God, but we know He is real, especially when we love unselfishly, preferring others over ourselves.  We can replicate God in the earth and make Him visible to the world.  God’s love is “perfected,” that is, completed or accomplished, when we trust Him and give love without reservation.

As a mark of a true believer, John says that in confessing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will bear witness of His Spirit living in us, and the Holy Spirit will testify that sonship has been achieved (John 1:12; Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:1).

1. How can our church demonstrate love more effectively as a witness that Jesus is the Son of God?

God’s Love Has No Fear (1 John 4:16-17)

¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

¹⁷ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

These believers were challenged by philosophical questions about Christ, which caused lots of confusion, particularly about His return.  John reminded these believers that they must remain in God and that He is able to complete their love for Him and each other.  It was believed that Christ’s return would occur at any moment, but John encouraged believers to rest and be confident no matter the day of His return, and that they are eternally secure as they continue in love.  They had no reason to fear judgment or punishment because of the complete love of God in Christ.  God’s love would drive out any fear or torment.

The same is true for us today, Jesus promises as we abide in Him that the Triune God would dwell with us (John 15:4-10).  Because of God’s abiding presence with us by our faith in Jesus Christ, we are reassured too.

1. What steps can we take to help people bear their own burdens?  (Concerning financial issues; Concerning relationship issues; Concerning personalities that are chronically “needy”)

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. What would be different about our community of faith if we truly showed love as the principal mark of true discipleship?

2. If God’s love is supposed to compel us to love one another, what gets in the way?

LESSON TO LIVE BY:

As Christians, we are commanded by God to love, starting first and foremost with our faith community.  The early church walked in radical love for God and each other, which caused the church to grow.  If od loved us so radically to send His Son to redeem us and repair the breach caused by sin, we must reproduce this love for one another and translate god’s love in this age.

NEXT WEEK LESSON:   April 20, 2025

Christ Dies and Rises to New Life
Printed Text: Matthew 27:39-40, 45-54: 28:1-10
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 2:1-13
Background: Matthew 27:24-28:10

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 20 April 2025 at 09:00 AM
Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

Christ Dies and Rises to New Life
Printed Text: Matthew 27:39-40, 45-54; 28:1-10
Background: Matthew 27:24-28:10
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 2:1-13

KEEP IN MIND:
"Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him."  (Matthew 28:9, NRSV)

AIM FOR CHANGE:
LIVE courageously in the freedom that Jesus gives.
EMBRACE the possibilities of liberation found in Jesus' resurrection, and
APPRECIATE the Resurrection as the ultimate display of God's love for us.

BACKGROUND:

Women witnessed Jesus' crucifixion up close.  Women, who had known His healing power, gathered at Jesus' feet in His finest and final hour.  Motivated by gratitude, courage, and love, these women did not run away, hide, or deny Christ.  In spite of His public humiliation and grotesque execution, these women wanted to be identified with the crucified Messiah.  Although they could not trade places with Him or take Him down, these women were not watching out of helplessness or coincidence.  They were witnesses to His crucifixion in preparation for their purpose of delivering the message of eternal faith that the Messiah had risen!  After Jesus died, His body was taken by the disciples and entombed.  However, resonating among the religious leaders was Jesus’ prophecy that He would be raised in three days.  To ensure that the disciples did not come back to steal the body and then fabricate a story of resurrection, a large boulder was set before the tomb and soldiers were assigned to stand guard.  Even then, they did not perceive, His power.

Lesson Commentary:

The Death of a King (Matthew 27:39-40, 45-50, NRSV)

³⁹Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads
⁴⁰and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

⁴⁵From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
⁴⁶And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
⁴⁷When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "This man is calling for Elijah."
⁴⁸At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink.
⁴⁹But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him."
⁵⁰Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last.

The physical torture of the cross was only exceeded by the spiritual agony of our Lord’s death.  There on the cross He suffered the rejection of men.  Golgotha was located close to Jerusalem and probably near a main thoroughfare (John 19:20), along which many would pass.  Matthew informs us that many of these passers-by ‘hurled abuse’ at Jesus (Matthew 27:39-40).  It is significant that these passers-by were not unaware of the teaching of our Lord.  “You who destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40).

