Sunday School Lesson
May 31
Lesson 13 (KJV)
Living in Christian Community
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 1:1–6
Background Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1–12; Psalm 122:1–9; Hebrews 10:19–25
Matthew 28:18–20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 10:22–25
22 Let 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.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Key Text
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).—Hebrews 10:23
Social Teachings of the Church
Unit 3: Fulfilling Our Obligations to God and Society
Lessons 9–13
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify the facets of worship in these Scripture passages.
2. Evaluate whether these facets are present in the learner’s life.
3. Make a plan to encourage fellow believers to live out their faith.
How to Say It
Amos Ay-mus.
Galatians Guh-lay-shunz.
Gentiles Jen-tiles.
Jeremiah Jair-uh-my-uh.
Zechariah Zek-uh-rye-uh.
Zephaniah Zef-uh-nye-uh.
Introduction
A. Privileges and Responsibilities
My teenage children have household chores assigned to them. It is a way they contribute to our family responsibilities. Some days, my kids exceed all expectations for their tasks. On other days, however, I must remind them to complete their chores. Often, they ask, “Do we have to?”
My children’s response creates the opportunity to talk about reliability, trustworthiness, and the importance of family. These chores are not just busywork. Each task, when completed, supports and strengthens the entire family. Each person’s contribution is vital to the health of the whole. Belonging to God’s family also includes specific responsibilities to God and other believers. Today’s lesson illustrates examples of these obligations. As we fulfill our commitments in obedience to God and our Christian brothers and sisters, we discover that life in God’s family is full of challenge, meaningful work, and relationship-building. Life in community offers fulfillment and eternal hope.
B. Lesson Context
Today’s lesson comes from two New Testament texts. The first is Matthew 28, which describes events following Jesus’ resurrection. Mary discovers the empty tomb, brings the news to the disciples, and Jesus appears to them (Matthew 28:1–10). Religious officials pay off Roman soldiers to tell a different story (28:11–15). These events take place in and around Jerusalem. When we pick up with our text, however, the disciples are on a mountaintop in Galilee (28:16). Jesus gives them instructions for continuing ministry (28:18–20).
The second text comes from the book of Hebrews. Its unnamed author draws significantly from the Old Testament, quoting or referencing it nearly 30 times. The book’s use of Old Testament passages strengthens its claims regarding Jesus and the new covenant. In particular, the author emphasizes Jesus’ superiority (Hebrews 1:5–2:18), priestly status (4:14–5:10), and eternal sacrifice (9:1–10:18).
The verses just prior to today’s lesson establish that believers have access to the presence of God because of the work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19–20). Jesus serves as the “high priest over the house of God” (10:21). Through Jesus, believers may approach the very throne of God (see 4:16). Hebrews describes God’s house in new, spiritual terms (3:6). Jesus is not the priest of a physical building, such as the temple in Jerusalem. Instead, He is the priest over the very people of God (Ephesians 2:21–22). As members of God’s family, “lively stones” that make up His house (1 Peter 2:5), we host the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). God calls believers to live faithfully in community, to respond to Him, and to serve each other.
I. Building the Church
(Matthew 28:18–20)
A. Jesus’ Authority (v. 18)
18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
The ancient Greek word power in this passage is translated as “authority” in other contexts (examples: Matthew 7:29; 8:9). We often think of “power” as the ability to do something, while “authority” refers to the right to do something. The two concepts are closely related, with slightly different connotations. Jesus has both power and authority in an absolute sense. He asserts His power and proclaims the dominion given Him as a precursor to His right to pass influence and authority on to His disciples. The word all appears throughout this section of Matthew 28, indicating that nothing is partial or half-hearted here!
The heavenly Father, who sent the Son (Galatians 4:4), grants the Son all power and authority (John 3:35; 13:3; 17:2). No place in heaven or on earth falls beyond the reach of Jesus’ divine sovereignty. During His earthly ministry, Jesus exercised power over disease, natural elements like the wind and waves, and ultimately, death (Matthew 4:23–25; 8:23–27; John 11:43–44; etc.). His resurrection is definitive proof of His claim (Matthew 28:6). Jesus has possessed all power and authority from the very beginning (John 1:1–3). His resurrection confirms it (Philippians 2:8–11), and His authority will remain true forever (Revelation 1:18).
