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Deuteronomy 11:26-27
Deuteronomy 28
Psalm 89:1-4, 29, 36-37
Psalm 132:11-12
Isaiah 7:10-14
Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 11:1-2
Isaiah 16:5
Micah 5:2
John 1:41
John 4:25
Hebrews 10:23
Derek, whose screen name is 4MeOnly, turned on his computer and was surprised by the conversation going on in the chatroom. Everyone seemed very concerned. “Something terrible has happened,” SweetKim said. “A foreign government has taken an entire country captive, a country you visited while on vacation last year. These captives are treated in the worst possible way. The enemies are withholding food, the people are sick, and they are suffering terrible treatment.” related to 4MeOnly and others on the Derek knew some of these people personally, he had made friends with them while he was abroad. So, this got Derek’s attention. He had more questions than answers. “How could such a thing happen to my friends?” 4MeOnly asked. “Why would God allow such a thing to happen to such nice people? I thought He would give them a king who would bring peace and prosperity.”
Does this story sound real? It is actually fabricated, but it’s not as remote as you might think.
The Israelites, who are our forefathers, suffered something similar to what SweetKim related to 4MeOnly and others on the internet. God’s chosen people had been promised a King. They expected Him to usher in a fantastic world and set up God’s Kingdom on this earth. They expected everything to be good. But just the opposite happened to them. Why?
The Israelites had lots of trials and tribulations. You’ve heard the expression, “Don’t worry, nothing is going to turn out right.” That’s probably how God’s people felt. Their history was full of suffering and sorrow.
God told the nation of Israel if they fully obeyed all His commandments, He would make them the greatest nation in the world. He would bless their cities and fields, give them many children, ample crops for food, and large healthy flocks. That’s a lot of wealth! God promised to defeat their enemies and prosper everything they did (Deuteronomy 28). But, it was conditional. The blessings depended on them being careful to obey God. If they didn’t, there would be consequences.
God further told His people if they didn’t listen to and obey His laws, curses would replace the blessings. He told them they would be failures in everything they did if they forsook Him. Their crops would be devastated, they would be plagued with diseases and droughts. They would flee before their enemies, but their enemies would over-take them. “You will be tossed to and fro before all of the nations.”
Israel did not obey God and the consequences were captivity and curses. Israel was divided and conquered. The people were taken captive to the strange land of Babylon and made slaves.
Eventually Israel returned to their beloved land. They rebuilt King Solomon’s Temple. But armies continued to march back and forth through their land. Rulers and conquerors came and went. After hundreds of years without peace, the powerful Roman Empire dominated the world and firmly ruled over the land of Judea. The Israelites must have wondered if God had forgotten about them. But, God hadn’t forgotten them—they had forgotten God and rejected His way.
The Israelites longed for their own King! They wanted to be a great nation again, as they were under Kings David and Solomon. The Scriptures and priests told of a promised Messiah. God made these promises long before the Romans ruled the world. “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Isaiah says this coming King will descend from the family of Jesse, who was King David’s father. “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:1-2).
Give some thought to why the Israelites suffered so much at the hands of their enemies. What can you learn from this? God promises blessings for everyone who will obey Him. On the other hand, His blessings and protection are withheld from those who refuse to obey Him.
God allowed Israel to suffer so they could learn the important lesson of obedience. God does not change. He keeps His promises. If you obey Him, you will have His blessings. If you refuse to keep His commandments, there are consequences—you will lose God’s protection as the Israelites did. You will leave yourself wide open for the same kinds of suffering and sorrow they experienced. The choice is yours!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have made it plain in your Word that sin brings pain, sorrow and suffering. You have also shown me that if I obey you, blessings will come my way. I don’t want to suffer as the Israelites of old did. But I am tempted so often to give in to sin. I need your help each day to please you. Please help me to be strong and obey you.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday: John 1:41; 4:25
Monday: Isaiah 7:10-14
Tuesday: Micah 5:2
Wednesday: Deuteronomy 11:26-27
Thursday: Psalm 132:11-12
Friday: Isaiah 9:6-7; 16:5
Saturday: Psalm 89:1-4, 29, 36-37
Psalm 66:19-20
Isaiah 40:3
Malachi 3:1-6
Malachi 4:1-6
Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 11:26-27
Matthew 17:10-13
Mark 1:1-8
Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
John 1:6-8, 19-28
James 5:15-18
What is the biggest surprise you’ve ever had, something good that unexpectedly happened to you? Weren’t you thrilled beyond words? Was this the happiest moment of your life? People in the Bible were no different from us. They had pleasant surprises. Sometimes these events changed their entire lives, and they can change your life, too.
