Summary lesson quotes from the David C Cook Adult Teacher’s Guide
Week of May 18 through May 23
Something to think about this week: The freedom we enjoy as Christ’s servants
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – John 2:1-11 – A Feast of Finest Wine.
Tue. – Genesis 21:1-8 – Celebrate God’s Blessings.
Wed. – Zechariah 8:1-5 – Playing Children Signal God’s Grace.
Thu. – Colossians 2:16-23 – Release from Human Rules.
Fri. – Matthew 11:7-11, 16-19 – A Time for Feasting and Joy.
Sat. – Jeremiah 31:10-14 – Rejoice and Be Glad.
Next Week: Mark 2:18-28
The Sabbath is a gift from God, designed not as a burden but a delight. Once a week we are invited to rest and enjoy the Creator and His creation. If a Sabbath is already part of your rhythm, write down how you hope to spend it. If Sabbath is not your routine, plan a Sabbath with the Lord of Sabbath.
Lesson 12 – May 24 – Christian Rhythms of Life
Jesus at the Center
Fasting and Sabbath observance are practices that can seem strange and foreign to the modern world. But notice that many people are obsessed with productivity, self-care, time-management, and dieting. We track steps, schedule rest, and follow rules about what we should and should not do with our bodies and our time. While we don’t face the same religious pressures, many of us can relate to the burden of constantly trying to “do it right.” Whether it’s how we eat, rest, or work, the pressure to live by human-imposed rules can feel relentless.
This is what makes Jesus’ teaching in Mark 2:18-28 so striking. He does not dismiss fasting or observing the Sabbath as outdated or irrelevant. Rather, He redefines these practices, centering them on Himself. When questioned about fasting, Jesus reminds the people that His presence invites joyous celebration. The time for fasting and mourning comes when He is absent. When His disciples are criticized for not following Sabbath traditions, Jesus responds by saying that the Sabbath is for people, not vice versa. As Lord of the Sabbath, He has authority to interpret a God-honoring Sabbath routine.
It is easy for people to focus on outward appearances, but Scripture shows that God observes the heart (see 1 Sam. 16:7). Fasting, which is useful in times of intense prayer, expresses dependence on God. Likewise, Sabbath serves as a reminder that God is our provider, giving rest to the weary.
Fasting and Sabbath are not ends in themselves, but they should point us to Jesus. He fulfills our deepest hunger and gives us true rest. He should be at the center of our fasting, prayer, rest, and work. When our lives revolve around Jesus, these practices become life-giving instead of burdensome. Only through Him can we find true rest and fulfillment.
Click to expand – In what ways can people miss the point of fasting and observing the Sabbath today?
One of the easiest ways to miss the point of fasting and Sabbath is to turn them into a rigid system of rules that must be followed. When people focus on outward actions and performance (especially to impress others), they stray from God’s intent. He wants these practices to be a means for people to connect with Him in relationship.Click to expand – How might knowing that the Sabbath was made for people challenge your view of rest?
While it can be tempting to see the Sabbath as a burden, it should be regarded as a gift. God has given it to people for their own good. No one needs to feel guilty for enjoying rest, nor should they feel bad for doing necessary things that help others on the Sabbath.Click to expand – What are some practical ways we can keep Jesus as the center of our lives?
Spending regular time in prayer and Scripture is perhaps the best way to keep Jesus at the center. Fasting is a way we can express dependence on Him, and Sabbath rest can be a wonderful time to enjoy His presence. We can closely examine our daily habits to find ways to include Jesus in our lives.
God,
Thank You for building a day of rest into Your plan for us. In a society that values busyness and productivity, help us to embrace the counter-cultural rhythms of rest and reflection. For those of us who are always on the go, show us how to find the time for Sabbath within our busy schedules. Amen.
Week of May 11 through May 16
Something to think about this week: Economic justice that God wants us to seek in our working lives.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Proverbs 10:1-5,15-16 – Work Diligently Before God.
Tue. – Matthew 20:1-16 – The Workers and Their Wages.
Wed. – Amos 5:6-15 – God Demands Justice for All.
Thu. – James 5:1-11 – Wait Patiently for God’s Justice.
Fri. – Colossians 3:12-17 – Serving with Enthusiasm.
Sat. – Deuteronomy 24:14-21 – Justice for the Worker.
Next Week: Deut. 24:14-21; Eph. 6:5-9; 1 Tim. 6:17-19
Lesson 11 – May 17 – Christian Manner of Justice
Work is important and necessary to provide for ourselves and our families. But God’s followers are to trust in His provision and to live out of that trust, acting justly in all matters. Both Moses (in Deuteronomy) and Paul (in Ephesians and 1 Timothy) emphasize that the powerful and the powerless—who must live and work together—are to respect one another by sharing in the abundance of God’s provision. The benefits of godly justice are meant for everyone, regardless of ability or social standing.
In his parting words to Israel, Moses gives instruction for life in the promised land. God redeemed Israel from slavery in Egypt; He requires their just and generous treatment of the poor and powerless among them: hired workers, foreigners, orphans, and widows.
Holding Wealth Loosely
We talk about how to handle our money when it often feels more like our money handles us. No matter how much or little we have, it never feels like enough to satisfy our desires or allay our fears. And we can’t shake the reality that money correlates with power, and that those who have less are at the mercy of those who have more.
The Bible offers us a way out of money’s grip: to hold our money with an open hand. We can begin to do this with two changes of mindset.
First, we can abandon a scarcity mindset, the voice in our head that tells us, There’s not enough for everyone—you have to fight to get yours. The Bible paints a different picture. God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17). God has not made a world where we must fight for our “piece.” Instead, we share to have peace. There is no certainty or peace in the possession of wealth.
Second, instead of lording our money and power over others (or wishing we could), we can “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” who became a servant (Phil. 2:6-7). Servants have no wealth to be concerned about, and they focus on the needs of others. Regardless of our bank accounts or social standing, we have the one Master and one Lord (Matt. 23:10; Col. 4:1; Eph. 4:5).
