His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents DEEP ROOTS BEARING FRUIT went to every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as theyAPRIL–MAY returned,2021 the Boy lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in LESSONS ng the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought to the Him among their ADULTrelatives and STUDENTS acquaintances. 45 So when ustom of they didALFRED not STREET findBAPTIST CHURCH Him, they returned to Jerusalem, Rev. Dr. Howard-John46 Wesley, Senior Pastor the feast. seeking Him. Now so it was that after three43 days When1 they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every year at the CONTENTS

Feast of the 1.THINGS UNSEEN: Passover. 42 AndTHE EVIDENCE OF GOD IN HISTORY ...... 3 when He was 2. EYES OF UNDERSTANDING ...... 8 3. STEPHEN’S WITNESS ...... 14 twelve years 4.PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN : old, they went A PATH TO EVANGELISM ...... 19 5. WHAT ABOUT MOMMA N’EM? up to Jerusalem THE OVERLOOKED DILEMMA OF His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to THE SALVATION OF THE BLACK WOMAN ...... 25 Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom 6. NO OTHER ! ...... 30 years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. 7. ONE IN ...... 35 TONGUES OF FIRE/FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT . . . . .39 . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished 8. When they 9. A FORK IN THE ROAD: the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished RIGHTEOUSNESS OR WICKEDNESS ...... 43 behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as 44 not know it; but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain. Scripture taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Association. Used by permission. All rights the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International V ersion®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 45 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. permission. All rights reserved. 46 Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and1993 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scriptures marked THE VOICE are taken from the THE VOICE (The Voice): Scripture taken from THE VOICE TM. Copyright© they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 2 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 1 wentApril to THINGS UNSEEN: Jerusalem4 THE EVIDENCE OF every2021 year atLesson Story: Luke 24:1–12Old Testament | Reading: Psalm 118:17, 21–24 the GOD IN HISTORY Feast Luke 24:1–12 (KJV) Luke 24:1–12 (NIV) of the Now upon the first day of the week, very early Jesus Has Risen in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, On the first day of the week, very early in the bringing the spices which they had prepared, and morning, the women took the spices they had Passover. certain others with them. prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found 42 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when And sepulchre. they entered, they did not find the body of the 4 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed when the Lord Jesus. like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed the women bowed down with their faces to the He was thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you shining garments: look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek of Man must be delivered over to the hands of ye the living among the dead? sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised 6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he again.’” 8 Then they remembered his words. spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told 7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the 10 It was , Joanna, Mary the mother of third day rise again. James, and the others with them who told this to the 8 And they remembered his words, apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had 10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the happened. mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. ng 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. to the 12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by ustom of themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. the feast. 43 When3 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every What is your physical response to the story? year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. AndWhat is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 4 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING readers, through the proclamation of the that Jesus has risen as He promised. went to In 1987, PBS aired a 14-part documentary Luke 24:1-12 brings us into the story at a point chronicling America’s journey with civil of victory, one worthy of great jubilation and rights from 1954 through 1983. The celebration, that comes on the heels of a series of Jerusalem documentary explores countless stories of bitterly painful, anger-inspiring, terrifying, and grief- heinous crimes, unfathomable hate, small inducing moments. Though these moments can be every year hard for us to reflect upon and were much harder to victories, and unshakable faith on the road be experienced at the time, this story is incomplete to racial equality for African Americans without them. at the in the United States. It sheds light on moments of terrible grief, anger, and pain EXAMINING THE STORY Feast along with those of great celebration and jubilation. However, the first eight episodes The Crucifixion of the show leaders, citizens, and allies of the In the previous chapter, Luke 23, we find Jesus being African American community fighting brought before Pilate, governor of , where Passover. what would seem like a losing battle to Jerusalem is located. He had come for Passover, as 42 He had done many times before, but this was to be anyone who did not know how the story His last. He was accused by a multitude, including And would end. elders, chief priests, and scribes, who declared: when Watch the videos related to Eyes on the “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and Prize and see if you can identify one forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a king.” (Luke 23:2, NKJV) He was or more parallels between the journey towards Civil Rights (its victories and After speaking with Jesus, Pilate, who could find no challenges) and the story of the Crucifixion fault with Him, sent Jesus to Herod, tetrarch (Roman and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. governor) of Galilee, the region that Jesus was from. Herod, too, found no fault with Him. Jesus was then https://www.youtube.com/ returned to Pilate who reiterated to the chief priests, the rulers, and the people: watch?v=6rg5QBLtPVc “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads https://www.youtube.com/ the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your watch?v=fZ86sg1hE0w presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; no, neither did LESSON CONTEXT Herod, for I sent You back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.” (Luke How interesting it is that the proof of Jesus’s 23:14-15, NKJV) victory over death and the cross is demonstrated in this story by what Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary Yet somehow, though innocent of all charges, Jesus ng (mother of James), and the women who were with still ended up on the cross. It was such a clear injustice them did not see. They saw Jesus beaten that one of the two criminals, while hanging on a cross next to Him, said: “we receive the due reward mercilessly. They saw Him crucified unjustly. to the They saw Him walk the earth as a man subject of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” to the constraints of human mortality while yet (Luke 23:41, NKJV) ustom of being divine. But it is when they see the empty Imagine being in the midst of that moment. Imagine tomb—which they had witnessed held His being someone who loved Jesus, who walked with ostensibly expired remains—and do not see the feast. Jesus, that it is revealed to us, the 43 When5 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Him, who had benefited from His compassion, His inconceivable, the Redeemer for a moment shrank back, wisdom, or His deity, and watching Him receive a and asked the Father if the cross was the only means criminal’s punishment after being severely beaten. of gaining the glorious end in view—the saving [of] Jerusalem every How would you feel? Where would your hope the souls of unnumbered millions…The prayer was be found after witnessing them kill your teacher, made and answered. It was not the Father’s will that year at the Messiah, and friend? Would you still have faith? the cup should pass away.” -The Pulpit Commentary (Luke 22:42) When Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary (mother of Feast of the James), and the other women arrived at the tomb to The cross was the key to our salvation. Without the 42 find Jesus missing, they did not immediately rejoice. cross, there would be no Resurrection, and without Passover. And It was the angels who reminded them of Jesus’s the Resurrection, you and I would not have eternal promise to rise on the third day after being delivered life. So, while we thank God for the empty tomb, into the hands of men and crucified. and we stand in celebration with Mary Magdalene, when He was Joanna, Mary (mother of James), and many others, THE RESURRECTION today we also remember the price at which we are twelve years able to do so. After reflecting on all of what you might feel after old, they went witnessing such great tragedy, return to the scene of ANOTHER BITTER CUP the empty tomb and join Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary (mother of James), and the others as they On April 4, 1968, the Rev. King Jr., up to Jerusalem hear the blessed news. And consider the joy…the preacher, advocate, and leader of the Civil Rights celebration, the jubilation. You don’t have to wonder, Movement, was murdered on the balcony outside His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to wait or fear anymore. The Messiah has truly come, his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee. It was one of He has conquered death, He has risen with all power, many tragedies that would take place that year, and 42 and the proof is in the unseen. his was one of countless lives that would be lost in Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom the fight for freedom and racial equality. Among them How hard it is to hold on to our faith when would be many other African American leaders, allies years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. everything around us looks and feels so hopeless. of all races, and even a number of children. There are Even Jesus Himself, with insights into eternity many who survived the trying times and lived to bear 43 43 that most, if not all, others who walk the earth the scars of the tumultuous battles fought. Today we the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they are not privy to during their human experience, reap the benefits of their sacrifice, a sacrifice that they wrestled with the limitations of His own mortal chose though they knew it would not be easy and the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished vision. In Luke 22, we find Him in the Garden of that the outcome was uncertain. It was a cup that they Gethsemane at the Mount of Olives, pleading with did not ask for, but they drank from it anyway. God. The recounting of this scene in Matthew behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as 26:39 (KJV) says that Jesus “fell on his face, and There are times when life calls us to swallow 44 prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this something bitter, something that we would never not know it; but supposing Him to have been in cup pass from me…” have chosen ourselves, that we would change if we they returned, could, and that we beg God to change if He would. “He looked on in this supreme hour, just before ‘the And it can be so hard when He doesn’t. Many of the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Passion’ really began, to the Crucifixion and all us have faced those types of situations in the last 45 the horrors which preceded it and accompanied it— year, and there are those of us who face them right Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind to the treason of Judas; the denial of Peter; the now. What Jesus models for us in His willingness desertion of the apostles; the cruel, relentless enmity to walk into what He knew would be a horrifying of the priests and rulers; the heartless abandonment and painful death is that when we trust God, even in they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. of the people; the insults; the scourging: and then circumstances that feel unbearable, victory will be on 46 the shameful and agonizing lingering death which the other side. seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days was to close the Passion; and, more dreadful than And Joseph and all, the reason why he was here in Gethsemane; why he was to drink this dreadful cup of suffering; the they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did memory of all the sin of man! To drink this cup of a suffering, measureless, of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 6 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Jesus’s victory was our salvation. He loved us enough of God. I wonder how those experiences and to say yes to a sacrifice that would require all the outcomes have impacted your faith walk today. strength and life that He had within Him, and, as a went to result, we have eternal life. Now we must love Him LIFE APPLICATION and ourselves enough in response to choose to keep Jerusalem going amidst our own pain, grief, anger, and even ACTIVITY fear—not just because He did it for us but because He has shown us that there is life beyond it. Share a sacrifice made by someone (a family member, every year friend, ancestor, or stranger) that you have directly benefited from. Name one way that you can live a life WONDERING & that honors that sacrifice. at the REFLECTION QUESTIONS CONCLUSION Feast 1 I wonder how you relate today’s story of Jesus’s crucifixion and Resurrection to your personal We exist as beneficiaries of the sacrifices of many salvation and faith walk. martyrs, but none so great as that of our Savior. During of the this week, take time to fill in the blank: Because of His 2 I wonder if you can identify modern-day sacrifice, ______. Passover. examples where seemingly hopeless situations led to victorious outcomes. Reflecting on the life of Jesus, we can find hope in 42 seemingly helpless situations. As those in the family And 3 I wonder what experiences and encounters in of faith, we have assurance that we walk in the line your personal journey have felt hopeless and of the great legacy of the One who sacrificed His life, when seemed out of alignment with the promises but was resurrected. He was

