bsf lesson 16 day 3 Archives - AtoZMom's BSF Blog (2024)

SUMMARY OF JOHN 12:12-22

Jesus enters Jerusalem as prophesied on the back of a donkey with the crowd waving palm branches. They shouted “Hosanna,” which means “Save.” Many came to greet him, especially those who were there when Lazarus was raised from the dead. This angered the Pharisees. Some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, too.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

7a) Zechariah 9:9 predicted the king would come lowly riding on a donkey. Psalm 118:25-26 has the people shouting the same words for Jesus: “Lord, save us!Lord, grant us success!Blessed is he who comesin the name of theLord.From the house of theLord we bless you.”

b) They expected Jesus to save them, but from their oppressors, the Romans, not spiritually.

c) I have full faith in God and Jesus and fulfilled prophecy only strengthens my faith. It also adds to my understanding of Scripture, God, and His ways, so I can draw nearer to Him.

8 ) the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead. Other people who had heard about Jesus’ raising of Lazarus. The Pharisees were there, too. The Greeks. The crowds probably wanted Jesus to save them. The Pharisees were plotting his death. The Greeks probably wanted to learn more about Jesus and from Jesus.

9) He’s the center and the leader. It’s all about him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

Love this scene of our Lord and Savior and how humble he is. It’s about the message of the Gospel here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 16, Day 3: John 12:12-22

There are many Jews gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover, as well as their required sacrificial lambs. Many were from Galilee.

Palm branches symbolized the Jewish people. The people saw him as their national savior.

They wanted Jesus to save them (Hosanna).

A donkey was an animal of peace, not a war animal like a horse.

Jesus had become insanely popular after the raising of Lazarus. Many believed now he is the promised Messiah.

Philip’s name is Greek, so they came to him asking to see Jesus so that they could learn more about him. We do not know if these Greeks were converts or not. However, the Greeks represented the entire Gentile world.

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SUMMARY OF 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38

Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. TheLord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham his son succeeded him as king. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did what was rightin the eyes of theLord. He did not do what was rightin the eyes of theLordhis God

2 Kings 16

Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. He reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. He did not do what was rightin the eyes of theLord his God. Ahaz asked for help from Assyria rather than God.

2 Chronicles 26-28

Uzziah succeeded his father Amaziah as king in Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of theLord. But after Uzziah became powerful, his prideled to his downfall.He was unfaithfulto theLord his God. The Lord afflicted him with leprosy, and he lived in a separate house.

Jotham reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years.. He did what was right in the eyes of theLord. Jotham grew powerfulbecause he walked steadfastly before theLordhis God.

Ahaz reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore theLord his God delivered him into the hands of the king of Aram.

King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria for help. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyriacame to him, but he gave him troubleinstead of help. In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithfulto theLord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

6) Idol worship infiltrated Judah in several ways. First, the Israelites intermixed with the surrounding kingdoms, adopting their ways and gods. Next, Israel would partner with pagan nations for help, rather than with God. And, the kings would worship idols, so the people followed suit.

7a) He made idols for worshiping the Baals.He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnomand sacrificed his childrenin the fire, engaging in the detestablepractices of the nations theLordhad driven out before the Israelites.He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. He asked for help from the king of Assyria. He constructed pagan altars and made offerings on them.

b) It’s easy to keep on sinning once you’ve entered sin. The best solution is to pray to resist sin or to turn away and repent as soon as you realize it. Don’t let the lies and sins compound.

8 ) God is in control, and we find hope in Him and His ways, not the ways of the world.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose.

Romans 13:1-2: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares theLord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

It’s easy to see how infectious sin can be and how it can completely destroy lives. We must always be on guard against this.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 3: 2 Kings 15:1-7, 32-38; 16; 2 Chronicles 26-28

Azariah (also called Uzziahin2 Kings 15:13 and other places in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah) was good in the eyes of the Lord. He was a strong king and a builder. He built up the army, too. He left the foreign altars and was struck by God with leprosy for burning incense in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:16). Kings were to be separate from the priests.

Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father had who influenced him. He improved the towns with building projects.

God began to send countries against Judah as a test.

2 Chronicles 26-28 covers the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, and Ahaz. Ahaz did evil, rejected God, and chose idol worship. Many Judeans were captured by Syria and carried away. Many died. Ahaz turns to Assyria for help instead of turning to the Lord. Isaiah the prophet was preaching during the reign of Ahaz. God preserved a remnant and did not allow the Syrians to destroy all of Judah so the Messianic prophecy would be fulfilled.

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SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 15:10-20

Jesus teaches the crowds that food does not make him unclean, but words that come out do. The disciples ask Jesus if he knew that he offended the Pharisees. Jesus says the Pharisees are blind, and the blind leading the blind will fall into a pit. Peter asks Jesus to explain the parable, and Jesus asks them why they are so dull. He says that the things that come out of the mouth are from the heart, which determines if he is unclean. The heart harbors evil thoughts, and unwashed hands don’t make him unclean.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

6) Words are what make a man unclean, not washing his hands, because it shows his heart.

7a) About offending the Pharisees

b) Jesus says the Pharisees are blind, and the blind leading the blind will fall into a pit. He is unconcerned about them.

8a) He says that the things that come out of the mouth are from the heart, which determines if he is unclean. The heart harbors evil thoughts, and unwashed hands don’t make him unclean.

b) Showing up to church, participating in charity activities, doing Godly things for others, praying in public, etc.

c) Your words matter, and it shows your heart. God only cares about your heart, not what you look like or do on the outside.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

Great lesson about how God wants your heart, not your rituals.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 16, Day 3: Matthew 15:10-20

Jesus did have the advantage knowing that all food would be considered clean for eating in the New Covenant. The Jewish people have lived for centuries under the Old Testament that had strict laws about food being clean.

The disciples are concerned that Jesus offended the Pharisees; Jesus is not, and some Bible scholars say he intended to offend them. Jesus explains that since the commandments of the Pharisess are not God’s laws, they won’t stand the test of time and will be uprooted. God’s Word is to be our root.

Make sure your leaders are not blind. It is all possible that the Pharisees themselves did not understand the Scriptures.

Jesus explains what matters is if we are unclean on the inside, not the outside. Evil comes from our nature. Words can and do hurt others; what you eat and drink only hurts yourself.

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Summary of Genesis 25:19-26:

Isaac was forty when he married Rebekah. Isaac prayed when he discovered Rebekah was barren and God granted her twins. The Lord told her she carried two nations, one will be stronger and the older will serve the younger. Esau was the first born (his name may mean hairy. He was also called Edom which means red for he was red-headed). The second born was Jacob who came out clasping Esau’s heel (his name means he grasps the heel or he deceives). Isaac was 60 years old at their birth.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 3: Genesis 25:19-26

6) Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife. The Lord answered. Rebekah inquired of the Lord as well about why her pregnancy was so difficult. The Lord answered her. Both went to God for answers and did not make assumptions. Both continually seek God.

7) Personal Question. My answer: I believe I’m right where God puts me every time. I am waiting on Him to move, and I follow. This has been the story of my life since I was little. He doesn’t necessarily speak, but I take one day at a time to what He brings me.

8 ) “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 3: Genesis 25:19-26

It seems that Isaac and Rebekah have a very strong marriage (at least at this point) that points toward God. Great example of going to God with all of your questions. I love how Isaac prays for his wife. Great, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 16, Day 3: Genesis 25:19-26

Note that nothing comes easy, even to the chosen ones. Isaac and Rebekah had to wait as well for children. This should be encouragement for all couples waiting on a baby. Note too they did not use a suroagate as Abraham did

Esau and Jacob will be Isaac and Rebekah’s only children. Two nations will come from them. Edom from Esau and Israel from Jacob.

Note how God can do anything He wants, including go against tradition and choose the second-born, Jacob, as His chosen one. Paul notes God’s sovereignty as well. Romans 9:10-13,

Note that God’s choices are not haphazard or random; everything God does is with purpose and has a plan. We just can’t see it. It is our job to trust, God’s to orchestrate.

