Winter Quarter: Unit I, Lesson 4 – Teachers

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

• Recognize the reality of sin and the necessity of repentance.
• Identify with John the Baptist in his call to prepare the way for Christ.
• Repent of their sins and bear witness to this repentance through their deeds.

Baptized (verse 6)—Greek: baptizó (bap-tid’-zo): dipped; sank; submerged.

Confessing (verse 6)—Greek: exomologeó (ex-om-ol-og- eh’-o): agreeing; professing.

Preaching (verse 1)—Greek: kérussó (kay-roos’-so): heralding; openly proclaiming.

Prepare (verse 3)—Greek: hetoimazó (het-oy-mad’-zo): to prepare; to make ready.

Repent (verse 2)—Greek: metanoeó (met-an-o-eh’-o): to change one’s mind or purpose.

Voice (verse 3)—Greek: phóné (fo-nay’): a tone, sound; speech.

• 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.

Important projects require thoughtful preparation. What endeavors demand our greatest efforts in preparation? John called for people to prepare their hearts for the Messiah’s coming by repenting of their sins.

As adults, we are intrigued by the promises of good things to come. Regardless of one’s present predicament, there is always room to hope for or anticipate new possibilities (like improved spiritual discipline, a healthier diet, a stronger financial position, more meaningful relationships, or professional advancement). Most significant improvements require diligent planning and preparation. Are you planning and making provisions for something “better”? John challenged his listeners to prepare themselves for a right relationship with God through repentance. Many people are often offended or turned off by references to repentance, sin, and judgment. But God still calls believers to prepare their hearts to receive His daily presence by repenting and resisting sin. As many of John’s hearers resisted his message, many modern believers find similar discomfort in preached messages on sin and any call for repentance. Without preparation, no one is ready to fellowship with the Lord or to be used by Him. Believers must make a focused effort to prepare their hearts and practice what they proclaim and profess concerning Christ. Rather than pointing people elsewhere, each of us must answer God’s call to faithfully prepare the way for others to see Jesus in our lives and witness before them.

The Pharisees preached strict adherence to the Law of Moses. The word Pharisee literally means “separated.” Jesus’ interactions and response to the Pharisees indicate that many of them were more concerned with the outward appearances of righteousness than with the inward devotion to true holiness before God. Focused on a legalistic adherence to the commandments and taking pride in the things they did not do led many Pharisees to neglect the things that God truly prioritizes, like showing mercy, living justly, and walking humbly with God (see Micah 6:8). Instead of touching lives and doing what pleases God, the Pharisees often busied themselves with memorization of enormous amounts of traditional material to be passed on as Law from generation to generation. The Sadducees were generally wealthier and more politically connected than the Pharisees. They were also, typically, landowners. Historically, the Pharisees and Sadducees were often at odds with each other. The apostle Paul often used their differences to his advantage when defending the cause of Christ (see Acts 23:6-7). Despite their differences, the Pharisees and Sadducees were united against John the Baptist (as they would later be against the person and ministry of Jesus). The Jewish religious leaders sent emissaries to hear John, not because of any genuine interest in his message, but for the purpose of investigating and evaluating the threat his popularity posed to their influence with the people (see John 1:19-22). John’s was the first prophetic voice the people had heard in their lifetime. From the days of the prophet Malachi, the nation of Israel had lived through four hundred years of silence in which there was no distinct word from the Lord. In the tradition of the ancient prophets, John came making a bold call for repentance. Without a prophetic call to repent, the people became more self- satisfied and spiritually smug. Feeling no need for personal, heartfelt repentance, many were satisfied with the mere appearance of righteousness—going through the motions of public prayers, showing up in the right places, giving to be seen, and quoting Scriptures by which they refused to live.

The last verses of Malachi predicted the coming of John the Baptist, another great prophet— an “Elijah” who would preach repentance in preparation for a coming day of the Lord (see Malachi 4:5-6). John was called from the womb for his role in preparing the way and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. He had no earthly mentor or example; John remained bold and focused in his ministry. Many followers were drawn to follow John and were baptized for repentance of sin. While John nurtured the faith of many, he was clear concerning his calling and the scope of his ministry work. A man of noted humility, John never strived to compare or compete with Jesus’ ministry.