The Jewish religious leaders were perhaps the most aggressive in their rejection of Jesus.  It is interesting to note that they chose to mock Him, indirectly.  Their words of insult were addressed more to the crowds, than to Jesus.  “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.  He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross and we shall believe in Him.  He trusts in God, let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him for He said, ‘I am the Son of God’” (Matthew 27:42-43).

And then there were those women who had played such a vital part in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 27:55f.).  They were standing nearby, agonizing over that fate of Him Whom they had loved and served.  The jeering words of the crowd were nowhere on their lips, but the underlying question of the scoffers haunted their hearts.  Why was Jesus on the cross?  Why didn’t He come down and show Himself to be the Son of God?  While they still loved Him, they, too, could not fathom the meaning of the cross.

The soldiers, too, joined in this chorus of scoffers (Luke 23:36-37). While they may have known or cared little about the teaching of Jesus, His conduct on the cross did not match their Roman mentality of macho which they thought should be personified in a king.  Even the two thieves joined in with their own reproaches (Matthew 27:44).

The jeering of these unbelievers was not, in my estimation, the most painful part of Jesus’ rejection by man.  A certain rejection is implied by the apparent absence of those disciples in whom Jesus had invested so much of Himself.  It would seem that only John was at the foot of the cross.

There was nothing particularly unique about the physical sufferings of our Lord upon the cross, other than the fact that He chose not to have His senses dulled by a drugged wine.  His death was unique in that it was one completely undeserved, and one that was spiritual as well as physical.

The Resurrection of the King (Matthew 27:51-54, NRSV)

⁵¹At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split.
⁵²The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
⁵³After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many.
⁵⁴Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, "Truly this man was God's Son!"

At the time of Jesus' death, three momentous events occurred.  First, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  This curtain separated the holy place from the holy of holies in the temple (Hebrews 9:2-3).  The fact that this occurred from top to bottom signified that God is the One who ripped the thick curtain.  It was not torn from the bottom by men ripping it.  God was showing that the way of access into His presence was now available for everyone, not simply the Old Testament high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22).

Second, at Christ's death a strong earthquake occurred, splitting rocks (Matt. 27:51).  Truly the death of Christ was a powerful, earthshaking event with repercussions affecting even the creation.  A third event mentioned was recorded only by Matthew.  The tombs of many holy (righteous) people (v. 52) were opened, probably at a Jerusalem cemetery.  The NIV suggests that these saints were resurrected when Jesus died and then went into Jerusalem after Jesus' resurrection.  Many commentators say that since Christ is the firstfruits of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:23), their resurrection did not occur till He was raised.  In this view, the phrase "after Jesus' resurrection" goes with the words were raised to life and came out of the tombs.  This is possible in the Greek and is suggested in the KJV and the NASB.  The tombs, then, broke open at Christ's death, probably by the earthquake, thus heralding Christ's triumph in death over sin, but the bodies were not raised till Christ was raised.

These people returned to Jerusalem, (the Holy City) where they were recognized by friends and family.  Like Lazarus (John 11:43-44), Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:52-56), and the widow of Nain's son (Luke 7:13-15), they too passed through physical death again.  Or some say they may have been raised with glorified bodies like the Lord's.  The resurrection of these saints, occurring after Jesus Himself was raised, is a token of the coming harvest when all the saints will be raised.

Women at the Tomb (Matthew 28:1-8, NRSV)

¹After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
²And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
³His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
⁴For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.
⁵But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
⁶He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
⁷Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you."
⁸So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

As Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus' tomb, the earth quaked, an angel opened the tomb, and the guards became like dead men.  It stands to reason that because there are no specifics given on the Resurrection process, the most important point made is that the tomb was, and remains, empty.  While the women were on their way to the tomb, laden with spices and hoping the guards would allow them to anoint Jesus' dead body in loving grief, an earthquake occurred.  But the earthquake did not deter the women.  The guards, on the other hand, upon seeing the angel, were so afraid they fainted into a deep sleep, an act that would become for them a convenient alibi and lie to explain the empty tomb.  The women, instead of experiencing a teary-eyed, tragic scene at the sepulcher, were met by an angel.

