Sunday School Lesson
February 13
Lesson 11 (KJV)
EZRA AND THE LAW
DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 7:1–10, 23–26
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 7:1–26
EZRA 7:1–10, 23–26
1. Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
2. The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3. The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4. The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5. The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:
6. This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
7. And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
8. And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
9. For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
10. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
23. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
24. Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
25. And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
26. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
KEY TEXT
Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.—Ezra 7:10
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize Ezra’s role in the exiles’ return to Jerusalem.
2. Explain why Ezra was the right leader for that journey.
3. Make a plan to study the ways his or her spiritual heritage has affected personal beliefs and practices.
HOW TO SAY IT
Ahitub
A-high-tub.
Amariah
Am-uh-rye-uh.
Aramaic
Air-uh-may-ik.
Artaxerxes
Are-tuh-zerk-seez.
Azariah
Az-uh-rye-uh.
Baalpeor
Bay-al-pe-or.
Bethel
Beth-ul.
Eleazar
El-ih-a-zar or E-lih-a-zar.
Euphrates
You-fray-teez.
Ezra
Ez-ruh.
Hilkiah
Hill-kye-uh.
Josiah
Jo-sigh-uh.
Judah
Joo-duh.
Nebuchadnezzar
Neb-yuh-kud-nez-er.
Nisan
Nye-san.
Phinehas
Fin-ee-us.
Seraiah
Se-ray-yuh or Se-rye-uh.
Shallum
Shall-um.
Zadok
Zay-dok.
Introduction
A. Researching Roots
By the year 2016, personal genetic testing became broadly accessible and popular. Various companies promised to provide extensive insight into a person’s health and ancestry, all based on a person’s genetic profile.
Some tests compare a person’s results with the results from other participants to reveal familial relationships. These results sometimes provide intriguing insights—and the potential for making connections with previously unknown family members or discovering of famous (or infamous!) relatives. Through these programs, our ability to connect with and learn from past generations has been greatly enhanced. Law enforcement has also benefited as DNA from crime scenes is compared against genetic databases.
Ancestral background plays a crucial role in today’s lesson. Because of Ezra’s ancestry and his skilled knowledge of God’s law, he was the right individual to lead his people back to their ancestral homeland.
B. Lesson Context
After the death of King Solomon in about 930 BC, the nation of Israel experienced political and religious upheaval. The 12 tribes of Israel were divided into 10 northern tribes (designated the kingdom of Israel) and 2 southern tribes (designated the kingdom of Judah; see 1 Kings 12:1–24; 2 Chronicles 10:1–11:4).
Following this division, the king of the kingdom of Israel established two places of worship—at Bethel, just 10 miles north of Jerusalem, and at Dan, farther to the north. At each location a golden calf was placed (1 Kings 12:28–29; 2 Kings 10:29). This act was a blatant disregard for what the Lord had prescribed regarding the place and manner of worship (Deuteronomy 12:5, 11). Idolatry such as this eventually led to the destruction and captivity of the kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians around 722 BC (see 2 Kings 17:5–6; 1 Chronicles 5:26).
The southern kingdom of Judah experienced a similar fate. After decades of immoral worship, in contradiction to the words of God’s prophets, Jerusalem (the capital of Judah) was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC (2 Chronicles 36:14–20). During this conquest, Solomon’s temple was destroyed and the people of Judah were exiled. The land of Judah was desolate—without its people, its king, its capital, and its temple.
Within this context, the book of Ezra described two waves of Jewish captives returning to their homeland. It is extremely important for understanding the book of Ezra to distinguish between the two waves. The first took place in about 538 BC after Cyrus, king of Persia and conqueror of Babylon, decreed that captives could return to Jerusalem to build a temple (Ezra 1:2; compare 2 Chronicles 36:22–23). These returnees first rebuilt the altar in 537 BC (Ezra 3:1–6), then began work on rebuilding the temple (3:7–13). After opposition (4:1–5) and a brief delay (4:24), the temple was completed in 516 BC (6:15).