The Roman king, Herod, ruled Judea. He was appointed to be in charge of the people. The Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, with priests burning incense to God daily in sacrifice. Authorities say there were so many priests at that time that a priest could only offer the daily sacrifice once in his lifetime.
A priest named Zacharias, and his wife Elizabeth, were good people, careful to please God and keep His commandments. They were old and had no children, even though they prayed earnestly for a child. Being child- less brought sorrow and shame to Elizabeth.
At last, the day came for Zacharias to enter the inner sanctuary and burn incense before God. Many people were outside the Temple praying. This was the climactic moment of Zacharias’ priestly career. It was a most dramatic moment.
Suddenly, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias. He was startled and terrified.
Gabriel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will both have great joy and gladness at his birth, and many will rejoice with you. For he will be one of the Lord’s great men. He must not touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from before his birth! And he will persuade many a Jew (Israelite) to turn to the Lord his God” (Luke 1:11-16).
Gabriel said that John would prepare the way for the Messiah to come. John’s preparation for Jesus fulfilled a prophecy given long before that. “The voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3 NIV).
Zacharias couldn’t understand how he could have anything to do with this prophecy. “Zacharias said to the angel, ‘But this is impossible! I’m an old man now and my wife is also well along in years.’” Do you think you would be like Zacharias? Would you believe you could play a part this prophecy being fulfilled if you were as old as Zacharias?
The angel replied, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the presence of God. It was He who sent me to you with this good news.” Because Zacharias didn’t believe God’s message, Zacharias wouldn’t be able to talk until his son was born. How would you cope if you couldn’t talk for at least nine months? He must have written a lot of notes to Elizabeth!
The people outside the Temple became concerned that it took Zacharias so long to come out.When he finished his Temple duties, Zacharias returned home. Soon afterwards, Elizabeth became pregnant, even though she was “too old” to have a baby. She was ecstatic! God had taken away her disgrace by giving her a son.
Elizabeth and Zacharias celebrated the birth of their son with friends and neighbors. They circumcised their son when he was eight days old, according to the law. Everyone expected the baby to be named Zacharias after his father. But Elizabeth said, “His name is John.” Everyone was confused, because there was no one named John in the family.
Someone asked Zacharias what the baby’s name would be. Zacharias couldn’t speak, so he wrote, “His name is John!” As soon as he wrote this, Zacharias could talk again! He trusted God and was obedient to Him. Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he thanked God and prophesied about his newborn son, John. Elizabeth’s and Zacharias’ friends had lots to talk about. They were probably as surprised as Elizabeth and Zacharias. They didn’t have email or telephones, but the news must have traveled fast.
When you experience dramatic answers to your prayers, as Zacharias and Elizabeth did, are you filled with praise and thanksgiving to God? Or, maybe you don’t have dramatic answers to your prayers because you don’t expect them.
Not believing God is very human, and Zacharias was just as human as you are. He prayed and didn’t believe it when God answered his prayer. Has that ever happened to you? Your prayer was answered, but you didn’t believe it actually happened. Or, maybe you didn’t believe the answer came from God. Are you like the people who prayed for rain in a drought, but didn’t believe enough to take along an umbrella? Are your prayers just idle words? When you pray, do you really believe God will answer your prayers? God wants you to pray, believing He will answer!
Dear Heavenly Father,
It is such a privilege to talk with you in prayer. I know you can make things happen for me that I can never do for myself. Help me expect answers to my prayers and to learn to pray effectively and fervently.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Mark 1:1-8
Monday: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Tuesday: Matthew 17:10-13
Wednesday: Matthew 11:26-27
Thursday: Malachi 4:1-5
Friday: Malachi 3:1-6
Saturday: James 5:15-18
Exodus 20:7
Daniel 2:44
Proverbs 5:3-11
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 13:55-56
Luke 1:26-56
Luke 1:46
The birth of John, and the events surrounding it, were miraculous. This was all part of God’s plan. John was the prophet who would prepare the people for the Messiah.
When Elizabeth, John’s mother, was six months pregnant, the angel Gabriel made another visit to earth. This time his stunning announcement came to a young virgin named Mary. She was Elizabeth’s cousin, and lived in a town called Nazareth. Mary was betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was also from the family of King David.
Gabriel told Mary God was pleased with her and the way she lived her life. God picked her out of all the women on earth to be the mother of His Son, who was to be named Jesus. He would be a great King and He would rule forever. God promised, “And in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people” (Daniel 2:44). Mary was naturally disturbed and confused. She asked the angel how this could be, since she was still a virgin. But, Gabriel told her this baby would be God’s Son, not fathered by a man.
