Winter Quarter: Unit I, Lesson 3 – Teachers

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

• Explain how the wise men point to the global nature of Jesus’ mission.
• Grieve for those who suer innocently due to the world’s brokenness and sin.
• Join with peoples of every ethnicity and culture to worship Jesus, the King of all nations.

Behold (verse 13 [KJV only])—Greek: idou (id-oo’): look; see; lo.

Magi (verse 7)—Greek: magos (mag’-os): a Magian; an (Oriental) astrologer; by implication a magician; “wise men” (KJV).

Rejoiced (verse 10)—Greek: chairó (khah’-ee-ro): to have rejoiced; was glad; “were overjoyed” (NIV). Search (verse 8)—Greek: zetéo (dzay-teh’-o): to seek, examine closely.

Prophet (verse 22)—Greek: prophétés (prof-ay’-tace): a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will).

Righteous (verse 19, NASB)—Greek: dikaios (dik’-ah-yos): correct; righteous; by implication innocent; “just” (KJV); “faithful to the law” (NIV).

Star (verse 7)—Greek: astér (as-tare’): a star.

Worship (verse 8)—Greek: proskuneó (pros-koo-neh’-o): to express profound reverence.

• 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.

Technological advances continue to increase our exposure to people who differ from us in race, culture, and religious values. Where can we find unity in such a world? God used worshipping wise men from a distant land to demonstrate that the newborn King could transcend the differences that divide us.

People tend to interpret the world through the narrow lens of their cultural and personal experiences. Experiences leave an indelible im- pression on one’s thoughts and actions. Many people fail to realize the impact of positive or negative childhood experiences on adult life. However, those who are mindful of the far-reaching effects of such experiences tend to have a more balanced, resilient journey through life’s many ups and downs. A solid understanding of self as well as a strong family and cultural identity help individuals to grasp a practical view of reality. Limited exposure and self-awareness often lead people to fixate on superficial or outward differences between others and themselves, rather than celebrating more meaningful qualities that connect them to others. This is a harsh reality in America, not only among different ethnic, socioeconomic, or political groups, but also within our families, communities, and the body of Christ. Left unchecked, small differences of perspective can become a growing source of conflict or division among people who should be united for the greater good. Many people are so intimidated or empowered by the differences they share with others that they are unwilling to travel or try to explore anything at all that may be new or unfamiliar to them. Many of our people go through life doing the same things over and over, living beneath their potential, because they are frightened to step outside their comfort zone—a way of thinking that can often be traced to childhood fears or experiences. God has called us to abundant, victorious living. God calls every believer to walk in the light of His truth, wisdom, and gifts, and to trust that He will guide us in the way we should go.

Students should approach this week’s lesson by first acknowledging that the most logical location for the Magi to begin their search for the newborn King of the Jews would have been the palace in Jerusalem, the capital city. Where else would one expect to find a future leader than in the national seat of power and royal leadership? Although the Magi did not find Jesus in Jerusalem, their journey to the city was not without purpose. While in Jerusalem, the wise men received direction from Old Testament Scriptures—a revelation from the prophet Micah concerning the Messiah’s birthplace (see Micah 5:2). Not only did the wise men receive valuable information and direction for their journey, but also, their presence and search also intensified King Herod’s fears that his own reign would be threatened by the baby King the wise men sought. The reason for the intensification was not solely that the Magi were there inquiring of the newborn King, but that he was already on edge with various uprisings unfolding throughout the region. In addition, Herod was becoming delusional and growing more and more paranoid because of his own manipulative and backstabbing deeds along with the popular belief that he was already ill during this time. Like Isaiah’s Immanuel prophecy (see Isaiah 7:10-16), in Matthew 1:23 the reference to the mourning in Ramah was originally given in another historical context but was viewed as a typology of the Christ event (see Jeremiah 31:15- 17). The wise men gave gifts that confirmed Jesus’ call as prophet, priest, and king before His birth. On a far smaller scale, one may contrast Herod’s reign to Satan’s desperation to do anything he can to seize and maintain control of human hearts and minds.

(Choose from the items below.)