The angel told the women that Jesus had been raised and instructed them to tell the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.  Unlike the guards, the women's fear was not overwhelming or immobilizing, for they retained hope in the prophecies of a risen Messiah.  They were frightened, but they were also filled with great joy.  Their human-ness made them afraid.  Their hopefulness filled them with joy.  Their fear was smothered by great joy as they listened to the angel, for their hope had been realized.  The women were the first to know of the resurrected Messiah.  Oh, what joy filled their souls!  They were obedient and went to ten the disciples what they had seen (v. 8).

1. What hope do the women have as they go to the tomb?  How is that hope changed?

2. What freedoms have historically been found for marginalized groups once they join the Church?

3. Sometimes the sorrow, of unanswered Promises, unexpected circumstances, or death blinds us from seeing the future joy God is preparing for us through answered prayers and promises fulfilled.  Which stories in your life, that demonstrate God’s glory, have been too good to keep to yourself?

Jesus appears to the Women (Matthew 28:9-10, NRSV)

⁹Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
¹⁰Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Jesus first appeared to the women, not the 11 disciples.  On their way to deliver the message, lest they be accused of relaying hearsay, the women were graced with the very presence of the Lord.  As the women joyful hurried to tell the disciples, Jesus met them and encouraged them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they would see Him.  This was the Jesus they remembered, but He was now embodied in full divinity.  They bowed to Jesus and grabbed His feet as a sign of ultimate reverence and submission.

Indeed, He was to be worshiped.  He had fulfilled God's plan of salvation.  Who could doubt that He was and is the Son of God?  These women saw Him with their own eyes and believed.  Even though the disciples had denied and deserted Him through His arrest and trial, Jesus forgave them.  He sent the women to tell the brothers the Good News: Jesus was no longer dead (v. 10).  Their relationship would now be even stronger than before.  He would meet them in Galilee as He had previously told them, (cf. Mark 14:28).

Sadly, the disciples were still afraid of the religious leaders, and they were still hiding in Jerusalem (John 20:19).  Therefore, Jesus met them first in Jerusalem (Luke 24:36), and later in Galilee (John 21).

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. How has fear stopped you from sharing the Gospel in the past?  What can you do to overcome that fear?

2. What does Jesus' resurrection mean for believers everywhere?  For sinners everywhere?  For evil and death?

3. Why is it important for believers to share the Good News of Jesus' resurrection?

4. What would be different about our community of faith if we truly showed love as the principal mark of true discipleship?

5. If God’s love is supposed to compel us to love one another, what gets in the way?

6. What is your response to the news that Jesus is risen? Why?

7. What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for believers everywhere?  For sinners everywhere?  For evil and death?

8. Why is it important for believers to share the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection?

LESSON TO LIVE BY:

When Jesus Christ rose from the dead, it was the most important, awesome, and unexpected event in history.  It was so unexpected that the women learned of it first, as well as the disciples, the guards who kept the tomb, and the religious leaders all reacted differently to the news.  The Good News as we know it Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and the grave, and liberated us from the power and punishment for sin-was challenging news for those who held power.

As the Gospel was preached in the early church, people responded by accepting or rejecting it at the point of the Resurrection, because the wisdom of the world rejects it and tries to cover it up to maintain the status quo.  As disciples of Jesus Christ who preach of a Savior who overcame death itself, we can expect opposition and denial from those who have something to lose by acknowledging the power of God over the principles and practices of the world.  In what ways have your faith community faced opposition when trying to preach the truth of Jesus Christ’s life in the face of a culture of death?  How can we be bolder to share the Good News when people may question the power of God to challenge our expectations. and transform our lives?

NEXT WEEK LESSON:   April 27, 2025

The Lamb is Worthy
Printed Text: Revelation 5:1-10
Devotional Reading: Psalm 118:15-29
Background: Revelation 5

Zoom Sunday School Classes – 27 April 2025, 09:00 AM EST

Meeting ID: 848-9423-0612
Pass Code: 669872
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84894230612?pwd=Zk1ESitzbGZwTlJyV21UZXY5aTVPZz09

The Lamb is Worthy
Printed Text: Revelation 5:1-10
Devotional Reading: Psalm 118:15-29
Background: Revelation 5

KEEP IN MIND:

"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. " (Revelation 5:9, NRSV).

LESSON AIM:

BELIEVE that our iniquity was covered by His sacrifice.

EXPRESS our appreciation to Jesus Christ for what He has done for us, and

UNDERSTAND that in His glorious position as "Lamb of God," Jesus is second only to God the Father and the only one in heaven or earth qualified to reveal His Father's divine purpose.

