Sunday School Lesson
September 13
Lesson 2 (KJV)
OBEDIENT LOVE
DEVOTIONALREADING: 1 Peter 5:5b–11
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Genesis 41:14–57
GENESIS 41:25–33, 37–40, 50–52
25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
26 The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27 And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
KEY VERSES Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.—Genesis 41:39–40
LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER
Unit 1: Struggles with Love LESSONS 1–4
LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Describe how God blessed Joseph in his difficult circumstances.
2. Identify other situations in which God made himself known through the faithfulness of His people in their tribulations.
3. Write a prayer thanking God for His care during an especially trying time.
HOW TO SAY IT
Asenath As-e-nath.
Ephraim Ee-fray-im.
Manasseh Muh-nass-uh.
Potiphar Pot-ih-far.
Potipherah Pot-i-fee-ruh.
Zaphnathpaaneah Zaf-nath-pay-uh-nee-uh.
Introduction A.
New Life, New God?
Immigrants face a host of difficulties when settling into new countries. Cultural differences can be the biggest hurdles to being accepted in a community, a neighborhood, or by coworkers. Some immigrants do not invest the time or resources necessary to adopt the cultural mores of their new country. Sometimes it’s not about lack of time or resources but about lack of desire; fitting in with cultural expectations of the new country may threaten the identity that a person has come to cherish. Fear of losing that identity can be isolating.
One way self-identity is threatened is by rejecting the religion of the immigrant’s country of origin. When a particular religion or faith expression has been integral to personal identity for decades, then challenges to that religion or expression may result in an identity crisis.
Today’s lesson features a man who faced a similar challenge: Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt, adopted various facets of Egyptian culture as his own while being most resistant to changing his “one God” worldview, known as monotheism. Joseph looked, acted, and spoke like an Egyptian most of the time. But he did not lose his sense of dependence on God in a pagan culture. Whether in prison or in power, Joseph remained God’s man—obedient, faithful, and willing to give God the credit.
B. Lesson Context
Following the events of last week’s lesson, Joseph was sold to an Egyptian official named Potiphar (Genesis 37:36). Joseph quickly found favor in Potiphar’s eyes and was promoted to a position of great responsibility within Potiphar’s household.
Potiphar’s wife, however, constantly pressured Joseph to sleep with her. Joseph refused every time (Genesis 39:9–10). When on one occasion Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife, his cloak was torn from him and left behind; she used it to accuse Joseph falsely of attempted rape. As a result, Potiphar had Joseph thrown in prison (39:11–20).
Here too Joseph proved himself worthy of responsibility (Genesis 39:20–23). Dreams once again enter Joseph’s story (compare 37:5–11; see lesson 1) through two fellow prisoners. Joseph’s experience had taught him that only God can reveal the true meaning of dreams (40:8; 41:16). The divinely inspired interpretations Joseph provided for each man’s dream came true: one man was put to death, and the other man was restored to his position. Joseph requested of the latter that after regaining his position, he would mention Joseph to the Pharaoh. The man, however, forgot about Joseph for two years (40:1–41:1).
Pharaoh had his own incomprehensible dreams. Though the content was easily conveyed, neither Pharaoh nor any of his magicians or wise men understood them (Genesis 41:1–8). In the first dream, seven healthy cows had come forth from the Nile River. They were followed by seven cows “ill favoured and leanfleshed” (41:3); Pharaoh described them as “such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness” (41:19). Amazingly, the ugly cows devoured the healthy ones.
Much the same occurred in Pharaoh’s second dream, though the details differed. Seven ears of corn appeared on a single stalk. Then there appeared seven withered ears that had been scorched by a hot east wind. The withered ears proceeded to eat up the fully grown ears. When Pharaoh spoke of this conundrum, the forgetful former prisoner remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams accurately. Joseph was quickly taken from the prison, made presentable, and brought before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:9–14).
I. Disturbing Dreams
(GENESIS 41:25–33)
A. Interpretation (vv. 25–32)
25. And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. Though Pharaoh had dreamed two dreams (Genesis 41:5; see Lesson Context), they carried one and the same message. After Pharaoh recounted his dreams, the first words Joseph spoke tell us something of the heart of this faithful servant of the Lord: “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (41:16). God, not Joseph, would set Pharaoh’s anxious mind at ease (see Lesson Context; compare Daniel 2:45).
26. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. The number seven in both dreams represents a number of years. Joseph’s reassurance that the dream is one clarifies that the good kine (another word for cows; see translation of the same word in Isaiah 11:7). The good ears represent the same 7 years, not 14.
