Sunday School Lesson
March 20
Lesson 3 (KJV)
FREE TO CELEBRATE
DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 6:13–22
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 6:13–22; Leviticus 23:4–8
Ezra 6:13–22
13. Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
14. And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
17. And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
18. And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
19. And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
20. For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
21. And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
22. And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
KEY TEXT
The children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.—Ezra 6:16
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. State the emotion that characterized the celebrations of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
2. Compare and contrast the dedication of the second temple with that of the first (1 Kings 8:62–66).
3. Suggest and help plan a church-wide celebration to commemorate an occasion of God’s provision and faithfulness.
HOW TO SAY IT
Abib
A-bib.
Adar
Ay-dar.
Ahaz
Ay-haz.
Artaxerxes
Are-tuh-zerk-seez.
Haggai
Hag-eye or Hag-ay-eye.
Nisan
Nye-san.
Pentateuch
Pen-ta-teuk.
Purim
Pew-rim.
Zechariah
Zek-uh-rye-uh.
Introduction
A. The Challenge of Joy
In 1936 the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer established and taught at a secret seminary in Finkenwalde, located in modern-day Poland. Establishing a seminary that ran against the state-supported church was risky. At any time, the German secret police could close the seminary. Even worse, they could put its leaders in prison. Despite the risk, Bonhoeffer held to his convictions that the seminary was crucial. On the verge of a worldwide crisis, the seminary developed church leaders.
At the seminary Bonhoeffer taught on the Old Testament text of Ezra. He thought that the text offered a model for faithfulness to God during times of crisis. During difficult times, God’s people must maintain hope that the promises of God will remain true. This hope is evident no matter the time period, whether post-exilic Israel or pre-war Europe—or today.
B. Lesson Context
Today’s lesson continues the narrative of Ezra 6:1–12 (see lesson 2). The resettled Jewish exiles, under Zerubbabel’s leadership, rebuilt the foundation of the Jerusalem temple (Ezra 3:8). After the work began, Persian officials questioned under whose authority they rebuilt (5:3–5). Persian King Darius responded and reiterated a declaration of King Cyrus. Only then were the exiles free to rebuild without fear of interference (6:1–5). Further, King Darius made allowances to financially support the reconstruction (6:8–9). The exiles were able to rebuild a place fit for the Lord’s worship.
Humans often attach importance and significance to specific places. So it should be of no surprise that the exiles would value the temple and celebrate its reconstruction. The temple marked the place where God’s presence was with His people (1 Kings 8:27–30). But if Israel were to disobey God, then His presence would leave the temple (Ezekiel 10:1–18). The temple (and its predecessor the tabernacle) allowed the Israelites to experience God’s presence in their midst. It even allowed Israel to rightly follow the commands of God (see Deuteronomy 12:11).
Construction of the temple was just the first step. The building had to be dedicated to signify its holiness before God. Previously, the temple of Solomon’s time underwent the same. Sacrifices were offered and God’s people celebrated His goodness (1 Kings 8:62–66; 2 Chronicles 7:4–11).
In numerous instances the temple had undergone changes. For example, the unfaithful King Ahaz removed certain parts (2 Kings 16:17–18). In response, faithful leaders reinstituted certain practices (23:21–23). It was important for the temple to be ritually cleansed (see 2 Chronicles 29). Even when used improperly, the temple’s importance was not lost. It stood as a holy place where the presence of God was declared to Israel.
I. Obedient Dedication
(EZRA 6:13–18)
A. Leaders and Associates (v. 13)
13a. Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river.
Tatnai, the governor, oversaw the region on the west side of the river Euphrates. His patience is notable. He waited until Darius’s reply before responding to the reconstruction in full (see Ezra 5:5).
13b. Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.
Little is known about the companions who joined Tatnai and Shetharboznai. They likely consisted of numerous groups of people (see Ezra 4:9). The leaders inquired of the Jews, reported to Darius, and received his support (see 5:6; 6:6–12). Previous opposition to the exiles dissipated because of the patronage shown by the king (see 4:1–5).
Patronage was a socioeconomic relationship between a benefactor and a client. The benefactor provided materials and financial support for the client’s needs. In return, the client pledged loyalty to the benefactor. In this example, Darius served as the benefactor for the temple and provided for its reconstruction. In return, he hoped to quell any possible uprising among the exiles.
B. Elders and Prophets (vv. 14–15)
14a. And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
Work on the temple’s reconstruction began in 536 BC (Ezra 3:8). For a time, work did stop due to opposition. However, it began again in the second year of Darius, 520 BC (4:24). The repatriated exiles and the elders of the Jews … prospered in their rebuilding efforts. However, their flourishing occurred only as they followed the exhortations of prophets (5:1).