The detail of Jacob being born holding on to Esau’s heel should not be lost on us. It actually was not a compliment back in ancient times and actually had a connotation of trickster, which as most of us know, Jacob is when he receives the blessing over Esau as we’ll see coming up. We must remember that no word in the Bible is wasted.

Summary of passage: After visiting Abraham at his tent and partaking of food and water, the men get up to leave. Abraham walked with them aways. The Lord wonders if He should hide from Abraham what He is about to do–namely destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. For Abraham will become a great and powerful nation and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For He has chosen Abraham to keep the way of the Lord.

The Lord said the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that He himself will verify it.

So the men (other two presumably angels) went towards Sodom while the Lord remained next to Abraham.

Abraham challenges God repeatedly not to wipe away the righteous with the unrighteous, reminding God that He should only judge the wicked and not lump the righteous in with the same judgment as the wicked. [Abraham’s got some guts here.]

The Lord says He will spare the city if He can find 50 righteous people. But the Lord cannot find any.

Abraham does say he is nothing but dust and ashes and repeats how he is unworthy to request such a thing. But Abraham does anyways.

The Lord leaves and Abraham returns home.

Questions:

7) Because Abraham was God’s chosen one (Isaiah and Genesis say). We (humans and Abraham) are God’s friends (Isaiah and John) and are no longer servants. And friends tell each other everything; they have no secrets. God chose man. James tells us “he (Abraham) was called God’s friend.”

Think about this: you are so close to God that you are walking next to Him as Abraham is doing. You are God’s friend and confidant. It would be natural for God to tell you His plans. It’s why God created man in the first place. It’s how God treated Adam in the Garden.

God told Abraham about Sodom because it is what friends would do–share and bond.

8 ) Mark says to consider carefully what you hear. John says the Holy Spirit within will guide us. John 8:47: “He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Consensus seems to be that to hear God we must be God’s. We must have the Holy Spirit within. If you are not a believer, you will not hear God.

9) God punishes the wicked and not the righteous. He provides a way out for the righteous. God listens to the outcries against the accused and then verifies before He judges. God listens to our prayers for the wicked and offers up repentance. God is just; punishment will come to those who do evil.

10a) Lot and his family are spared.

b) To show Abraham that He listens to prayers, that He is fair, and that He answers prayers.

c) No.

d) “The Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” when we do not know what to pray for. For God knows our hearts and our minds and the Spirit intercedes or guides us in accordance with God’s will.

e) Personal Question. My answer: If we do not ask, we do not receive. Abraham asked and asked and asked. He did not give up. For in his heart Abraham loved those people. Same for us. We must ask and ask and ask. For God will answer. (Matthew 7:7-8).

John 15:16: “I chose you..and the Father will give you whatever you ask in my (Jesus’s) name.”

Abraham reminded God of who He was. This is powerful in prayer. And Abraham was specific. We must be as well. General prayers won’t get the job done. Abraham was persistent; he did not give up. He kept negotiating with God. This revealed Abraham’s heart and how he loved those people (and their evil-hearts) so much he begged for their lives.

This is what God wants–to see our heart when we pray. And if our hearts and motives are in sync, then we shall receive.

Conclusions: I love thinking about me as God’s friend. We think of God as a Father and a judge. But He is also our best friend, the one we can confide anything to, the one who only wants the best for us and will do anything to help us.

God chose us to be His friends and to make known to us things–if we obey God and do what He commands (John 15:14).

So I will ask for more and pray more and talk to God more–as a friend and not just as “God–the Almighty and Ruler of the World.” For that is what He desires.

I liked the discussion on hearing God. Many people think they should hear God and when they don’t they get frustrated and turn from Him. It’s not that He’s not speaking; it’s that we are not listening (if we are believers). God won’t speak to you if you don’t know Him.

Asking is key. To receive we must ask. Same with hearing God. Not hearing Him? Ask Him to hear Him. What do you have to lose?