Spring Quarter: Unit II, Lesson 7 – Teachers

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

• Examine why Nehemiah decided to restore the walls of Jerusalem and reform/revive the Sabbath law.
• Appreciate Nehemiah’s feelings and behavior in restoring the wall and reforming Jewish worship.
• Identify ways to restore worn parts of the faith community and revive traditions that honor God.

Gates (verse 13)—Hebrew: shaar (shah’-ar): gate; gateways.

Rebuild (verse 17)—Hebrew: banah (baw-naw’): to build again; “build up” (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!”).
• Thoroughly review your student book for your adult or young adult class.
• Please note that you have the option of using your subscription bundle supplements, i.e., Lesson Scenario, Student Activity Sheet, SSL-AAG

Wise people are usually contemplative before they make major decisions. How should one react after carefully considering a major decision? Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall after praying and surveying the ruins.

Those who are committed to God and His people have a deep, abiding concern for His reputation and the well-being of His people. Nehemiah is a noteworthy example of this. While serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, he received disturbing news about the conditions in Jerusalem, his ancestral homeland. God’s promise of orchestrating the return of those exiled in Babylon had been fulfilled, but political autonomy had not been realized. The devastating destruction of the city of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar left the city without a protective wall and vulnerable to assault from surrounding enemies. Focused opposition had successfully prevented the reestablishment of Jerusalem as a city capable of defending itself and protecting the rebuilt Temple. This condition posed both a physical and spiritual dilemma. Nehemiah initially responded to news concerning Jerusalem with a four-day fast and intercessory prayer, weeping and grieving for his people and their plight. In his prayer, Nehemiah identified with the sins of his people and asked God to remember His promise to Moses to return His exiled people to their homeland. He asked God to remember him as he went to seek permission to go to Jerusalem and assist with the physical and spiritual restoration of the city.

The book of Nehemiah is a chronological memoir of Nehemiah’s time as governor of Jerusalem. Authorship of this book is accredited to Ezra, the scribe-priest who was Nehemiah’s contemporary in ministry to the remnant that had returned to Jerusalem from Persia, according to God’s promise. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally written as a single book. Bible scholars have suggested Ezra’s authorship because of the detailed references to administrative documents from Persian archives mentioned in both books. Nehemiah’s divinely orchestrated task as the civil leader of Jerusalem was to oversee the public works and to secure national defense by leading the project of rebuilding the wall around the city (chapters 1–7). As a co-laborer with Ezra, he played an instrumental role in restoring spiritual renewal among the people (chapters 8–13). Thematically, the book is unique in its focus on Nehemiah’s obedience to God and his prayerful dependence on God for the successful completion of the rebuilding mission. Nehemiah is also recognized as a model of effective spiritual leadership.

(Choose from the items below.)

1. What was Nehemiah’s initial focus when he arrived at Jerusalem?
2. Why did he choose to be secretive about his purpose for coming to Jerusalem?
3. How might his mission have turned out differently had he revealed his plans upon his arrival? Describe Nehemiah’s strategy for winning the support of the people to rebuild the wall.
4. Why is it wise to refuse to engage in negative debate with those who oppose or ridicule you and/or your ministry?

God has a plan and purpose for every season. He looks for those who are committed and submitted to His leadership, with a servant’s heart toward His people. Nehemiah was this kind of servant and God used him to direct the reconstruction of the wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah humbly and wisely acknowledged God’s guidance in the reconstruction project, repeatedly crediting his success to “the good hand of the Lord.” In today’s spiritual climate, the church desperately needs leaders with the exemplary leadership qualities and attitude of Nehemiah.

There are several valuable leadership lessons in Nehemiah’s story for those who have been called or assigned to manage a spiritual task, including the following: (1) begin any task with prayer for divine guidance; (2) seek God’s power and His will; (3) establish functional and achievable goals before the mission begins; (4) identify with the work team, encouraging their participation as co- laborers; (5) acknowledge God as the source of success; (6) face opposition and ridicule with self- confidence; and (7) refuse to engage in negative arguments with opponents. As you unpack the lesson’s content and Print Passage, help your students identify these principles and discuss their potential for accomplishing effective ministry. Challenge any ministry leaders in your class to compare and contrast their current style of leadership with these principles and commit to use any that are relevant to them.

ADDITIONAL EXPOSITORY INSIGHTS FOR THE TEACHER

Nehemiah 2:11-15

KJV

11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

NIV

11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days

12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through;

15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

Sometimes, people rush headlong into a task without stopping to consider the potential and the problems to be encountered. Successful leaders often know the importance of prayerful planning, for “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This principle can be applied to any task, spiritual or otherwise. Before Nehemiah announced his purpose for being in Jerusalem, he spent three days in prayerful planning. Specifically, he considered his course of action (verses 11-12). He secretly reviewed the terrain and surveyed the walls to determine the extent of the problem he faced. His exact route can only be estimated, but the names of the various reference points suggest an inspection route beginning on the west side of the city, continuing toward the southern section and ending on the east side (verses 13-15). Being aware of internal enemies in the city, Nehemiah kept his counsel to himself until he had completed his research and devised his strategy (verse 16). The conditions Nehemiah saw firsthand allowed him to see both potential and problems to be addressed. Nehemiah was convinced that God was with him, but he took the initiative to gather facts and use them as the basis for a plan of action. This is an effective leadership principle often missed or overlooked in developing action plans for ministry. God gives discernment to leaders who seek and follow His will so that they might choose the best means for achieving the best results. As with Nehemiah, God-centered leaders can also discern the “alligators in the swamp” and how to avoid them.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

Why is planning such a key component of success?