Approaching our money and possessions with an abundance and servant mindset, we become as free in our sharing as in our receiving. While we work to provide for ourselves and our families, we can also help those around us who are struggling. There’s no shortage of people needing help. We can make our churches places where the poor and the powerless experience God’s abundance through Christlike generosity. And when we hold money with open hands, we rediscover “life that is truly life” (1 Tim. 6:19)-God’s abundance.
Click to expand – How would the world be different if everyone adopted an “abundance mindset”?
The fact that God owns everything should free us to not hold onto our “stuff” so tightly. Without competition for resources, there would be more cooperation and sharing, less fear and greed. This could likely reduce small-scale acts of petty theft, or even large-scale tragedies like war.Click to expand – How easy or difficult is it for you to see yourself as a servant?
Some people are naturally hardwired to serve. Paul even mentions a spiritual gift of “helping” (i Cor. 12:28). Others of us struggle to see ourselves as servants, especially in a context where freedom is one of the highest ideals.Click to expand – We live in an era of long lifespans, retirement planning, and long-term care. What does it look like to balance responsibility (saving) and generosity (sharing)?
There is no easy answer for this. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. We can reason that, our Lord Jesus will probably set different expectations for different people. There are Christians today and throughout history who have given up saving altogether, accepting lives of poverty, in order to devote themselves entirely to service. For many other Christians, investing and strategic saving is the normal pattern. With that lifestyle of saving, Christians can also show radical generosity. When we know our financial needs are met, we might find even more freedom to bless others.Gracious God, Thank You for the work You give us to do each day. Help us to see our work not only as an occupation but as a mission field. Teach us to be openhanded with all we have been given, and show us how we can bless others as You have so abundantly blessed us. Amen.
Week of May 4 through May 9
Something to think about this week: God’s intention for our working lives
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Genesis 2:4-10,15 – God Ordains Productive Work.
Tue. – Proverbs 16:1-3, 8-9 – Commit Your Work to the Lord.
Wed. – Psalm 8 – Caring for the Work of God’s Hands.
Thu. – Exodus 31:12-17 – The Sabbath Is a Perpetual Covenant.
Fri. – John 5:8-11, 16-17 – Working on the Sabbath.
Sat. – Acts 20:31-35 – Supporting Oneself and Others.
Next Week: Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; 94 Acts 20:33-35;2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
Lesson 10 – May 10 – Work As A Christian Duty
Do you tend to think of work as an imposition or a blessing?
It’s natural for us to seek leisure and to minimize what we think of as “work.” But from a theological standpoint, there has never been a world without a job for humans to do. While we each might take a different path in our working lives—perhaps longing for retirement, when the fruits of our past work can sustain us—many people find alternative habits of work and service, even when they don’t have need for more income. Our work can be a blessing to us, but it can also bless others.
What are some ways that we overvalue our own work and let it define us?
Who among us has not felt the need to define ourselves by our profession and our work? If we have a good job with important responsibilities, perhaps we feel like an important person too. If we are unemployed or underemployed, it can easily cut us to the core and make us feel powerless. Ultimately, work is not what substantiates our value to God. God does not need anything from us, and we can ask God to help us to keep a healthy open-handedness about the way we earn a living.
Where do we see evidence that the work of God is still continuing to this day?
We might see changes that God has wrought among our friends and neighbors. Or perhaps we think of desperate needs remaining in the world. When we see famines, war, and fractured relationships, we also know that God’s world is not yet remade, not yet fully conformed to the image of Christ. Where we see the gaps, we know God is not distant.
Even Paul, the one who first brought the gospel message to Thessalonica, was someone who worked with his hands. Acts 18:4 tells us Paul’s trade was “tentmaker.” That would mean that he worked with various fabrics and textiles, repairing woven fabrics and leather goods. As a former rabbi, Paul would have learned his trade as his means of supporting himself. Jewish rabbis were expected to pair their knowledge of Torah with a secular occupation.
Traveling Preachers and Teachers
Click to expand – What kind of activity and hard work leaves you with joy?
Maybe you are a caregiver, and you can’t get enough warm snuggles from your kids. Maybe you host guests for a meal, and you love making delicious food. Maybe you are a carpenter by trade, and you feel immense satisfaction when you see all the edges of trim line up as they should. However God wired you, there is something in this world that you are created to do. It doesn’t mean you are competing to be the best.Click to expand – When have you been challenged to find meaningful work?
Those of us who have struggled with underemployment or unemployment know how hard it can be to want to work and not be able to find work. Others find a trade that pays the bills, but they keep wanting something more from their work. Take that request to God.Click to expand – In God’s kingdom, what is the kind of responsibility that you have been given?
God created each of us for a purpose, and sometimes it takes years to discern what ministry role we are meant to play. Some people discover that the “retirement” they planned turns out to keep them very busy serving at church, welcoming the stranger, being someone who can be called upon. We can be confident in the future plans that God has for us.Heavenly Father, Although it can be hard to say, thank You for the privilege of having work to do. We see You at work and are grateful to partner with You as we labor on earth. Give us joy and energy throughout our days, and help us to see Your purposes in our work. Amen.
Week of April 27 through May 2
Something to think about this week: Our hesitations to share the gospel.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Jeremiah 29:3-7 – Seek the Welfare of the City.
Tue. – 1 Peter 2:4-12 – God’s Own People.
Wed. – 1 Timothy 2:1-8 – Pray for Those in Authority.
Thu. – Psalm 33:10-22 – God Is Sovereign over the Nations.
Fri. – Philippians 3:17-21 – Our Citizenship Is in Heaven.
Sat. – Jonah 3:1-5 – A Season of National Repentance.