PRAYER Dear God, in times of hopelessness and uncertainty, help us to remember that You bore the cross and won the victory. Let us not succumb to our fears or lose hold of our faith, but instead let us depend on You and follow the example set by Your Son, who trusted You in His most trying moments, showing us that in our toughest challenges and most overwhelming circumstances our hope and victory can only be found in You. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

ng to the ustom of the feast. 43 When7 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to APR Lesson 2: Jerusalem every11 year at the 2021 EYES OF Feast of the UNDERSTANDING Passover. 42 AndLesson Story: Luke 24:13-35 | Old Testament Reading: Psalm 30 Luke 24:13–35 (NKJV) Luke 24:13–35 (NIV) when He was The Road to Emmaus On the Road to Emmaus 13Now behold, two of them were traveling that 13Now that same day two of them were going to twelve years same day to a village called Emmaus, which was a village called Emmaus, about seven miles a from seven miles from Jerusalem. 14And they talked Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other together of all these things which had happened. about everything that had happened. 15As they old, they went 15So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, talked and discussed these things with each other, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. up to Jerusalem 16But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17He asked them, “What are you discussing His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the together as you walk along?” according to 17And He said to them, “What kind of They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of 42 conversation is this that you have with one them, named , asked him, “Are you the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve another as you walk and are sad?” the custom only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know 18Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered the things that have happened there in these days?” and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. 19“What things?” he asked. 43 Jerusalem, and have You not known the things 43 which happened there in these days?” “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they 20 said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of and all the people. The chief priests and our the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, had finished 21 word before God and all the people, 20and how and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as be condemned to death, and crucified Him.21 But what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed 44 we were hoping that it was He who was going to 23 redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the us. They went to the tomb early this morning but not know it; but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in didn’t find his body. They came and told us that third day since these things happened. 22Yes, and they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was certain women of our company, who arrived at the alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought tomb early, astonished us. 23When they did not find the Boy Jesus tomb and found it just as the women had said, but His body, they came saying that they had also seen 45 they did not see Jesus.” Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24And lingered behind certain of those who were with us went to the 25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how tomb and found it just as the women had said; but slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. Him they did not see.” 26Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27And beginning with 46 25Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and what was said in all the Scriptures concerning spoken! 26Ought not the Christ to have suffered himself. these things and to enter into His glory?” 27And they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He 28As they approached the village to which they of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 8 44 continued on next page… continued on next page… but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Luke 24:13–35 (NKJV) - continued Luke 24:13–35 (NIV) - continued expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going went to concerning Himself. farther. 29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” The Disciples’ Eyes Opened So he went in to stay with them. Jerusalem 28 Then they drew near to the village where they 30 were going, and He indicated that He would have When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it every year 29 gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the recognized him, and he disappeared from their day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our at the 30Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with hearts burning within us while he talked with us them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Feast 31 gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. There they found the Eleven and those with them, of the 32And they said to one another, “Did not our heart assembled together burn within us while He talked with us on the 34and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” Passover. has appeared to Simon.” 35Then the two told what 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to had happened on the way, and how Jesus was 42 Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who recognized by them when he broke the bread. And were with them gathered together, 34saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35And they told about the things that had happened when on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. He was

ng to the ustom of the feast. 43 When9 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every What is your physical response to the story? year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. AndWhat is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;10 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).” “Making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of went to - John 20:15-16 (NIV) our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge For the men in today’s story, it is marked by the measure Jerusalem of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; of time that would encapsulate His blessing and breaking of the bread. He had been walking with that ye may know what is the hope of his calling…. every year them and talking with them; they could hear His voice and see His face. Yet, they were still unable to – Ephesians 1:16-18 (KJV) recognize Him before this particular moment in time. at the Have you ever been frantically searching for “When He was at the table with them, he took bread, Feast something (your keys, cell phone, wallet) gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then only to discover it was right in front of you their eyes were opened and they recognized him…” of the the whole time? We wonder, how it is that - Luke 24:30-31 (NIV) the thing we’ve found ourselves looking for Why couldn’t they recognize the man that they had Passover. has disappeared in the exact moment when known so well, spent so much time with, and loved 42 we needed it the most. What is it about the enough to express their mourning to a person who they And way that we’re looking for it that appears to thought was a stranger? make it harder to find than it was when we Jesus once asked Peter “Who do you say I am?” and his when weren’t looking at all? reply showed a level of understanding that went beyond what anyone would have expected based on the insights LESSON CONTEXT he had into Jesus’ identity up to that point. He was

Today’s story recounts one of multiple moments Peter replies “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” where Jesus was not immediately recognized after Jesus then replied “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, His resurrection by those who knew and loved Him. for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but John 20:10–18 describes another such moment. Mary by my Father in heaven.” Magdalene encounters Jesus while weeping at what - Matthew 16:15-17 (NIV) was once His tomb and mistakes Him for the gardener. As we read further along in that same chapter of John, we see Jesus come face to face with Thomas whose EXAMINING THE STORY uncertainty was acquiesced only after he was able to feel the nail prints in His hands and put his hand in To be Seen, but Unseen the chasm left from Jesus being pierced in His side. In today’s lesson, we find two men en route to a village In all three of these incidents, the scripture makes a called Emmaus, about seven miles, from Jerusalem. clear delineation between the moment before and As they were walking and talking, Jesus came up and the moment after Jesus’ identity is revealed. For Mary walked along with them; but they were kept from Magdalene, that delineation is marked by the fraction of recognizing Him. All while being in the midst of Jesus, ng a second it took to hear Him call her name. they talked about Jesus of Nazareth being a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the “He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it people and explained how He had been sentenced to to the you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she death and crucified. They shared their hope that He was said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where going to redeem Israel and how the women that went ustom of you have put him, and I will get him.” to visit His tomb earlier that morning, were greeted by angels who informed them that Jesus was alive. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” the feast. 43 When11 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to The disciples’ initial inability to recognize Jesus may moment that that the disciples saw Jesus, who was bring a poem called Footprints in the Sand into one’s among them, and encountered Him in a new way. mind. The poem reads: Jerusalem every Consider how we have experienced new encounters One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking with Jesus. In the late 1920’s, Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey began year at the along the beach with the LORD. putting together the components of what we today Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he know as gospel music. A formally trained musician and Feast of the noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to composer, he began sharing his songs with churches him, and the other to the LORD. across the country, most of whom were uncomfortable 42 with the marriage of secular blues with sacred text. He Passover. And When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked would eventually go on to create one of the most popular back at the footprints in the sand. gospel hymns in history, “Take my Hand, Precious Lord” He noticed that many times along the path of his life there and establish the National Convention of Gospel Choirs when He was was only one set of footprints. and Choruses, which would serve as a training ground He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest and launching pad for many successful gospel choirs, twelve years times in his life. directors, writers, and musicians. This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: Since its inception, gospel music has had such a old, they went “LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk widespread impact that you can find choirs in countries with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most throughout the world, of different races, and in different up to Jerusalem troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. languages worshipping God through song in that I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would infectious and unmistakable sound. It has become so leave me.” pervasive that its influence can be found in much of the His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to music of today and has recently, in its purest form, been 42 The LORD replied: given more mainstream attention due to Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never albums recorded by some of the industry’s most popular leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you secular artists. Despite recent controversy surrounding years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” what is deemed an “appropriate” use or performance of of the feast. gospel music, there is little to no argument among the 43 43 This story has been told and shared throughout the parishioners of today that it is a vehicle for ushering in the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they Christian community for many years, often with great the presence of God. emphasis being focused on the dialogue of the last two paragraphs. The man asks God why He would leave him There are certain chords that when heard immediately the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished in his hardest moments, and God replies that, in those cause us to lift up our hands and inspire us to reflect times, He had actually gotten closer. Yet, somehow, in on and celebrate the greatness of God. There are certain behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as the times when God was nearer than He’d ever been, the percussive beats that inspire us to dance before Him 44 man in the story wasn’t aware of His presence. How did in praise for who He is and what He’s done. However, he not know that he was being carried? Just as he knew there was once a time when those same chords and not know it; but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in when God was walking beside him, shouldn’t he have percussive beats were not so easily embraced by most the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus known or felt it when God picked Him up? members of the church. Shouldn’t we? Much like when Mary Magdalene heard her name or 45 when Jesus’s followers saw Him bless the meal (in the Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind With Opened Eyes same way He had probably done many times before), there must have been a moment when their eyes were they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. Beginning in Verse 25, Jesus reveals Himself to those opened to a new understanding, a revelation that God’s along the road. The men invited Jesus to stay with them power wasn’t limited to the lyrics or the chords of 46 for the evening and share a meal. As He gave thanks, the hymns that they had known before. He was great seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and broke the bread, and began to share it, their eyes were enough to look different and to sound different and opened, and they realized who He was. It was in this to be worshipped in new and different ways, but how they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did would they have come to this understanding? Was it of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 12 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents through the pastors? Was it through the musicians, 2 I wonder how you’ve experienced God differently popular artists, or maybe Dr. Dorsey himself? over the last year since we’ve begun engaging in worship virtually as a church community. went to Jesus then replied “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but 3 I wonder how your perspective and experiences by my Father in heaven.” may shape your ability to recognize God. Jerusalem