What do you think Mary must have been feeling? What would your reactions have been? Was this promise easy to accept? Despite her fears and questions, Mary trusted God and said, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
After Mary became pregnant, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John. As soon as Mary greeted Elizabeth, an amazing thing happened. The baby inside Elizabeth recognized that Mary was the mother of the Messiah. Remember, Gabriel said John would have God’s Holy Spirit even before he was born. John jumped and moved so strongly that Elizabeth also knew for sure that Mary was carrying the baby who was the Son of God.
The two women spent three months together. The book of Luke says they praised and glorified God for what He had done for them.
Since Mary and Joseph were betrothed, this pregnancy created a problem for Joseph. He was sexually pure as well. How do you think he felt? Do you think he was in a quandary as to what he should do about it? Under the law he could have publicly humiliated Mary. But Joseph was an honorable man. He wanted to do the right thing, so he planned to put her away, like divorcing her, with as little scandal as possible. While he considered this, Gabriel appeared to him in a dream. The angel said Joseph should remain with Mary, because her baby was the Son of God. So Joseph did as the angel said.
God must have wanted His Son brought up in a clean family setting with a righteous father and mother. Joseph now had the honor and enormous responsibility of being the earthly father of the Son of God.
Mary and Joseph both showed incredible faith in God! They must have remembered the promises about the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” Mary and Joseph would have known this Scripture, as well as others that tell about the coming Messiah. They believed the promises God made and trusted Him to take care of them.
What lessons can you learn from this? If God selected you to do a job, would you accept the honor? God will take care of you, as He did in Mary’s and Joseph’s situation. As a matter of fact, who could have a greater honor than what He bestowed on them?
But there’s one more thing to think about. God didn’t select just anyone to be the mother and earthly father of His Son. Mary and Joseph were virtuous people with high morals, who kept themselves pure. Aren’t they examples worth emulating?
Dear Father,
Thank you for Mary and Joseph setting an example of virtue and moral purity for me. If you should ever select me to do a job for you, help me to accept the honor as Mary and Joseph did. Grant me the courage to keep myself morally pure.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Matthew 1:18-25
Monday: Luke 1:27-31
Tuesday: Exodus 20:7
Wednesday: Daniel 2:44
Thursday: Luke 1:32-39
Friday: Matthew 13:55-56
Saturday: Proverbs 5:3-11
Isaiah 9:1-7
Luke 1:55-80
Luke 2:1-39
Luke 2:11
John 19:14
1Timothy 6:15-16
Revelation 11:15
Revelation 17:14
Do you feel a little left out at Christmas when your friends are celebrating and you are not? Do you feel left out because they are celebrating the birth of Christ, or is it just because they are celebrating?
Even though the Bible does not command us to celebrate Christ’s birth, there is nothing wrong in doing it. The birth of Christ was celebrated with magnificent heavenly signs and angels singing praises to God. The problem today is that the world celebrates Christ’s birth at the wrong time and with the wrong symbols. Your Holy Day Supplement will have a lesson on that.
In the autumn of the year, the time came for Mary to give birth to her child. She and Joseph had traveled about 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem by donkey and on foot. The trip was exhausting for Mary in her condition. When they arrived, all she wanted was to find a little privacy where she could lie down. She knew her time was very near.
Joseph went from inn to inn, but he discovered there were no vacancies. People had gathered in Bethlehem, as Mary and Joseph had, to register for the census. The Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, had decreed that everyone return to his ancestral home for this registration. Since the entire nation was required to register, Bethlehem was very crowded. Every room was occupied.
Finally, a kindly innkeeper noticed Mary’s 13 condition and offered his stable as shelter. It was not fancy, but there was clean hay and Mary could rest her weary body. They would be away from the noisy crowds of people. Only the animals would welcome the birth of Mary’s baby. The Scripture was fulfilled, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. . .”
That same night, while some shepherds were tending their flock, an angel suddenly appeared to them with a “vast host of others, the armies of heaven, praising God.” The entire landscape was lit up with the glory of God. This was quite a celebration!
You’ve probably seen Fourth of July celebrations with lots of fireworks. They are breathtakingly beautiful. But this must have exceeded any fireworks display you have ever seen. The lights in the sky must have been awesome. The Bible says the shepherds were badly frightened by these events.
“Don’t be afraid!” the angel said, “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born tonight in Bethlehem.” The event is certainly worth celebrating by everyone. The long-awaited Messiah was born.
