Was Jesus' predicted in the Old Testament to walk upon the earth?

VERSE:

Job 19:25 (New International Version)

25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

LESSON:

Was Jesus' predicted in the Old Testament to walk upon the earth?

This verse from JOB clearly states that "...my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth...". The Bible has many verses that predicts facts that Jesus fulfilled. You can have faith and trust in a God who fulfills his promises.

Did Jesus act like he was God when he was here on earth?

VERSE:

Philippians 2:5-8 (New International Version)

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

LESSON:

Did Jesus act like he was God when he was here on earth?

Short answer...no. Long answer...Jesus "...did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...". This verse encourages us to emulate Christ's humility and strive to insure that our attitude is humble and that we are being obedient to God's direction for our lives.

What was Jesus' purpose here on earth?

VERSE:

Luke 19:10 (New International Version)

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

LESSON:

What was Jesus' purpose here on earth?

A very short, simple yet profound answer can be found in today's Bible lesson. He ("the son of Man) "...came to seek and to save..." Who did he come to save? Any of us who can be classified as "...what was lost..." Yes...Jesus came to seek and to save...you and me!!!

What does Jesus do on our behalf?

VERSE:

Hebrews 7:25 (New International Version)

25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

LESSON:

What does Jesus do on our behalf?

This verse tells us that Jesus "...lives to intercede for them...", meaning all of us "...who come to God through him...". It further tells us that "...he is able to save completely those who come to God through him...". So, Jesus "saves" those who come to God through him. He will "intercede" for you and for me with God on our behalf.

Now that we know the "Good News" about Jesus...what are we to do with it?

VERSE:

Colossians 1:28 (New International Version)

28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

LESSON:

Now that we know the "Good News" about Jesus...what are we to do with it?

Share it. In fact...this verse tells us that "...We proclaim him...". A much stronger term than simply talking about Jesus to others. After we "...proclaim...", we are then to be "...admonishing and teaching...". Admonishing does mean to offer a "warning", that to ignore/misunderstand the "Good News" of Jesus...can have eternal consequences. For teaching, we will need Biblical "...wisdom...". Let us pray that we will be equipped by God to proclaim, admonish and teach the "Good News" of Jesus in Christian love.

What did Jesus command the Disciples about the arrival of the Holy Spirit?

VERSE:

Acts 1:4-5 (New International Version)

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

LESSON:

What did Jesus command the Disciples about the arrival of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus was with the Disciples for approximately 40 days after he had risen from the dead. On the particular day recorded in this verse, Jesus commanded the Disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to arrive in Jerusalem. He told them that the Holy Spirit was "...the gift my Father Promised, which you have heard me speak about". He told them that they would be "...baptized with the Holy Spirit..." in a way similar to how John the Baptist has baptizing with water. We too should seek the Holy Spirit in our lives...as a Gift from God.

What promises does Jesus make to us about his "Saving Grace"?

VERSE:

John 10:28-30 (New International Version)

28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."

LESSON:

What promises does Jesus make to us about his "Saving Grace"?

This verse tells us that because of Jesus' triumph over death and the tomb, "...I and the Father are one...". Because God has granted Jesus all power on earth and in heaven...he can promise and deliver wonderful things for us. In this verse he promises us a number of things: 1) "...eternal life...", 2) "...they shall never perish...", 3) "...no one can snatch them our of my hand...", 4) "...My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all...", 5) "...no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand...". In summary...Jesus promises that he and God are our protectors and our saviors. We shall never perish...and no one can snatch us out of their protecting hands.

Did Jesus walk the earth in "bodily form" after he arose from the dead?

VERSE:

Luke 24:36-45 (New International Version)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

LESSON:

Did Jesus walk the earth in "bodily form" after he arose from the dead?

This is something to think about. If we say that Jesus "arose from the dead", do we really mean that he had a physical and bodily form? The eyewitnesses in these verses tell us yes. Not only did he look like he was a living breathing human being, but he even ate like one. Some people say that if Jesus was "seen" by the Disciples after his death and burial, then the Disciples probably ONLY thought they saw him. This verse disputes that claim. He showed him his flesh and bones. He showed them his hands and feet. He even asked for something to eat. And ate the fish they gave him. Don't ever doubt what God can do. What is impossible for man...is more than possible for God.