What Do You Think?
In what ways can your choices in the coming week demonstrate that Christ is the ultimate authority and power?
Digging Deeper
How can those choices also challenge popular alternative “authorities”?
B. Jesus’ Command (vv. 19–20a)
19a. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
Having established His authority and power, Jesus commands His disciples to go and teach. They are empowered through their relationship with Him (compare Matthew 10:1, 7). The disciples’ task is to teach others about the resurrected Christ. Jesus’ commission in this half-verse presents non-Israelites (Gentiles) as a new mission field for the disciples. Gentiles are included by His use of the phrase all nations. We now refer to the directives in this verse as “disciple-making.”
During His three-year earthly ministry, Jesus focused primarily on Israel (see Matthew 10:5–6; 15:21–24). He also indicated, however, that His kingdom will be inclusive, welcoming people from all backgrounds (8:11; Luke 13:29; see lesson 3). This expansion fulfills the promises of Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Jeremiah 3:17; Daniel 4:17; Micah 4:2; etc.). The inclusive nature of Jesus’ kingdom fulfills God’s promise to Abraham that “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3; compare Galatians 3:8).
What Do You Think?
What is one step you can take in the coming week to help share the gospel with a nation other than your own?
Digging Deeper
What distractions might divert your attention from this goal, and how will you address these distractions?
Go and Teach … All Neighbors?
When I was ten years old, I was determined to follow Jesus’ Great Commission. I wasn’t old enough to become a missionary to all nations, but I wanted to do something concrete. With my brother’s help, I started a Bible club for the kids in our neighborhood. I worked hard to prepare the “lessons” for each meeting. The “nations” might have to wait, but the kids in my neighborhood couldn’t!
The club lasted only a few weeks, but I fondly remember the experience. It was a ten-year-old’s imperfect way of obeying Jesus’ command to teach the gospel. Even as an adult, I find sharing the gospel with “the nations” intimidating. My neighbors feel more accessible. How can you love your neighbors and “make disciples” of them? It may not look like a weekly Bible club, but you could host events with your neighbors to share the gospel. Is there a first step God has placed on your heart for the upcoming week? —B. R.
19b. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Making disciples includes baptizing. Baptism signifies entry into the community of God and identifies a person as being “in Christ” (Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:26–27; Colossians 2:11–12). Baptism is accompanied by repentance and the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 2:38; 19:4–6). Through baptism, believers stand in solidarity with Jesus and publicly identify themselves as a part of God’s people.
In this verse, Jesus does not explain every aspect of baptism but says it should occur in the name of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This threefold guidance became the standard formula for the baptismal practices of the early church (compare the noncanonical Didache 7:1–3). Jesus’ guidance also recalls His baptism, during which the presence of God the Father and God the Spirit was evident (Matthew 3:16–17). Becoming a disciple means identifying with Christ and learning to walk in His ways.
20a. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.
Jesus’ disciples are to teach what they know—whatsoever they learned from Him. Jesus’ words shift the disciples’ role from that of students to mentors and guides. They move from disciples to disciple-makers. This change does not mean that their learning, growth, transformation, or development are over—these things continue forever in the life of a disciple—but it does shift their responsibility. They’ve had Jesus as their teacher, and now He gives them His authority to do the teaching.
It is not enough to know Jesus’ teachings; He also calls believers to observe all things He has taught. Observing Jesus’ commands means putting them into practice. Discipleship requires a lifelong commitment to both learning and obedience. Christ is the foundation of our faith (1 Corinthians 3:11). As disciples receive teaching, we come to accept Christ as Lord and learn to “walk” in Him (Colossians 2:6–7). His “yoke is easy,” and His “burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Jesus invites His followers to “learn of” Him, for He is meek and humble, a safe and restful place for our souls (11:29).
Believers do not graduate from discipleship. We must learn to follow Jesus through every stage of life. Following Him will look different depending on the season—teenager, adult, spouse, parent, grandparent, widow(er), etc. However, being a disciple of Jesus informs each transition and provides us opportunities to present the good news to others. Disciples become disciple-makers in an everlasting cycle of learning, growth, and outreach.