BACKGROUND:

Under the Mosaic Law, all firstborn male lambs were to be offered as a sacrifice. During annual festivals, male lambs were typically sacrificed (Numbers 28:11; 29:1-38). Female lambs could be presented as a sin offering (Leviticus 4:32), a communion sacrifice (3:6), or a guilt offering (5:6).

Under the Old Testament regulations for sacrifice, the worshiper brought an unblemished lamb to the door of the tent or temple. The worshiper placed his hands on the lamb's head, and the animal was "accepted for him to make atonement for him" (Leviticus 1:4). The priest would then kill the lamb at the door and sprinkle its blood around the altar. The animal was quartered, and its head and fat were offered on the altar. The legs and entrails were then washed and offered. Any remains would be thrown into the ashes.

Throughout the Bible, the term "lamb" is used to symbolize the innocent, defenseless, and often abused people of God (2 Samuel 24:17; Psalm 44:11; 119:176; Matthew 10:6; Romans 8:36). Isaiah's prophecy indicated that Jesus was a mute sheep that would be brought to the slaughter (53:7). Similarly, John the Baptist identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

LESSON COMMENTARY:

The Problem (Revelation 5:1-3, NRSV)

¹Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals;
²and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"
³And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.

In chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation, our attention has been focused on the throne and its occupant.  Chapter 5 turns our attention to the book and the recipient of the book.  The book is initially located in the right hand of One seated on the throne. Almost all commentaries understand this person to be God.  The book, more likely a scroll (a long sheet of papyrus or vellum), has writing that overflows—"written within and on the backside."  Additionally, the book or scroll is secured with seven seals.  In chapter 6, we will see that the book contains God's plan for the world.  The immediate problem, however, is that it appears there is no one worthy to open the book.  After a thorough search "in heaven" and "in earth" and "under the earth," it is announced that no qualified person was found to open the book or to read the contents.  This three-fold characterization of the universe is quite similar to the description in Philippians 2:10.

The Reaction (Revelation 5:4-5, NRSV)

⁴And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
⁵Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

Perhaps sensing the hopelessness of humankind, the writer demonstrates his sorrow and begins to weep. John continues to cry until one of the elders announces that Christ will open the book. Christ is described as "the Lion of the tribe of Juda." You may recall that Judah's father, Jacob, described hi son Judah in these terms when he blessed his sons shortly before his death (Genesis 49:8-9). The descriptive term "lion" serves to emphasize Christ's kingship and His position as the noblest of the sons of God. Christ's heirship to the throne of Judah is further secured in the description of Him as the "Root of David" (Revelation 5:5; cf. 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Matthew 22:42-43). Here we see the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

The Revelation (Revelation 5:6-7, NRSV)

⁶Then 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.
⁷He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne.

What follows is one of the most paradoxical portions of Revelation. The Lion is revealed to John as a Lamb. Even more startling is the description of the Lamb. First, the Lamb has been slain or killed, yet it is described as standing. Second, the seven horns indicate that the Lamb is strong. Again, this presents, from a human perspective, a contradiction in ideas. The lamb is generally portrayed as a meek and mild creature; yet it is strength, rather than timidity, that is being emphasized here. Clearly, Christ has not been weakened by death. Finally, the Lamb is portrayed as having seven eyes. If we remember that seven is the biblical number of completeness, we can understand that these eyes represent the fullness of God scrutinizing the entire earth.

The imagery presented in these verses represents Jesus as the Lamb of God, sacrificed for the sins of the world. Jesus alone is worthy to open the book because He overcame the world by sacrificing Himself. Thus, the Lamb of God defeated sin and death, and through this act is worthy to return as the Lion to rule the nations.

The Reverence (Revelation 5:8-10, NRSV)

⁸When 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.
⁹They 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;
¹⁰you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."

At the revelation that One who is worthy to open the sealed book has been found, all of creation begins to praise the Lamb. In deference to Him, the twenty-four elders fall down in front of the throne and begin to worship the Lamb. The elders have the traditional instruments of praise: harps and lyres. The prayers of the saints are described as incense in golden bowls, thus indicating that our prayers are sweet-smelling to the Lord.

