13: Christ in the Crucible – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: The greatest point of Biblical truth is that our sin and suffering were taken upon Jesus. That Christianity is the religion of love and grace that gives us free will.
September 24, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Luke 2:7,22-24..

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What kind of life did Jesus face from the start?
Personal Application: How sensitive are you to the sins that exist all around us? Do they bother you, have you gotten used to them? Or do we say live and let live? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why was a sacrifice necessary for a firstborn son considered holy to the Lord, but not for a girl child or any subsequent sons?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 23:37, Mark 14:34..

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does this tell us about how Christ felt about His rejection?
Personal Application: Have you ever felt the pain of being rejected? How did you cope with that feeling? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why did Jesus feel so sorrowful and rejected? Didn’t He have foreknowledge that His people would turn against Him and allow Him to be crucified? So He should have known and been prepared for what was happening to Him.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 14:33-38.

Ask class members to share a short
What do these texts tell us about Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Personal Application: How can we, in times of difficulty or persecution, submit ourselves to God’s will to be done, even if we don’t like it? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Jesus’ friends and followers were of no comfort and help to Him in His biggest challenge and preparation for it. How important is it for you to have friends, family, or other support when you face big trials or challenges?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 14:20-23.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What do these texts tell us about Christ’s suffering and our suffering?
Personal Application: As a Christian, do you expect much tribulation in entering into God’s kingdom? Or do you expect and wish everything goes smoothly in the kingdom? 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!