Exodus 23:1-9 International Bible Lesson

Posted on June 1, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Why Believers Think Differently

International Bible Lesson
Exodus 23:1-9
Sunday, June 3, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2—KJV).

“Do not follow the majority when they do wrong or when they give testimony that perverts justice” (Exodus 23:2—GNB).

“You shall not follow a majority in wrongdoing; when you bear witness in a lawsuit, you shall not side with the majority so as to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2—NRSV).

Some legislators enact laws, some judges make rulings, and some parties write platforms, because they choose to follow the majority or some influential pressure groups. Even though the Bible teaches people not to follow the majority in wrongdoing, some in positions of power think they can turn wrongs into rights to satisfy others and themselves.

Secular society, what the Bible calls “the world,” has turned from God, God’s laws, and the Bible’s teachings. The laws, rulings, and values of a secular society often oppose and seek to overturn the laws of God. The world tries to lead people away from their conscience, from the laws of God written on their hearts, from commonsense, and from the ways of a just society revealed in the Bible. Therefore, many people today show no understanding of right and wrong, and they expect others to prevent them from suffering the natural consequences of wrongdoing.

Though the worldly majority may never accept this fact, believers know that God has taught in the Bible what is right and wrong, lawful and unlawful, just and unjust, loving and hateful. The Bible is the only objective, infallible, written guide to knowing the truth and the way God expects people to live. Jesus came to teach the true application of the Bible; and by His life, Jesus showed how to obey God perfectly. Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to guide and empower His followers to obey the Bible’s teachings in specific situations. No wonder believers think differently from the world and feel appalled at the ideas and goals of secular society.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on Exodus 23:1-9]
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Thinking Further

1. How do we know what is just and unjust?

2. How can God’s people live justly in an unjust society or where majority rules?

3. How does the lesson teach us to be concerned for all people and all domestic animals?

4. In what ways does God’s law show concern for the poor?

5. What is the difference between a resident alien and an illegal alien?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On Exodus 23:1-9]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On Exodus 23:1-9]

[Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on Exodus 23:1-9]

[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons Commentary]
[Comprehensive Index for the International Bible Lessons]
[Bible Lessons Archives from 2007-2012 at the original: InternationalBibleLessons.com]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

How to Pray in the Spirit: Devotional Readings [John Bunyan / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb
How God Teaches Us to Pray: Lessons from the Lives of Francis and Edith Schaeffer
Francis and Edith Schaeffer: Expanded and Updated Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition E-book
Prayer Steps to Serenity: Daily Quiet Time Edition Pb
Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition Pb
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] E-book
Principles of Prayer [Charles Finney / L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.] Pb

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John 14:1-14 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 25, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Reasons Not to Worry

International Bible Lesson
John 14:1-14
Sunday, May 27, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1—KJV).

“‘Do not be worried and upset,’ Jesus told them. ‘Believe in God and believe also in me’” (John 14:1—GNB).

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1—NRSV).

Jesus gave the ultimate solution for facing all fears and overcoming all problems. He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” We can refuse to let our hearts be troubled by past, present, or possible events we hear reported with troubled tones. We can choose to confront every troubling person or situation with peace of mind and heart. Jesus gave a rational reason for not allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed with events and people beyond our control. He said, “Believe in God, believe also in me.”

Jesus came into the world to show and tell the truth about God and himself. By the way Jesus lived and died, He revealed the depth of God’s gracious love. He showed forth the character and nature of God so perfectly throughout His life and ministry that He said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). When we see the perfect, wise, and loving concern of God the Father in the way Jesus treated people, if we believe in God and Jesus, we can have hope at all times.

Those who believe in God and Jesus can help those with weak or no faith in God as they show and tell the facts of Jesus’ faithfulness by their way of life and words. If others see the joyful and peaceful difference that the Spirit of Jesus can make in the believer’s life, they will have more good reasons to trust in God and Jesus. Even if believers suffer disaster and death before Jesus returns, through believing in God and Jesus they will not perish but inherit eternal life in the paradise Jesus has prepared for them.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 14:1-14]
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[Easy Print Bulletin Size No Questions: Bible Lesson on John 14:1-14]

Thinking Further

1. What are some concerns or events that trouble some people today?

2. How can believing in God the Father and Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior help people not to be troubled about the concerns and events they listed in answer to question one?

