Winter Quarter: Unit I, Lesson 1 – Teachers

As a result of experiencing this lesson, you should be able to do these things:

• Grasp the significance of Jesus’ earthly heritage and His heavenly origins.
• Wonder at the depth and scope of God’s eternal plan to bring salvation through Jesus.
• Worship Jesus as God’s definitive word to humanity.

Appointed (Hebrews 1:2)—Greek: tithém (TEE-thay-mee): placed; laid; set.

Begat (Matthew 1:2 [KJV only])—Greek: gennaó (ghen-nah’-o): brought; begotten; fathered children.

Glory (Hebrews 1:3)—Greek: doxa (dox’-ah): honor; renown; glory, an especially divine quality; the unspoken manifestation of God; splendor.

Heir (Hebrews 1:2)—Greek: kléronomos (klay-ron-om’-os): an heir, inheritor.

Inherited (Hebrews 1:4)—Greek: kléronomeó (klay-ron-om-eh’-o): obtained (possessed) by inheritance; acquired; “by inheritance obtained” (KJV).

Prophets (Hebrews 1:1)—Greek: prophétés (prof-ay’-tace): prophets (interpreters or forthtellers of the divine will); persons who declare the mind (message) of God.

Provided purification (Hebrews 1:3)—Greek: katharismos (kath-ar-is-mos’): cleansing; purifying; purification: literal, ceremonial, or moral; met: expiation; “purged our sins” (KJV).

• Refer to the Townsend Press SS Commentary Teacher’s Edition for an additional lesson plan—with word studies, insights on teaching adults, learner matrices, etc.
• Review last week’s student assignments (“Your Life” and “Your World!”).
• This guide offers two options for leading your class.
• Review this week’s Adult/Young Adult student lesson.
• Review the Adult Resource Kit for supplemental lesson ideas.
• See pages 7 and 9 for lesson-planning tips.
• See page 6 for a student Personal Growth Plan.
• See page 103 (Faith in 3-D) for an explanation of how one can live out his/her faith in the world.

Where we come from generally speaks volumes about who we are. How deeply are people impacted by their history? Hebrews affirms the significance and superiority of Jesus’ spiritual origins, while Matthew presents Jesus as the product of a rich genealogical heritage.

Adults generally tend to evaluate their sources of information very carefully. Mature adults recognize the need for separating reliable sources from unreliable ones. In this present climate of tabloid journalism, social media, and “fake news,” it is imperative to seek truth and understanding over sensationalized statements presented as real fact. The older we get, the more we tend to recognize individuals who have physical traits, mannerisms, speech patterns, or other characteristics that resonate as familiar to us. This sense of familiarity tends to spark conversations with total strangers, beginning with a common question or statement: “Where did your family originate?” or “Do you have family in this or that geographical region?” or “I think we might be related.” As we grow in our appreciation for our extended family, we begin to take a sharper interest in learning more about our genealogical heritage. Realistically, we may expect to discover that some of our ancestors were outstanding, accomplished people, while others may have been ordinary and decent, while other some were outright scoundrels. While there are those who strive diligently to know their family history, there are others who doubt whether their history has relevance or meaning for them today. Even if our family relationships are painful and strained, none of us can ever be truly disconnected from our relatives. Therefore, whenever possible, we should seek a healthy, reasonable understanding of our history and our heritage. Lessons from the past prepare us for our present and free us for our future.

Bible genealogies, though cumbersome for the modern reader, are essential for the worldview of the Scriptures. They indicate that history is not a random collection of events but, rather, is a cohesive, well-executed divine plan linking generation to generation (see Genesis 5; 10; 1 Chronicles 1–8; Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23- 38). The Jewish Christian, to whom the book is written, would have understood the cultural and spiritual significance of building on the faith of their ancestors. As the pressures of modern living tempt us to abandon or become apathetic to biblical convictions and genuine expressions of worship, the African-American church must renew a collective commitment to preserving its most meaningful faith traditions. In the Scriptures, the term father is often to denote a male ancestor, and not necessarily a direct, biological predecessor or parent (see 1 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 18:3; 22:2). The importance of generational recognition helps to remove selfish ambition and aggrandizement, in favor of acknowledging those whose sacrifices and hardships paved the way for present privileges. Adults understand the importance of heritage. God calls us within, and never independent of, the specific context of our personal experiences as well as our ancestral and spiritual heritage.

(Choose from the items below.)
Like Jesus, most people have negative and positive stories in their family history.

1. How far back can you trace your family tree?
2. Very briefly, share a positive family story— heroic, spiritual, or inspiring.
3. Very briefly, share a negative family story— embarrassing, difficult, or sad.

As Christians, we acknowledge that Jesus is God’s Son, thereby affirming that Jesus holds a position far superior to that of Old Testament prophets and created spiritual beings. We, as faithful believers, recognize Jesus as God’s final word, the one who completes God’s plan for all of humanity. Additionally, believers in Jesus Christ take comfort in the assurance that while being completely divine, Jesus was also fully human, and experienced the same temptations and trials to which all humanity is subject. Yet, Jesus was able to withstand various trials and temptation to sin through the power of the Holy Spirit, which is freely available to believers as a gift of God through Christ and His redemptive work on Calvary.

While we as believers marvel at the scope of God’s plan whereby God created a nation through Abraham, establishing a kingdom through David to include all humanity through Jesus. We understand God’s necessary plan to draw us closer to Himself through the purging of sin. As believers, we appreciate Jesus’ connection with the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, as well as various prophecies, through His earthly heritage. This understanding adds weight to the Christian experience and legacy and should improve our understanding of the intensity and time that God took to unfold His plan for us, realizing that many of our dreams may unfold in future generations.