- Matthew 16:17 (NIV) LIFE APPLICATION every year A NEW ENCOUNTER ACTIVITY at the Watch the video clip excerpt from July 28, 2013 “Help How is it possible to be looking at Jesus, and yet still My Unbelief” Min. Elijah L. McDavid, III - YouTube not see Him or to be in His arms, yet not feel Him? Is it Feast played by your Sunday School instructor, and discuss possible that it’s not about His location, but about divine the ways in which the message applies to today’s lesson. revelation? Before March of 2020, many of us may have believed that the best and easiest way to find or to feel of the God was to make our way to His sanctuary. But believe CONCLUSION it or not, we’ve never had to travel that far. He’s been Passover. walking with us, and He’s been carrying us all the days The Bible says to “seek ye the Lord while He may be 42 of our lives. found.” (Isaiah 55:6 KJV) And James 4:8 says “Come near to God and he will come Though Jesus had told His disciples of the things to near to you…” come, that “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into when the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days God is waiting for us to find Him, waiting for us to call he will rise” (Mark 9:31 NIV), once He was crucified out to Him, and to come to Him, so that our eyes can and buried, His disciples mourned Him but did not seek He was be opened to who He is and what He wants to do in Him. After the angels told the women at the tomb of our lives as His children and as His church. What we Jesus in last week’s story that He was not there because learn from watching Peter and others who were able He had risen as promised, His disciples continued to to see Jesus in today’s lesson is that in the same way mourn but still did not seek Him. In the small window of that God can reveal Himself to a multitude, He can and time between His resurrection and His ascension into the will reveal Himself to one. In those moments when we heavens, we find Jesus seeking them, and when He finds find ourselves searching so frantically for God, let us them, they are still in mourning for the One they lost, remember to stop, relax, and be silent, and, like Mary, even though the One they lost was right in front of them. we’ll hear Him calling our name in no time. Every day we have a choice to be still and to seek God with all of our hearts or to be distracted by our circumstance, WONDERING & our confusion, and our uncertainties about tomorrow. REFLECTION QUESTIONS Any moment we choose the latter is a lost opportunity for divine peace, assurance, and understanding. Just like 1 I wonder if you can recall a time or situation in Jesus was seeking after Mary, Peter, Thomas, and His your life where God was closer than you realized. other disciples to impart into them, He stands ready to do the same for us. Let us not wait to seek the Lord, ng and let us remember that we need look no further than where we are to find Him. to the PRAYER ustom of Lord, help us to remember that even though the world may look and feel different, You are still the same and that while we are still unable to encounter your presence from the comfort of our sanctuary, You are never the feast. far away, and when we seek You we will find that You were right there looking for us. 43 When13 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Apr Lesson 3: Jerusalem every18 year at the 2021 STEPHEN’S Feast of the WITNESS 42 Lesson Story: :1–7:2, 44–60 | Gospel Reading: Luke 23:33–56 Passover. And Acts 6:1–15 (NKJV) Acts 6:1–15 (NIV) The Choosing of the Seven The Choosing of the Seven when He was 6 Now in those days, when the number of the 6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked twelve years widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right old, they went disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men brethren, seek out from among you seven men of from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit up to Jerusalem good reputation, full of the and wisdom, and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the word.” ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, 42 whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also, Philip, Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, , the custom Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, , and Nicolas from Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a , a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. of the feast. and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 43 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in 43 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a became obedient to the faith. great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen Seized the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished Stephen Seized 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the 44 of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from not know it; but supposing Him to have been in as well as the provinces of and —who they returned, Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced 45 men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous 11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they against God.” came upon him, seized him, and brought him to 12 they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who So they stirred up the people and the elders and the in Jerusalem. said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him 13 46 words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy 14 destroy this place and change the customs which place and against the law. For we have heard him say that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did customs Moses handed down to us.” of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;14 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS

15 parents council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at face of an . Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. :2, 44-60 (NKJV) went to Acts 7:2, 44-60 (NIV) And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The Jerusalem The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. Haran, every year 44 “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law 44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 After at the make it according to the pattern that he had seen, receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought 45 which our fathers, having received it in turn, also it with them when they took the land from the nations God Feast brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the drove out before them. It remained in the land until the , whom God drove out before the face of our time of David, 46 who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that 46 fathers until the days of David, who found favor he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 of the before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 “However, of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built Him a house. the Most High does not live in houses made by human Passover. 48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples hands. As the prophet says: 42 made with hands, as the prophet says: 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. And 49 ‘Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. What house will you build for Me? says the LORD, Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand when Or what is the place of My rest? 50 Has My hand not made all these things? made all these things?’ 51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always He was Israel Resists the Holy Spirit resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your 51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have persecute? And they killed those who foretold the received the law that was given through angels but have not coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become obeyed it.” the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” The Stoning of Stephen 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were Stephen the Martyr furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full 54 When they heard these things they were [b]cut to of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing the right hand of God.” at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see 57 the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of 58 the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid ng one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, to the at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down this, he fell asleep. ustom of and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. the feast. 43 When15 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every What is your physical response to the story? year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. AndWhat is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 16 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING He depicted a broken relationship between God and Israel that angered the crowd and the religious When reading the events of chapters 6 and 7 what leadership.p A lot surfaced to discredit Stephen and went to parallels may be to the present day issues of race, produce false witnesses. As he defended himself rhetoric and the ongoing discussion about how before the Sanhedrin, Stephen told the court of his Jerusalem people are treated? vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. That only angered them more and they dragged LESSON CONTEXT him out of the city and stoned him. Even as they every year did so, Stephen prayed for God to receive his spirit Today’s lesson begins with a conflict that and to not hold their murderous actions against arose as the number of disciples increased. at the The Hellenists complained that their widows the perpetrators. were being overlooked by the Hebrews in the daily food distribution (Verse 1). Although both The events detailed in Acts chapters 6 and 7 Feast groups claimed the same faith, their provide a glimpse of what it was like to be a part differences caused a rift in the life of the early of a relatively new movement. There were few of the church. There was a cultural and linguistic established places of worship, and the majority of divide. Hellenists, part of the diaspora spawned converts met in homes. The doctrines and orders of by the conquests of the Great, spoke worship so common today were still being formed. Passover. Greek and limited, if any, Aramaic. In contrast, the The delegatory actions of the Apostles and the 42 Hebrews were localized and primarily spoke martyrdom of Stephen give the present-day reader And Aramaic. With these cultural differences, it is an idea of how some circumstances have changed unsurprising that conflict erupted. (Deuteronomy and how some have remained the same. 26:12–13). Notably, the text does not document when a resolution to the problem related to the food distribution. However, this conflict transformed WONDERING the future of the Church in the calling of The & REFLECTION He was Seven. QUESTIONS: EXAMINING THE STORY 1 I wonder why the seven men who were chosen by the apostles were required to have certain The recounting of the events in Acts chapters 6 spiritual characteristics. and 7 speak to a time of change and adjustment 2 I wonder if the spread of the gospel today is in the 1st century church. The spread of the Gospel meant that persons of different ethnicities and affected by disputes and problems similar to religious backgrounds were joining the those between the Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews. movement and the leadership was struggling 3 I wonder why Stephen said “Lord, do not hold with how to unify this new body of believers. this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60 NIV) Is this Chapter 6 opens with an allegation by the an attempt to compare Stephen’s words, actions, Hellenists that their widows were being and death to Jesus? neglected. What follows is the call of seven leaders (presumably Greek, based on their names) chosen from among the Hellenistic LIFE APPLICATION people. Key requirements: That they be men of ACTIVITY ng good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. Group Discussion: American society seems to be at a crossroad. What are ways some in which the to the While the Seven are named in Verse 5, only church can join the conversation and offer Stephen and Philip are referenced thereafter in solutions? the Bible. Stephen plays a prominent role in ustom of the church, performing many wonders and If you were a part of the crowd when Stephen signs. Yet, Stephen’s ministry and preaching is accused, what would have been your the feast. resulted in controversy and disagreements reaction? Would you have been for or against him? among many who heard and witnessed him. 43 When17 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Remember to put yourself into context and try to United States until it was supplanted by “In God think as a 1st century citizen. We Trust.” One clear fact from these verses is that Jerusalem every a perfected union, whether within a nation or a CONCLUSION: church, is more theory than practice. The body of Christ will continue to face differences of opinions year at the E pluribus Unum—translated from the Latin as “out and other difficulties. More than 2,000 years later there are still growing pains within the faith. Feast of the of many, one”—was long the official motto of the 42 Passover. And PRAYER when He was Our prayer, Lord, is that even in our disagreements we find commonality in yourW ord. That when faced with the realities of inequalities, we continue to strive toward a more perfect union. That we never forget twelve years that the cause of Christ is greater than our problems. With this in mind, let us continue to move forward. In our name. Amen. old, they went Y up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it; 18 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 4: wentApr to PHILIP AND Jerusalem25 THE ETHIOPIAN every2021 year atLesson Story: :26–39 | the EUNUCH: A PATH Feast TO EVANGELISM of the Acts 8:26–39 (NIV) Acts 8:26–39 (NSRV) Passover. Philip and the Ethiopian Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 42 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go 26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get And south to the road—the desert road—that goes up and go toward the south[a] to the road that Gospel Reading: down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now when an important official in charge of all the treasury there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of of the (which means “queen of the the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to He was worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his reading the the prophet. 29 chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then

The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot Luke 24:44-47 near it.” and join it.” 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the reading the prophet Isaiah. man reading Isaiah the prophet. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. asked. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains was this: it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a with him. lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his 32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. reading: Who can describe his generation? “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a For his life is taken away from the earth.” lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open ng his mouth. 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to the Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was to speak, and starting with this scripture, he 36 taken from the earth.” proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some ustom of 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! is the prophet talking about, himself or someone What is to prevent me from being baptized?” the feast. 43 When His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to Jerusalem every some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord water. What can stand in the way of my being snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no year at the baptized?” 38 And he gave orders to stop the more, and went on his way rejoicing. chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 Feast of the When they came up out of the water, the Spirit 42 of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the Passover. And eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;20 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents

What is your physical response to the story? went to Jerusalem every year at the What is your emotional response to the story? Feast of the Passover. What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? 42 And when He was

Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired .

How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups?

ng How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? to the ustom of the feast. 43 When21 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to OPENING eunuch mirrored Jesus’s encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Along https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alcoSygyckE the road to Emmaus, two disciples were discussing Jerusalem every the prior report from the women that Jesus’s body How does the encounter between Philip was not in the tomb and they had seen visions of year at the and the Ethiopian eunuch appear similar angels that shared Jesus was alive. Jesus joined the disciples along the road, but their eyes were kept Feast of the and different from your own encounters from recognizing Him (Luke 24:15). After rebuking with others that led to evangelism? their unbelief of the Scriptures regarding His 42 death and resurrection, Jesus interpreted the Passover. And LESSON CONTEXT Scriptures for the disciples, communed with them, and vanished when their eyes were when He was The narrative of the encounter between Philip opened to recognize Him (Luke 24:28-31). and the Ethiopian eunuch follows the patterns Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in and uses parallel structure characteristic of its Acts 8:26-40 followed the model of evangelism set twelve years author, Luke. Within Acts 8, we are provided by Jesus. Both stories share a similar setting insight into the evangelism ministry of Philip, along a road, are marked by encounters with those old, they went one of the seven chosen in Acts 6:1–7. Notably, who did not understand the Scriptures and Jesus’s Philip encountered two men: Simon, a prior fulfilment of them, demonstrates how the work of practitioner of magic, and an Ethiopian eunuch, a evangelism transpires resulting in an “opening of up to Jerusalem court official in charge of the chest for Queen the eyes” for understanding of the Scriptures, and a His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Candace of Ethiopia. sudden exit by the evangelist. according to Luke’s account of these encounters in Acts 8 These themes provide the backdrop for today’s 42 provides two contrasting responses to lesson story. Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom Philip’s evangelism efforts. Preceding the lesson story, Acts 8:4–25 documents Philip’s encounter years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. with Simon in Samaria. Upon seeing Philip perform signs and hearing the good news of EXAMINING THE STORY 43 43 Jesus, Simon followed Philip, became a believer, the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they and was baptized. After his , Simon The narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch observed Peter and John laying hands on serves as a critical marker in the movement toward the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished individuals and those people receiving the Holy inclusion of others in the salvific narrative. In Acts Spirit; he responded by offering money in 8:27, we are introduced to a complex character: “an exchange for this “power” (v. 19). Simon was Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as rebuked by Peter for his wickedness and queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire 44 sought prayers of mercy (vv. 20–24). However, the treasury” (NRSV). At first glance, this description not know it; but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in Ethiopian eunuch presented a contrasting response seems to indicate a man of potential wealth, power, following his baptism: He rejoiced (v. 39). and influence, as he commanded the entire treasury These accounts reflect the range of responses by of Queen Candace. Yet, despite his wealth that the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus those who witness the work of the Spirit, for one afforded him access to the scrolls of Isaiah, he is first 45 can be like Simon, the Ethiopian eunuch, both, or and foremost an Ethiopian eunuch. This description Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind anywhere along the spectrum of their responses. suggests it was unlikely he was Jewish and may not have been allowed full access into the temple Additionally, Acts 8:26-39 follows the (Leviticus 21:20; Deuteronomy 23:1). Further, in they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. pattern established by Luke as outlined in Luke Acts 8:27, 31, the Ethiopian eunuch is noted to be 46 6:40: “A is not above the teacher, but returning home after going to Jerusalem to seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and everyone who is fully qualified will be like the worship. Yet, in response to Philip’s inquiry teacher” (NRSV). This story follows the Lukan regarding whether he understood the pattern of disciples who follow the model set by Scriptures in Acts 8:31, the eunuch replied, “How they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did Jesus. Specific to Acts 8:26-39, Philip’s can I, unless someone guides me?” The response of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;22 44 encounter with the Ethiopian but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents further supports the existence of barriers to his His ministry when He modeled active evangelism inclusion in the temple where he could be taught. during His time on earth. Jesus became one with the disciples as He walked with them and explained went to Yet, the story of the Ethiopian eunuch is profound, the Scriptures so they could understand before in part, because of the demonstrated divine intent He vanished. As a result, the disciples returned to Jerusalem for an unnamed, marginalized, and unsuspected Jerusalem as evangelists, proclaiming the Lord had individual to receive the good news about Jesus. In risen and sharing their encounter with Him. contrast to Philip going to Samaria in Acts 8:4–25, every year Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch was Likewise, the lesson story provides a detailed account divinely orchestrated: Philip was instructed by the of active evangelism. As Philip followed divine angel of the Lord to go toward the wilderness road, instruction that led him to the Ethiopian eunuch, his at the directed by the Spirit to join the Ethiopian eunuch path followed a similar pattern of evangelism. Verse in his chariot, and snatched away by the Spirit after 26 notes the instruction of the angel of the Lord Feast the eunuch was baptized. Further, this exchange to go toward the south of the road that goes down served as the fulfilment of Scripture. While he read from Jerusalem to Gaza where he encountered the :7–8, the Ethiopian eunuch fulfilled the Old Ethiopian eunuch and explained the Scriptures (Acts of the Testament prophecy in Isaiah 56:38, which foretold 8:26–35). Philip became one with the Ethiopian of salvation’s availability to all who obey, with eunuch by joining him in his chariot, explaining Passover. specific naming of eunuchs and foreigners. Further, the Scriptures, and even going down into the water 42 the exchange between Philip and the Ethiopian to baptize the eunuch (Acts 8:36-38). Then, Philip eunuch fulfilled the prophecy of and the Ethiopian eunuch came up out of the water And Jesus as outlined in :8: “But you will receive before the Spirit snatched Philip away (Acts 8:39). power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and Following this experience, Philip found himself when you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea in Azotus and passed through the region before and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Thus, the coming to (Acts 8:40). While the text is He was exchange highlights the divine intent from the time absent a directional cue of Philip’s ascension, Acts of prophecy and through the work of Jesus for the 21:8 indicates a change in Philip’s posture—he good news to be inclusive. Moreover, the exchange made Caesarea his dwelling place, was accounted as foreshadows the widespread inclusion of Gentiles as , and had daughters with the continued in the conversion of Cornelius in . gift of prophecy (:8).