Next Week: Jonah 3:1-5; 4:6-11
Lesson 09 – May 3 – Christian Expectation of Grace
After Jonah spends three days inside a “huge fish” (Jonah 1:17; 2:10), God once again commands him to do the very thing he had tried so hard to avoid: preach to the people of the city of Nineveh. Jonah knew that the Ninevites had opposed and harmed Israel. Jonah didn’t want repentance and mercy—he wanted judgment and destruction. He traveled as far as he could from “the presence of the LORD” (1:3). But of course, God cannot be escaped (Ps. 139:7-10). God would still use this reluctant prophet.
Click to read a summary to the conclusion of the Jonah story
Even though Jonah ran away from God’s command—God sent the great fish to swallow him and bring him back—Jonah has a second opportunity to heed the call. It could be that Jonah is still sitting on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, freshly out of the great fish (gross). Or maybe he first returned to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice, as he promised from the belly of the creature (Jonah 2:9). The text doesn’t say. Whatever the case, God comes to Jonah and repeats the command to preach in Nineveh. In essence, God is giving Jonah a “do-over.” His patience and mercy are on display for Jonah, who had disregarded the message the first time. God has not given up on Jonah, and God has not given up on the residents of Nineveh, despite their sin and heinous treatment of subjected people. When God commands, “Go to the great city of Nineveh,” He does not mention the city’s wickedness again (Jonah :; compare 1:2). That was the part that Jonah could wholeheartedly agree upon! God simply instructs Jonah to “go” and to “proclaim” whatever message that God will supply, at the appropriate time. Sufficiently humbled and compliant after three days inside the fish, Jonah gets up and travels to Nineveh. To be clear though, this journey would take weeks on foot, depending on where he begins. Jonah is now willing to heed God’s direction. Nineveh was not yet the capital of an Assyrian Empire, but it is called simply “a very large city” (Jonah 3:3). It is so large that its metropolitan area takes “three days” for Jonah to traverse. After arriving, Jonah journeys to the heart of the city, proclaiming the message that God has given him: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (v. 4). In a modern context, this sounds strange. We are not in the habit of closely listening to the words of traveling prophets, those proclaiming a message of judgment on the street corner. Assyria and Israel were military enemies. The residents and leaders of Nineveh face the curious sight of a lone, courageous prophet in their midst one whose reputation for accuracy might have preceded him (see 2 Kings 14:25). And they listen to the message. Before Jonah makes it through the entire city, his message has its intended effect. As a result of Jonah’s faithful, but reluctant, preaching, “the Ninevites believed God,” signaling their profound repentance with fasting and other signs of mourning, “from the greatest to the least” (Jonah 3:5). From the king on down, the people repent and ask God’s mercy (see vv. 6-9). When God sees their repentance, He responds in the way that God always responds to a repentant heart: He shows mercy (v. 10).Reflecting God’s Mercy
Through the illustration of a plant and its shade—not to mention by bringing Nineveh to repentance in the previous chapter—God showed Jonah that He is merciful and compassionate toward all people. Jonah needed to display that same mercy, but he preferred retributive justice. God calls Christians today to respond to the grace received through Jesus by showing compassion and mercy to others—even for those who are difficult to love.
Jonah’s example should help us to consider the importance of extending God’s grace to anyone we consider undeserving. God knows their hearts, and ours. While it is better to be at peace with those around us, it is not always possible for us to see justice served or our enemies come to ruin. And this text would suggest it shouldn’t please us when we do.
God calls us to extend the same mercy to others as He has shown toward us. God will bless our efforts, whether those blessings are immediate or not. We are to be merciful because God is merciful (Luke 6:36). God knows our hearts, and He has offered forgiveness before we come to all the right conclusions. Therefore, as those who have been forgiven, we are to forgive in return (Luke 7:47).
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt. 5:7). His brother James is even more blunt: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. . . . Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:12-13). As we obey, God will give us peace in our hearts, and God will judge properly. Whatever anger, grudges, or violations that we cannot surrender—we are only harming ourselves.
Click to expand – How should an awareness of God’s mercy to us help us be merciful to others?
God’s mercy to us should remind us that He desires us to be merciful to everyone—even those we don’t like. As we better appreciate and are humbled by the grace and mercy we have received through Jesus, we should become more willing to extend compassion to others, whether we “naturally” want to do it or not.Click to expand – What does God’s Word reassure us will happen when we are merciful?
The bottom line is, God calls us to be merciful, just as He is merciful (Luke 6:36). As we obey, He will give us peace (Isa. 48:18; John 14:27). We should let God be the final judge—and show mercy however He sees fit.Click to expand – Where do you lack mercy? How would you ask God to address it?
Almost all of us have “cold spots” where we’re bitter, jaded, or unforgiving: the relationship we can’t get over, the sibling who won’t call us back, the person we can’t stand who lives nearby. We should ask God to address those “cold spots,” calling up in our minds the ways that mercy was shown to us. Being humble enough to let God work is often the first step.Grace Available to All
Followers of Jesus are grateful for the gift of grace extended to us, while we were yet sinners. Sometimes it can be hard to want others, especially those who have irritated or wronged us, to have access to that same grace.
Jesus, Thank You that no one is too far gone to be reached by the gospel. You met us in the depths of our own sinfulness and extended Your grace to us, and for that we are eternally grateful. Open our hearts to those in our spheres of influence who don’t yet know You. Reach them with Your truth, and use us if You so desire. Amen.
Week of April 20 through April 25
Something to think about this week: Raising children and honoring family relationships.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Proverbs 24:1-6 – By Wisdom a House Is Built.
Tue. – Luke 2:40-52 – Growing in Divine and Human Favor.
Wed. – Ephesians 5:21-33 – Submit to One Another.
Thu. – Joshua 24:15-21 – Choose Whom You Will Serve.
Fri. – Joshua 24:22-28 – We Will Serve the Lord.
Sat. – Matthew 19:3-9 – An Inseparable Union.