The worthiness of the Lamb is exalted in the song that acknowledges the redemptive quality of the Lamb's death. The blood of the Lamb purchased all of mankind, for "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" is being represented. The song also praises and acknowledges the Lamb as being responsible for the positioning of the redeemed as God's "kings and priests," who will be appointed to "reign on earth."

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. Initially we see the book in the hand of "him that sat on the throne."  Do you believe this is God the Father?  If so, then why doesn't God simply open the book?

2. What is the significance of the elder's descriptions of the lamb as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David?

3. The number seven appears again and again in these Scriptures. What do you think this means?

4. What is the significance of the praising creatures?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

One of the hallmarks of the television adventure shows of the 1960s and 1970s was the paradox of the hero. A quiet, unassuming character was often, in fact, the hero or superhero. The mild-mannered Clark Kent would discard his business suit and become Superman. Similarly, millionaire Bruce Wayne would slide down a pole and emerge as Batman. Within thirty minutes, television viewers were certain that the superhero would thwart evil, vanquish the villains, and save humanity.

The Christian's image of Jesus is often just as simplistic. We are content to view Him as a long-haired fellow, strolling down the streets of Jerusalem in a long robe, dispensing blessings. The gentle and holy, meek and lowly Jesus is the one that many of us are most comfortable worshiping. The Book of Revelation presents us with a startling but necessary contrast. Christ's awesome majesty compels not only John, the author, but also all of the heavenly creatures to fall on their face before Him. Picturing Jesus as weak is an erroneously childish notion. Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is all-powerful.

NEXT WEEK LESSON: 4 May 2025

David’s Sacrifice
Printed Text: 1 Chronicles 21:14-30
Devotional Reading: 2 Peter 3:11-18
Background: 1 Chronicles 21:1-22:1

SOURCES:

Achtemeier, Paul J. Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985.

Akin, Daniel L.: 1,2,3 John: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 38) (The New American Commentary), Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001

Allen, David L., Hebrews: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Volume 35, The New American Commentary, Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2010.

Biblical Studies Press: The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible. Biblical Studies Press, 2006.

Bloomberg, Craig L., New American Commentary: Matthew, An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Volume 22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Brown, Raymond E., S. S., Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S. J.; Roland E. Murphy, O Carm. The Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968.

Dummelow, J. R., M.A. Rev. The One Volume Bible Commentary. New York: The Macmillan Company Publishers, 1961.

Estes, Daniel J., New American Commentary: Revelation: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2012.

Gaebelein, Frank E., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Volume 12, Hebrews through Revelation, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishers, 1982.

Gaebelein, Frank E., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishers, 1984.

Hagner, Donald A., Word Biblical Commentary, Matthew 14-28: Volume 33B. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995.

James Orr, M.A., D.D., International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Edition, Parsons Technology, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1998.

Keck Leander E., The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary, Volume XII: Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, Revelation, New York: Abingdon Press, 1998.

Lane, William L., Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 47B, Hebrews. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2015.

MacArthur, John F. Jr., 1-3 John: MacArthur New Testament Commentary (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series), Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007

Morris, William, ed., Dictionary of the English Language, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1981.

Nowell, Irene, The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary Volume XII: Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1,2&3 John, Jude, Revelation, New York: Abingdon Press, 1998.

Schuller, Eileen M., The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary, Volume VII: The Gospels and Narrative Literature, Jesus and the Gospels, Matthew, and Mark, New York: Abingdon Press, 2015.

Smalley, Stephen S., Bruce M. Metzger, 1, 2, and 3 John, Volume 51: Revised (Word Biblical Commentary), Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: Revelation. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Strong, James, Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, Electronic Edition STEP Files, QuickVerse, a division of Findex.com, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska. 2003.

Tate, Marvin, Word Biblical Commentary Revelation 6 – 16 Volume 52B. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2014.

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: 1 John. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: Hebrews. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: Matthew Vol II. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Hrsg.): The Pulpit Commentary: Revelation. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2004

Strong, James, Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, Electronic Edition STEP Files, QuickVerse, a division of Findex.com, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska. 2003.

Vine, W.E. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Edited by Merrill F. Unger and William White Jr., Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996.

Wiersbe, Warren W., Be Real (1 John): Turning from Hypocrisy to Truth (The BE Series Commentary), Colorado Springs: David C. Cook Publishers, 2009