Decades after the events of Ezra 6, Jerusalem’s population was sparse (see Nehemiah 7:4). Eventually 10 percent of the repatriated population moved to Jerusalem (11:1–2). Still, the city was not a massive metropolis like other major cities. Therefore, the prophets were likely familiar with each other and each other’s teachings.
For a time, the exiles avoided work on rebuilding the temple (Haggai 1:2). However, in August of 520 BC, Haggai the prophet urged rebuilding efforts, which soon occurred (1:1, 8, 14–15). Haggai’s exhortation was not a one-time occurrence. Over the months that followed, he appealed to the people of Judah. He was most concerned with the glory of the temple and the actions of its priests (2:1–23).
The first address of Zechariah came two months later, in November of 520 BC (Zechariah 1:1). He warned the exiles of repeating the past mistakes of their people (1:4). The mercy of the Lord was emphasized among the people (1:16; 3:1–10). In response, they were to seek just and compassionate treatment of the community’s vulnerable members (7:8–10).
What Do You Think?
How can you build relationships with your neighbors that lead to their prospering?
Digging Deeper
How do Romans 15:1–7; Galatians 5:13; 6:2 inform your answer?
EXCEPTIONAL EXAMPLES
Millard Fuller (1935–2009) wanted something more from life. The self-made millionaire found life lacking. Millard and his wife, Linda, sold their possessions and began the search for something meaningful. After spending five years in the international mission field, the Fullers returned to the United States. They were led to help create a housing ministry. The ministry sought to solve housing disparities by building houses on a profit-and-interest-free basis. From that foundation, Habitat for Humanity began its work in 1976. Through the Fullers’ exceptional example, others have participated in the vision of Habitat for Humanity.
The prophetic voices of Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the exiles to continue their reconstruction work. When the exiles followed, they were filled with hope. The glory of God would soon fill the temple! How can you serve as an example to others for God’s work? Is your vision of God’s work clear so that you might become an exceptional example?
—A. S.
14b. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
The decrees of Cyrus and Darius commanded that the Jerusalem temple be rebuilt (Ezra 1:2–3; 6:7). Their decrees came to fruition as the exiles builded and finished the temple. While there were several rulers with the name Artaxerxes, this one was Artaxerxes I (reigned 464–423 BC). In 457 BC Artaxerxes paused the reconstruction efforts of Jerusalem (4:7–23). He tasked Ezra with visiting the city on his behalf (7:1, 8, 11–26).
Artaxerxes’s inclusion shows that Ezra 6 was written at a later time than the events it described. Persian support for Jerusalem and its temple did not stop with Darius. Artaxerxes’s inclusion with Cyrus and Darius showed the continuation of Persian patronage toward the Jewish temple.
15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
The year 516 BC marked the sixth year of the reign of Darius (522–486 BC). The month Adar marks the final month of the Jewish religious calendar. This month corresponds to late February or early March. Seventy years after the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, it was rebuilt.
Furthermore, Adar marked an important time for exiles remaining in Persia. The festival of Purim was celebrated during this month. That festival was established around 470 BC; therefore, it did not exist during the reign of Darius I. Purim commemorated the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies (Esther 9:20–32).
C. Priests and Exiles (vv. 16–18)
16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
Acts of dedication were central throughout Israel’s history. Large crowds of the children of Israel joyously dedicated Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8).
In a similar manner, a crowd gathered to dedicate the rebuilt temple. The children of the captivity acknowledged that “the Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel” (Psalm 147:2).
What Do You Think?
How will you joyously celebrate God’s work in the lives of other believers?
Digging Deeper
What prevents believers from experiencing the joy of the Lord?
17a. And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs.
The offered sacrifices were much smaller in number than those offered at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (see 1 Kings 8:62–63). The discrepancy could be due to the fewer number of people. Or, perhaps the exiles’ poverty prohibited them from amassing larger numbers of sacrifices.
Their offerings were not chosen randomly but were consistent with the people’s history. The law required bullocks (bulls) to be offered during the burnt sacrifice (Leviticus 1:3, 5). In addition, bulls were offered as a part of the sin offering (4:3, 13–14). A sacrifice of rams was required during the trespass offerings (5:14–15; 6:6). The peace offering (3:6–8), the sin offering (4:32), and the trespass offering (5:6) all made allowance for the use of lambs. The text of Ezra does not indicate whether these specific offerings were made at the dedication.