Next Week: Deuteronomy 6:3-9; Matthew 19:3-9
Two Tablets of Exodus 20
When Jesus later summarizes the whole meaning of the Law and Prophets as love of God and love of neighbor (Matt. 22:39-40), some think that He is not only alluding to Leviticus 19:18 but also to a way of reading the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17; Deut. 5:6-21). If the commandments are equally divided into two halves—Exodus 34:1 mentions “two stone tablets”—the first half tells how to worship God (no other gods, no idols, no misuse of God’s name, remember the Sabbath). That is the vertical dimension to love and obedience. In contrast, the second half focuses on relationships with others (honor parents; no murder, adultery, stealing, false testimony, or coveting). This is the horizontal dimension to love and obedience.
It seems Moses knew this, since he instructs the families of Israel to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength and to teach their children to do the same. But how? They were to be cognizant of every action, every moment of the day, taking advantage of all opportunities to teach their children to love God by what they said and did.
God instructs us to live peaceably in a family—if we are called to that life. He also teaches about marriage, divorce, and remaining single. Some people have been married more than once or not at all, some who couldn’t have kids or whose kids don’t speak with them. There needs to be a lot of grace and understanding in studying this lesson. God doesn’t give up on anyone. He loves them. He forgives and can help us rebuild what is broken.
But even when we are alone and without relatives, God created a family we can all join. No matter if we are single, married, with or without children, divorced, widowed—together we make up the family of God. May your class be a place where sacrificial and selfless love is poured out to one another.
Lesson 08 – April 26 – Family: Distinct and Obedient
All of my kids are in sports right now. Different sports, similar times, five days a week. And wow, is it tiring! Sometimes I leave work, and all I get to do is rocket around, from field to field. You might wonder why we put up with all of this hassle (sometimes I wonder myself).
We want to teach our kids that we honor commitments, to ourselves and to a team. It is amazing to watch a team come together, overcome disappointments, find the right strategy, and learn to work as a unit. In a lot of ways, a sports team can show what close relationships should look like at their age (at least with the right coach). My kids love their teams, and they have a connection that goes beyond similar interests.
In all of that running around, I get to spend extra time with each of them. Those short moments on the way home give us an opportunity to talk about serious things, and I try to model a Christian worldview. Sure, sometimes our conversations and prayers are about an upcoming game. But more and more, my kids have been shooting a question right back at me: “How did your day go, Mom?” It’s an open door to share about how I have been struggling or succeeding at reflecting God’s love to coworkers. The best questions always start with Why?
Click to expand – Why are family relationships so meaningful in our lives?
God desires each person to love God and to reflect love outward. Family relationships are often the closest people to us, and thus we want to reflect mercy, forgiveness, and unity. God can use these relationships to shape our perceptions of self.Click to expand – What are your roles in a family, and how does your commitment impact others?
Everyone has a role to play in our family (perhaps the family where we grew up or the family we have today). Perhaps we are a caregiver, the breadwinner, the one who does household finances, or the person who maintains things in the house.Click to expand – Who would you say has shown a Christlike example? It can be a family member or someone unrelated to you.
“Found family” can be just as important as blood relatives. In Scripture, God first calls a single family (Abraham and Sarah) and continues to work through their descendants.Heavenly Father, Thank You for the people You placed in our lives who spoke truths of the faith to us at the critical moments in our spiritual upbringing. Help us to be attentive to the moments You set before us, to do likewise—whether for our children or other young believers. Thank You for the family relationships You’ve placed us in, and help us to live out those relationships in ways that honor You. Amen.
Week of April 13 through April 18
Something to think about this week: Childlike faith.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Psalm 127 – A Heritage from the Lord.
Tue. – Proverbs 2:1-6 – My Child, Be Eager to Learn.
Wed. – Matthew 18:7-14 – Do Not Despise the Little Ones.
Thu. – Colossians 3:20-25 – Obedience Before God.
Fri. – Matthew 21:8-9, 15-17 – Praise from Infants.
Sat. – Proverbs 20:7-12 – Good Deeds of Children.
Next Week: Mark 9:36-37, 42; 10:13-16
Also remind them to “stop and smell the roses,” so to speak, and to see Christ’s work everywhere. We should be filled with wonder at the world He made for us, the relationships He has given us, the deep joy and eternal peace we can experience through faith in Him. There is much excitement, joy and wonder all around us and in us—and there’s not enough time to discover it all. The best part is yet to come: eternity with Christ, forever and ever. Now that is something to get excited about!
Lesson 07 – April 19 – Children: Gift and Model
Welcoming the Children
The disciples argue among themselves as they travel to Capernaum. Once they arrive, Jesus asks, “What were you arguing about on the road?” (Mark 9:33). They are quiet, probably because they are ashamed. They had been debating who would be greatest in Jesus’ kingdom once He took over—perhaps imagining an imminent physical and political kingdom to replace Roman rule.
So Jesus does something to teach them what true greatness looks like: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (v. 35).
He does something strange. He takes a child—a person of the lowest social status in first-century Judean society—and puts the child “among them” (v. 36). Jesus treats the child as one made in God’s image, every bit as worthy of God’s love and respect as the adult disciples.
Here they are, trying to vie for position and leadership. But their teacher puts a child before them. If only they could have some of the best qualities of children: wonder, dependence, enthusiasm, guilelessness. If only they weren’t so concerned about whether a task was beneath them. No task was be too lowly for Jesus—emphasized when He washes their feet (John 13:1-17; compare Mark 10:42-45).
While Jesus embraces the child, He says to His disciples, anyone who welcomes and serves a little one in Jesus’ name welcomes Jesus—and also the Father (Mark 9:37). Those who care for others in Jesus’s name, especially those who cannot care for themselves, are caring for Jesus Himself, and would be rewarded accordingly (Mark 9:41; compare Matt. 25:31-46). Jesus desires generosity toward young and old, regardless of social standing.
Everyone who believes in Jesus is of great value; so much so that anyone who “causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble” will face enormous consequences (Mark 9:42). Just as every good deed is remembered and rewarded, every act with evil intent shall be remembered and repaid. In fact, Jesus declares, it would be better if those who cause one of God’s “little ones” to stumble were to lose their lives. You can see how greatly Jesus wants to protect the tiny faith of a child!