3. Jesus said He was the way, the truth, and the life. How does knowing this help you in your daily life?

4. How do Jesus’ words help you when you are facing death – the death of a friend, loved one, or yourself?

5. How does Jesus teaching on prayer in these verses encourage you?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 14:1-14]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 14:1-14]

[Verse-by-Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 14:1-14]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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John 11:17-27, 32-36 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 18, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Facts About Living Forever

International Bible Lesson
John 11:17-27, 32-36
Sunday, May 20, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24—KJV).

“‘I know,’ she replied, ‘that he will rise to life on the last day’” (John 11:24—GNB).

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day’” (John 11:24—NRSV).

Early in Jesus’ ministry, He taught, “the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). Then Jesus added, “the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).

Later in Jesus’ ministry, after Lazarus had been buried in his tomb four days, Jesus came to the home of Lazarus’ sisters. When Martha spoke to Jesus, she affirmed four facts of faith. First, Jesus could have healed her brother. Second, Jesus could still do something, because God always gives Jesus whatever He asks. Third, her brother will rise again on the last day. Fourth, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Then, Jesus demonstrated the truth of His teachings and affirmed her trust in him. At Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus called Lazarus by name, and Lazarus heard His voice and came forth alive. After Jesus’ enemies reported that Jesus had raised Lazarus, the religious leaders plotted Jesus’ death and “planned to put Lazarus to death as well” (John 12:10). Jesus gave Lazarus life, but eventually Lazarus’ body would die again; yet, on the last day, Jesus will raise from the dead all who believe in Him. Jesus taught, “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day” (John 6:40).

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 11:17-27, 32-36]
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[Easy Print Bulletin Size: Bible Lesson on John 11:17-27, 32-36]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size No Questions: Bible Lesson on John 11:17-27, 32-36]

Thinking Further

1. Why might God sometimes choose to delay in giving us what we want?

2. Why do you think people of all economic conditions and stations in life followed Jesus?

3. What truths about Jesus did Martha confess to Jesus? Do you believe these?

4. Why is it important to believe that those who die “will rise again in the resurrection on the last day”?

5. Why do you think Jesus wept? Is weeping a sign of lack of faith?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 11:17-27, 32-36]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 11:17-27, 32-36]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 11:17-27, 32-36]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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John 10:7-18 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 11, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

The Gate Into The Kingdom of God

International Bible Lesson
John 10:7-18
Sunday, May 13, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9—KJV).

“I am the gate. Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9—GNB).

“I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9—NRSV).

People can think of Jesus as a spiritual gate to a spiritual sheepfold, city, or palace. A gate provides a legal place of entry; enemies or thieves would seek other ways into a city or house and harm those inside. Jesus described His care for His sheep; those He knows and those who know Jesus (John 10:14). Later, when Jesus was on trial, He told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus serves as the gate of admittance to His kingdom for all those He loves and those who love to follow him. Therefore, in addition to saving all those who trust in him from the practice of sin and the consequences of having practiced sin, Jesus also saves His people from those who come “only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Though some of His followers may suffer a martyr’s death, Jesus will protect them from false prophets and teachers who would rob them of their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus will rescue His sheep from the very jaws of spiritual death and grant them everlasting life in the kingdom of God.

As the good shepherd, Jesus leads His followers into a safe shelter. Then, He leads them back into the world where they can work to meet their daily needs, but also where wolves might snatch them and scatter them. However, Jesus laid down His life and took it up again so He could save spiritually the sheep of His fold, and He still wants to bring into His sheepfold, His kingdom, everyone who will trust and follow him.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 10:7-18]
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Thinking Further

1. Why do you think “thieves and bandits” is a good description of false messiahs, false prophets, false teachers, and false religious leaders?

2. As the sheep of God, what are some things we can do so we do not get tricked into listening to religious, spiritual, or psychological “thieves and bandits”?

3. What are some things God has done and does for His sheep to keep them safe?

4. Why does Jesus speak so pointedly of there being only one gate, only one flock of sheep, and only one good shepherd?

5. Why might it have been important for Jesus to teach that His Father had commanded Him to use His own power when He laid down His life in death and when He took it up again in rising from the dead?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 10:7-18]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 10:7-18]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 10:7-18]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

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John 6:22-35 International Bible Lesson

Posted on May 4, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Work For What Endures

International Bible Lesson
John 6:22-35
Sunday, May 6, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27—KJV).

“Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him” (John 6:27—GNB).

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal” (John 6:27—NRSV).

