9: Mission to the Powerful – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: God is as concerned about the salvation of the rich and powerful as He is for the week and needy. God has used people who were rich or powerful to be a blessing to others.
December 2, 2023

A. Have a volunteer read 2 Kings 5:1-19.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
Why would Naaman want soil from Israel to worship the true God?
Personal Application: How does this show us we should not push people too quickly, especially those from a non-Christian background? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How can we reach the rich and powerful in our society? Do they have needs and challenges that need to be met?” How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read John 3:1-8.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does this story reveal about Nicodemus’ spiritual needs and how Jesus addressed them?
Personal Application: Is having a knowledge of the Bible and the true teachings of Christ enough to save us? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Did the Israelites know anything about baptism as a symbol of being born again and did they know anything about being filled with the Spirit? Were these common concepts for the Jews?” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read Matthew 19:16-22.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What lessons can we learn from this story of the rich young ruler?
Personal Application: What “things” besides riches do we hold in high esteem that would be hard to give up in our lives if Christ asked us to? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What does it mean that the deceitfulness of riches choke the word? Why do we not have to be rich to be deceived by riches?” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read Matthew 27:57-60.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does this story tell us about how the Lord used a rich man who had been influenced by Jesus?
Personal Application: How do we break down the gap between rich and poor to be able to reach those with wealth? 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).