• Young Adult Question:

Have there been times when you have misread the level of a relationship or friendship and shared too much with the wrong people? Describe the consequences.

Nehemiah 2:16-18

KJV

16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

NIV

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

Nehemiah had successfully done his homework. Knowing his reliance on prayer, we can believe that he took his plan to God in prayer for direction. After he had completed his secret survey of the project and was confident that his plan was workable, Nehemiah revealed it to the people. First, he challenged them to consider their deplorable condition (verse 17a). The condition of the city walls was more than deplorable—they were disgraceful because every aspect of the city represented the King of Glory. The city itself was a symbol of God’s presence among His people. Nehemiah’s desire was that the people would see themselves and acknowledge their responsibility for the city’s current condition and be moved to improve it. Nehemiah then challenged the community to join him in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem by offering his own personal testimony that God was with him and had given him favor before King Artaxerxes (verse 17b). Nehemiah’s willingness to work alongside the people and his assurance that God was in charge of the project helped to secure the people’s willing support (verse 18). Effective leaders help those they lead to see themselves as capable of improving or changing their condition. Sensitive spiritual leaders engage the people as co-laborers together, and direct their focus off themselves and toward God.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

Which of Nehemiah’s leadership strategies have you seen other leaders implement with success?

• Young Adult Questions:

How important is it to have God’s gracious hand upon us as we undertake significant projects, ministries, or missions for God?

Nehemiah 2:19-20

KJV

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

NIV

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

In most important tasks, whether secular or in Christian ministry, those engaged must expect opposition and some form of ridicule. Many have rightly said that every great victory will be followed by a challenge. With God’s help, Nehemiah successfully challenged the people to respond to the call to rebuild the wall, but almost immediately, enemies arose to oppose the project (verse 19). Sanballat and Tobiah, district magistrates and leaders of Samaritan factions that opposed the rebuilding of Judah, were joined by Geshem, a ruler from an area south of Jerusalem. The men asserted that the project was not approved by King Artaxerxes and amounted to an act of rebellion. Prevented from openly attacking Jerusalem, the three resorted to ridicule and false accusations in an effort to stop the work before it began. The accusation of rebellion against the king proved to be especially damaging to the project’s momentum. Nehemiah addressed the opposition by bringing the task into focus (verse 20). First, he affirmed that the God of heaven would enable them to succeed and that the Jews were God’s servants. Every ministry task must be seen as God’s work enabled by His power at work through His servants. Spiritual leaders must see themselves as servants focused on God and not their own talent, administrative skill, ability, human resources, or personal intelligence. Second, Nehemiah informed the opposition leaders that they had no present claim or past right of ownership to Jerusalem. He left no room for any form of negotiation. Nehemiah also refused to openly debate or respond with unkind threats. There are times when leaders must negotiate, but when the will of God is explicitly clear there is no room for compromise. Nehemiah and those who joined him in the task faced opposition from others who aligned with the opposition, but the task was already successful because God’s hand was in it. God used Nehemiah for the task of initiating renewal in Judah because of his faith, his dedicated heart, his willingness to sacrifice personal time and energy, his dependence on prayer, his patient strategic planning, and his ability to motivate and focus people’s attention on what God was doing.

All believers are called to engage in God’s mission in the world today, primarily that of making disciples. Whether leaders or followers, the characteristics demonstrated by Nehemiah represent God’s expectations for those who co-labor with other believers to accomplish His will.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

Why is it sometimes difficult to resist the temptation to respond negatively to ridicule and opposition?

• Young Adult Questions:

Nehemiah had courage. Why is courage an important quality for spiritual leaders? Explain briefly.

• Refer to Adult Book

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

— What ministry task has God assigned to you? If God has revealed a task to you, follow the example of Nehemiah by seeking His will and His direction first. Seek His guidance in establishing your goals through prayerful planning and reliance on God’s “gracious hand” as the source of success.

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

— The work of the Lord on earth has operated in the midst of worldly opposition since ancient times. Today’s leaders should emphasize the importance of relying on God’s wisdom and strength, and on knowing God’s will and doing it. Nehemiah focused his mind and the people’s attention on the gracious hand of God throughout the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall.

• Refer to Young Adult Book

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

— What are you passionate about? Let that passion drive you to do what God has called you to do. There are many areas in our churches and our communities that are worn and need reviving. Identify those areas and pray for God’s direction in responding to the need.

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

— Nehemiah faced enemies who violently opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Do not be surprised or discouraged when you confront criticism, opposition, and detractors in life. They want to kill the passion and vision God has given you. Do not let that happen. Stay focused and live a life of purpose.

The lesson topic for Sunday, April 25, 2021, is “Overcoming Losses and Brokenness.” The Devotional Reading is Lamentations 3:22-33, the Background Scripture is Lamentations 5, and the Printed Text is Lamentations 5:1-22.

Dear God, You have called us to rebuild the walls of spiritual renewal by making disciples to carry out Your mission in the world. Guide the work of our hands so that we will be successful in every task we pursue for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(April 19-25, 2021)

Jeremiah Pleads for Restoration

MONDAY, April 19: “Praise for God’s Wonderful Works” (Psalm 111)
TUESDAY, April 20: “God’s Blessings Intended for All” (Zechariah 8:18-23)
WEDNESDAY, April 21: “The Lord, Our Sovereign” (Psalm 102:12-22)
THURSDAY, April 22: “Plea for Mercy for Jerusalem” (Psalm 79)
FRIDAY, April 23: “Mourn the Destruction of Zion” (Jeremiah 9:17-22)
SATURDAY, April 24: “God’s Mercy and Love Never Ends” (Lamentations 3:22-33)
SUNDAY, April 25: “Remember and Restore Us” (Lamentations 5:1-22)