1: Making Sense of History: Zerubbabel and Ezra – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, we should look to the church as an organized community of believers. By working in a community of faith, we can bless those around us.
October 5, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 9:2, Ezra 4:1-7.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
In what ways have you had God stir you to do something?
Personal Application: How many times have you found things in the Bible that puzzle you? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why didn’t the Jews let the people of the land help them build if they worshipped the same God?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:6-10.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What do these texts tell us about Ezra?
Personal Application: How do we seek the Lord in our lives? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What was Ezra doing with the people that caused them to want to go with him to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and city??” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:11-20

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What were the components of the king’s decree?
Personal Application: How can we learn to trust God’s leadership over the world even among so much pain and suffering? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why was Artaxerxes so willing to let Ezra and the Israelites not only leave his kingdom to go back to Jerusalem, but also to give them silver, gold, materials, soldier protection, and letters of passage through other countries?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:25,26.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
How did the king know about the God of Israel?
Personal Application: Who teaches Biblical doctrine and truth in your church? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!