Today’s lesson focuses on those who returned to Judah in 458 BC, 80 years after the first return. This return was led by Ezra, an expert in God’s law, whose life focused on proper worship of God.
Over a century had passed since the Babylonians had taken Ezra’s ancestors captive. In the midst of their captivity, the foundation that undergirded the actions of Ezra and his people was their faith in God and hope to return to their homeland. Only in Jerusalem could Ezra and his people worship properly, at the rebuilt temple.
I. Ezra’s Qualifications
(EZRA 7:1–6)
A. Physical Lineage (vv. 1–5)
1a. Now after these things.
This phrase refers to the events of Ezra 6: the completion and dedication of the rebuilt temple (Ezra 6:13–18). Most scholars put approximately 57 years between the events of Ezra 6 and the events of today’s text.
1b. In the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia.
In antiquity there were three Persian rulers with the name Artaxerxes. This one is Artaxerxes I, who reigned 465–424 BC. Since the other two reigned much later (404–359 BC and 359–338 BC), there was no need for Ezra to distinguish among them. Artaxerxes I is the same individual who would later send Nehemiah to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1).
1c. Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah.
The following genealogy traced the ancestry of Ezra back to Aaron, the first high priest (see Exodus 28:1), and validated Ezra’s role as priest (see Ezra 7:11, not in today’s text).
The genealogy relates Ezra to several prominent priests with the expression son of, an idiom meaning “descendant.” This idiom does not necessarily indicate a direct father-son relationship.
In the Old Testament, at least 11 individuals were named Seraiah (see 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 4:13, 35; Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 10:2; 11:11; 12:1; Jeremiah 36:26; 40:8; 51:59). The individual mentioned here was likely the high priest when Nebuchadnezzar’s forces captured and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC (see 2 Kings 25:8, 18).
The Old Testament mentions more than 20 individuals with the name Azariah, including a second individual in Ezra’s genealogy (see commentary on Ezra 7:3, below; see 1 Kings 4:5; 2 Kings 14:21; 1 Chronicles 2:8, 38; 6:9; etc.). This name likely refers to a priest and official in the service of King Solomon (see 1 Kings 4:2).
2. The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub.
Some 14 individuals in the Old Testament share the name Shallum (see 2 Kings 15:10–15; 22:14; 1 Chronicles 2:41; 3:15; 4:25; 2 Chronicles 28:12; etc.). In Ezra’s day, temple gatekeepers were one of the first exiles to return to Judah (Ezra 2:42; see 1 Chronicles 9:17). Their role was critical as they protected the entrance to the temple and the sacred items located in the temple (9:23; 15:23)
3–4. The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki.
For further detail about the ancestral background of the tribe of Levi, one might turn to 1 Chronicles 6:1–81, where a detailed genealogy lists the relatives of Levi and Aaron. Some names from Ezra 7 are omitted in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 6. However, their lack of inclusion is not an issue as it was uncommon to list every member of every generation.
5. The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest.
Beyond his service as high priest from the tribe of Levi, very little is known about Abishua (1 Chronicles 5:30–31; 6:50).
Upon seeing Israel’s sin with Baalpeor, Phinehas is recorded to have killed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman (see Numbers 25:3–8). His act of violence was seen as an act of righteousness, turning away the wrath of the Lord and establishing a “covenant of peace” (25:11–12; see Psalm 106:28–31).
Eleazar followed in his father’s priestly duties upon Aaron’s death (Numbers 20:25–29). Additionally, Eleazar assisted Joshua in distributing land to the tribes of Israel (Joshua 14:1).
One might consider biblical genealogies boring and useless, but they stand as historical record and are essential to show the validity of certain roles. For Ezra, these genealogies validated his role as leader and priest of his people. The importance of this is seen in the identical wording (in both Hebrew and English) of Ezra 2:62 and Nehemiah 7:64.