This was such wonderful news that the shepherds ran to the village to find the newborn King. But when they found Him, He was not surrounded by nurses and attendants. His birth was witnessed by animals in a stable. He was not lying in a fancy crib or cradle. He was lying in a cattle feeder on some hay.
Why was this an event worthy of celebration? Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world!
“There is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved, there is salvation in no other” (Acts 4:12). The promised Messiah had to come, live a perfect life, and die in our place for us to have eternal life. If He had not been born as a human baby, we would be hopeless with no future but death. Yes, that is worth celebrating daily in our hearts, our prayers, and in our lives. Your friends may celebrate the birth of Christ in the wrong way at the wrong time, but you can celebrate every day in your heart and life that Jesus came to be your Savior.
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank you for giving me the promised Messiah. Help me always to be grateful that He was born as a human, lived a sinless life, and died for my sins. Please help me not to feel sorry for myself when my friends celebrate Christmas, but help me to celebrate your Son’s birth in my heart and life each day.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Luke 1:55-80
Monday: Luke 2:1-24
Tuesday: Luke 2:25-39
Wednesday: Isaiah 9:1-7
Thursday: John 19:14
Friday: Revelation 17:14; 11:15
Saturday: 1 Timothy 6:15-16
Psalm 71:1-5, 15-17
Proverbs 3:15-18
Matthew 4:7-11
Luke 2:40-52
Luke 2:52
John 8:42-47
James 3:14-17
When you go on vacation, take a trip, or go to the Feast of Tabernacles, do you ever have the desire to get away from your parents and do something that you want to do? Why do you want to get away from your parents? Are you uncomfortable around them when you’re with your friends? Are you careful to make sure at least one of your parents knows where you are, who you’re with, and what you are doing? Are there times when you feel a real need to go to a private place, and pray or study your Bible? Jesus also had similar needs.
When Jesus was only 12 years old, He went with His parents to keep the Passover in Jerusalem. After this festival season was over, Mary and Joseph, along with many of their other friends and relatives, started back home to Nazareth. But Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem among the law teachers discussing some very deep things with them. The people in the Temple were amazed with His understanding of the Bible, especially because He was only 12 years old.
Mary and Joseph had assumed Jesus was in the crowd of people returning home from keeping the Passover. After the first day into their journey, they missed Jesus and started looking for Him. After searching everywhere for Him, Mary and Joseph decided they must return to Jerusalem to find Jesus. Three days later they found Him in the Temple with the law teachers.
Mary’s despair over Jesus not being with them was no different from other mothers’. When she found Jesus she asked, “Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”
Jesus replied, “But why did you need to search? Didn’t you realize that I would be here at the Temple, in my Father’s house?”
Let’s think about this situation. Was Jesus being disobedient to His parents? What was His motive in staying behind? Did His parents know where to find Him?
Luke 2:49 tells us that Jesus was at the Temple, “in my Father’s house.” Jesus’ heavenly Father, His real Father, knew where He was, what He was doing, and who He was with. No, He wasn’t being disobedient to His parents, He was doing the work of His Father. His motives were to learn more about His Father and help others understand His Father’s way even better. His motives were pure.
Are your motives always pure when you want to get away from your parents when you’re on a trip, on vacation, or at the Feast of Tabernacles? Do you want to get away from them to learn more about God’s way or to help another person? It may not be wrong to want to be with your friends and have a good time—it depends on what you are doing. But remember, God is watching you. Would you be willing for your parents to see who you’re with, what you’re doing, and where you are? Don’t forget, God sees you and that’s even more important than your parents seeing you.
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank you that Jesus set a perfect example for us when He was only 12 years old. Help me to always be obedient to my parents. They may not be able to see where I am, what I am doing, and who I am with, but you can see.
That is important to me because I want to please you. Please forgive me when I slip up.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday: Luke 2:40-50
Monday: Matthew 4:7-11
Tuesday: James 3:14-17
Wednesday: Proverbs 3:15-18
Thursday: John 8:42-47
Friday: Psalm 71:15-17
Saturday: Psalm 71:1-5
Matthew 3:3-17
Matthew 21:23-27
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 1:4
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 16:15-18
Luke 3:1-22
Acts 2:37-41
Romans 6:1-7
There is massive power in nature—the power of a volcanic eruption, an earthquake shaking the ground beneath your feet, a tornado with its fierce winds, and lightning blazing through a storm at 50,000 miles per hour. But the most awesome power in nature can’t rescue you from your sins.