Additionally, in the Thus, the parabolic path of evangelism appears to parallel structure used represent more than a directional focus, but rather a by Luke, the narrative change in posture. As Jesus descended from heaven of Philip and the to evangelize while amongst humanity and ascended Ethiopian eunuch to heaven once His mission was completed, Philip builds upon the also descended into the wilderness to evangelize model of evangelism and ascended to a posture of domiciled life. Notably, lived by Jesus. As an these paths are not perfectly drawn curves, as Jesus’s acknowledgment, time among the people included crucifixion and Jesus was the model resurrection while Philip’s encounter with the evangelist. If simplified, Jesus’s path as the ultimate Ethiopian eunuch included a going down and evangelist can be illustrated as a parabola, a U-shaped coming up from the water in baptism of the eunuch. ng curve, with Jesus’s descent from heaven, dwelling However, these encounters prompt believers today to among people on earth to fulfill the Scriptures and assess what opportunities are divinely orchestrated to the outline the path to salvation, and ascent back to for evangelism and how this prompting may lead to heaven (John 6:38, 10:10; Ephesians 4:10). In the a parabolic path to evangelism requiring a change parallel story of Luke 24, Jesus was near the end of in one’s posture. ustom of the feast. 43 When23 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to WONDERING & preceded by Jesus and Philip being one with those they would go on to evangelize. Take a moment to REFLECTION QUESTIONS reflect on how you would describe your oneness Jerusalem every with others and how this may impact your ability to 1 I wonder if you have ever felt led to seek out carry out the role of evangelism. year at the others through evangelism and how you responded. Share with others as you feel led. Feast of the 2 I wonder how the encounter between Philip and CONCLUSION 42 the Ethiopian eunuch shaped the early Christian church and should shape the church today. Passover. And The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian 3 I wonder how Philip’s encounter with the eunuch is one that seems rather straightforward, but when He was Ethiopian eunuch shapes and influences your is significant to the inclusive message of Jesus and path of evangelism. models evangelism. Over the next week, consider how you are or have been in the role of both the twelve years Ethiopian eunuch and Philip. Who was your “Philip” LIFE APPLICATION and what would you tell him or her to encourage old, they went ACTIVITY them? How did or do you imagine your experience as the “Ethiopian eunuch” impact your ability to In the narrative of Luke 24 and Acts 8, we see models serve as someone’s “Philip”? After pondering these up to Jerusalem of evangelism where explanation of the Scripture is questions, consider how you can model Christ as His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to the Great Evangelist. 42 Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom PRAYER years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to Lord God, thank You for modeling life for us. As the Great Evangelist, You demonstrated how we can bring of the feast. others to You. Lord, incline our hearts and ears to You so that we do not miss your calling to evangelism. 43 the custom of the feast. When they had 43finished When they Give us strength to move our posture to complete Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus’s name, Amen. the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;24 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 5: wentMay to WHAT ABOUT Jerusalem2 MOMMA N’EM? every2021 year THE OVERLOOKED DILEMMA OF THE atLesson Story: :1–18 | Gospel Reading: Luke 2:29–32 the SALVATION OF THE BLACK WOMAN . Feast Acts 15:1–18 (VOICE) Acts 15:1–18 (MEV) of the 1 Their peace was disturbed, however, when 1 Some men came down from Judea and were certain Judeans came with this teaching: “Unless teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised you are circumcised according to Mosaic custom, in the tradition of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Passover. you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and argued 2 Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small 42 against this teaching and debated with the dissension and dispute with them, they determined Judeans vehemently, so the church selected several And that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others among people—including Paul and Barnabas—to travel them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles to Jerusalem to dialogue about this issue with and elders about this question. 3 So being sent when the apostles and elders there. 3 The church sent on their way by the church, they passed through them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of and Samaria, stopping to report to the groups He was the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the of believers there that outsiders were now being brothers. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they converted. This brought great joy to them all. 4 were welcomed by the church and the apostles and Upon arrival in Jerusalem, the church, the apostles, the elders, and they declared what God had done and the elders welcomed them warmly; and they through them. reported all they had seen God do. 5 But there were some believers present who belonged to the sect 5 Then some believers of the sect of the of the Pharisees. They stood up and asserted, rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.” Pharisees: No, this is not acceptable. These people must be circumcised, and we must require them to 6 The apostles and elders assembled to consider this keep the whole Mosaic law. matter. 7 After much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that some time 6 The apostles and elders met privately to discuss ago God decided among us, that by my mouth the how this issue should be resolved. 7 There was a lot Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and of debate, and finally Peter stood up. believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, approved of Peter: My brothers, you all know that in the early them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did days of our movement, God decided that I should to us, 9 and made no distinction between them be the one through whom the first outsiders would and us, and purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now hear the good news and become believers. 8 God then, why test God by putting a yoke upon the ng knows the human heart, and He showed approval neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor of their hearts by giving them the Holy Spirit just we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that to the as He did for us. 9 In cleansing their hearts by faith, through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall God has made no distinction between them and be saved, even as they.” us. 10 So it makes no sense to me that some of you ustom of are testing God by burdening His disciples with a continued on next page… continued on next page… the feast. 43 When25 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to load that neither our forefathers nor we have been 12 The entire assembly remained silent and listened able to carry. 11 No, we all believe that we will be to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs and liberated through the grace of the Lord Jesus—they wonders God had done through them among the Jerusalem every also will be rescued in the same way. Gentiles. 13 After they had become silent, James answered, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has 12 There was silence among them while Barnabas declared how God first visited the Gentiles to year at the and Paul reported all the miraculous signs and take from among them a people for His name. 15 wonders God had done through them among With this the words of the prophets agree. As it is outsiders. 13 When they finished, James spoke. Feast of the written: James: My brothers hear me. 42 16 ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the Passover. And 14 Simon Peter reminded us how God first included tabernacle of David, which has fallen; outsiders in His favor, taking people from among I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; them for His name. 15 This resonates with the when He was words of the prophets: 17 that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the 16 “After this, I will return and rebuild the house of Lord who does all these things.’[c] twelve years David, which has fallen into ruins. 18 Known to God are all His works since the From its wreckage I will rebuild it; old, they went beginning of the world. 17 So all the nations may seek the Eternal One— including every person among the outsiders who up to Jerusalem has been called by My name.” This is the word of the Lord, 18 who has been His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to revealing these things since ancient times. Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;26 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents What is your physical response to the story? went to Jerusalem every year

What is your emotional response to the story? at the Feast of the Passover. What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? 42 And when He was

Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired .

How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups?

ng How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? to the ustom of the feast. 43 When27 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to OPENING today’s lesson invites one to consider what individuals or groups are not included in the narrative.

Jerusalem every Reflecting on the lesson story, who is or A womanist interpretation of the issue of what groups are left out of the narrative? exclusivity with the circumcision and other year at the male-based requirements LESSON CONTEXT In the black church, we have the opportunity to be Feast of the The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, intersectional in our dealings with each other and 42 Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward 2 and intersectional in our theology. There is no one right Passover. And stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and theology as it relates to studying scripture, but there are the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting definitely wrong theologies as it relates to the Black church. and said, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was when He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together The Black church has long challenged the status quo of against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no white Eurocentric-based theology. Womanist theology twelve years sons. 4 Why should our father’s name disappear from confronts Feminist and Black Liberation Theology, on his clan because he had no son? Give us property among the grounds of forcing Black women to choose between our father’s relatives.” (Numbers 27: 1b-4) being Black or being a woman. In doing so, many old, they went interpretations and commentaries on scripture have Many people, including women, overlook the issue created paradigms that have kept women, especially up to Jerusalem of how circumcision excludes women in the count the Black woman from seeing herself in the text, to of converts. There is precedent for the inclusion of read the text as a bystander, rather than a participant. women, all the way back to the days of Moses. Mahlah, His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (Daughters of How pervasive misogynistic and patriarchal 42 Zelophehad) pleaded their case to their entitlement theologies are presented in Christianity, Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom to their father’s inheritance (in the absence of male specifically Black Christianity heirs) to Moses. Moses submitted their case to the It is unconscionable, even unfathomable to consider “Supreme court” and the LORD ruled in their favor. years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the damage misogynistic, Eurocentric patriarchal of the feast. Note, these women were mentioned by name, not writings and theology have had on the Black 43 once but five times in the Hebrew Bible, which is 43 woman’s mental, emotional, and spiritual psyche. the custom of the feast. When they had finished significant in and of itself, considering that of the When they When there is a count of the people, women are 1426 times names were mentioned in the Bible, not included in the count. When there is an issue women names appeared only 111 of those times. the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished with legacy or inheritance, women are invisible. When the Bible highlights teaching, prophecy, and behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did EXAMINING THE STORY leadership, the mention of women is noticeably the days, as deficient. The woman of the Bible typically fits The Covenant of Circumcision was established between 44 into one of two categories: virgin or harlot. the LORD and Abraham (Genesis 17). This was only not know it; but supposing Him to have been in Womanist Scholar, Dr. Mitzi Smith writes about this they returned, one of the seven major covenants in the Bible. In Acts construct in “Fashioning Our Own Souls: A 15, Paul and Barnabas challenge the teaching that Womanist Reading of the Virgin-Whore Binary in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought uncircumcised Gentiles are not allowed to be a the Boy Jesus Matthew and Revelation.” 45 part of Christianity. Paul and Barnabas travel to Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind Jerusalem for answers. The Pharisees confirm the Can we improve our ability to see the text exclusive access of the circumcised . Peter from the perspective of the marginalized stands before the council and tells them it is not the they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. intent of the life of Christ to impose restrictions to During the late 20th Century, the catchphrase, 46 participating in the new faith. In contrast, the last “WWJD,” became a marketing phenomenon. It is seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and covenant is more commonly known as the New with the same passion and fervor that we read the Testament portion of the Christian Bible. This is the text with the same hermeneutic lens of suspicion of covenant to override all other covenants, opening the Womanist scholar. When we acknowledge that they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did access to the salvation of Christ to anyone who different people read scripture with different of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;28 44 believes and wants to be a disciple. However, theological worldviews, it is then but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents that we can begin to not only interrogate the text but to After reading the text, ask yourself, “what about see ourselves and our sons and daughters in the text. momma n’em?” If you are woman, ask yourself, went to where do I see myself in the text? If you are a man, WONDERING & ask yourself, where do I see the women in my life in the text? Jerusalem REFLECTION QUESTIONS Consider today’s lesson story and ask “what about 1 I wonder if you are aware of the possibility of momma n’em?” What is your response? every year your implicit biases or privileges when it comes to reading Biblical text. CONCLUSION at the 2 I wonder how can you begin to read scripture intentionally, interrogating the text for the sake of “God, who knows the heart, approved of them, Feast the least of the least of these or the marginalized giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, of the marginalized. and made no distinction between them and us, and 3 I wonder, if you are a woman, when you read a purified their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:8,9) of the text about a covenant of circumcision with the Many times, the text as we read it literally means LORD, how does that make you feel . Passover. so much more when we read it within the context 4 I wonder, if you are a man, when you read a text that of our communities. We have to be careful to not 42 talks about a covenant of circumcision with the LORD, read the text as we read a novel or history book. And have you ever wondered how the women in your life We must train our minds to know the difference may feel about their role/position in the Christian faith. between when we are implicitly reading our when learned theology into the text (eisegesis) or when LIFE APPLICATION we are reading scripture for the sake of trying to understand how the LORD is speaking to our He was ACTIVITY community, our village. As you read biblical scripture from this point Are we operating in an “us-them” religious context forward, try to read it with a new set of eyes. as Peter implied in the verses 8 and 9?