What Do You Think?
What role, if any, should physical or spiritual genealogy play in your life? Why?
Digging Deeper
What boundaries do 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9 establish in this regard?
AN ENDURING LEGACY
Amanda experienced a difficult childhood. By her 10th birthday, her parents had divorced. One parent dealt with a prescription drug addiction, and the other parent died by the time Amanda was in middle school. Because of these challenges, Amanda was forced to care for her younger brother.
Eventually, Amanda’s grandmother became the primary legal caregiver for Amanda and her brother. Their grandmother cared in ways they had never previously experienced. She attended parent-teacher conferences, provided school supplies for the children, and cooked nourishing meals daily. She was present for all the ups and downs Amanda experienced during high school. Says Amanda, “Without my grandma’s example for me, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
The legacy of Amanda’s grandmother will be long-lasting as it extends to Amanda’s children and grandchildren. When a family member’s care and support counteract the challenges of life and affect future generations in the process, a legacy is established. How will your legacy encourage leadership and healing for future generations? What kind of legacy will you leave?
—L. M.-W.
B. Spiritual Preparation (v. 6)
6a. This Ezra went up from Babylon.
With Ezra’s role validated by his genealogy, the narrative turns to Ezra’s specific task: leading a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. The distance between the two cities was approximately 880 miles and would take extensive planning.
6b. And he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given.
Ezra was more than merely a priest. He is described as a scribe, or scholar, of the law of Moses. As the legal scholars of the day, scribes were highly regarded as they studied the ancient law given to Moses, provided accurate interpretation, and taught it to others (compare Nehemiah 8).
The ease at which Ezra understood the complex nuances of law is indicated by his description as a ready scribe. This implies skilled comprehension.
Ezra’s focus on the law did not lie with its editorial foundations; he was not concerned with whether there were multiple authors of the law over several centuries. Instead, his focus lay with the reality that it was the Lord God of Israel who had given the law.
6c. And the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
As the king granted Ezra’s requests and needs for the upcoming journey, it seems that Artaxerxes’s attitude had changed. Elsewhere, the king ordered that work on rebuilding the city of Jerusalem stop until he issued a new decree (Ezra 4:21). However, the king changed his opinion and supported Ezra’s journey. Artaxerxes even contributed great quantities of silver and gold for the work in Jerusalem (8:25–27). Ezra prepared for this moment, knew the needs of the journey, requisitioned necessary resources, and secured the complete confidence of the king.
The hand of the Lord is referred to throughout the latter half of Ezra and acknowledges the source of the blessings bestowed on this journey and the following rebuilding projects in Jerusalem (see Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31). This journey would be successful because it was blessed by the Lord.
What Do You Think?
What does Ezra’s favor with the king suggest regarding how you should view and interact with governing authorities?
Digging Deeper
How do Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1–7; Titus 3:1; Hebrews 11:23; and 1 Peter 2:13–17 help frame your response?
II. Ezra’s Journey
(EZRA 7:7–10)
A. Travel Companions (v. 7)
7. And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
The total number of those who traveled to Jerusalem numbered fewer than 2,000 (Ezra 8:1–14). This group included the priests, and the Levites, individuals necessary for proper worship in the newly built temple; singers and porters, necessary for rightly ordered worship; and other children of Israel. The Nethinims were individuals who had given their lives to work and minister in the temple in a non-priestly manner (see 1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 8:20).
B. Journey’s Length (vv. 8–9a)
8. And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
As a careful scribe, Ezra gives additional information about the chronology of the trip. The entire journey took place in the seventh year of the king, Artaxerxes, corresponding to 458 BC.
9a. For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem.
The journey from Babylon began on the first day of the first month, the Jewish month of Nisan (late March to early April). Ezra arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, the Jewish month of Ab. This would be equivalent to August 4, 458 BC.