Sin can do devastating things to your life. It erodes your character and puts a wall be- tween you and God in such a way that He will no longer hear your prayers. Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, and he will not hear you” (TLB). Sin, like erosion on a shoreline, will eat away at your life unless something is done to stop it and reverse the trend.
John the Baptist was born as a forerunner to Jesus Christ. He was an unusual character who wore clothes woven from camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey.
John went out into the wilderness and began preaching repentance. His theme was, “Turn from your sins. . . turn to God. . . for the Kingdom of Heaven is coming soon.”
People from Jerusalem, from the Jordan Valley, and every section of Judea went to the wilderness to hear John preach. He must have been a dynamic, convincing speaker because people confessed their sins and were baptized with water. John said that Jesus would come after him and baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John rebuked the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He told them to prove with worthy deeds that they had repented and turned from their sins. They had difficulty believing they were sinners, because they were related to Abraham, the father of the faithful. They thought this in some way made them special to God.
But it’s not who we are related to, or which family we belong to that makes us special to God. God is concerned with what we do and what is in our hearts. Isaiah 66:2 says, “I will look with pity on the man who has a humble and a contrite heart, who trembles at my word.”
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River where John was baptizing. He asked John to baptize Him, but John didn’t feel worthy to do the honors. He knew Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus explained that He must be baptized to fulfill all righteousness, so John consented.
Unlike all of us, Jesus didn’t need to repent. He never sinned! Baptism is commanded by God. Jesus set an example by being obedient in every way. He wanted to please His Father and felt it was necessary to be baptized. God demonstrated His wholehearted approval of Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus came up out of the baptismal water of the Jordan River, the heavens were opened. The Spirit of God came down in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with Him.” God was pleased that Jesus was obedient.
Is God pleased with your life? Are you burdened down with sin? Do you feel helpless to resist cheating on an exam, taking drugs, having premarital sex, partying with the kids and getting drunk, breaking the Sabbath, etc.? Do you keep going back to your sin without the power to resist? Do you hate yourself for yielding to those sins?
God has given you access to power that can help you resist the sins that cause you so much misery. This power is greater than any power in nature or on earth. God’s miraculous power brought Jesus back to life! Is that power missing from your life?
To have this power, you must believe that Jesus Christ is your Savior. He has the power to forgive your sins and bring you back to life. You must repent of your sins, be deeply sorry for them, and resolve to continue not to do them. Then you must be baptized as Jesus was.
Will being baptized cause you to miss out on a lot of fun? What’s fun about guilt feelings? What’s fun about a hangover? What’s fun about unplanned pregnancy, and a baby to care for without a dad for financial support or even help? What’s fun about AIDS?
Christ said His purpose is to give you life and that you may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). You can have power to resist and overcome sin, and you now know what you must do. Ask your parents or a minister to help you understand repentance, and when you are ready, follow Jesus’ example and be baptized.
Almighty Father,
You are so powerful and wonderful. You have provided a way for me to be forgiven of my sins through your Son Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Help me to understand what repentance is and help me to repent. I want to be baptized when I have come to repentance. Please show me when I am ready.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Matthew 3:13-17
Monday: Luke 3:1-22
Tuesday: Matthew 21:23-27
Wednesday: Mark 16:15-18
Thursday: Acts 2:37-41
Friday: Matthew 28:18-20
Saturday: Romans 6:1-7
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Joshua 1:7-8
Psalm 19:9-11
Matthew 4:1-11
Luke 4:1-13
John 6:31-35
John 8:31-32
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Hebrews 4:12
2 Peter 2:9
A young high school girl and her date went to their senior prom. When her labor pains became intense, she excused herself, and went into the restroom where she gave birth to a baby. She returned to the prom and requested the band play a song for her boyfriend. Later, the dead baby was found in a plastic bag in the trash can. This high school girl has now been charged with murder.
What could tempt her to do such a thing with a helpless human life? How could she toss her own flesh and blood into a trash can? She thought by disposing of the baby, it would no longer interfere with her life. But did this solve her problem? Being in jail for the murder of your baby is no picnic.
Teenagers live in a world of temptation; everyone does. Jesus was also tempted in every area as we are tempted (Hebrews 4:15). The difference is, He never sinned!
After Jesus’ baptism, Satan stalked Him, determined to find a weakness that would cause Jesus to sin. But Jesus was fully prepared for Satan’s intense concentration on Him.
The Spirit of God led Jesus out into the desert wasteland of Judea. There He could be alone and draw near to His Father in prayer. Jesus fasted; for 40 days He ate nothing. Think about how hungry He must have been. But, food was far down on Jesus’ list of priorities. Being close to His Father, and being able to resist whatever sin came His way was far more important.