27. And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. Similarly, the seven ugly cows and the seven empty ears represent a new set of seven years. These 7 years will be defined by famine.
28. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Again Joseph emphasized that he himself was not the source of the interpretation (compare Genesis 40:8; 41:25). The significance of insisting on honoring God is partially found in ancient beliefs about the way gods ruled. Most people took for granted that multiple gods existed and governed the world. These gods were often associated with a group of people in a specific locale. Whenever a person moved to another nation or people group, it was believed that he or she had left that deity’s jurisdiction and come under the reign of another (compare 1 Kings 20:28; 2 Kings 17:26). Joseph, however, held to a very different view of God, one consistent with what the Bible teaches (Genesis 1; Psalm 47:7; 97:9; etc.). This knowledge about God’s character and dominion left Joseph with no doubt that God (1) had sent the dreams, (2) provided the interpretation, and (3) would follow through on what the dreams had revealed. Joseph’s God was not a fictitious Egyptian deity; the Lord would show himself able to carry out His will in any country, not just among the people who knew Him.
What Do You Think?
When discussing spiritual matters with unbelievers, under what circumstances, if any, is it better to refer to God rather than to Jesus in particular? Why?
Digging Deeper
How do Paul’s various experiences in Acts 17 influence your conclusions?
29–30. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land. For the first time, Joseph revealed specifically what the healthy cows and the healthy grain represented (see commentary on Genesis 41:26, above).
31. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. The Hebrew word translated grievous describes something too oppressive or “heavy” to bear (example: Numbers 11:14). The phrases are piled up, repeating in stark language that the good years will be forgotten as the famine would end up being a nationally devastating event.
32. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Once again repetition serves to emphasize. This time the emphasis is by the dream having come unto Pharaoh in two forms. God was firmly committed to the years of plenty and of famine that the dreams predicted (compare Isaiah 46:11). As Joseph spoke to Pharaoh, he might have remembered his own doubled dreams that his family would bow to him (Genesis 37:5–10). Though Joseph didn’t know when, he could be confident that God would bring these things to pass (example: 42:6; see lesson 3). The twofold format also suggested urgency in heeding the dreams: God would soon fulfill what He had revealed. We do not know exactly how long after these dreams the seven years of plenty began. But the implication of the twice-dreamed dream was clear: Pharaoh had no time to waste in preparing for what lay ahead for his people. Once more Joseph emphasized God’s work in granting Pharaoh the dreams and giving Joseph their interpretation (see on Genesis 41:28, above). Instead of taking credit for his own wisdom and insight, thus promoting his own interests, Joseph continued to point to God’s work through him.
What Do You Think? What guardrails can we erect against the dangers of dream interpretation today?
Digging Deeper
How do Job 33:13–17; Ecclesiastes 5:3, 7; Jeremiah 23:27–28, 32; Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:1–2; and Jude 8 help frame your answer?
God may have seemed absent to Joseph, especially when a fellow prisoner forgot him for two years (Genesis 41:1). But God’s continued favor in giving Joseph interpretations undoubtedly reassured the man that the Lord was present with him, even in (or especially in) prison. The Lord had not forgotten His faithful servant. At the beginning of Joseph’s time both in Potiphar’s house and in prison, we are reminded that the Lord was “with Joseph” (39:2, 23). Whether Joseph was aware of it yet or not, God never left his side.
FEAST OR FAMINE
The phrase “feast or famine” describes situations of extremes with no middle-ground result. Farmers may use the phrase to describe a year’s rainfall when early spring drenching makes fields too wet to plant, but then summer drought keeps the harvest from growing and maturing. Those who work on commission may experience feast or famine times on a regular basis! The feast or famine aspects of Pharaoh’s dreams were to be fulfilled literally. But a spiritual aspect is also present: Pharaoh’s wise men were in a famine state when it came to interpreting their leader’s dreams. However, Pharaoh was blessed that God had given Joseph a feast of discernment with which to interpret the dreams. That fact leads to a natural question: How does the Christian move from spiritual famine to spiritual feast? It all begins with knowing God’s will—not as He has revealed it in dreams, but as He has revealed it in Scripture (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; etc.). Where does your feast/famine meter read in that regard? —C. R. B.
B. Advice (v. 33) 33. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Knowing what the dreams meant was of vital importance. However, that knowledge was worthless without a plan to use the information appropriately. Thus Joseph took the initiative in making the suggestion we see here. Joseph further suggested a plan for the appointed man to put into action (Genesis 41:34–36, not in today’s text).