Click to expand – Becoming “Like a Little Child”
Jesus gives us an challenging assignment: we must receive the kingdom like a little child, or we will not receive it at all. We are left with questions—not unlike the questions of Nicodemus in John 3 who wondered about being “born again.” What does it mean to receive the kingdom like a little child? What if we are fully grown and don’t remember what it is like to be a child? Put simply, a child trusts. A child embraces. A child looks at the world as if it were enchanted. A child helps others and asks for help. That’s how we should be with our heavenly Father, who gives “good gifts” when we ask (Matt. 7:11). As adults, many of us struggle with trust, wonder, or receiving help. Many of us choose to work things out on our own, out of pride, fear, or both. But we can unlearn the coping mechanisms we’ve developed as adults in order to learn to trust God again. We can let go of our control. Parents and caregivers appreciate when a child asks for help. We need to trust God with the things that we can’t handle. Of course, there is a difference between childlike faith and merely childish ways. Other parts of Scripture urge adults to welcome the maturity and wisdom that comes with age and experience (1 Cor. 3:1-2; 13:11; Heb. 5:12-14). But we never cease to be God’s children (1 John 3:1). As we walk in the guidance and confidence from the Spirit, we learn the real meaning of trust.Jesus, We love that You want us to experience Your kingdom like a child. Children are amazing! Help us to receive the kingdom with the some kind of excitement and wonder as they do. And like a child who follows a loving parent, help us to follow You with complete trust and without hesitation. Open our eyes to the wonderful work You’re doing around us, perhaps in the lives of little ones. Amen.
Week of April 6 through April 11
Something to think about this week: Role of earthly leaders. Challenge yourself to list one admirable quality in a governmental leader this week, especially someone you don’t support.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Prov. 11:3-6, 8-11, 14 – Wise and Righteous Counsel.
Tue. – Acts 5:26-32 – Our Ultimate Allegiance Is to God.
Wed. – Heb. 13:16-21 – Godly Leaders Will Give an Account.
Thu. – 2 Samuel 23:1-7 – Just Rulers Fear God.
Fri. – Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – The Ways of a Godly King.
Sat. – Mark 12:13-17 – The Things That Belong to God.
Next Week: Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6-8; 1 Peter 2:13-17
A Bible verse that offers wise counsel when discussing politics (or any subject for that matter) is James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Remember that Jesus is king, no matter who wins elections. ultimately, He will be our leader, and we can look forward to the day of His appearing.
Lesson 06 – April 12 – Authority: Belonging to God
Christians around the world turn to Scripture for guidance and encouragement as they follow Jesus in their own political contexts. The earliest believers faced challenges as they tried to live faithfully under Roman domination. Today’s lesson focuses on some of the most explicit statements about how Jesus’ disciples should relate to their governments and societies. These texts from the Gospel of Mark and the letters of Peter and Paul encourage believers to respect political authorities and their laws. Yet they also assume that, where God’s law conflicts with earthly powers, believers will obey God, rather than human beings.
Earthly Authority Is from God
We tend to balk at the word authority. In a world that prizes individualism and autonomy, it feels better to defend freedom. We have freedom to choose our path, our friends, the person we want to marry—almost anything.
Yet within the freedoms that we enjoy, there are limits, right? If we waltz into work on Monday and decide to scream at our boss, there would probably be dramatic consequences. If we allow ourselves to stretch the truth when we do our taxes, exaggerating deductions or fudging the math, we face the prospect of a painful audit. If we choose the wrong company of friends—people who only encourage our worst habits—we might become a gossiping, cruder version of ourself.
I think of the challenging words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24-27. He encourages us to find abundant life, not by clinging to our will and our desires, but through surrender: laying down our lives to find what it means to live. The way of the cross requires surrender.
There is for each of us a chain of duty: first to God and second to earthly authorities. While this probably is less common than in Paul and Peter’s day, an earthly authority who asks us to go against God’s will does not need to be obeyed. But for civil disobedience to be a credible witness, we must follow the other instructions in the same context: submit to earthly authorities, as a habit. It means that we follow the laws of civil government, we respect and honor the role of leaders, and we must seek to use our freedom for good. If we walk this path, we elevate the name of Christ.
Click to expand – What laws do you wish would change?
There are probably any number of ways we would like to change the rules if we were placed in charge. We might like to see fewer taxes, protection of vulnerable people, or leaders who focus on different things. For residents of an elected government, we have powers to advocate for change in a way far beyond what Paul or Peter could have imagined.Click to expand – What are some good examples of civil disobedience (when just following the law would have been unjust)?
We might think of the Civil Rights era in the US, before the prohibition of racial discrimination. There are many names to consider, but Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and James Groppi are all activists who were accused of breaking the law. In parts of the world without religious freedom, it can be against the law for Christians to gather.Click to expand – How do you show your primary allegiance to God?
Perhaps we include God’s will in prayers for our country. We might hold our ability to vote and to lobby our leaders before God, asking for divine wisdom. There may also be ways that we choose to remain distinct from our friends and neighbors, by keeping the call to remain holy in our visible public lives.King Jesus, We acknowledge that You reign over all earthly kingdoms and powers. We praise You that nothing escapes Your watchful eye or powerful arm. Yet we also have rulers and laws that govern us. Give us wisdom to know how to interact with our local and national governments, and the grace to use our voice in ways that honor You and further Your kingdom on earth. Amen.
Week of March 30 through April 4
Something to think about this week: Bodily resurrection.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – John 14:1-4 – Many Dwellings in the Father’s House.
Tue. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – Encouraging Words of Hope.
Wed. – Job 19:23-27 – I Know That My Redeemer Lives.
Thu. – Isaiah 26:12-19 – Awake and Sing for Joy.
Fri. – Psalm 118:15-24 – Give Thanks to the Lord.