(Choose from the items below.)

1. John prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. Share about a time when you had made preparations for someone’s arrival.
2. What can we determine from those who completely refuse to make any preparation or accommodation for the arrival of an important person (guest or family member)?
3. What does the level of preparation and sacrifice one is willing to make say about one’s attitude?

As believers, we should humbly acknowledge that we usually fall short of God’s holy standards for our lives. The Bible is clear: all miss the mark (see Romans 3:23). Rather than harboring a “holier than thou” mindset, we should quickly address the presence of sin in our hearts and freely repent of the things that displease God. The things that displease God should convict our hearts and make us uncomfortable. True disciples of Jesus Christ know that having good intentions and being “better than the next guy” isn’t good enough. God calls every believer to a daily relationship with Him—a relationship that is evidenced by a commitment to obeying God’s Word. Christians tend to reject preaching that promotes a moral spiritual accountability. But those who truly love God have a deep desire to live according to God’s standards.

Christian baptism is a public sign of personal commitment to Christ, not merely a meaningless religious ritual. God calls every believer to participate in this very sacred act as a solemn repentance of past behaviors and desire to live for Jesus. Helping others to be ready to receive Jesus must always begin with preparing our own hearts to live with honesty, holiness, and humility before God. Those who want to share Christ with the world must be sure that there is no blatant contradiction or compromise in them that would turn others away. God has no use for unclean vessels that are not fully committed to serving Him.

ADDITIONAL EXPOSITORY INSIGHTS FOR THE TEACHER

Matthew 3:1-4

KJV

1  IN THOSE days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

4  And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

NIV

1  IN THOSE days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2  and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

3  This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

4  John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus. All four Gospels describe some aspect of John’s preparatory ministry. Luke goes a step further by explaining the circumstances of John’s remarkable birth to barren aged couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth (see Luke 1:5-25, 57-80). John the Baptist, as John was known, ministered near the Jordan River in the northern part of the wilderness of Judea, a barren wasteland extending along the west shore of the Dead Sea. The area is mostly uninhabited, arid, and hot.

John’s ministry focused on reconciliation and repentance. The word repent means “to turn” or “to change the mind,” implying more than a mere change of mind or opinion. As a religious term, repentance involves a complete change of attitude regarding sin and God, accompanied by a sense of sorrow and an appropriate action—that is, a change in lifestyle or behavior that testifies or gives witness to the professed change of heart and mind. The “kingdom of heaven” reference is found in Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14, 27, and refers to God’s promise of a messianic kingdom, ruled by Jesus. Many Jews missed knowing Jesus as the Messiah because they misunderstood His mission. Jesus did not come to possess an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one—His kingdom is based on spiritual principles and requires a genuine relationship with God (hence the need for repentance). The phrase used for “at hand” is literally translated as “has come near” or “is here.” John’s message was simple: the wait was over—believers must prepare to receive the Messiah.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

What can individual believers do to clear a path that helps others to see Jesus?

• Young Adult Questions:

If you were responsible for presenting Jesus as a speaker at your church, how would you introduce him?

Matthew 3:5-8

KJV

5  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

6  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.

NIV

5  People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.

6  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8  “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

John’s preaching captured the mood of expectancy that gripped the hearts of those who felt frustrated by the oppression of Roman rule. John’s promise of a soon-coming Messiah stirred a spirit of excitement in many. The people’s enthusiastic support of John’s message and eagerness to confess, repent, and be baptized quickly garnered the attention of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They decided to investigate and see the one who had moved the people so greatly. John was not ministering in the high city, Jerusalem, but, according to prophecy (see Isaiah 40:3), in the wilderness—the lowly, remote area near the Jordan River. The baptism of the people signified their acceptance of John’s message. Baptism, however, was not new to the people. Jews practiced baptism when making proselytes (new converts) and for remedial and purifying purposes. While baptism was not new or unfamiliar, its use and application as a sign of personal repentance was a new spin on an old religious tradition, one the religious leaders challenged. The Pharisees were the most prominent religious figures in ancient Jewish society. They claimed to be guardians of the Mosaic Law and adhered rigidly to the religious traditions and worship practices. The Sadducees were a party of politically powerful religious rationalists who denied the concept of eternal life after death. When they came to investigate John, he called them out, challenging them to show proof of their repentance, changed lives, and holiness.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

How can we make the holy right of baptism more meaningful in the lives of Christians? Is it even necessary to emphasize that as important?