As the Jewish calendar is based on lunar months, each month is approximately 29.5 days. Therefore, the travel time was approximately 118 days, including Sabbath Days for rest. Because this group likely included animals, children (Ezra 8:21), and cargo (8:24–30), those would have necessitated a slower rate of travel: approximately nine miles a day.
What Do You Think?
What steps can you take to avoid the danger of enslavement in the “spiritual Babylon” culture that surrounds us?
Digging Deeper
How do texts such as 2 Corinthians 5:16; 10:4; 11:18–20; Galatians 4:8–9; and 1 Peter 5:13 speak to this issue?
C. God’s Blessing (vv. 9b–10)
9b. According to the good hand of his God upon him.
The arrival of the travelers to Jerusalem gave evidence that the providence and blessing of the good hand of his God was upon Ezra (see commentary on Ezra 7:6, above).
10. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Ezra’s role as a scribe and teacher is seen by the ways the law of the Lord affected his life and the lives of others. It was not enough that he wanted to seek God’s law or to teach it to others. Ultimately, the desire to do God’s law implied a full understanding of the law’s life-changing affect. Ezra’s dedication to his calling undoubtedly changed Israel for the better and encouraged proper worship as the travelers returned to their homeland (compare Nehemiah 8).
What Do You Think?
What disciplines do you find helpful in motivating you to seek, do, and teach God’s will?
Digging Deeper
What activities have you noticed that work against this ideal?
III. Ezra’s Obligations
(EZRA 7:23–26)
The intervening verses consist of the words of King Artaxerxes in a letter to Ezra. The text of this letter was written in Aramaic, the official language of the Persians. This letter granted Ezra authority to determine the proper location to observe God’s law (Ezra 7:14).
A. What to Do, Part 1 (v. 23)
23. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
Whether Artaxerxes regarded Israel’s God as the one, true God is undetermined. However, at the very least, he held a high regard for the Israelites’ God. The king ordered obedience to the commands of God as they related to the house of God. The expression the God of heaven admits that Ezra’s God is not just the God of Israel; this God is much greater, and Artaxerxes recognizes the scope of God’s domain.
However, it is also possible that Artaxerxes acted pragmatically, not wanting to incur divine wrath and desiring to maintain order among those in his kingdom (see Ezra 1:2–4; 6:10).
RECOGNIZING A NEED
Our church began collecting backpacks filled with school supplies to distribute to students at our local school. After an initial hesitation, the school’s principal accepted our help and showed us further needs of the students. Our church collected and distributed meals for children home alone during the day on Christmas break. Later, our church organized a program to provide tutoring assistance.
Ezra recognized the needs of his people, organized King Artaxerxes’s donations, and envisioned ways to meet the needs of the people (Ezra 7:15–22). My church saw the needs of our community, organized the resources and abilities of our church community, and provided ways to meet the needs of our neighbors. As a person of faith, how can you reach out to your neighbors in need, even by sharing your own resources?
—L. M.-W.
B. What Not to Do (v. 24)
24. Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
It was customary for the Persians not to levy taxes on priests of any kind of religious order. Decades before Ezra, Persian King Darius the Great exempted servants of the cult of Apollo from paying taxes and tribute to the state. Artaxerxes continued that precedent to include all who served at the temple in Jerusalem.
C. What to Do, Part 2 (v. 25)
25. And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
Artaxerxes had developed a very high regard for Ezra and empowered Ezra to establish just and consistent guidance on the laws of … God. Undoubtedly, Ezra’s identity as an expert on God’s laws allowed him to accurately know and teach others in the same regard.
The river refers to the Euphrates River. This highlights the geographic extent of the Persian Empire (see Ezra 4:10; Nehemiah 2:7, 9; 3:7), which stretched from the Euphrates to the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, and from northern Syria to the border of Egypt.
D. Penalty for Disobedience (v. 26)
26. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
In a surprising move, Artaxerxes required people to obey both the law of the king and the law of thy God. Years before, Darius the Great made a similar demand, requiring obedience to “the God of heaven” and the word of the king (Ezra 6:9–12).