Sat. – 1 Corinthians 15:13-20 – Christ Is Risen from the Dead.
Next Week: 1 Corinthians 15:13-20, 51-58
But then, if you decide to get the latest and greatest, you might discover it’s not all that different from the old one. Sure, it might run a little faster while it is new. But after a couple years, the new device will begin to break down too. These promises of “new and improved” only apply to minor changes, and the reality is often disappointing.
Scripture tells us there will come a time when Christians receive their own “new and improved” version of themselves. Paul says, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” as a pattern for us (1 Cor. 15:20). Our bodies will be changed; we will be imperishable not degrading or getting any worse over time. Imagine that day when all the sicknesses people endure are gone forever! This body won’t be like the false promise of a “new and improved” phone. It will never wear out or need to be replaced. It will be exactly as God intends.
What a blessed hope we have through our Savior, Jesus Christ! Praise Him today, and every day, for the victory He secured for us through His death and resurrection. Hallelujah!
Lesson 05 – April 5 – Resurrection: The Future Hope
Glory from the Last Adam
Easter is the center of the Christian calendar. Don’t let stores and businesses fool you into thinking otherwise! (No surprise, but they would prefer your attention revolve around the season of gift-giving.)
Easter Sunday is the realization of thousands of years of God’s promises. Just think of the way that forgiving sins gave offense to Jesus’ contemporaries. They couldn’t yet imagine a person with the authority to cover sin. Thus Jesus seems to have enjoyed flummoxing the same authorities by reversing sin’s effects too—healing and raising people from the dead. How is that for a display of God’s power?
Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of the times, God’s way of embarrassing and dethroning the forces of evil. Yet unless we witness Christ’s return, we must all face the cold breath of life’s end. Fear and apprehension are only natural.
Those in Christ are not without hope! God has flipped the curse of death. If sin and decay come from Adam, then resurrection and glory can be inherited from Jesus (see 1 Cor. 15:49). We don’t have to wallow in fear, worrying that our mortal lives are all we have. Those in Christ look forward to a glorious future with God—without pain, arthritis, or allergies. You probably have your own short list of everything going wrong with your physical body. But in the resurrection, everything that tends to go wrong will tend to do the opposite. It’s not a fantasy or a cheap parlor trick; it is simply the power of the Creator, our Lord, renewing all things.
Click to expand – What is on your short list of things you long to see renewed in your body or in the body of a loved one?
Any number of disabilities, diseases, or weaknesses could stand out as needing God’s new life. We have only to look at the healing ministry of Jesus to see how people react when they receive a temporary reprieve (even though their bodies were not changed in the way we anticipate for the future). We can comfort one another with this surpassing hope that all shall be well in our resurrection bodies.Click to expand – Which would you prefer: living to see Jesus return or living a full life in hope of resurrection?
Many of us are curious and eager to see the dawn of the new age, at the blowing of the last trumpet. One of the central joys of resurrection is the certainty that we will see that day, whether we live or die. No one will feel deprived or cheated by life when the end comes.Click to expand – What promise of Jesus gives you strength?
Perhaps we cling to the knowledge that our prayers are heard and that Jesus knows our weaknesses. We don’t serve a God who is aloof and unaware of what it means to live in a body subject to pain. Or perhaps you cling to the promise of immediate life with God, when your time on earth comes to an end. In John’s Gospel, Jesus describes his preparation of a new home for us. John 14:1-4 ERV 14 Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”Everything in our world has a lifespan, and the reality of a finite limit is sobering. That’s why contemplating resurrection life is such a hopeful exercise for believers. The invitation for the week ahead is to bring resurrection joy into your prayer time, giving voice to the victory that Christ has won.
Jesus, It’s hard for us to imagine an eternal life that is free from the pains of this world. We praise You today for defeating death and all of its effects. We eagerly anticipate joining You in Your resurrection one day. Thank You for the incredible gift of resurrection life with You. Amen.
Week of March 23 through March 28
Something to think about this week: Paul’s creative strategy of preaching peace
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – John 18:28-38 – A Kingdom Not of This World.
Tue. – Numbers 6:22-26 – The Lord’s Peace.
Wed. – Psalm 46 – God Is Exalted Among the Nations.
Thu. – Amos 9:7-12 – God Guides the Destiny of the Nations
Fri. – Revelation 21:21-27 – Glory and Honor of the Nations.
Sat. – Isaiah 2:1-5 – The Nations Shall Gather to God.
Next Week: Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 17:26-28
Time marches on, and those once-innocent babes are now coming into their own as little humans. They are learning to navigate a world filled with discontent, discouragement, and distrust. I could think to myself, They are just facing reality, which is sharper than they could have known as youngsters. Then I feel the Spirit of God catching me, forcing me to wonder whether a child’s innocent ideal of peace might resemble God’s design.
It isn’t a crazy idea to think that children have something to teach us. Instead of seeking power or money, children want to enjoy company together—to be at peace with one another. Observing children can draw us back to the fundamentals of what it means to have safety with the heavenly Father. I tend to think that some of God’s designs are so simple that adults have the hardest time. God invites us to a kingdom of peace. God is the only one who can make it a reality.
Lesson 04 – March 29 – Waiting for God’s Peace
In a world where war is in the news, the question on everyone’s mind is, When will there be peace? There’s war against nations, war against political parties, war in our churches, war in our families, and perhaps even in our homes. How long until there is peace? Take a moment and reflect on where you long for peace in your life. Where in your own heart are you longing for the unity of every “nation, tribe, people, and language” (Rev. 7:9)?
The promise of Revelation 7:9-10 is that one day we will all behold this beauty as we worship together. Peace. It is coming, but the church still has a role to play, in the power of the Holy Spirit. The gospel must go forth; the news of God’s kingdom must be shared!
I Look at Paul’s preaching to the Greek audience in Acts 17. He uses the words of philosophers and the image of an altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD,” and he speaks in a way that his audience will understand and appreciate (Acts 17:23).