If we interpreted John 6:27 out of context, we could mistakenly argue that Jesus commanded people not to work for food; thus giving people a divine excuse not to work at all. To avoid mistakes of this kind, we need to consider what the whole Bible teaches, and the Bible teaches, “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Because the Bible does not contain contradictions, we need to look for the deeper meaning of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus warned against trying to do the work of God for the purpose of acquiring the food that perishes. Even today, too many people go to church to please God in order to get more and more material possessions from God; Jesus warned against this motive as a reason for coming to God or to him. Likewise, believers need to be careful not to encourage people to come to Jesus merely for the food or possessions that perish.

Jesus taught, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29). Jesus kept the focus of the believer upon himself, because He came to give eternal life. Jesus said He was the true bread from heaven, and He was the bread of God. Jesus gives physical and spiritual life. He gives moral and spiritual transformation that recreates a believer and gives them joy in the presence of God forever. Knowing Jesus and learning more about Jesus means more to the believer than any material possession He gives.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 6:22-35]
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Thinking Further

1. What are some things Jesus did (or refused to do) when showing and telling the truth about himself so He would not appear arrogant, egotistical, or self-centered?

2. Why did Jesus allow His disciples see Him walk on water, but did not walk on water in front of a crowd for them to see Him walk on water?

3. How did Jesus give God the Father the glory and honor for feeding the crowd?

4. What did Jesus say that the crowd was seeking when they came to Him? What are some people seeking when they come to Jesus today?

5. Who does Jesus tell the crowd to believe in? Who does Jesus want people to believe in today? What are some of the results of believing in this person?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 6:22-35]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 6:22-35]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 6:22-35]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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Posted in Bible Lesson, New Testament | 1 Comment

John 9:1-17 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 27, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Do God’s Works While You Can

International Bible Lesson
John 9:1-17
Sunday, April 29, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4—KJV).

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4—GNB).

“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4—NRSV).

When the disciples asked why a certain man had been born blind, Jesus answered, “that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:3). Most people know someone with disabilities in whom God has revealed His good works. God revealed His works in the blind man because Jesus took action toward his healing. God healed the blind man after the blind man responded to Jesus’ treatment and washed his eyes in the pool of Siloam. God has revealed His works in many disabled and diseased people, because people of faith took action, and those they tried to help responded rightly to their efforts.

Jesus insisted that our open doors of opportunity to serve God and others might suddenly shut; therefore, we must do the works of God while we can. A time came in Jesus’ ministry when darkness descended upon His disciples, because His body lay in a tomb and they could not do the works of God. After Jesus rose from the dead, He commissioned and empowered them to do the works of God again. Later, when each of His twelve disciples (except Judas and John) died a martyr’s death, their opportunity to do the works of God in this world ended.

Jesus spoke of the works of God, not the work of God. God has given believers many different works to do. Some of God’s works through believers may seem spectacular, but God does many works through believers quietly and unnoticed. Whatever works God calls believers to do are important, but night may come when no one can work until Jesus Christ returns as He promised.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 9:1-17]
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Thinking Further

1. How might Jesus’ attitude and response toward the man born blind be a good example for His followers today when we remember that Jesus said, “He was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:3)?

2. Can you think of some examples from history or your own experiences when and where it was easier to do the work of God rather than at a later time and place? What does this teach you and your church?

3. What are some works of God that followers of Jesus can do today that they might not be allowed to do later “when night comes”?

4. Why do you think Jesus made a paste to heal the man’s eyes rather than simply touch his eyes and heal him at the moment He spoke to him?

5. What good example or examples does the blind man give us when he washed his eyes at the pool of Siloam and was able to see after he washed them?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 9:1-17]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 9:1-17]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 9:1-17]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 20, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Why We Worship the Father

International Bible Lesson
John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30
Sunday, April 22, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23—KJV).

“But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants”
(John 4:23—GNB).

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him”
(John 4:23—NRSV).

When the Samaritan woman asked Jesus about the right place to worship, Jesus told her that true worship was not a matter of location. Furthermore, Jesus refused to debate about the differences between the Samaritan and the Jewish views of worshiping God. He told her “true worshipers will worship the Father.” True worshipers will come to God both spiritually and truthfully. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Acceptable worship involves a proper attitude and purpose. For example, how much concern for God does someone bring to their worship of God? Do they intend to give love, praise, and thanks to God? Do they seek to learn from God how best to serve Him and others? However, worshiping God in spirit involves more than a right attitude.