What Do You Think?
Which motivates you more as a Christian: expectation of eternal reward or fear of judgment? Why?
Digging Deeper
How is this evident in your life?
Conclusion
A. Be an Ezra!
Leaders must cast vision and invite others to see that vision similarly. Leaders must address immediate decisions, favors, or requests made to them by their followers. By reading widely, listening to the advice of experts, and preparing for all possible scenarios, thoughtful and successful leaders are able to face a variety of challenges.
Ezra flourished as a leader because he focused on what really mattered: the wisdom of God and law of God. He studied God’s Word and law in order that he might teach and lead Israel well. Because of his determination in study, combined with his priestly background, Ezra showed to be the most capable leader for Israel’s return to Jerusalem. He became an example to following generations of a God-focused leader. The primary goals of his life were to study, to do, and to teach God’s Word! Is Ezra a model for you?
B. Prayer
Almighty God, we are thankful for the example of Ezra. May we too be good examples as we take on our daily tasks, and may others see that Your Word guides our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
KID’S CORNER
Mark 11:1-11
(Mark 11:1) As they *approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He *sent two of His disciples,
According to Old Testament Law, for testimony to be accepted in a trial, there must be two or more witnesses. The Bible contains sufficient witnesses for us to believe what the Bible says, especially about God’s acts and words in history. Even in our courts today we usually accept the testimony of two or more witnesses, not just one. Remember, however, that many in Old Testament times, and even in Jesus’ day, rightly believed that they would be held accountable by God if they lied or gave a false witness. Perhaps for these reasons, Jesus sent two disciples to borrow the colt He needed for Palm Sunday.
(Mark 11:2) and *said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here.
In the form of a prophecy, Jesus told His disciples exactly what to expect after they entered the village, and He also told them what they were to do after His prophecy came true. Before Jesus was born, God told people through prophets what to expect when He was born. Jesus has told us what to expect when He comes again. Fulfilled prophecy gives good evidence of God’s nature and power as described in the Bible. Perhaps the person who owned the colt had a heavenly dream or vision or visit by an angel that told him what would happen the next day and what he was to do. If he had, he might have told others what he was doing and why he tied the never before ridden colt where he did. He provided the colt in order to fulfill an Old Testament prophecy. The events that day would convince him and Jesus’ disciples that God was involved in the events.
(Mark 11:3) “If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.”
Jesus told these two disciples what they would see, where they would see it, and what to say when they were questioned. Perhaps the owner and bystanders knew from their dream or vision that the Lord Jesus would be the One to ride his colt. We see here that Jesus sometimes needs us to do things by choices (His choice and ours in how we want to respond to Him), because He had the power to acquire a colt in many ways without resorting to borrowing one through His disciples efforts. Though He could have done this by Himself, Jesus chose a way that could build up people’s faith in God the Father and in Himself.
(Mark 11:4) They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they *untied it.
The colt was tied where the owner or keeper of the colt could observe what was happening or might happen to the colt. Mark recorded specifically what happened. A colt that had never before been ridden might not be easy to ride for the first time – but as the Creator of everything, Jesus had no problem doing so.
(Mark 11:5) Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
The disciples are not identified by name, and the bystanders are not identified by name or title. Their question and the response they received from the disciples indicated, perhaps, what they expected to hear for some reason. Perhaps they were also concerned about how a colt that had never been ridden could be handled by strangers coming to get it to take it away. Perhaps they recognized that these two were Jesus’ disciples. Mark did not write everything we might like to know.
(Mark 11:6) They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission.
These two disciples obeyed Jesus explicitly. Perhaps He selected them for their demonstrated faithful obedience in the past. The response of the disciples to the bystanders’ question satisfied the bystanders, though perhaps neither they nor the disciples understood why the Lord needed the colt in order to fulfill Old Testament prophecy. The disciples would learn this later, and perhaps also the bystanders.
(Mark 11:7) They *brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it.