• Young Adult Questions:

Many Christians do not want to be called out for actions and attitudes that are displeasing to God. Discuss how would John’s message be received in your church.

Matthew 3:9-12

KJV

9  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

10  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

NIV

9 “And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

10  “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11  “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

12  “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

John preached that one’s religious heritage would not affect them or spare them from divine judgment. Specifically, being among God’s chosen people who claim Abraham as their father would not ensure their sidestepping the fire to come (the judgment of God). Some suggest that John might have been referring to Isaiah 51:1-2 when he mentioned raising children from stones, or perhaps making a direct reference to God’s creation of Adam. John explained that the woodsman (God, the righteous judge) was arriving, and time for repentance was running out. John further acknowledges that his work would be directly followed by the ministry of the Messiah, whose future work would include the Holy Ghost and fire, a possible reference to either the Day of Pentecost or the final judgment of the world. A steady analysis of the verse indicates that the baptism of the Holy Ghost deals with Christ’s saving of believers (wheat), while the fire describes judgment upon the wicked (chaff). John, as a prophet of the Lord, could only draw from what the Lord had spoken directly to him and what he had learned from the ancient texts. Some assert that John could have been referring to the first and second comings of Christ rather than the working of the Holy Spirit during the period of the church, when we await the return of Jesus. The fan in hand could very well be a reference to a wooden shovel used for tossing grain against the wind after threshing. The lighter chaff would be blown away, leaving the far more valuable grain to settle in a pile for gathering.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

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

• Adult Question:

What is the church doing to engage and prepare the world for God’s final return and judgment? What are you doing personally?

• Young Adult Questions:

Why do you think people are so resistant to messages that confront sin and call for repentance?

• Refer to Adult Book

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

— This week, pray to God for a glimpse of those things that may be lacking in your own spiritual life—things that may hinder your walk and Christian witness. This is the last lesson for the year. Now is a good time to make a new commitment to serve God with your whole heart. Give your all to Him.

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

— After taking time to pray, make a list of ways that you can begin to make a difference for God in your own circles of influence. Someone is waiting for your witness. Are you ready? Are you willing?

• Refer to Young Adult Book

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

— Many say they do not need Jesus because being “a good person” is good enough. The Gospel is clear: every living soul will face the judgment of God and give an account to Him for their sins; therefore, everyone needs to repent. What are the sins that cause you to struggle? Repent quickly and then affirm that your repentance is sincere by your deeds and actions.

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

— In your corner of the world, may you be inspired to continue the mission of being a witness for Christ among your associates, friends, and family by encouraging other young adults to take their spiritual commitment more seriously or to accept Christ as the Lord of their lives.

The lesson topic for Sunday, January 3, 2021, is “An Amazing Ministry.” The Devotional Reading is Deuteronomy 8:1-11, the Background Scripture is Luke 4, and the Printed Text is Luke 4:14-22a.

Lord, we pray for a fresh revival in our nation and communities. Let Your Holy Spirit draw lost and repentant souls. Allow us to be Your vessels, ready to serve You and lift Your name. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(December 28, 2020-January 3, 2021)

Monday, December 28: “Live by God’s Word” (Deuteronomy 8:1-11)
Tuesday, December 29: “Jubilee—The Year of God’s Favor” (Leviticus 25:8-17)
Wednesday, December 30: “The Miracle of the Meal and Oil” (1 Kings 17:8-16)
Thursday, December 31: “Naaman’s Leprosy Is Healed in the Jordan River” (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Friday, January 1: “Jesus Overcomes the Devil’s Temptations” (Luke 4:1-13)
Saturday, January 2: “Jesus Is Driven Out of Nazareth” (Luke 4:23-30)
Sunday, January 3: “Jesus’ Mandate for Ministry Is Announced” (Luke 4:14-22)