PRAYER God of Unity, We come before you dismayed at our own divisions We have struggled as your church to live in unity; but we are divided-along all the fault lines of our societies. The ruptures in our families, among friends, among denomination, among nations are wide and deep. When we attempt to get on the same page, we build taller walls and dig deeper trenches. God, help us! We know that Christ is not divided. We know that it is your baptism to which we have been called. It is your service to which we are compelled. You have called us to proclaim the gospel, but we even fight about what that is. Help us, God! Help us to give up our power, and our privileges. Help us to yield for the sake and cause of the cross of Jesus. Help us ng to want the unity you share, for you are one; in you there is no division. Help us to embrace and to live the foolishness of a life emptied of power and given to service, in the likeness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. to the Help us to walk in salvation-in the name of the Servant Christ, amen.” – Valerie Bridgeman Davis, Third Sunday after Epiphany, Year A ustom of

Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Abena Safiyah Fosua, The Africana Worship Book (Discipleship Resources, 2006), 85, accessed February 8, 2021, http://search.ebscohost.com/login. the feast. aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=cat08325a&AN=cts.569305 &site=eds-live&custid=cts1. 43 When29 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to May Lesson 6: Jerusalem every9 year at the 2021 NO OTHER GOSPEL! Feast of the Galatians 1:13-17 (NKJV) Galatians 1:13-17 (NSRV) 42 Lesson Story: 1:13-17; Galatians 2:11-21 | 13 For you have heard of my former conduct 13 You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Passover. And in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 of God and was trying to destroy it. 14 I advanced when He was And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my in Judaism beyond many among my people of contemporaries in my own nation, being more the same age, for I was far more zealous for the exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. traditions of my ancestors. 15 But when God, who twelve years had set me apart before I was born and called me 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me through his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son from my mother’s womb and called me through to me, so that I might proclaim him among the His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I old, they went Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 already apostles before me, but I went away at once up to Jerusalem nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to returned again to Damascus. Galatians 2:11-21 (NSRV) 42 Galatians 2:11-21 (NKJV) Paul Rebukes Peter at Antioch

Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve Gospel the custom No Return to the Law 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; 11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I 12 for until certain people came from James, he years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. withstood him to his face, because he was to be

R eading: used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, blamed; 12 for before certain men came from 43 43 he drew back and kept himself separate for fear James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when the custom of the feast. When they had finished of the circumcision faction. 13 And the other Jews When they they came, he withdrew and separated himself, 13 joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas fearing those who were of the circumcision. And 14 Luk was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with had finished saw that they were not acting consistently with the

e 18:9- him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them their hypocrisy. behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and 14 But when I saw that they were not not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to 44 14 straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said live like Jews?”[c] not know it; but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live Jews and Gentiles Are Saved by Faith in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile the Boy Jesus are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is justified 45 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works not by the works of the law but through faith Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered So when behind of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, by faith in Christ and not by the works of the in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, in Jerusalem. law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be because no one will be justified by the works of 46 justified. the law. 17 But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and 17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 But we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ if I build up again the very things that I once tore therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;30 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents build again those things which I destroyed, I make 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died I might live to God. I have been crucified with to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been Christ; 20 and it is no longer I who live, but it is went to crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not Jerusalem loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. every year through the law, then Christ died in vain.” at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was

ng to the ustom of the feast. 43 When31 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every What is your physical response to the story? year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. And What is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;32 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING of the church of God. In his defense, he also cites his advanced study in Judaism beyond others (which Watch the Video: “Galatians 1 & 2 | Back is a hint to the others, or agitators, who are among went to them teaching a different gospel now). Although Paul to the Law?” by Crosspaint begins with an earthly focus, he transitions to cite Jerusalem divine-granted authority. Specifically, Paul explains https://www.youtube.com/ he was called and set apart before birth; was called watch?v=V9Y9bA20UIM through God’s grace to proclaim the gospel among every year the Gentiles; and that he did not confer with humans. LESSON CONTEXT After Paul was welcomed by the apostles, he and at the The Letter to the Galatians is a very impassioned Barnabas went to the Gentiles. While in Antioch, and theological book. It contains the foundational Peter (Cephas) and Paul came into opposition, as Feast understanding of life and faith, as Paul urges the Peter is part of the problem Paul is protesting. Peter Churches at to follow the gospel of Christ he had originally engaged in full fellowship with the of the has taught. There are many parallels in this book to Gentiles—represented by eating with them. Eating Paul’s teachings found in Romans (exp. Rom 3:20– was a sign of covenant and agreement. Yet now Peter 22, 28; 4:3-5, 13–14). Further, his central theme has retracted his allegiance/fellowship for fear of Passover. seems to be in opposition of James teaching that condemnation of the Jewish visiting. Paul 42 “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). refers to them as the “circumcision faction.” He also points to James as the ring leader of this teaching, And The book begins with a quick salutation, then Paul though James had not come to Galatia himself. Peter makes clear there is no other gospel (Gal 1:6–9) has kept to himself, avoiding uncircumcised Gentile when than the one he had taught to them. He is angered by Christians, and now other Jewish-Christians are the reports he has received about the Galatians: after following in the same manner. Even Barnabas, a co- He was starting their salvation journey in faith through Christ, laborer with Paul, was led astray. they were beginning to be persuaded (bewitched says Gal 3:1) to mix the gospel of faith taught to them by Paul calls Peter on this hypocrisy, noting that he Paul, with a gospel of works (specifically practicing the himself lived like a Gentile and not a Jew. Further act of circumcision). A group of Jewish agitators had this was troubling, because their retreat would entered their community and were questioning the persuade these new Christians to give into the act of grounds on which they had received the grace/gift of circumcision (thereby adhering to the Law that grace salvation. They insisted that faith alone was not enough exempted them). Still addressing Peter in vv15-16, to ensure justification (right standing before God), but Paul reminds that even though they both were Jews that these Gentile believers had to be circumcised in by birth, their justification is not by works of the law, accordance with the Judaic tradition (the Law). Prior to but by faith in Jesus Christ. We also find a popular Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, circumcision was required memory verse for Christians, “I have been crucified of Gentiles (non-Jewish) who desired to convert to with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Judaism. Our lesson begins with Paul’s explanation Christ who lives in me.” That verse continues with that he was among the most vigilant (zealous Gal reminding us that “…I live by faith in the Son of 1:14) for the traditions of his forefathers. Yet God had God who loved me and gave himself for me (v20).” “called him” to this gospel to the Gentiles which is the In conclusion, verse 21 is important because Paul focus of his writing here in Galatians. summarizes the significance of this issue of faith ng versus works: “…for if justification comes though EXAMINING THE STORY the law, then Christ died for nothing.” to the Knowing the truth that Paul insists in these passages Paul begins this passage addressing what his studied today, ensures we are not caught in the opponents may have used to question his authority as ustom of dangerous snare of putting works over faith. We an apostle with the Gentiles: His violent persecution are encouraged to always remember, that we are the feast. 43 When33 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Justified through faith in Christ alone. This is a LIFE APPLICATION supernatural (spiritual) work. It is reasonable Jerusalem every to hear the call of James, and know that after we ACTIVITY receive Christ, our faith must have some works (signs of our faith, following). Yet in theological (An)other Gospel? year at the prioritization, faith alone secures our justification— What religious/theological rules or regulation(s) right standing— before God. Thus, Faith is the do you (or have you in the past) consider necessary Feast of the penultimate requirement. This is the only Gospel we to receive God’s grace? This can either be conscious must follow. Any other Gospel, as Paul says in the 42 or unconscious. If you don’t have one specific to book of Galatians, is NO gospel. Passover. And you, gather at least 2–3 examples from among the group. when He was WONDERING & REFLECTION QUESTIONS Once identified, discuss as a group: W hat is the teaching, tradition, scripture or theology that this twelve years 1 I wonder how modern Christians balance the belief is based in/upon? Is it a widely accepted Gospel of Grace from the requirement of mistruth? Does it pertain to the church or family you old, they went having actions that result from our faith (i.e., grew up in? Was it specific to your denomination? works). I wonder how you would explain the What or how did you break the chains of this “other difference between faith v. works to a 12-year- gospel?” What other erroneous theological beliefs up to Jerusalem old. do you still find hard to reject? 2 I wonder if you were Peter, would you have His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to found yourself trapped between two CONCLUSION 42 compelling arguments, Paul’s and James’ followers. As we stated from the start, this Pauline letter has Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom 3 I wonder what things we do as a church to hinder major theological implications for life and faith, to inquirers from coming to know Christ Christians both in region of Galatia at the time of its years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. through faith. writing, as it does for us today. While the challenges 43 to our inheritance of faith in Christ alone may not 43 be a requirement of circumcision—there are many the custom of the feast. When they had finished When they ways that our traditions and understanding of the Christian life can become hinderances. Over this the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished week, consider what hinders your own and other’s faith walk. How can the teachings in Galatians 1–2 behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as address these hinderances? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought PRAYER the Boy Jesus God help us never to be a stumbling block to any person’s full blessing of justification by faith alone. Lord, 45 Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when help us to forget dangerous theologies of our past that cause us to elevate any action(s) above the atoning lingered behind work of Jesus, our Savior. Lord God help us not to have more faith in our own good works than the power of they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. Christ. Help us to be generous in our love toward outsiders and new comers. Help us to be stewards of your 46 word and faithful to the Gospel we seek to follow. God, we are thankful for your love, your grace, and for seeking Him. Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and the opportunity to see ourselves in your word. Lord hear our prayers. Amen. they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;34 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 7: wentMay to ONE IN CHRIST Jerusalem16 every2021 year Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 (NKJV) Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 (NIV) Lesson Story: Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 | Gospel Reading: Luke 1:68-79 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that 1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? at the you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as portrayed as crucified. crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did Feast 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by by the hearing of faith? believing what you heard? of the 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are are you now being made perfect by the flesh? you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Passover. 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain if 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing if it really 42 indeed it was in vain? was for nothing? And 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles works miracles among you, does He do it by the among you because you observe the law, or when works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? because you believe what you heard? 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was 6 Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” He was credited to him as righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith 7 Understand, then, that those who believe are are sons of Abraham. children of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are through you.” of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with 23 But before faith came, we were kept under Abraham, the man of faith. guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ

25 that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 For you are all sons(children-KJV) of God ng through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have to the 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither clothed yourselves with Christ. slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for 28 ustom of you are all one in Christ Jesus. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s 29 seed, and heirs according to the promise. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s the feast. seed, and heirs according to the promise. 43 When35 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to Jerusalem every What is your physical response to the story? year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. And What is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;36 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING In Galatians 3 Paul gives five arguments all demonstrating the sufficiency of justification by faith alone. went to Watch the video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=vmx4UjRFp0M (4:18–6:37) The first was the Galatians (vss. 1-5): They became believers by turning to the gospel. Having believed Jerusalem Who are the children of Abraham and why the gospel which Paul preached, they were now are they important? turning from it. Paul rebuked them for so easily every year being turned to “another gospel”.