Satan thought that in Jesus’ weakened physical condition He would be vulnerable to the temptation of food. Satan said, “If you are God’s Son, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” If you had Jesus’ power, what would you do for something to eat?
Satan tried to appeal to any ego he thought Jesus might have. The double edged temptation of food and power might get Him. But Jesus foiled Satan’s attempt by quoting one Scripture, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Luke 4:4). Satan didn’t realize what a spiritual giant Jesus was. He didn’t realize how important it was to Jesus to completely obey His Father. Jesus wasn’t about to succumb to Satan’s evil tricks.
Satan contrived another plan. He took Jesus to Jerusalem to the roof of the Temple. “Jump off,” he said, “and prove you are the Son of God; for the Scriptures declare, ‘God will send his angels to keep you from harm. . .’ they will prevent you from smashing on the rocks below.” Jesus knew Satan was distorting the Scriptures for his own purpose. Jesus replied, “It also says not to put the Lord your God to a foolish test!”
Finally, Satan took Jesus up to a high mountain where He could see all the nations of the world. Satan said, “I will give you all these magnificent kingdoms with all of the glory that goes with them, if you will only worship me.”
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “The Scripture says, ‘Worship only the Lord God. Obey only him.’” When Satan realized Jesus would not give in to his temptations, he left and angels came and ministered to Jesus.
These were severe tests, but Jesus stood the test. He knew it was not yet the time or place for these things. He saw a much bigger picture. The Savior of the world must not give in to temptations, but wait for God to give these things to Him. The future reward was far too great to blow it for physical gratification.
God wants you to have far more than what is immediately apparent, he wants to give us “abundant life.” There are some things we must wait for—we must look at the big picture. Jesus gave up a lesser reward for some- thing far greater. Many times we have to give up pleasures or physical gratification in order to obtain a far greater reward at a later time.
What went wrong with the girl who gave birth to a baby in the restroom at the prom? The immediate gratification of sex outside of marriage carries consequences. Often the girl faces the pain of abortion or childbirth. If she decides to do the right thing by having the baby, the suffering and sorrows aren’t over. The emotional decision whether to give the baby up for adoption or care for the child for the next 18 years, usually without support from the father, will not be easy. God never intended a high school girl to have to make this decision.
Jesus had to wait for bread to eat when He was hungry and wait to become ruler of the world for God’s timing. It is God’s idea that you wait until after you are married to have sex. Sex outside of marriage carries consequences, sorrow, suffering, and sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). How can you handle the temptations that come your way? Jesus used Scriptures to fight temptation. Study your Bible daily, it will equip you to resist temptation.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Your Son Jesus Christ set us wonderful examples which teach us so many things. He never gave in to temptation. Help me to always remember Christ’s perfect example when I am tempted, and give me the strength to resist sin.
It’s in Jesus’ name that I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Joshua 1:7-8
Monday: Psalm 19:9-11
Tuesday: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Wednesday: Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Thursday: John 8:31-32
Friday: John 6:31-35
Saturday: Hebrews 4:12
Matthew 4:18-23
Matthew 4:23
Matthew 10:1-19
Mark 1:16-20
Mark 3:13-19
Mark 8:34-38
Luke 5:1-11
Luke 6:13-16
John 1:35-42
John 12:26-36
How often does a friend show up and say, “Come, go with me. . .” Maybe they want you to go get a hamburger, a pizza, or go to a ball game or the mall. If your parents will let you, and you have nothing better to do, you will probably go with them.
One day as Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers in a fishing boat. Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for men.” Immediately, they left their boat and followed Jesus.
Two more brothers, James and John, were in their boat mending their fishing nets. Jesus called out for them to follow Him. They also left their boat and immediately followed Jesus.
Originally, Jesus called 12 disciples to help Him. The other disciples’ names are Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (Alphaues’ son), Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot (the one who betrayed Jesus).
Why did Jesus want these men to follow 25 Him and what did He want them to do? Jesus was telling everyone the wonderful news that His Kingdom would be set up on this earth. He needed men to help Him spread the word. People were suffering from illness, pain, demonic possession, paralysis, and insanity. These people needed help. Jesus knew the time would come when He would no longer be here to do this important work, so He trained disciples to help Him.
The disciples were sent to work among “God’s lost sheep” in Israel. Jesus specifically told them not to go to the Gentiles at this time. The disciples were to tell Israelites that the Kingdom of Heaven was near, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure the lepers, and cast out demons.
