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May 16, 2024: Christ States His Authority
Read Matthew 28:8 – 18.
“And Jesus answered and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth’” (v. 18).
No one in the universe can make the above statement except God Himself, and in this case, the blessed Son of God, Jesus. But when Jesus makes the declaration, write it down, make a note of it, for it is truth.
Especially in the political world, many talking heads proclaim their power, influence, wealth, wisdom, and authority. They all must fall silent before the throne of our exalted Christ, Who only has ultimate authority. Pilate thought he had the power of life and death, but Jesus told him he would have no control if he did not receive it from above. Pilate must find out that, in Jesus's name, every knee must bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
For anyone else to make the claim Jesus makes would mark that person as grievously absurd; for Jesus to claim all power creates anthems of praise in the minds and hearts of believers. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Leonard Sankey)
“Let all who name Christ’s holy name
give God all praise and glory;
Let all who own His power
proclaim aloud the wondrous story.”
--- Johann J. Schutz/Frances E. Cox
May 19, 2024: The Supreme Authority
FOCUS TEXT: Mark 11:12-26
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Malachi 1:1-14; Matthew 21:12-27; Mark 11:12- 33; Luke 19:45-48; 20:1-8; John 2:13-22
DEVOTIONAL READING: Mark 11:27-33
KEY VERSE: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ has all authority over the world.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to name three ways God's power and authority affect them.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Cursed Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 19-26)
II. The Cleansed Temple (Mark 11:15-18)
III. The Challenged Authority (Mark 11:27-33)
May 8, 2024:
Read Luke 9:28-36.
Prayer Brought the Glory
“And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered,
and his raiment was white and glistering” (v. 29).
“Prayer Changes Things” is a famous saying found in various graphic formats posted on social media, hanging in churches, displayed in homes, and stocked for sale in many places of business. Even though that may be true, of greater importance is the fact that sincere, devoted prayer changes people – especially the ones doing the praying.
Have you ever met the “Man with the shining face?” Jesus prayed while His disciples slept but were awakened by the shining light emanating from Him as He prayed. That light can also be ours if we invest time with the Master in prayer.
One of the unforgettable memories from my childhood churches is of the saints in earnest prayer. It seemed that their faces were glowing as they forgot about their surroundings and brought us all into the presence of God. Peter's sentiment was very real as we children (at least this one) wanted to stay in that atmosphere of God’s glory and never return to the struggles of life beyond the prayer room. (Harold Carpenter)
“And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
and He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
none other has ever known.”
--- C. Austin Miles
Pray until your tabernacle is filled with God’s glory and spills over into your daily life.
May 12, 2024: Christ, Our Intercessor
FOCUS TEXT: John 17:9-24
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Genesis 18:16-33; Exodus 32:30-34; Job 1:5; 42:7-10; John 17:1-26; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:24, 25
DEVOTIONAL READING: 1 John 2:1-6
KEY VERSE: We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ intercedes with the Father for us.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state ways Christ's intercession gives them confidence for life.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Prayer for Preservation (John 17:1-16)
II. Prayer for Sanctification (John 17:17-19)
III. Prayer for Unification (John 17:20-26)
May 2, 2024: Characteristics of Fruitfulness
Read Philippians 1:8-11.
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (v. 11).
“May you always be doing those good, kind things that show you are a child of God,” one author paraphrases the first words of today’s text – filled to overflowing with the actions and attitudes that bring glory to our Heavenly Father.
How can we overflow like that? Paul gives us the key in the preceding two verses. First, our love is to abound more and more. This is God’s agape love, the chief characteristic of His presence in us. He gave it to us when He saved us (Romans 5:5) and wants it to grow and bless others. Second, we are to “approve things that are excellent” – not just good things or better things, but excellent things. The Greek here indicates approval after testing; God wants us to compare ideas, doctrines, actions, and choose those that best exemplify His Person and teaching.
Perhaps we could paraphrase the paraphrase and say: May you always be growing in divine love, always testing, approving, and practicing the most excellent graces and doctrines, so that by them you may portray to others the righteousness that God places in our hearts; and thus, you will glorify and honor Him.
Our fruitfulness should be a picture of love and of a high quality of spiritual life. It will honor God and attract others to Him. (Steven Hight)
Loving excellently – what greater thing could we do?
May 5, 2024: New Life in Christ
FOCUS TEXT: John 15:1-17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Judges 9:7-15; Isaiah 5:1-10; Ezekiel 15:1-8; John 15:1-27; Romans 11:13-24
DEVOTIONAL READING: Galatians 5:22-26
KEY VERSE: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).
CENTRAL TRUTH: We live spiritually through the life Christ gives us.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to name two evidences of the abundant life in Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Branches' Relationship to the Vine (John 15:1-6)
II. The Branches' Rewards in the Vine (John 15:7-11)
III. The Branches' Responsibilities to the Vine (John 15:12-17)