ADDITIONAL EXPOSITORY INSIGHTS FOR THE TEACHER

Hebrews 1:1-5

KJV

1  GOD, WHO at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

4  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5  For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

NIV

1  IN THE past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

2  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

3  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4  So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

5  For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?

Those who rush to focus on Calvary often miss the significance of Jesus’ rich and extraordinary heritage. The writer of Hebrews moves directly to the task of unveiling Jesus’ work in relationship to the Levitical system and the old covenant. The opening verses of Hebrews 1 position Jesus as the divine heir, Creator of the universe, and contemporary counterpart to ancient prophets who delivered God’s Word to the ancestors (verses 1-2). After describing Christ as superior to the prophets, the writer presents Him as the exact image of God, stamped into the world of humanity. Using four characteristics, the writer proves Jesus’ divinity on the basis that He possesses (1) God’s glory, (2) God’s characteristics, (3) God’s power, and (4) God’s honor (verse 4).

To strengthen and advance the assertion that Jesus is God, the writer refers to Jesus as God’s Son (verse 5), noting His superiority to the angels (see Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14). In both reference Scriptures, the immediate meaning assigned to the Son is one of an exalted state. In Psalm 2:7, an anniversary celebration is made to speak of Christ. In 2 Samuel 7:14, an even clearer picture is given of Jesus, to include His punishment. The writer accurately interprets Old Testament types and symbols—Christ is the antitype, direct representation, of God, as reiterated throughout the book.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student lesson for related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

How do you explain the twofold nature of Jesus’ identity as both the Son of God and the fully divine manifestation of God?

• Young Adult Questions:

Since God speaks even today through His Son, Jesus, how important is it for God’s people to listen? Explain.

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17

KJV

1  THE BOOK of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2  Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

3  And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

4  And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias.

.....

16  And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17  So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

NIV

1  THIS IS the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2  Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3  Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,

4  Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,

5  Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,

6  and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.

.....

16  and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17  Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

Matthew’s introductory title, whose Greek translation means “book of generations,” has been interpreted in various ways; but most likely it is a simple reference to the extensive genealogy in the first seventeen verses of the book. Knowing that genealogies carried significant meaning for Israelite families, Matthew anchors his Gospel account with the father of the faithful, Abraham, and traced the heritage line forward to Jesus. By contrast, Luke traces Jesus’ heritage back from Jesus to Adam, and then to God Himself (see Luke 3:23-38). The difference in the two approaches relates to the writer’s respective intent and mutual understanding that genealogies are far more than a simple listing of the ancestors—they are tools for conveying a deeper message to the reader.

Matthew’s purpose was to present Jesus as the rightful heir to the throne of David and the true and only Messiah. Matthew frames Jesus’ extensive genealogy within three sets of 14; specifically, there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile to Babylon, and 14 from the exile to the Messiah. While some see it as merely a mnemonic device or memory aid, some scholars believe that it may point to an alpha-numeric code representing a hidden or symbolic meaning. Jewish genealogies did not often include women. Matthew, however, breaks boldly from tradition to include four women—Rahab, Ruth, Tamar, and Bathsheba—in Jesus’ family history. At least two of the four were Gentiles—Rahab and Ruth—a probable foreshadowing of God’s inclusive plan to redeem all humanity. Verse 16 breaks from narrative flow by including Joseph (“the husband of Mary”), who is not Jesus’ biological father—a move likely intended to highlight the Virgin Birth. This rendering recognizes Joseph as Jesus’ legal, earthly father, but not biological.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student book’s related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

How important is family history today? (Discuss its spiritual implications.)

• Young Adult Questions:

(1) Jesus’ ancestry includes men, women, Gentiles, Jews, royalty, and commoners. What lesson can we take from the presence of these varied individuals in Jesus’ ancestry?
(2) In Jesus’ genealogy, we see God used imperfect people for His purposes. In one word, how does this make you feel?

• Refer to Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— This week, take time to speak with family and church members to gain a better understanding of the richness of your family and faith history.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— This week, develop a plan for engaging others to research, acknowledge, and celebrate your community’s heritage (e.g., neighborhoods, institutions, notable achievements, etc.). Suggest ways to publicize those plans.

• Refer to Young Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— Believers are spiritually adopted into God’s family. God is our Father, and Jesus is our elder brother. That is a family. The next time someone asks you about your family tree, tell them you have two—an earthly and a spiritual one—and that you will be happy to tell them about both.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— God spoke in ancient times and He still speaks. You may encounter people who question whether God is still speaking. Have them first look at nature; every day it declares God’s glory.

Have them to consider the Cross. Through the symbol of the empty cross, God speaks to remind us that through Jesus we have hope over every struggle, even death.

The lesson topic for Sunday, December 13, 2020, is “Called to Participate in a Promise.” The Devotional Reading is Isaiah 42:1-9, and both the Background Scripture and Printed Text are Matthew 1:18-25.

Dear Lord, help us to fully appreciate our biblical and familial heritage. Each of us has a calling that rests upon our family and cultural history. Give us a greater knowledge and understanding of the past, and guide us as we seek the right paths for our future. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(December 7-13, 2020)

Monday, December 7: “A Sign of God’s Presence” (Isaiah 7:10-15)

Tuesday, December 8: “Called as Light to the Nations” (Isaiah 42:1-9)

Wednesday, December 9: “Called to Mission before Birth” (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Thursday, December 10: “Birth of Jesus Is Foretold to Mary” (Luke 1:26-38)

Friday, December 11: “Simeon Foretells Jesus’ Ministry” (Luke 2:34-38)

Saturday, December 12: “Mary, in the Lineage of Ruth” (Ruth 4:9-17)

Sunday, December 13: “The Miracle of the Holy Spirit Conception” (Matthew 1:18-25)