C. Jesus’ Presence (v. 20b)
20b. And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew begins his Gospel with the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy: “They shall call his name Emmanuel, … God with us” (Matthew 1:23; quoting Isaiah 7:14). In this half-verse, Matthew concludes his Gospel with the promise that Jesus will always be with His followers. There is no place we can go from His presence (Psalm 139:7–10).
The phrase end of the world refers to Christ’s physical return to earth and the subsequent judgment of both the righteous and the wicked (see commentary on Hebrews 10:25, below; compare Matthew 13:39–49; 24:3).
II. Living as the Church
(Hebrews 10:22–25)
A. Approaching Rightly (v. 22)
22. Let 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.
The following verses from the book of Hebrews feature three exhortations that guide the actions of believers. Each starts with the words let us. The first is in this verse: Christ-followers are encouraged to draw near to God (compare Hebrews 4:16). Direct access to God is available to every believer since the inner curtain of the temple was torn at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). We now have “boldness” to freely approach God by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19; compare 1 John 5:14–15). The book of James promises that God “draws nigh” to those who “draw nigh” to Him (4:8).
The author connects having a true heart with the full assurance of faith, meaning that we are to approach God filled with complete confidence in His fidelity. The genuine center of our person must trust in God’s promises. Believers can have this kind of faith because He has proved His faithfulness to those who have walked in faith before us (Hebrews 11:1–12:3).
This verse includes imagery of a worshipper entering the temple. The phrase hearts sprinkled recalls the practice of sprinkling sacrificial blood upon the altar to cleanse both the people and the implements of the temple from impurity (Exodus 24:6–8; 29:16–21; see Hebrews 9:13, 18–22). God promises to “sprinkle clean water” and to give “a new heart” and “a new spirit” as part of His new covenant (Ezekiel 36:25–27; compare Hebrews 8:7–13; 10:15–18). The cleansing in question is from an evil conscience, which is characterized by unbelief (see Hebrews 3:12). In contrast to the sacrifices outlined in the Law of Moses, Jesus “offered one sacrifice for sins for ever” (Hebrews 10:12). As a result, we no longer need a ceremony involving physical blood, as we benefit from the purifying effects of Jesus’ atoning blood. This is the perfect and eternal “blood of the testament” (Hebrews 9:20; compare Luke 22:20).
We also must approach God’s throne with washed bodies. The author may be referencing the ritual cleansing that occurred before entering the tabernacle (see Leviticus 16:4). Another possibility is that the author alludes to water baptism (compare 1 Peter 3:21; see commentary on Matthew 18:19b, above). Scripture describes baptism as a washing of the person who has come to faith (Acts 22:16). It is more likely, however, that this text reveals a more significant picture, one in which baptism is only a part. Believers experience spiritual cleansing through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:14) and sanctification through the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11).
B. Holding to Faith (v. 23)
23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).
This verse includes the second let us. The work of Jesus, which grants us access to God the Father, is trustworthy and may be boldly declared. The author encourages us to do so without wavering. This message undoubtedly speaks to those considering abandoning the Christian faith to return to the Law of Moses. But these words also encourage those who are enduring periods of discouragement.
Our circumstances do not determine our faithfulness. Believers are called to remain faithful because God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Timothy 2:11–13). He has been faithful to His promises in the past (see Hebrews 6:13–18; 11:11), and He continues to be faithful to us through His Son, Christ Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (12:2).
What Do You Think?
How does trusting in God’s faithfulness help you remain steadfast in your faith?
Digging Deeper
Can you share a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness?
C. Encouraging One Another (v. 24)
24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
The third let us encourages believers in relationships. The word consider means to think about something attentively. The idea pushes us outside of our personal faith lives and into a place where others gain our attention and understanding. The author exhorts believers to influence one another in attitude and action. Our lives should stimulate love among our Christian brothers and sisters (see Galatians 6:10). This is more than a gentle nudge; our lives are to motivate and incite each other toward something good. Christian love is not just a theoretical idea but a demonstrated act. Loving works should flow from our salvation.
In other words, our faith needs to make an observable difference in the lives of others. James reminds us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26). The author of Hebrews provides specific examples of behaviors that show Christian love. These behaviors include practicing hospitality, caring for those who are suffering, maintaining purity in relationships, and contentment with material possessions (Hebrews 13:1–5). Loving actions should naturally emerge from trust in our loving God (compare 1 John 3:18).