The second was Abraham (vss. 6–9, 15–18): at the LESSON CONTEXT Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Abraham was saved 430 Feast Christians believe that, by faith, they are a part of years before the law was given. Jews and gentiles are the family of faith that is foretold to Abraham in the saved/justified by faith in Abraham’s seed, singular, covenant God made to Abraham in Genesis 12 and which is Jesus Christ. of the 15. In this covenant, God promised: The third was the law (vss. 23–24): Those under the Passover. • Gen.12:3b And in you all the families of the law could not keep all of it. It was given as a guardian. earth shall be blessed. The law was given to Israel to convict them of their 42 sin and constrain them from committing sin. James And • Gen. 15:1b Abram. I am your shield, your 2:10 says, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and exceedingly great reward. yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” The law when can show you where you are wrong. It can restrain • Gen. 15:6 And he believed in the LORD, and He you, but if you break the law, it cannot redeem you. accounted it to him for righteousness. To be saved by the law you would have to obey 100 He was percent of the Law 100 percent of the time. Paul points to this legacy as the foundation to the Galatians’ faith, which is in Christ Jesus alone. The fourth was the work of the Son of God (vss. 24-25): He redeemed us from the curse of the law, EXAMINING THE STORY having become a curse for us. We are justified by our belief in His redemptive work on the cross. On Paul’s second missionary journey, among (Anything we add to the cross takes away from the churches that were established were Christ’s atoning death. Therefore it is sin). churches in and the region of Galatia (:6). Galatia, a broad strip of country in Finally, Galatians 3:26–27 says, “For ye are all the Asia Minor, was inhabited by a mix race, with sons (children KJV) of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gauls predominating. These Gauls left their own For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have country (now known as France) 300 years put on Christ.” (NKJV) B.C.E., and after a successful military campaign, settled here, and gave their name to the land. Therefore, we receive our righteousness because Jesus became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). No genealogy, Sometime after Paul’s preaching of the gospel no work that we have done, or position we have can and establishing churches in this region, atone for our sins. The song writer put it this way- ng some Judaizing teachers gathered among them asserting the necessity of adding the observance What can wash away my sin? to the of the Law of Moses to faith in Jesus Christ. Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Paul writes this letter to rebuke the Galatians for What can make me whole again? being drawn away from the gospel and to Nothing but the blood of Jesus. ustom of declare the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. The just shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11). the feast. Paul asserts that Jesus Christ is our deliver and we 43 are justified by His crucifixion. When37 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to WONDERING & The video explains justification by faith using an analogy of reputational bankruptcy. REFLECTION QUESTIONS Jerusalem every How would you explain justification by faith to a 1 I wonder who today’s Judaizers are and how you new believer? year at the would respond to them. 2 I wonder how you feel connected to the CONCLUSION Abrahamic covenant and how it connects you to Feast of the John 3:16 declares “For God so loved the world that others. 42 He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes Passover. And 3 I wonder what someone would say to support in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” justification by works today, and how you would (NKJV) As we learned today, all who sincerely believe respond to that person. in Christ, from whatever nation, sex or condition, when He was are accepted by Him and become the children of God through faith in Him. Over this week, reflect twelve years LIFE APPLICATION on how God’s inclusion of all who have faith in Him old, they went ACTIVITY and how you feel led to respond as a result. Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/ up to Jerusalem watch?v=kaZ9MoIlTgc His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. PRAYER 43 Heavenly Father we are grateful for the knowledge that we are saved by the finished work of Jesus Christ the custom of the feast. When they had 43finished When they without the deeds of the law. For you told us the just shall live by faith. Help us to witness to others that faith in Christ alone is the only way to salvation. the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished May we continue to live exemplary lives that reflect our gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen. behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;38 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 8: wentMay to TONGUES OF FIRE/ Jerusalem23 FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT every2021 year atLesson Story: : 1–7 2: 1-4; Galatians | the : 1–4 (NSRV) Acts 2: 1–4 (NIV) 1 When the day of had come, they were 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all Feast all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the heaven there came a sound like the rush of a blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and violent wind, and it filled the entire house where filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 of the they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that appeared among them, and a tongue rested on separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of Passover. each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. 42 as the Spirit gave them ability. And Galatians 4:1-7 (NIV) Galatians 4:1–7 (NRSV) What I am saying is that as long as an heir is when My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, underage, he is no different from a slave, although are no better than slaves, though they are the he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to owners of all the property; 2 but they remain under guardians and trustees until the time set by his He was guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were father. 3 So with us; while we were minors, we in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of Gospel Reading: Luke 11:11-13 were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 in law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might order to redeem those who were under the law, so receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his that we might receive adoption as children. 6 And sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child his child, God has made you also an heir. then also an heir, through God.

ng to the ustom of the feast. 43 When His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to What is your physical response to the story? Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. AndWhat is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when lingered behind How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;40 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING In his letter to the Galatians, Paul encouraged them to walk in the spirit and avoid fleshly desires. These fleshly Watch the video: https://www.youtube. desires include adultery, fornication, uncleanness, went to lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, com/watch?v=JQhkWmFJKnA&t=76s emulation, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, envy, Jerusalem murder, and drunkenness. Instead, they should live Reflecting on the video, how well do you their lives in accordance with the fruit of the spirit… think this video depicts today’s lesson story? love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, every year meekness, and self-control. Lastly, Paul tells the LESSON CONTEXT Galatians that those who have given themselves to at the Christ have crucified the flesh nda that they should This was the fulfillment of ’s words not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, about the Holy Spirit’s baptizing with fire (Luke 3:16) or envying one another. Feast and the prophet Joel’s words about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28–29). The reference to Further, the writer of Galatians points out, “When of the “tongues” symbolizes speech, and the reference to the fullness of time had come, God sent His son, “fire” symbolizes God’s purifying presence, which born of a woman, born under law, in order to burns away the undesirable elements of our lives and redeem those under the law, so that we might Passover. sets our hearts aflame to ignite the lives of others. At receive adoption as children.” Gal.4:4-5, NRSV 42 Pentecost, tongues of fire came down upon many In the same way, when we receive Jesus Christ as And believers symbolizing that God’s presence became Lord and Savior, we are adopted as children in the available to all who believed in God and continues household of faith. We also receive the Holy Spirit as to be available to all who believe in God today. God’s adopted children, and in the fullness of time, when (as we mature in faith) we begin to reject the desires EXAMINING THE STORY of the flesh, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. He was

When the day of Pentecost came (the day that the WONDERING & Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, the 50th REFLECTION QUESTIONS day following the Resurrection), they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the 1 I wonder how God might reveal God’s self to you blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and in a recognizable and unmistakable way. filled the whole house where they were sitting. They 2 I wonder what evidence (fruit and/or gifts) you saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated have that you have received the inheritance of the and came to rest on each of them. All of them were Holy Spirit. filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 3 I wonder which characteristics of the Holy Spirit align more with feminine qualities of the As long as heirs are underage, they are no Godhead. different from slaves, although he owns the whole estate. But when the set time had fully come, God LIFE APPLICATION sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might ACTIVITY receive adoption to son/daughtership. Because ng Considering the various fruit available at your local you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son grocery store, discuss how the fruit of the spirit as into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, to the listed in Galatians (love, joy, peace, etc.) are like the Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but common fruit we consume every day, with a goal of God’s child; and since you are God’s child, God arriving at consensus on the similarities. Example: has made you also an heir. ustom of Love is most like apples because… the feast. 43 When41 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to CONCLUSION of the redemptive work of Jesus, we are no longer held captive by things of the world (power, money, Jerusalem every In today’s lesson, we find we are heirs to God’s fame, etc.). Consider how you can exercise this Kingdom and recipients of the Holy Spirit. Because freedom more fully this week. year at the