They couldn’t take any money, extra clothes, an extra pair of shoes, or even a walking stick with them. They were to stay in homes of godly people. If a city or home didn’t welcome them, they were to shake the dust off their feet as they left. Jesus wanted His disciples to trust God for their needs.
The disciples would be as sheep among wolves. Jesus prepared them for being ar- rested, tried, and whipped in the synagogues. Why would Jesus send them out to endure such a rough assignment? Leading others to know and follow God’s way of life is the most important thing a Christian can do.
The disciples had opportunities to go before governors and kings to witness to them about Jesus. How would you feel if you had to witness to governors and kings about Jesus? Jesus told His disciples not to worry, the Spirit of God would speak through them and give them the right words to say.
Did you know that you, too, can be a disciple of Christ? What an awesome privilege! The future rewards are far greater than we can comprehend. Christ’s disciples have an enormous responsibility to do His work if we are to participate in the reward. Being a disciple of Christ should never be taken lightly. We must live as He lived and spread the good news about God’s Kingdom that will come to this earth.
What can you do to spread the good news? First, you must prepare yourself. Knowing God’s Word is essential to being able to help others know about Christ.
Just as Jesus drew near to His Father in prayer, His disciples must spend time each day in prayer to be near Him. Pray for opportunities to serve God and to tell others about what Jesus Christ means in your life.
Disciples aren’t equipped to tell others about Jesus Christ until they know the Bible. Sabbath Schools are designed to help you learn God’s Word. By studying your lesson each week and reading your devotionals each day, you’ll increase your understanding of the Bible.
Look for opportunities to help people in need as Jesus did. Get involved in one of the many different activities in your community and make a difference. Consider some of the suggestions on the activity page that your Sabbath School class can do together, or that you can do individually.
Look for opportunities to tell others what Jesus means to you as you serve in your community. This is where the rubber meets the road in real Christianity. Just think how good you will feel knowing that you have helped the poor and encouraged the sick. Don’t waste any time; find a place to serve. God’s blessings are sure to follow.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for calling me to be Your disciple. This is an awesome opportunity and responsibility. Help me to find ways to serve. Give me the opportunity to be a help and encouragement to others and to share my belief about Jesus.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday: Luke 5:1-11
Monday: John 1:35-42
Tuesday: Matthew 10:1-15
Wednesday: Mark 3:13-19
Thursday: Luke 6:13-16
Friday: Mark 8:34-38
Saturday: John 12:26-36
Job 23:12
Psalm 119:9-10
Isaiah 55:6-9
Amos 5:4
Matthew 22:37-40
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 12:31-34
John 14:23-31
1 Peter 2:1-2
Have you ever tried to find that perfect gift for a friend who seems to have everything? After racking your brain, you know an ordinary gift will not work for this special occasion. You need something very special to make the statement this gift needs to make. You’ve shopped the mall and not a thing has caught your eye. Even the specialty stores and boutiques don’t have what you hoped to find.
Don’t despair, there’s a gift you have overlooked. It may not seem expensive, but it will work. This gift has great value, but with no price tag! There’s no problem with the size, because one size fits all. It’s the ideal gift—it’s yourself! Jesus got such a gift from one of His friends.
Jesus journeyed with His disciples to Jerusalem. They came to a village where His friends, Mary and Martha, welcomed them into their home. Martha was the busy type who just couldn’t sit still. She always appeared to be a little nervous. She was preparing a big dinner and was unnecessarily fretting with its perfection.
While Martha saw that every dish not only tasted its best, but was served in a beautiful manner, Mary sat on the floor listening to Jesus talk. It upset Martha that Mary wasn’t helping in the kitchen. “Mary has socialized long enough,” Martha thought. She went to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come help me.”
Martha was surprised by Jesus’ answer. She expected Him to send Mary running to the kitchen to help. But Jesus said, “Martha, dear friend, you are upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and I won’t take it away from her.”
What did Mary discover? She had found a way to give herself to Jesus—to focus her full attention on Him. What Martha was doing wasn’t wrong, but Mary did the more important thing. Martha was busy concerning herself with things, while Mary seized the day she had with Jesus. She had an opportunity to listen and learn from her Savior. Nothing took priority over that. You should spend time at the feet of Jesus, but there is also a time to help your mother in the kitchen as well.
Mary and Martha each had a choice. Martha chose to fret and stew over her meal, while Mary understood the value of being taught by the Master. She gave herself, her full focus and attention, to what Jesus had to say.
What lesson can you learn from Jesus’ friends? Hospitality is good, but there are choices that are better. We must have the right priority. Time spent giving your full, focused attention to Jesus is the better choice. Sit at His feet and learn everything you can from your Master.