What Do You Think?
In what practical ways can you encourage others in your community to live out love and good works?
Digging Deeper
What challenges might you face in this process, and how can you overcome them?
D. Gathering Together (v. 25)
25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
The author calls God’s people toward regular assembling. The intensity of this message is revealed by the author’s using the negative. Instead of saying, “Meet together,” the author urges believers to not forsake gathering together. He further reinforces the directive by admitting some have stopped attending gatherings.
It is unclear whether the author of Hebrews refers specifically to weekly worship services or more informal gatherings. The text does not specify the reasons for these absences, but the lack of regular commitment from some puts the entire community of believers at risk. First-century culture was hostile to Christianity, and our current culture is not much different. Regular gathering in the name of Jesus to worship, fellowship, and learn helps us function healthfully as the body of Christ (see Acts 2:42).
The day mentioned likely refers to the future day of judgment when Christ will return (see 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–3; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4; 2 Peter 3:10). Expectations of judgment and redemption are rooted in Old Testament prophetic texts (Isaiah 2:12–21; 24:21–23; Joel 1:15; Amos 5:18–20; 8:9–14; Zephaniah 1:14–18; Zechariah 14:1; etc.). Anticipation of this day adds a sense of urgency to the need for believers’ obedience and their commitment to the community (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:1–8). The author again emphasizes the importance of assembling by urging them to gather so much the more as time passes.
What Do You Think?
Why do you think gathering as a community of faith is vital for spiritual growth?
Digging Deeper
How has your experience of Christian fellowship strengthened your faith?
The Monastic Life
A group of monastics from the third century AD lived in the deserts of Egypt and Palestine. Church history calls them the Desert Fathers and Mothers. They embraced lives of poverty, self-denial, and prayer. Their commitment led them to isolation from the broader world to focus on obedience to Christ. Their example made me wonder whether a life of solitude and silence would result in an easier spiritual life.
God does not call all of us to monastic orders. Most of us are called to lives filled with noise, distraction, and multi-layered relationships. We have dependents—jobs, friends, and families. Devout followers serve and obey God wherever He guides us, whether in a quiet, monastic community or a bustling environment among crowds.
The writer of Hebrews urges us to encourage one another in faith. Do you strengthen others? Or have you isolated yourself? How can you serve as a vital and vibrant part of a faith community? How can you uplift those within your sphere of influence? —B. R.
Conclusion
A. Life in the Kingdom
Life in God’s kingdom is not a solo journey but a family endeavor. We fill various roles throughout our lives, as learners, proclaimers, mentors, guides, encouragers, worshipers, and those who serve. We participate in various activities to enhance and develop our faith. Matthew’s Gospel urges disciples to participate in kingdom building by proclaiming the gospel, baptizing new disciples, and teaching the way of King Jesus. It is a call for ongoing obedience to Him, commitment to one another, and care for humanity. The facets of worship presented in Jesus’ Great Commission point believers toward preaching and teaching, sacraments, public declarations of faith, and personal relationships with other believers through apprenticeship or mentoring.
The book of Hebrews provides clear instructions on how believers are to behave within a Christian community. Unity in this community is anchored in the hope we have through faith in Christ (Hebrews 6:19). Worship elements highlighted throughout today’s passage include drawing near to God in confident faith, remembering our cleansing through Jesus’ blood, holding onto hope with steadfastness, encouraging one another in good works of service, and regularly meeting for worship and fellowship. Although today’s texts don’t use the word worship, a holistic life of worship is outlined within them. They pave the way for a comprehensive life as a disciple of Christ. Worship naturally occurs when God’s people gather and faithfully uphold His commands. Together, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and person, celebrate His resurrection, and band together to make new disciples. We faithfully teach what Jesus taught, support one another, and urge each other toward actionable love. The people of God need one another as we follow King Jesus—the one who will one day return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). Is there a facet of worship outlined in these texts that is missing from your personal practice? Have you taken an active role in both faithful discipleship and disciple-making?
B. Prayer
All-powerful God, through Your Son, you invite us to participate in building Your kingdom. Empower us through Your Spirit to make disciples. Strengthen us to live faithfully in light of Your promises. Show us how to love and serve one another as we wait for Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember Christian community obeys God, loves others, and gathers faithfully.