God is Spirit. When God creates human beings, He puts a spirit within them. True worship involves a relationship and communication between God’s Spirit and our spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When the Holy Spirit comes to live within a believer, God’s Spirit draws close to their spirit; therefore, true worship can occur at any time and place, with others or alone with God. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible, and worship includes thinking about the truth that God has revealed in the Bible. True worship involves coming to the Father with honesty and praying for His loving Spirit to teach us the truth about things seen and unseen.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]
[Easy Print Large Print: Bible Lesson on John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size: Bible Lesson on John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size No Questions: Bible Lesson on John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]

Thinking Further

1. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, what example did He give?

2. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that what He had to give her was “the gift of God”?

3. What type of worshipers does God the Father seek?

4. Why do you think Jesus revealed to her directly, instead of indirectly as He often did with some, that He was the Messiah?

5. Why might the woman’s testimony about Jesus and what He had done have influenced the townspeople to go out and meet Him? Why was her question more important to them than if she had simply declared that she had met the Messiah?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30]

— © Copyright 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
You may be reprint or reproduce this International Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

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John 2:13-22 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 13, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Why We Study the Whole Bible

International Bible Lesson
John 2:13-22
Sunday, April 15, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said” (John 2:19, 22—KJV).

“Jesus answered, ‘Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again.’ So when he was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said” (John 2:19, 22—GNB).

“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken” (John 2:19, 22—NRSV).

During the first Passover that Jesus celebrated with His disciples, He cleansed the stone temple that Herod had built and purified it for the worship of God. When the religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to cleanse their temple, He told them that if they destroyed “this temple” (speaking of His body) that He would raise it up in three days. During the last Passover that Jesus celebrated, the religious leaders arranged His crucifixion and destroyed “this temple.” Notice that Jesus said He himself would raise up “this temple,” His “body,” from the dead. As the Son of God, Jesus had the power to raise up His dead body without any help, glorify His body, and make His body the temple of God once again.

Before the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus, John said, “for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9). Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He taught the disciples some truths about His destiny that they only understood after He rose from the dead. They remembered many facts about Jesus and His applications of the Scriptures to himself only after they received the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised, that God the Father sent in Jesus’ name (see John 14:26; 20:22). Therefore, Christians believe and study the scriptures that Jesus studied, the Hebrew Scriptures; and in addition, they seek to understand and obey Jesus’ words, the story of His life, and the Apostles’ writings that became the New Testament.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 2:13-22]
[Easy Print Large Print: Bible Lesson on John 2:13-22]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size: Bible Lesson on John 2:13-22]
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Thinking Further

1. When Jesus began His ministry in Jerusalem, He found people selling animals for sacrifices in the temple, which He had seen every time He visited Jerusalem from the time He was a child growing up into manhood. How might He have felt during all those years prior to cleansing the temple?

2. Why do you think Jesus began His ministry in Jerusalem by first cleansing the temple?

3. How might the selling of animals for sacrifices have begun with good intentions and then eventually become corrupted?

4. Today, in what ways might a church become a marketplace and have an adverse effect upon the worship and service of God?

5. Why do you think Jesus purposely gave the temple authorities an obscure answer about the temple and His body?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 2:13-22]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 2:13-22]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 2:13-22]

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John 20:1-10, 19-20 International Bible Lesson

Posted on April 6, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

Evidence for the Resurrection

International Bible Lesson
John 20:1-10, 19-20
Sunday, April 8, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

An Easter Sunrise Service for printing.

“Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him” (John 20:2—KJV).

“She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, ‘They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’” (John 20:2—GNB).

“So Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him’” (John 20:2—NRSV).

After Jesus’ friends took His lifeless body down from the cross and laid it in a tomb, they never expected to see Jesus alive on Earth again. They lost all hope, forgot His teachings about rising from the dead, and feared even more the enemies who crucified their Lord. Since Jesus’ disciples required convincing physical proof before they would believe that Jesus was alive again, their former hardheadedness is another good reason to believe that Jesus rose from the dead.

When Mary Magdalene visited Jesus’ tomb and found His body gone, she assumed that someone had removed it—perhaps His enemies, who would bring more defilement and dishonor to His dead body. When Peter and the beloved disciple, most probably John, rushed to investigate, they saw His grave clothes, but His body was gone. Why would anyone defile themselves by removing a dead body from a tomb after first removing the grave wrappings? John wrote that as they stood in the tomb and looked around, “they did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:10).

In order for His disciples to believe that He lived again, Jesus had to meet them and convince them himself; therefore, He appeared in the midst of them, He spoke words of assurance to them, and He showed them the healed marks in His pierced hands and side. After they saw Jesus was alive and well, they believed and rejoiced because He had risen from the dead (John 20:19-20).