Jesus will bring an end to the wars that surround us, and He will do it through you and me and through the preaching of the gospel. This week perhaps we could reflect on Paul’s approach: What “languages” might we need to speak, as we spread the gospel of Jesus? What do we need to communicate in this day and age?
Click to expand – What is God’s desire for people of all nations?
God desires that all people seek Him, turning away from false gods and wayward ideas, recognizing Him as the true God—the one who has set boundaries on all.Click to expand – Given that God is always near, what keeps some people from finding Him?
We hear the noise of competing ideas, or the distraction of entertainment and endless information. Some people have cultural experience that obscures truths about God. Frankly, some people have no interest in seeking the one God or in submitting to His ways.Click to expand – What can we learn from Paul’s strategy of quoting sources familiar to the Athenians?
Paul’s seizes on the idea that all truth is God’s truth. It is possible to proclaim the gospel by using sources familiar to any audience. For example, a popular movie or song might reflect a common human longing for contentment or peace. A Christian who shares the good news today can validate that longing, explaining that it points to God and can only be satisfied in relationship with Jesus.Lord God, We look around our world and are heartbroken over the way people fight one another. You are the God of peace. Not only have you made peace between us and You through the blood of Your Son, but You are establishing a kingdom of peace that we will enjoy with You forever. We can’t wait for that day! But until then, help us to be peacemakers in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. Amen.
Week of March 16 through March 21
Something to think about this week: We are equal in God’s sight.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – 1 Samuel 18:1-5 – Souls Bound Together.
Tue. – 1 John 4:7-16 – Abide in God’s Love.
Wed. – 1 John 4:17-21 – Loving God and Each Other.
Thu. – Isaiah 56:3-8 – All Peoples Will Worship God.
Fri. – Psalm 133-134 – Living Together in Unity.
Sat. – Galatians 3:25-29 – Children of God Through Faith.
Next Week: Acts 10:9-15,30-35; Galatians 3:28-29
Lesson 03 – March 22 – Welcoming Others In Christ
The Spirit Leads
Peter’s encounter with Cornelius marks a powerful turning point in history. It is not only a story of one group of Gentiles receiving the gospel. It is a revelation of the heart of God, a revelation that God’s kingdom includes people from all backgrounds and contexts. For Peter—a devout Jew shaped by cultural memory and prejudice—a vision on the rooftop prepared him to change his assumptions about who is acceptable to God. God was expanding the new covenant to people without regard to whether they were Jews or Gentiles.
God had actually been preparing this moment for generations. From the promise to Abraham, to the words of the prophets, to Jesus’ ministry among outsiders, we see evidence of God’s intention all along. The same Spirit who came in power upon the Jewish believers at Pentecost was now filling Gentiles—even a Roman centurion, whose rank is a symbol of imperial power.
The fact that Peter could recognize Cornelius as a full member of God’s family speaks to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit—not only in Cornelius’s life, but also in Peter’s. Peter began to see others the way God does, as beloved by God and invited into the family without reservation. This truth is echoed in Paul’s bold declaration in Galatians 3:28. The limitless reach of the gospel levels human division. In Christ, our ethnicity, gender, or status does not determine power or significance any more than the size of our bank account or social media following.
The Spirit is still preparing us, forming one new people—beloved and equal in God’s eyes. We are all commanded to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, declaring the gospel to our enemies and setting aside worldly evaluations of one another.
Always the Plan – click to expand
From the beginning, God’s redemptive plan has extended to every nation, not only Israel. His covenant with Abraham promised “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3). The Old Testament offers glimpses of this welcoming outsiders like Rahab and Ruth and proclaiming through Isaiah that “foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord . . . will be accepted” (Isa. 56:6-7). The prophet Joel foresaw a day when God would pour out His Spirit on “all people, Sons and daughters, old and young, even servants” (Joel 2:28-29). Jesus anticipated this inclusion. He praised the faith of Gentiles, spoke with women as disciples, and declared, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen . . . and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Jesus lived in the reality of the kingdom. The boundaries of the early church’s worldview explode when the Spirit is poured out on Cornelius, a Roman centurion. What was foreshadowed in Scripture and in Jesus’ actions becomes reality for the church: God shows no favoritism, and His desire is to draw all people to Himself. In Christ, all are equal, beloved, and empowered members of one Spirit-filled family.Father, We know that You loved the world so much that You sent Your Son to save us. We’re grateful that You didn’t bring salvation for only one group of people. We ourselves are among those who benefit from Your worldwide gift of grace! Give us Your heart for the nations, that all people would hear and receive the good news that Jesus saves. Amen.
Week of March 9 through March 14
Something to think about this week: Living “openhanded” to the needs of others.
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Psalm 12 – God Will Defend the Needy.
Tue. – Luke 12:13-21, 33-34 – DO Not Be Afraid to Give.
Wed. – Leviticus 19:11-18 – Treat the Neighbor with Justice.
Thu. – James 2:8-13 – The Royal Law of Love.
Fri. – Luke 10:25-37 – Everyone Is Our Neighbor.
Sat. – Deuteronomy 15:4-11 – Compassion for Those in Need.
Next Week: Deuteronomy 15:4-11; Matthew 25:42-45
The invitation for this week asks everyone to consider the needs of the community. There are ways of supporting one another that go beyond financial giving, but we never want to limit the ways that God might ask us to serve others. Make this a season where you are openhanded to the people you meet.
Lesson 02 – March 15 – Giving to the Community
What Is Money For?
Think about some things people have used as currency in history: shells, beads, salt, gold, whale teeth, and now even cryptocurrency. At its core, money is a tool to convey value. Unless you are a collector, you value money because of what it promises: freedom, time, esteem, relaxation, and more.
We are always tempted to project value onto the possessors of money, but Jesus reforms our understanding of value. Being rich is not a mark of our worth, just as being poor is not a knock against us. When Jesus tells of a man who enjoys the status of riches, the man loses it all because he is not “rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21). If money is to have value to Jesus’ followers, it is for what they use it to accomplish, who they are able to help, and what glory they bring to God.