Feast of the PRAYER 42 Gracious God, our Father and Mother, we thank You for Your Holy Spirit presence among us and in us. We Passover. And give You thanks for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace which makes us no longer slaves but free. We give You thanks for the fruit of the Spirit, which produces in us love and not hate; joy, not sorrow; peace, not when He was chaos; patience, not impatience; kindness, not meanness; goodness, not evil; faith, not unbelief; meekness, not arrogance; and self-control, not undisciplined. This prayer we offer in the name of the Father, Son, twelve years and Holy Spirit, Amen. old, they went up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances.lingered 45 So when behind they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;42 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Lesson 9: wentMay to A FORK IN THE ROAD: Jerusalem30 RIGHTEOUSNESS OR every2021 year WICKEDNESS atLesson Story: Psalm 1 | Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 17:7–8 the Feast Psalm 1 (KJV) Psalm 1 (NSRV) 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel The Two Ways of the of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or Passover. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in sit in the seat of scoffers; his law doth he meditate day and night. 42 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on And 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of his law they meditate day and night. water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth when which yield their fruit in its season, and their shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore prosper. the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor He was sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

ng to the ustom of the feast. 43 When43 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to What is your physical response to the story? Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the 42 Passover. AndWhat is your emotional response to the story? when He was twelve years old, they went What are the key terms, phrases, and numbers? up to Jerusalem His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He wasthe twelvecustom years old, they went up to Jerusalem accordingof the to feast. Re-create the story through an outline, image, poem, lyrics, or any other medium inspired . the custom of the feast. 43 When they had 43finished When they the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus hadlingered finished behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His motherthe days, did as How do you imagine or how has the story actually been told among different groups? not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when lingered behind How did you read or how have you traditionally read, interpreted, and been presented the story? they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;44 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents OPENING night. While obedience could be viewed as implicit to righteousness, the text emphasizes delight in Watch the video How to Read the Bible and continual meditation on the law. To delight went to means to take great pleasure in the law of the Lord - Psalms https://www.youtube.com/ (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ Jerusalem watch?v=dpny22k_7uk delight) and requires more than a study of the law. Further, to meditate on the law indicates more than In the video, the Psalms are described as a contemplation but also musing, imagination, and every year prayer book for exile. Are there any Psalms reflection. that you read or recite during your own In line with the delight and meditation of the law, at the “exile”? verse 3 engages the imagination through the use of metaphor, which is commonly used throughout Feast Lesson Context the book of Psalms. The use of metaphor has been used in literature, spanning the writings of Aristotle, Divided into five parts, the poetic book of who defined metaphor in his work Poetics (335 of the Psalms is a masterful compilation of laments, BC) as follows: “Metaphor consists in giving the songs of thanksgiving, hymns, liturgies, and thing a name that belongs to something else; the Passover. other types of psalms. Psalms 1 is often read transference being either from genus to species, or 42 in conjunction with Psalm 2, with both texts from species to genus, or from species to species, generally denoted as an introduction to the or on grounds of analogy” (Poetics, 1457b.7, And Psalter. While Psalm 1 is commonly recited, if Loeb trans.). Metaphor has also been described to viewed as a part of the whole book of Psalms, it “compar[e] one thing to another for rhetorical when can provide a lens for engaging the remaining effect” (Masterclass, https://www.masterclass. psalms. Exemplary, Psalm 1 outlines the righteous com/articles/what-is-a-metaphor#what-is-a- He was delight in God’s law and meditate on the law metaphor). This tool has been used in many great day and night. Thus, the following psalms works, such as Sympathy by Paul Lawrence Dunbar (3-150) assist the righteous by providing and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya “meditations” to delight in the law to reflect Angelou, where both poets use the metaphor of a on, muse about, and employ imagination in caged bird to convey themes of oppression and a engaging God’s law. longing for freedom.

EXAMINING THE STORY Specific to Psalm 1:3, the author makes a direct comparison between the righteous and “trees Psalm 1 is structured into three components: 1) a planted by the streams of water” using a simile, a descriptive definition of the righteous and wicked specific type of metaphor. In so doing, the righteous (verses 1-2); 2) a metaphoric expansion of are noted to have the characteristics of a tree planted this definition (verse 3); and 3) a conclusion by the water, which must be deeply rooted to on the contrasting outcomes for the righteous withstand the aquatic forces; a tree that prospers and the wicked. Each component will be and bears fruit in due season. This metaphor can examined more closely below. be interpreted to support the righteous being sustained, productive, and prosperous, if they Verses 1-2 outline two paths: righteousness delight in the Lord and meditate on God’s law. or wickedness. In the translations provided ng Another tree metaphor similarly appears again in above, the righteous are accorded as “blessed” Jeremiah 17:7–8: and “happy” as a people set apart. These people to the do not follow wicked counsel, tread the way of sinners, or act as one who arrogantly rejects and 7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust ustom of taunts the followers of Christ. Rather, the righteous is the Lord. are noted to delight in God’s law and meditate on the law day and the feast. 43 When45 His parents ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH went to 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its WONDERING & roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not REFLECTION QUESTIONS Jerusalem every anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. 1 I wonder how viewing one’s blessing as being year at the In Jeremiah, there is a blessing connected not to the tied to delighting in and meditating on the law delight of the Lord and meditation on God’s law, but rather than pure obedience. rather trust in the Lord. The use of the tree metaphor Feast of the in both Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17 reveals the value 2 I wonder how the use of metaphor in the Bible 42 of metaphor. Particularly, the use of the metaphor of and culturally has helped you understand Bible Passover. And the tree in Psalm 1 ushers in a collection of psalms stories. I wonder what would be lost without the that focus on the law, while this metaphor of the use of metaphor in the Bible and culturally. tree is contextually cited in Jeremiah 17 after the 3 I wonder how your reading of Psalm 1 shapes when He was Lord outlines punishment for Judah’s sin but those your reading of the remaining psalms. who trust the Lord will be like a tree planted by twelve years the water. Thus, the use of this metaphor must be evaluated in the framework written. LIFE APPLICATION ACTIVITY old, they went Finally, verses 4–6 concludes the psalm by detailing the outcomes of the two ways. There is a contrasting Consider your favorite psalm or one of these up to Jerusalem metaphor for the tree planted by the streams of water, commonly cited psalms: Psalm 23, Psalm 121, Psalm as the wicked will be “like the chaff that the wind 138, Psalm 62, and Psalm 46. What are some ways His parents went to Jerusalem every year ataccording the to drives away.” The chaff, another reference familiar to these psalms help you to delight in and meditate on an agrarian crowd, is “the seed coverings and other the law? 42 debris separated from the seed in threshing grain” Feast of the Passover. And when He wasthe twelvecustom (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ chaff). The chaff represents that which falls away CONCLUSION or is discarded. The psalm explicated states the years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to Like Psalm 1 introduces the psalms, this week’s of the feast. wicked will not stand in judgement or among the lesson introduces our series on the psalms. Psalm 43 righteous, but the righteous will be watched over 43 1 provides a lens for viewing the many psalms in the custom of the feast. When they had finished by the Lord while the wicked will perish. With this When they this book. Also, these psalms shape the meaning of framework in mind, Psalm 1 escorts one into the Psalm 1. We are presented a fork in the road, with posture necessary to engage the psalms in pursuit of the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered the righteous taking the path of delighting in and had finished the path of righteousness. meditating on the God’s law. This week, consider behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did your own habits and how you can follow the path the days, as of righteousness. not know it; 44 but supposing Him to havethey been returned,in the company, they went a day’s journey, andthe soughtBoy Jesus PRAYER Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when Lord, thank you for the richness and beauty of Your Word. As I engage the psalms, help me to delight in lingered behind You and Your Word. Open my heart to continually meditate on Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,in Jerusalem. seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after Andthree Josephdays and they found Him in the temple, sitting in theHis midstmother did of the teachers, both listening to them and notasking know them it;46 44 but supposing His APRIL–MAY LESSONS - ADULT STUDENTS parents Rev. Dr. Howard-, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams, Director of Christian Education and Formation Stephanie Cunningham, Sunday School Superintendent went to Rev. Yvonne D. Hawkins, Project Manager Sunday School Curriculum Advisory Team Jerusalem Dr. Reginald Blount, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Deacon Stephanie Cunningham, Alfred Street Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams, Virginia Theological Seminary every year Rev. Yvonne D. Hawkins, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Mel Krothe, Alfred Street Baptist Church Dr. Emily Peck-McClain, Wesley Theological Seminary at the DeWayne Stewart, Alfred Street Baptist Church Sarah Stonesifer Boylan, Learning ForTE Dr. Jana Strukova, Wesley Theological Seminary Feast Theological Formation Team Deacon Ethan Carr of the James Crumley Rev. Barbara Florvil Marcus Johnson Passover. Deacon Tia Johnson Maria Karim 42 Rev. Marc Lavarin And Deacon Mark Morris Joseph Nickens Laverdia Roach Min. Rashad Roberts when Deacon Lorraine Sanders Deacon Geri Tucker Deacon Mary Wair He was Editing Team Danita Brown Quanda Finch Lottie Joiner Jennifer Jones Jenighi Powell Trish Raysor Deacon Geri Tucker Deacon Barbranda Walls

Writing Team Kirklin Anglin Rev. Dr. Lisa Ashe Min. Donna Arrendell Rev. Dr. Timothy Boddie Rev. Rosalind Brooks Rev. Corey Brown Rosalyce Broadous-Brown Qualitra Brown ng Camille Burden Carleen Carey Rev. Bruce Goode to the Deacon Alma Haygood Deacon Carroll Hebron Karen Jenkins ustom of Tranae Johnson Deacon Anginetta Jordan Min. Celestine Pressley the feast. Rev. Dr. Joy Challenger-Slaughter Arlene Whitlock 43 47 Deacon Ken Williams When Alfred Street 301 S. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Baptist Church www.alfredstreet.org Rev . Dr . Howard-John Wesley Senior Pastor @AlfredStreetBC

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look,

Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” His parentsALFRED STREET went BAPTIST CHURCHto Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve yearsRev. Dr. Howard-John old, Wesley, they Senior Pastor went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him