II. Pharaoh’s Favor (GENESIS 41:37–40) A. Praising Joseph (vv. 37–38) 37. And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. The phrase all his servants likely refers to various officials in Pharaoh’s government, including the magicians and wise men who had been unable to interpret Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:8). Their unanimous approval may indicate God’s having blessed not only Joseph with understanding but also the bestowal of wisdom on the Egyptians gathered.
38. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Pharaoh’s words here do not necessarily reflect faith in God (compare acknowledgement of “the spirit of the holy gods” in Daniel 4:18; 5:11–14). There is no indication that he renounced other gods or came to believe in the one true God. He simply acknowledged that a deity (or deities, since the Hebrew can be translated plural) who sent the dream also sent the interpretation to the man of His choosing.
In the same way, Pharaoh would likely expect that if an Egyptian god sent a dream, then that same deity would be the one who gave or withheld interpretation (compare Daniel 2:11; 4:8–9). In any case, the phrasing acknowledged divine favor on Joseph. Though Joseph was a foreigner, a slave, and a prisoner in Egypt, Pharaoh didn’t mention any of this. Of greatest significance to him was that Joseph showed himself to be the man Egypt needed. Perhaps to discourage any questions about Joseph’s loyalty or skill, Pharaoh gave him an Egyptian name, Zaphnathpaaneah, which may mean something like “revealer of secrets” (Genesis 41:45).
B. Promoting Joseph (vv. 39–40)
39. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. No one else had Joseph’s divinely given insight. The God who had sent the dreams had also provided a particular man to interpret them. Pharaoh agreed with Joseph completely in that the dreams and their interpretation were not of human origin. Since the man Joseph obviously had been given a divine stamp of approval, Pharaoh followed suit.
40. Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. To Pharaoh it seemed only right that someone with the insight and intelligence that Joseph clearly possessed should be the one to administer the plan he suggested. Joseph’s responsibilities were very similar to what they had been in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:4–6) and the prison (39:20–23). The key difference was that the only person in a higher position was Pharaoh himself (see Psalm 105:16–22; Acts 7:10).
Hindsight tells us that God had been preparing Joseph for this position ever since he arrived in Egypt. What an amazing change of status for someone who, just 24 hours earlier, had been a forgotten prisoner! Joseph went from pit to power.
What Do You Think?
To whose preparation do you most relate: that of Moses (whose life in a palace prepared him to lead in a wilderness) or Joseph (whose life in a wilderness prepared him to lead in a palace)? Why?
Digging Deeper
In what ways has that preparation surprised you? Genesis 41:41–45 (not in our printed text) records the actions taken by Pharaoh to confirm Joseph’s new position in Egypt. Joseph diligently carried out the task of amassing grain in preparation for the coming famine (41:48–49).
II. Foreign Family
(GENESIS 41:50–52)
A. Sons Born (v. 50)
50a. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came. Though this is a normal relational progression (marriage, then children), this note also shows the depth of Joseph’s trust in God. Joseph was preparing for the famine that he firmly believed was coming. Yet he was so confident that God had provided for those lean years that he was not hesitant about introducing new mouths to Egypt. This may foreshadow his care for other nations and especially his estranged family (Genesis 45:10–11; see lesson 4).
50b. Which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. On was a city in Egypt, located just northeast of modern Cairo. On was the location of a temple devoted to the worship of the Egyptian sun god Ra (the Greeks later called the city Heliopolis, meaning “city of the sun”). The name Potipherah (not to be confused with Potiphar) means “he whom Ra has given.” Joseph’s marriage to Asenath the daughter of a pagan priest raises eyebrows. After all, her family was devoted to idolatry, and pagan wives had a way of introducing compromise into a husband’s devotion to the Lord (example: 1 Kings 11:1–6). Yet there is no suggestion here or elsewhere that Asenath ever influenced Joseph toward idolatry. Even in marriage to an Egyptian bride, Joseph relied on the one true God only.
B. Sons Named (vv. 51–52)
51. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. Manasseh sounds like the Hebrew word meaning “forget” (example: Isaiah 44:21). God caused Joseph to forget the hard times that had characterized his life for the previous 13 years (compare Joseph’s age in Genesis 37:2 with that recorded in 41:46). In relation to his father’s house, this probably means that Joseph no longer held any grudges or ill will toward his brothers since he could begin to see those circumstances in a new light (see 45:4–8).
At the same time, it is clear that Joseph had not forgotten God, nor had God forgotten him. Though the name of his firstborn emphasizes forgetting, the name would also remind Joseph of what had been “forgotten” and ensure that it was not really lost to his memory.
52. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Ephraim sounds like a Hebrew word meaning “twice fruitful” (compare Genesis 17:6). It probably reflects the fact that God had given Joseph two sons. The name likely praised God for the blessing that Joseph was experiencing in Egypt. Furthermore, the name may have celebrated the abundance of a land about to be hit by famine. This suggests once again that Joseph confidently trusted in God’s provision during the lean times. Just as God has brought Joseph through affliction before, Joseph came to anticipate that God would bring him, his family, and all Egypt through a great famine.
The name Ephraim also seems to foreshadow the story of Jacob’s family in Egypt for generations to come (see Genesis 47:27; Exodus 1:8–11; 3:7–10). God would not forget Jacob (Israel), just as God had not forgotten Joseph.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with the statement that “the value of service someone renders to God is not just measured by how remarkable the end result is”? Why, or why not?
Digging Deeper
How should your response influence your service to Christ in the week ahead?
Joseph himself was given a new Egyptian name (Genesis 41:45; see commentary on 41:38) and, by implication, an Egyptian identity (compare Daniel 1:1–16). But he gave both of his sons Hebrew names (Genesis 41:51–52). Doing so acknowledged the presence and provision of the God of his (Hebrew) family in his life. It also emphasized that Joseph still thought about the family of his youth, apparently fondly enough to choose names in his native tongue.
FROM “WHY?” TO “WHAT’S NEXT?”
Ice-skater Nancy Kerrigan was set to compete in the 1994 U. S. Women’s Championship. After a practice session, an assailant struck her knee with a police baton. Kerrigan was videotaped clutching her knee in pain and crying, “Why, why, why, why me?”
The events that placed Joseph in Egypt and the evils done to him as an innocent person gave him plenty of reasons to ask a bitter “Why?” He may have done so, but none is recorded. Instead, he seems to have replaced any Why? lament with a What’s next? The result was to remain faithful to God.
Joseph’s afflictions are a vital part of his story of triumph. So also are Kerrigan’s, albeit on a much smaller scale. What about yours? When tragedy strikes, the natural tendency is to cry out “Why, why, why?” There’s nothing wrong with that—for a time. But to get out of a holding pattern of despair, the Why? must eventually be replaced with What’s next? In what regard is God calling you to do just that right now? —C. R. B.
Conclusion
A. Firm Faith on Strange Soil
The God whom Joseph served and honored is the God we serve and honor today. No matter the circumstance, He does not change (Malachi 3:6). He remains in control. Whether we find ourselves in a pit or a palace, He is there.
Joseph demonstrated radical faith in his God. Even though God might have seemed far away during the 13 years of slavery, God continued to give Joseph evidence that He had not forgotten the imprisoned man. How does your life witness to the same truth?
What Do You Think?
How useful is it for the Christian to attempt to determine what God “caused” versus what He “allowed” in the story of Joseph?
Digging Deeper
Which other Bible texts help you answer this question? Why?
B. Prayer Father, help us be mindful that as You were with Joseph, so You are with us! Strengthen us to greater faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
B. Thought to Remember
Change is constant, but so is God’s faithfulness.
KID’S CORNER
Facts About Living Forever
Sunday, September 13, 2020
John 11:17-27
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Facts About Living Forever
Sunday, September 13, 2020
John 11:17-27
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day (John 11:24—KJV).
Martha *said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (John 11:24—NASB). Martha *said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (John 11:24—NASB).
Martha said to Jesus, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (John 11:24—NRSV).
Early in Jesus’ ministry, He taught, “the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). Then Jesus added, “the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Later in Jesus’ ministry, after Lazarus had been buried in his tomb four days, Jesus came to the home of Lazarus’ sisters. When Martha spoke to Jesus, she affirmed four facts of faith. First, Jesus could have healed her brother. Second, Jesus could still do something, because God always gives Jesus whatever He asks. Third, her brother will rise again on the last day. Fourth, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Then, Jesus demonstrated the truth of His teachings and affirmed her trust in him. At Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus called Lazarus by name, and Lazarus heard His voice and came forth alive. After Jesus’ enemies reported that Jesus had raised Lazarus, the religious leaders plotted Jesus’ death and “planned to put Lazarus to death as well” (John 12:10). Jesus gave Lazarus life, but eventually Lazarus’ body would die again; yet, on the last day, Jesus will raise from the dead all who believe in Him. Jesus taught, “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day” (John 6:40).