1. Name some important moments or occasions for celebration in our culture.
2. Share different styles of celebration you recall from the celebration (dance, singing, laughter, etc.).
3. What is the significance and role of celebration in life—that is, why do we celebrate?

In a world of tribulations that can stretch and even break us, our God is more than a buffer. He is our way through! This way out is sought by humanity throughout the world, even more so now as more and more people are feeling the oppression of society and the oppression of influential people who are bent on greed and selfish gain, seeking to out-impress and outdo one another. As believers, we know that people of all nations long for a hero or savior to rescue them from life’s troubles. With hearts of compassion and generosity, millions of believers fund missionary efforts to bring the Gospel message to people all over the world. As believers, we should strive to learn about other cultures in order to find culturally relevant (and nonthreatening) ways of delivering the Gospel message. We understand that risks are involved in going into foreign cultures with the Gospel message.

One of Jesus’ greatest charges to His followers is that they would make disciples (see Matthew 28:18-20) and be His witnesses, sharing the Gospel with family, neighbors, community, and the world (see Acts 1:8). Believers can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus by studying meanings of His various names (Jesus, Emmanuel, Lord, Savior, Son of God, Messiah/Christ, etc.). Understanding these meanings gives clarity to our understanding of the Lord’s work in history and in our lives. As we seek to serve the Lord and share His message of salvation with the world, we must continually celebrate the gift of God to us through His Son, Jesus.

ADDITIONAL EXPOSITORY INSIGHTS FOR THE TEACHER

Matthew 2:7-9

KJV

7  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

NIV

7  Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

8  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9  After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

Herod summoned the wise men under the pretense of a sincere interest and desire to worship Christ. He specifically asks for the exact time of the first appearing of the star. He sought this information to gather an approximate age for the Child, and to aid his malicious intention to destroy the perceived threat to his rule and royal leadership. The wise men’s report of the timing of the star suggests that the star had not appeared in Jerusalem or, at the least, that the people residing in the village were unaware of it. Is it not a shame to dwell in the City of God and miss the move of God? It was no coincidence that the Child was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, Israel’s greatest king. Bethlehem is approximately seven miles from Jerusalem. Herod sent the wise men there. Even with a caravan, they would have been able to make the trip in a single day. The wise men had travelled long and far to worship a child (verse 2); surely the very thought of it upset Herod. The travelers had no apparent desire to meet or pay homage to him. Herod summoned the wise men when he heard of their search for information. The celestial phenomenon, the great star that prompted their long journey, continued to lead them. As they continued to follow, they would certainly find the One for whom they searched so diligently. Herod asked the men to return when they had found the Child and to inform him of His location. God would soon intervene to complicate Herod’s search for Jesus by sending the wise men on another route back to their homeland.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

Share a time when you felt specifically led by God to a certain destination and/or answer. How did you react?

• Young Adult Questions:

Jesus was worshipped by the wise men. Why should Christians worship Jesus? Beyond showing up at church, what are the ways you worship Jesus as King of your life?

Matthew 2:10-12

KJV

10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

NIV

10  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

11  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

12  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

The magnificent star that led the wise men apparently reappeared (after the meeting within Jerusalem with Herod) to guide the men to Jesus. Long before global positioning systems (GPS), a star led the men to the very location where Jesus was (verse 9). Interestingly, the star seemed not to draw the attention of anyone else. There was no great pilgrimage or crowds flocking to find the Christ child. The meaning of the star was only revealed to those who were willing and wise enough to fully commit themselves to seeking Jesus. The text captures the tremendous joy and excitement the wise men felt when they finally found Jesus (verse 10). The reader should note that the Magi arrived at a house, not a stable (verse 11). While our traditions, songs, and retellings of the story suggest three wise men—likely based on the number of gifts that were presented—it is more likely that there were many more than three. History scholars have determined that Magi customarily travelled in huge caravans. Additionally, one should not overlook the fact that the text gives no hint or indication of how many wise men searched for Jesus. The Bible does, however, note three distinct gifts thought by ancient commentaries to have significant meanings in showing recognition of Jesus as king (gold), God (frankincense), and one destined to die (myrrh). While a physical light had guided them along their journey, the spiritual light, in the form of a dream, protected them and guided them forward, safely back home (verse 12). Being warned of God in a dream, the Magi “departed into their own country another way.” God’s grace and protection still guide the wise around and through unseen dangers.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

Does God still guide us today? Share with the class a time when God’s Word offered guidance or direction for you.