After the colt was taken to Jesus, the two disciples threw their cloaks (outer garments) on the colt for Jesus to sit on (similar to a saddle blanket, but without the saddle). The colt never having been ridden and having been tied probably had no saddle and had never been saddled. Jesus tamed the colt immediately, even as He could calm a storm or cast out demons and bring peace to troubled souls.
(Mark 11:8) And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.
Jesus received what many moderns would call today the “red carpet treatment” or “ticker tape parade” as He entered Jerusalem. Movie stars, brides, and royalty often enjoy the honor of not walking on common ground; but instead, on valuable material that no one else has walked on or no commoner is honored to walk on. This treatment was spontaneously given to Jesus as a King, who came in the name of the Lord, who came to bring peace, for He came riding on a colt and not a warhorse or workhorse.
(Mark 11:9) Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;
Jesus received His welcome as a hero might be honored today. Jesus was honored for Who He represented to the crowds at that time: Jesus was “God sent!” They knew His words and teachings, and though most did not know that He was the Son of God, they knew He was coming in the name of the Lord and not in the name of a conquering Roman emperor to oppress them. Many probably thought He was coming as a leader or Messiah (as they expected Him to come) in order to prepare them to overthrow their Roman oppressors by force.
(Mark 11:10) Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!”
The crowds also knew that Jesus represented in some way the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom and the defeat of their enemies. If Jesus were the Messiah, as they expected or suspected, they had high expectations that He would save them as King David had saved them from their enemies in the past. Their political expectations of Jesus would be shattered in the days ahead when the religious leaders arranged for Jesus to be murdered on a cross. Jesus came for a more important reason than what they expected: He came to save His people from their sins and give them eternal life.
(Mark 11:11) Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.
Mark did not record everything that Jesus did on Palm Sunday and afterwards. We do not know why Mark omitted some things that Matthew, Luke and John included. Mark did write the essentials of Jesus entering the temple after He entered Jerusalem. We have the record that all twelve disciples were with Him at this time; they all left Jerusalem together, and all of them went to Bethany. Luke wrote that he used many different sources to compile his gospel; whereas, Mark was one of the first gospels, if not the first gospel to be written
How Can We Solve Today’s Problems?
Mark 11:1-11
Sunday, February 13, 2022
“Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Mark 11:9—NRSV).
“Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: ‘Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD’” (Mark 11:9—NASB-U).
“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9—KJV).
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowd praised God and welcomed Jesus as the Messiah (or King) that God had promised to send someday. They waved Palm branches, much as sports fans wave flags to cheer their team to victory. They spread their cloaks and leafy branches on the road to honor Jesus as He rode His borrowed colt, much as people roll out the red carpet for movie stars. When the crowd shouted “Hosanna,” they prayed to God and told Jesus, “Save Us Now!” Because of Jesus’ many miracles and teaching with authority, they believed He came “in the name of the Lord” to save them from the political oppression of the Romans and restore the kingdom of David. Later, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, they learned that He not only came in the name of the Lord, but also was both “Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 1:11; 2:20).
Even today, many seek political solutions to their problems and the problems of the world, but the solution for many of these problems is moral. For this reason, Jesus came to teach the truth about God and right living, to die and rise again from the dead to save people from their sins, and to send the Holy Spirit into His followers so they could follow the highest ethical principles of love for God, others, and themselves. By trusting Jesus and following Him today, people can live with “love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). In this way, they will be ready when He returns.
Thinking Further
How Can We Solve Today’s Problems?
Mark 11:1-11
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Name _________________________________________
1.Why do you think God wants us to do some things that He could easily do all by Himself?
2. What are some of the things that God expects us to do?
3. What qualities do you think God considers in a person prior to asking them to do something as important as borrowing a colt for Jesus?
4. What qualities do you think an employer considers before hiring a worker? What different qualities might a church consider in a person before ordaining them as an elder or hiring them as a minister? How do these qualities differ?