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 20:1-10, 19-20]
[Easy Print Large Print: Bible Lesson on John 20:1-10, 19-20]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size: Bible Lesson on John 20:1-10, 19-20]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size No Questions: Bible Lesson on John 20:1-10, 19-20]

Thinking Further

1. Why do you think John omitted from his Gospel some of the important events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus that the other Gospels included; such as, the presence of the guards?

2. Compare these verses from John (John 8:18; John 15:26-27; 1 John 1:1-2; 1 John 4:14) to Luke 1:1-4. How does Luke’s Gospel differ from John’s Gospel?

3. What reason did Mary Magdalene give Peter and John for why the tomb was empty? Why do you think she assumed this? Why is her assumption important evidence in support of the fact of the resurrection?

4. What importance do you place on the emphasis John placed on the tomb being empty except for the burial wrappings?

5. John said he believed. What do you think he believed? Give a reason for your answer.

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 20:1-10, 19-20]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 20:1-10, 19-20]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 20:1-10, 19-20]

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John 18:28-37 International Bible Lesson

Posted on March 30, 2012 by L.G. Parkhurst

The One Who Will Listen to Jesus

International Bible Lesson
John 18:28-37
Sunday, April 1, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37—KJV).

“So Pilate asked him, ‘Are you a king, then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me’” (John 18:37—GNB).

“Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice’” (John 18:37—NRSV).

If you asked a thousand people why Jesus was born, probably very few would answer, “To testify to the truth;” however, Jesus told Pilate that He came into the world for that reason. Jesus not only focused on teaching the truth, but He also claimed to be the truth (John 14:6). Believers may give a variety of reasons for why they became Christians, but they need to include, “Because Christianity is true.”

Jesus always told the truth, and He spoke rightly when He declared, “My kingdom is not from this world” (John 18:36). Unfortunately, too many of those who want to rule in this world do not care about the truth or focus on always telling the truth. Too many who seek leadership in the kingdoms of this world unfairly characterize or misrepresent the ideas of their opponents. Whether they themselves live truthfully or not, most people want to hear the truth from their leaders and those who keep them informed about their government and their rulers. Some who concern themselves mostly with the kingdoms of this world think believing in Jesus and His moral values should disqualify a person from holding public office. Yet, King Jesus steadfastly refused to use unrighteous means to acquire political office or spiritual influence in the world. He consistently told the truth and trusted in His heavenly Father with regard to the consequences. Furthermore, Jesus declared that those who belong to the truth will listen to (or obey) Him.

[Easy Print: Bible Lesson on John 18:28-37]
[Easy Print Large Print: Bible Lesson on John 18:28-37]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size: Bible Lesson on John 18:28-37]
[Easy Print Bulletin Size No Questions: Bible Lesson on John 18:28-37].

Thinking Further

1. What is a ritual? Why are the performance of rituals important to some people? What is ritual defilement?

2. What do you think Pilate might have assumed were the objectives of a King of the Jews or the King of the Jews? Why might these objectives concern him?

3. Why do you think Jesus did not give Pilate simple “Yes” or “No” answers to his interrogation?

4. Read John 18:37 again. Why did Jesus come into the world? Do you often hear this reason given when people talk about why He was born?

5. What kind of person listen’s to Jesus? When Jesus spoke to Pilate, what did He mean by “listen”? According to Jesus, what kind of person refuses to listen to Him?

Study Hints for Teachers for Thinking Further

[Easy to Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 18:28-37]
[Easy to Print -- Large Print: Teacher Study Hints On John 18:28-37]

[Verse by Verse International Bible Lesson Commentary on John 18:28-37]

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Nook Reader and in Paperback:

Books by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. for your Kindle Reader and in Paperback:

Posted in Bible Lesson | 3 Comments

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International Bible Lesson
Exodus 23:1-9
Sunday, June 3, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 14:1-14
Sunday, May 27, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 11:17-27, 32-36
Sunday, May 20, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 10:7-18
Sunday, May 13, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 6:22-35
Sunday, May 6, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 9:1-17
Sunday, April 29, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 4:7-15, 23-26, 28-30
Sunday, April 22, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 2:13-22
Sunday, April 15, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 20:1-10, 19-20
Sunday, April 8, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson
John 18:28-37
Sunday, April 1, 2012

International Bible Lessons Commentary
L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.