• Young Adult Questions:

The wise men risked going into a foreign city and encountering a foreign ruler to seek out Jesus. Have you ever risked or sacrificed anything for an opportunity to worship Jesus? Explain.

Matthew 2:13-15

KJV

13  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

14  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

NIV

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

15  where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Only the book of Matthew mentions the slaughter of children in the region of Bethlehem. The narrative draws consistent links to Old Testament prophecies. This was Joseph’s second time receiving divine instructions from God via an angel. Considering the way the text is written (verses 12 and 13), it appears that Joseph hurries and gathers his family soon after the Magi leave. The Magi’s gifts seem to be timely confirmations of God’s protection and provision for those who allow His light to guide them. An angel of the Lord appeared once again to Joseph, warning him in a dream to leave Bethlehem and seek refuge in Egypt. The presence of other Jews in Egypt made it easier for the family to blend in without drawing unnecessary attention as outsiders in Egypt. Matthew gives no indication of exactly how long the family remained in Egypt, only that the stay continued until Herod had died and the threat to their safety had passed. Historians recorded that Herod died after a prolonged illness. They have approximated his death to have occurred in the month of March, in the year 4 BC. Matthew included a reference to Hosea 11:1, which some believe to be a parallel reference connecting Jesus’ departure from Egypt to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, under Moses’ leadership. One may understand the prophetic reference to the name Israel as a type or symbol of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, called in His infancy out of Egypt. The Old Testament reference indicates the detailed specifications of God’s plan of salvation. Centuries before it would come to pass, God knew the threat that would rise in opposition to His divine plan.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

What word have you received from God either by the Holy Spirit’s affirmation in your heart or the preacher’s proclamation as confirmed by the Bible? What was your response?

• Young Adult Questions:

Has God ever directed you to a location for a certain period of time—perhaps to new city, a new church, or somewhere else? Did you obey? Explain your response and the outcome.

• Refer to Adult Book

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

— As you meditate on God’s plan and path for your life, seek confirmation from God’s Word, and not from popular opinions, trends, or social media. Be sure to take time to make notes of your experiences and discoveries.

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

— During this week as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, take time out to share the moving revelation and sustaining power of God in your life.

• Refer to Young Adult Book

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

— You may live and/or work with persons
from an array of cultural backgrounds, or your church may be in a multicultural setting. Educate yourself about culturally relevant ways of bringing the Gospel to a blended church community. Then, wait for the move of God to use you to bear witness to Christ.

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

— The refugee crisis is real. Many arrive in our country fleeing from danger, torture, and even murder. Joseph escaped with his family to Egypt because of Herod, and they remained there as refugees. Knowing Jesus’ connection to refugees, will you commit to praying regularly for refugees near and far?

The lesson topic for Sunday, December 27, 2020, is “Get Ready.” The Devotional Reading is John 1:19-34, the Background Scripture is Matthew 3, and the Printed Text is Matthew 3:1-12.

Lord, help us to shine as witnesses for You just as You sent Your Son, the Light of the world, to shine for us. Make us vessels of light and truth that draw lost souls to Your salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(December 21-27, 2020)

Monday, December 21 “A Voice Cries, ‘Comfort My People’” (Isaiah 40:1-5)
Tuesday, December 22 “John the Baptist Is the Greatest” (Matthew 11:2-15)
Wednesday, December 23 “The Baptist’s Testimony of Faith” (John 1:19-34)
Thursday, December 24 “Jesus, The Father’s Beloved Son” (Matthew 17:1-8)
Friday, December 25 “In John, Elijah Has Come” (Matthew 17:9-13; Malachi 4:4-5)
Saturday, December 26 “John Baptizes Jesus In the Jordan” (Matthew 3:13-17)
Sunday, December 27 “John Prepares the Way for Jesus” (Matthew 3:1-12)