We shouldn’t forget that money is a tool. We might have a goal to earn more, but the next goal should be to surrender it for God to use. After all, earthly riches are temporary; they pass from our control when we die. Heavenly treasures last forever: faith, relationships, the love we show (Matt. 6:19-21). More money doesn’t signal spiritual success. But what we do with it is surely relevant.
As individuals, we can’t make ourselves responsible for every need we encounter. But as a community that follows a just God, generosity should be a distinctive act of worship.
Click to expand Discussion Questions
1 Imagine you were given a 150% raise at work. What would you do?An answer to this question will depend upon the individual situation, but it can stretch us to consider. People love to say that they would give a windfall of new money to charity or to helping family, but this might only be what we wish we would do! We should remember Jesus’ words of warning, that it is more difficult to enter the kingdom as a rich person. This is because the more we steward, the more difficult it can be to demonstrate costly generosity.
2 Where have you seen someone valued according to how much money they have?
This question could go either way. It might be that wealthy people who join a community are treated with extra respect and favor, receiving a special seat at the table. Likewise, we might see people without resources who are looked down upon or taken for granted.
3 Has your church community been known for generosity? How?
The community of Christ’s followers is asked to support the needs in their midst. You may have seen churchgoers receive special support during difficult seasons. Churches often come together for young parents, aging elders, and people who are sick. The way that church members support one another (and also outsiders) is a direct witness to the wider world. It is worth celebrating!
Heavenly Father, We want to see the people in our world with Your perspective. Give us Your eyes to see those in need around us. Give us Your compassion for their suffering. Help us to resist the temptation to judge but rather become people of love, empathy, and understanding. Amen.
Week of March 2 through March 7
Something to think about this week: Our habits
Daily Bible Readings
Mon. – Proverbs 12:1-2, 10-14 – Work and Discipline.
Tue. – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – The Temple of the Body.
Wed. – 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 – The Discipline of Right Choices.
Thu. – Psalm 139:1-12 – God Is Always with Me.
Fri. – Psalm 139:13-24 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.
Sat. – 1 Timothy 4:7-12 – The Superior Training in Godliness.
Next Week: Daniel 1:8-17; 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Lesson 01 – March 8 – Watching Our Consumption
Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were taken to Babylon from their home country of Judah. They didn’t ask for this fate. For many years, Judah was weakened and corrupted by inadequate kings. God allowed Babylon to lay siege to Jerusalem and to send many people into exile.
Daniel and his friends are young and capable, which is why they have been chosen for future service in the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar. They would learn the language and customs of Babylon. Over time, their identities are expected to shift and to change, and they receive new Babylonian names to match.
These servants-in-training are fed well, with food and wine from the king’s own table. Their position is meant to help them adapt to new lives, exiled far from their homeland and families. For three years, they would be apprenticed in this role.
But in verse 8, Daniel makes a hard decision: not to “defile himself” with all these fancy things to eat. It could mean several things. Perhaps the food did not fit the requirements of Israel’s covenant agreement. Alternatively, the royal food might have been offered to idols and false gods. Or, perhaps Daniel notices that accepting rich food would signal disloyalty to his people, who were struggling and starving. Whatever the reasons, Daniel wants to remain a faithful servant of the one, true God. By taking a stand, he invites his friends to join his commitment to faithfulness.
Even as a slave in the court of a foreign king, Daniel is treated with respect by the chief official. He lives in such a way that others notice and show “favor and compassion.” But the king’s chief official is concerned that Daniel and his companions will look thin and unhealthy if they eat only vegetables and water.
Thus Daniel devises a test. He and his friends shall eat this restrictive diet for ten days, after which time their appearance can be compared to the rest. If these exiles of Judah remain faithful to God, they expect God to be faithful in return, meeting all of their needs.
The four men pass their self-devised test. At the end of ten days of eating a restrictive diet in the Babylonian court, they appear healthier than all the rest. God’s faithfulness goes beyond preserving their physical health: they receive great “knowledge and understanding.” And Daniel is singled out for his ability to interpret “visions and dreams.”
Because the exiles do not depart from faithful living, God helps them succeed in other things. Like other ancient people, the Babylonians see dreams as powerful messages from the gods. Their people seek to understand dreams through divination, but Daniel has this gift of interpretation from the one, true God. He can use his skill for the success of his new home. But while living in Babylon, he and his friends shall not lose their identity as God’s servants.
Click to expand Discussion Questions
1 What are examples of things that we can consume that are not beneficial for us?We know that junk food is not beneficial and will leave us depleted, rather than filled. But if we are thinking about our diet of entertainment, like the writer of this devotion, we might choose to restrict our use of social media, which is designed to capture more and more of our attention. Even more destructive are habits like drugs, gambling, or viewing pornography—all hazardous to our spiritual health.
2 What can cloud our judgment about what is good?
Most destructive choices are compelling because they promise something good. Social media can promise attention and connection to others, but it overwhelms users with negative thoughts and provocative stories. We are clouded by the pressure to conform and to go along with what seems good to others.
3 How might you choose to live in the world, without compromising your values?
Christians have always been challenged to answer this. Like Daniel and his friends, we don’t have the option to “opt out” and not participate in our culture. God has placed us in a particular set of circumstances, and we honor that call by abiding with Him. But when we are uncertain of where to draw the line, we should bring it to God in prayer.
Evaluating Our Consumption
In an imperfect world, there are any number of ways that our habits of consumption might not be surrendered to God. By paying attention to our habits, we can honor Him in our daily living.
Jesus, We want to live our lives in ways that honor You. Reveal to us the areas where our habits are out of line with Your character. Give us courage and perseverance to make the adjustments that are necessary. Thank You that when we backslide, Your amazing grace covers us and draws us back to what is true and nourishing. We love you. Amen.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 