5. How can you tell whether or not someone is coming in the name of the Lord?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Why do you think God wants us to do some things that He could easily do all by Himself?
To develop a meaningful, loving, and satisfying relationship between God and us. To build up and increase our faith in God. To show us that we have importance and value to God, our world, and others as people God created in His image and Jesus died to save.
2. What are some of the things that God expects us to do?
Love, obey, and serve God. Help others with the gifts God has given us. Believe in and help others believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Love our neighbors and one another in the Lord.
3. What qualities do you think God considers in a person prior to asking them to do something as important as borrowing a colt for Jesus?
Dependability, honesty, willingness to obey God immediately, trusting in God and a growing faith in God through Jesus Christ, ability to work well with others.
4. What qualities do you think an employer considers before hiring a worker? What different qualities might a church consider in a person before ordaining them as an elder or hiring them as a minister? How do these qualities differ?
A history of working hard and wisely, of doing what he is told and often more than is required happily and without complaining, of honesty, dependability, truth telling, and having a desire to keep learning, improving, and correcting mistakes. A knowledge of and love of God and the Bible and others. A willingness to serve others, especially those in need. A desire to glorify and worship God and promote the love and worship of God according to the Bible. A desire and ability to teach about God and Jesus according to the Bible.
The second group of qualities emphasizes love, knowledge of, and obedience to God. Both groups of qualities would be desirable in an elder, minister, teacher, or other church worker.
5. How can you tell whether or not someone is coming in the name of the Lord?
They will believe the Bible is the true Word of God and they will trust in and obey Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What they say and do will be consistent with the character of God and teachings of Jesus as they are helped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life. They will love and obey God and the commandments of Jesus. They will love God and others and not be self-centered or selfish.
Word Search
How Can We Solve Today’s Problems?
Mark 11:1-11
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Name __________________________________________
P Q K Q A N N A S O H G E L B
F G F Z U E S L C F U N O B Y
T Z H R G M N E G K Y R M E S
J B V Z B W V M H J D L D T T
E G A H P H T E B C Z C X H A
S J V S E V I L O D N K J A N
E P Q Z K B Y A N E B A H N D
L A V A E Z T S M S H O R Y E
P N O I N S W U W S U V Q B R
I C G S L R T R F E H S L H S
C E N O K L C E Y L V B E D Z
S S M Q D A A J S B Y C I J E
I T C O L T O G D F I V D N M
D O Q J P G C L E L A Z G O W
C R S G N R J A C D C E I Y D
Bethphage
Bethany
Olives
Disciples
Village
Colt
Jerusalem
Lord
Bystanders
Jesus
Cloaks
Branches
Hosanna
Blessed
Ancestor
David
True and False Test
How Can We Solve Today’s Problems?
Mark 11:1-11
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Name __________________________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
1. Jesus went to a stable to look for a colt. True or False
2. Jesus sent two disciples to find Him a colt. True or False
3. The disciples found a colt for Jesus in a pasture. True or False
4. The disciples secretly got the colt when no one was looking. True or False
5. The colt had been well-trained for any rider. True or False
6. The disciples put their cloaks on the colt for Jesus to ride on it. True or False
7. The crowds put their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride over. True or False
8. The crowds waved lilies and praised Jesus as He passed by them. True or False
9. The crowds blessed Jesus. True or False
10. Jesus visited the temple after He entered Jerusalem. True or False
Answers to the True and False Test
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
Prayer
Heavenly Father, what amazing grace, that You should send Your only begotten Son to come to earth as the heavenly Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world, and also as the human son of king David, Who will set up a kingdom of peace and prosperity on earth. Thank You that You loved the world so much that You chose to send Your Son to die on the Cross so that we might live. Thank You that Your plan of redemption does not exclude anyone, Jew or Gentile, and all who call on the name of the Lord in faith will be saved. Help me to live my life in a way that honours Your name, and thank You that all Your plans and purposes for the salvation of mankind, and the restoration of the world, are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