Just like Mary and Martha, you have a choice. What are your priorities? Will you give yourself, your complete focus, love, and attention to Jesus? Fretting and stewing over physical things, like Martha did, doesn’t bring peace and contentment. Mary’s choice gave a greater reward.
Dear Father,
It’s so easy to get busy, like Martha, doing a bunch of physical things and overlooking the most important thing of all. Time spent with you in prayer and Bible study are most important choices. Help me to get my priorities straight and to keep them that way.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday: Job 23:12
Monday: 1 Peter 2:1-2
Tuesday: Luke 12:31-34
Wednesday: Amos 5:4
Thursday: Isaiah 55:6-9
Friday: John 14:23-31
Saturday: Matthew 22:37-40
Genesis 2:1-3
Exodus 20:8-11
Exodus 20:8-10
Leviticus 23:3
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Isaiah 58:13-14
Matthew 12:1-13
Mark 2:23-28
Luke 6:1-11
John 5:1-19
God stepped out in space and said, “Let there be light.” He spent six days creating the heavens with the stars, moon, and sun. He made the earth, water, light, all the animals, birds, and fish. Then He created Adam and Eve. This was an awesome project and a very busy week. God was very pleased with His creation. He took a day off and rested.
Have you ever worked so hard that you longed for a day to sleep in and rest? Rest can be a tremendous blessing. God made us so we need to rest. He never intended us to work seven days a week. He knows we need to rest and recharge our batteries.
After a good night’s sleep, you may ask, “Now what can I do on the Sabbath?” Let’s see what Jesus did. He was human like you when He lived on this earth. He faced that question every seven days just like clockwork.
One Sabbath Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grain field. They were hungry and broke off some grains of wheat. They rubbed off the husk and ate the grain. The Pharisees saw it and said, “They can’t do that, it’s illegal to work on the Sabbath.”
Jesus asked them if they had read about King David. He and his men were hungry and ate the shewbread (a special bread that’s required by the law to be placed before God) in the Temple. Jesus showed that human needs can take precedence over the law.
On another Sabbath, Jesus was in the synagogue teaching. A man with a deformed hand was present. The Pharisees watched to see if Jesus would heal the deformity on the Sabbath. They were eager to find fault in Jesus.
Jesus looked the Pharisees and teachers of the law straight in the eye and asked, “Is it right to do good on the Sabbath day, or to do harm? To save life, or to destroy it?” He asked the man to stretch out his hand. When the man obeyed, his hand became completely normal. The Pharisees were not happy because Jesus was more concerned with taking care of human needs than being picky about keeping the Sabbath.
The Bible plainly shows it is wrong to work on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11). But Jesus shows that we can do good on the Sabbath. It is all right to see to human needs.
What are some human needs you can take care of on the Sabbath? Lesson eight has some suggestions. Think how happy you can make a sick child by taking him a “get well” balloon or a Sabbath School book suited to his age. The Sabbath can be a delight for the child because you cared enough to visit him. It will also be a delight for you because you made the Sabbath special for a suffering child.
What other things can you do? People in nursing homes would enjoy hearing your class sing to them. Call or visit a sick person who didn’t make it to Sabbath Services. Delight an elderly neighbor by stopping by to say “hello” or take them some cookies.
You may wonder, “What’s in it for me if I keep the Sabbath instead of doing the things my friends do on Saturday?” Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My son, never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions.” Not burning the candle at both ends seven days a week has benefits—a long and satisfying life.
Isaiah 58:13-14 says, “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob. The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Wow, what a promise! But receiving these benefits may require some waiting. Giving up something today for a much greater reward later is called, “deferred gratification.” There will always be another ball game to go to and another movie to see. You have six days a week to do those things. Is it worth it to trample on God’s Sabbath day and miss out on such a great inheritance and reward?
How do you know what you can and cannot do on the Sabbath? Search your Bible. Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” A good rule of thumb is not to do anything Jesus wouldn’t do on the Sabbath. Do you believe in keeping the Sabbath? Then live it!
Dear Father,
Jesus says that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He says that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. I’m often tempted to do things that would break your Sabbath. Help me to keep the Sabbath as you would have me do. It is for my good because the rewards and the inheritance you have for those who call your Sabbath a delight are far better than doing the things that other kids do. Help me to live it.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday: Exodus 20:8-11
Monday: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Tuesday: Mark 2:23-28
Wednesday: Matthew 12:1-13
Thursday: Genesis 2:1-3
Friday: John 5:1-19
Saturday: Leviticus 23:3