Thinking Further
Facts About Living Forever
Sunday, September 13, 2020
John 11:17-27
Name _____________________________
1. Why might God sometimes choose to delay in giving us what we want?
2. Why do you think people of all economic conditions and stations in life followed Jesus?
3. What truths about Jesus did Martha confess to Jesus? Do you believe these?
4. Why is it important to believe that those who die “will rise again in the resurrection on the last day”?
5. What does it mean for a believer in Jesus to “never die.” Even though their physical body will die, their soul or spirit will not die.
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Why might God sometimes choose to delay in giving us what we want? God may want to teach the most people possible about His love and grace and power to help, and this may mean delaying the giving of the gift He wants to give us until the best time. God may want us to see that what we want is not best for us or others concerned, so we will change our prayers. For example, though Mary and Martha wanted their brother back from the dead, it might not have been in his best interests to come back to Earth from the joys of heaven, from being with Abraham and others of faith. Remember, however, God intended for Lazarus to die and for Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead when He did. God has good intentions and reasons for all He does and when He does it.
2. Why do you think people of all economic conditions and stations in life followed Jesus? Jesus taught the truth and the Holy Spirit indwelt Jesus and confirmed His teachings; therefore, Jesus reached people of all types, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, as God drew them to Jesus. Some of the rich people who followed Jesus opened their homes so He could teach rich and poor, and so the needy could be fed both physical and spiritual food when Jesus was in their homes. To whom much is given much is required, and many wealthy people wanted to serve Jesus and others with the material blessings God had bestowed upon them. Many poor people had their needs met by Jesus, and they were able to go out and tell their poor family and friends about Him; therefore, they led others to Jesus and to believe in Him. In heaven, all will be blessed and enjoy the happiness Jesus and His Father give.
3. What truths about Jesus did Martha confess to Jesus? Do you believe these? God the Father gives Jesus whatever He asks. On the last day, the dead will be resurrected. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus was the One who was to come into the world. Jesus is my Lord and my Teacher (see John 11:27-28). Yes.
4. Why is it important to believe that those who die “will rise again in the resurrection on the last day”? For the followers of Jesus, this is a part of the good news that Jesus preached, “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day” (John 6:40). This is not good news for the one who rejects Jesus, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge” (John 12:48). So, it is important for us to believe in and live according to the truth and follow Jesus, for there are eternal consequences if we do not. Paul also wrote: “For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). And further, “It is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus loved, came, lived, taught, died, and rose again to save us from our sins, so we joyfully love, follow, and serve Him forever and ever. Furthermore, we need to remember what Jesus said, “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to 3 the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God” (John 3:19-21).
5. What does it mean for a believer in Jesus to “never die.” Even though their physical body will die, their soul or spirit will not die. The believer will leave his body behind and go to be with the Lord Jesus in Paradise or Heaven. Their spiritual essence, united with the Holy Spirit, will never die but always be with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit and all those who love Jesus and His followers.
Word Search
Facts About Living Forever
Sunday, September 13, 2020
John 11:17-27
Name _________________________________
Z G B E T H A N Y G L C Z B E
H E I J C L S A E N D B Q N P
R V M F E Z U B G K G E D W F
K E B H Q L S M U A O K C H V
S I S Y W V E O B S I D B L X
V L G U T G J T Z E K N F V I
Y E H E R J E R U S A L E M G
S B Y B L R E Q Y G N S U F L
Y R S I C I E S Z T W E B Y U
A P F A H O Q C I O Y L K P A
D E Y R M Z N O T R J I Z S Y
B I D D U I T S W I H M H G P
R O Q K R O Q N O T O E D K W
G J W Z B O F H M L K N L A S
E O R X I U L K E C E S F M U
Tomb
Four
Days
Bethany
Jerusalem
Two
Miles
Console
Lord
God
Rise
Again
Resurrection
Life
Believe
True and False Test
Facts About Living Forever
Sunday, September 13, 2020
John 11:17-27
Name ____________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Jesus was surprised to learn that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days because He had planned to heal him. True or False
2. Bethany was about 2 miles from Jerusalem. True or False
3. Many Jews came to console Martha and Mary after they learned that Lazarus, their brother, had died. True or False
4. Mary ran to the tomb to meet Jesus as soon as she learned Jesus was on His way. True or False
5. When she learned Jesus had arrived, Martha stayed at home because she blamed Jesus for not coming sooner to heal her brother. True or False
6. Martha knew that God would do whatever Jesus asked Him. True or False
7. Jesus promised that Lazarus would rise again. True or False
8. Martha believed in the resurrection on the last day. True or False
9. Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” True or False
10. Before she would believe, Mary said that Jesus would need to prove to her all the claims He was making about himself. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False