How did we ALL used to be like Adam, and how are we Christians now like Jesus?

VERSE:

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (New International Version)

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

LESSON:

How did we ALL used to be like Adam, and how are we Christians now like Jesus?

This verse reminds us that for all of the past history of humans...ALL humans have had the same future to look forward to some day...that of having to face their own death. How has that changed with Jesus Christ? This verse now gives us the wonderful hope and promise of "...resurrection of the dead..." It boldly promises that "...in Christ all will be made alive...".

What should our response be to Jesus being raised from the dead?

VERSE:

Romans 10:9-10 (New International Version)

9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

LESSON:

What should our response be to Jesus being raised from the dead?

This verse tells us that we should have a few responses. 1) You must "...confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord...", 2) "...believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. The reward for your response will be that "...you will be saved...". This verse further clarifies that 1) "...it is with your heart that you believe and are justified..." and 2) "...with your mouth that you confess and are saved..".

What is the significance of Jesus dying on the cross?

VERSE:

1 Corinthians 1:18 (New International Version)

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

LESSON:

What is the significance of Jesus dying on the cross?

This verse tells us that it depends upon your point of view. For those who are not Christians, and refuse to even consider the truth recorded in the New Testament about Jesus' death and raising from the death..."...the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing...". But to Christians it boldly claims "...but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...". The triumph of Jesus over the cross and the tomb...demonstrates the true "...power of God...".

Where do governing authorities get their authority?

VERSE:

Romans 13:1-2 (New International Version)

Submission to the Authorities

1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

LESSON:

Where do governing authorities get their authority?

In America...some would say..."The Constitution". That would be a correct statement, however, where did the founders of America get their authority to establish the American form of government that they did? This verse should make that quite clear. It says "...for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...". Because of this fact, we are called as Christians to "submit" "...to the governing authorities...." We are also warned that "...he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted...".

Does the Bible say that we are to be good citizens?

VERSE:

Romans 13:6-7 (New International Version)

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

LESSON:

Does the Bible say that we are to be good citizens?

This may be a controversial verse to share on "Tax Day", but it is actually worth sharing on any day. This verse seems to tell us that God either causes or allows governments to exist, and as Christians, we are to "follow the rules" set by those Governments. Unfortunately, taxing is one of those rules. It also makes one statement that Government officials, who claim to be Christians, should pay attention to when it states "...for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing...". God gives Government officials responsibility over us...but they are called to do so as "...God's servants.". We as citizens are called to "...Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor...". Let us do our best today to be good Christian Citizens, and pray that our leaders will begin to act as "...God's servants...".

Why did Jesus ask the same question of Peter three times?

VERSE:

Jesus Reinstates Peter

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.


LESSON:

Why did Jesus ask the same question of Peter three times?

Firstly, remember that on the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter denied Jesus three times. The Bible commentary that I have read concerning this verse tells us a few other things related to this. It tells us that Jesus purposely asked Peter the question three times, to allow Peter to answer that he did Love Jesus three times...reinforcing Peter's acceptance of Jesus..not his previous denial. Secondly, the commentary notes that Jesus used two slightly different word in Greek for the word "Love". The first time he used the word that translates as "agape" or self-sacrificial "Love". A similar way of asking this today would be to say "How far would you go to prove your love for me?", or "What would you give up to prove your love of me?". The final time Jesus asked Peter, he used the word that translates as "Phileo" or "Brotherly Love" or the "Love of a friend". Jesus was asking...are you really my friend? Peter answered each of Jesus' questions with the same answer, "yes"...but consistently used the work translated as "Phileo". Peter was consistent in accepting Christ...three times...without wavering. Jesus request of Peter, to demonstrate his love for Jesus...was to "Feed my lambs.", "Take care of my sheep.", "Feed my sheep". Jesus was telling Peter that he must demonstrate his claim of Love for Jesus...by doing for others, as Jesus commanded him.

For whom did Jesus come to earth to redeem?

VERSE:

Romans 3:23-24 (New International Version)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

LESSON:

For whom did Jesus come to earth to redeem?

All of us. Anyone ever born on this earth. This verse tells us "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". The "Good News" is that we "...are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus".

To whom did Jesus appear first after he had risen from the dead?

VERSE:

Mark 16:9-10 (New International Version)

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.

LESSON:

To whom did Jesus appear first after he had risen from the dead?

Mary of Magdala...or Mary Magdalene.

( Read the Wikipedia article for more details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene )

What does Jesus' death really mean to me personally?

VERSE:

1 Peter 2:24 (New International Version)

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

LESSON:

What does Jesus' death really mean to me personally?

It is very personal. Jesus took our sins with him!!! Because of that...we can live for righteousness and "...by his wounds you have been healed". Sin kills. But, Jesus took away our sin...and healed us of our sins. We must now strive to "...live for righteousness...".

Who did Jesus die for?

VERSE:

Romans 5:6-8 (New International Version)

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

LESSON:

Who did Jesus die for?

Very short lesson today. For you and me ("While we were still sinners, Christ died for US...")

What proofs do we have that Jesus arose from the dead?

VERSE:

Acts 1:3 (New International Version)

3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

LESSON:

What proofs do we have that Jesus arose from the dead?

This verse is only one of many that recount eyewitness testimony from those who saw and heard Jesus after he had risen from the dead. This verse tells us that Jesus "...showed himself..." and "...gave many convincing proofs that he was alive...". He did this for a 40 day period after Easter Sunday. He even "...spoke about the kingdom of God" to those who were witnesses.

Was there a purpose in Jesus' death?

VERSE:

Romans 5:10 (New International Version)

10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

LESSON:

Was there a purpose in Jesus' death?

Yes...there was a "Life and Death" purpose. This verse tells us that "...we were reconciled to him (God) through the death of his Son...". It further tells us that we will be "...saved through his life!". So, our salvation and being reconciled to God was dependent upon Jesus' death on our behalf.

What was the "Good News" from the tomb?

VERSE:

Matthew 28:5-6 (New International Version)

5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

LESSON:

What was the "Good News" from the tomb?

The news was given by an Angel to those who showed fear at the sight of the Angel. It was given to those seeking Jesus. A crucified Jesus. A Jesus no longer of this world. The news from the Angel was that Jesus was not there. Was that "Good News" or was that "Bad News"? It was extremely "Good News". "...he has risen..." was the news that the Angel proclaimed. Even more "Good News". He had risen..."...just as he said...". We can rely upon the words of Jesus...as he has done what he said he would.

What should our response be to Jesus dying on the cross for us?

VERSE:

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (New International Version)

14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.


LESSON:

What should our response be to Jesus dying on the cross for us?

This verse reminds us the Jesus died for us (us individually and all of us together). How should we respond to such love? This verse suggests "...that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again...". We are called to live our lives...as thought we are living it for Jesus. Thus the phrase..."What would Jesus Do?"

Did Jesus know what was facing him in Jerusalem?

VERSE:

Matthew 20:17-19 (New International Version)

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

17 Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

LESSON:

Did Jesus know what was facing him in Jerusalem? This verse plainly tells us yes. In fact, Jesus told his Disciples on numerous occasions exactly what would happen to him, and to them when they arrived in Jerusalem. Can you imagine knowing exactly what your fate would be...and still traveling to that destination rather than turning around and going somewhere else? Can you imagine the amount of faith, strength and love that you would have to muster in order to face such a short and difficult future? Only the Son of God could show us this. In return...we must muster as much faith, strength and love that we can as we go through life!!!

What other Old Testament Verses predicted the events of Easter?

VERSE:

Isaiah 53:5-6 (New International Version)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

LESSON:

What other Old Testament Verses predicted the events of Easter?

This verse actually speaks to at least two predictions concerning Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and his impact on us and the rest of the world. On the one hand it discusses what happened to Jesus on our behalf. It proclaims that our transgressions, iniquities and punishment were assumed by Christ, so that we might have peace and be healed. Secondly, it states that we have all gone astray, turned away from God to seek our own way, but in spite of this...our iniquity was carried by the LORD (Jesus Christ).