These animals were offered as Israel celebrated the blowing of trumpets (see Numbers 29:1, 13, 17–18, etc.). Also, when Israel dedicated the tabernacle altar (7:10), these animals were offered (7:87–88).
That the animals were offered at the dedication of the rebuilt temple reflects two major points. First, it showed a concern to uphold the stipulations God required of the people. Second, the offering followed precedent made by previous generations.
Ritual purification and repentance were prerequisites for Israel to offer proper worship to God. Furthermore, Israel saw no contradiction between repentance and joyfulness before the Lord (see also Nehemiah 8:9–12). The repatriated tribes experienced joy as they offered sacrifices before God.
17b. And for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
A sin offering of goats purified the people of their sins or ritual violations (see Leviticus 4:22–26; 5:6; 9:3, 15). That twelve were offered represented the split nation as a unified 12 tribes. As not all tribes had returned from exile, the offerings anticipated a reunited nation. During exile, the Jews had been without proper accommodations to make sin offerings. Their act of purification acknowledged decades of impure and sinful acts. As a new temple was dedicated, the people had a new start before God.
DEDICATION AND CELEBRATION!
My senses were tingling that morning. I can remember the sight of the new sanctuary, the smell of new carpet, and the feeling of new pews. That day marked the dedication of our church’s new building. The anticipation of planning, building, and moving into a new building had come to its grand conclusion. I was excited for the work that the Lord would do in that building.
Our church community was filled with joy and gratitude as the dedication ceremony proceeded. We were eager to see God’s work in that building. However, we were most excited for how God would work among us.
For ancient Israel, God’s presence was made known in the temple. However, God’s presence now resides in a different temple: His people (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21). Are you filled with joy and hope for how God might work? Are you living in a way that will show God’s presence to others?
—A. S.
18. And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
A rebuilt temple required a new labor force. The priests and Levites were tasked with care for the building and overseeing the sacrificial rituals in service of God. The prescriptions for their labor are found in parts of the book of Moses, the Pentateuch. There Moses described the consecration and duties of Israel’s leadership (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8; Numbers 3:5–13; 18).
The Law of Moses set the boundaries for the priests and the Levites. However, their divisions and courses were established by King David (1 Chronicles 24; compare Ezra 2:36–40). The renewed focus on worship highlighted the importance of the priesthood for Israel. Even in regard to physical health and well-being, the priests served God and Israel (Leviticus 13:2–44).
What Do You Think?
How can your church become more effective in service through the use of organized groups for specific ministries?
Digging Deeper
How does the church’s ministry depend on the whole “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27)?
II. Celebratory Fellowship
(EZRA 6:19–22)
A. Passover (vv. 19–21)
19. And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
Beginning with this verse, the language of the text switches from Aramaic to Hebrew. This marks a transition and a new focus. Previously the text was concerned with the dedication of the rebuilt temple. Now the text focuses on the religious practices of those once in captivity. A new focus reinforced Israel’s distinctiveness, one that diminished during their time in exile (see Nehemiah 13:24).
The observation of the passover gave space for remembrance. Israel was to remember God’s deliverance of their nation from oppression in Egypt (Exodus 12:1–14; Leviticus 23:4–8). Proper observation required that it begin on the fourteenth day of the month of Abib (Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1–2). Abib was the Canaanite name of the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar. During the exile, Israel adopted the Babylonian calendar system. As a result, the name of that month changed to Nisan (Nehemiah 2:1).
20. For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
Earlier descriptions of the observance of Passover do not mention the priests and the Levites. Instead, the elders of the community of Israel selected and killed the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:21). However, depictions from the time of Kings Hezekiah (reigned 715–687 BC) and Josiah (reigned 640–609 BC) describe a different story. In those cases, the Levites killed the passover lamb for the people because of their uncleanness (2 Chronicles 30:17; 35:3–6, 10–11). The practice of having the Levities kill the sacrifice seems to have continued into postexilic Israel.
What Do You Think?
How can believers live lives of purity in regard to their daily actions?
Digging Deeper
How do Psalm 24:3–6; Galatians 5:16–25; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 2 Timothy 2:22–25; and James 1:27 inform your answer?
21. And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat.
Proper observance of Passover required eating roasted lamb, seasoned with bitter herbs, and unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8–9; Numbers 9:11). Some of the meal’s participants were those who had separated themselves unto them. This identification might refer to members of the northern kingdom of Israel or Israelites who did not experience exile. More likely, however, they were non-Israelites who chose to renounce idolatry to seek the Lord God of Israel (compare Nehemiah 9:2).
As long as they followed God’s requirements, these individuals could eat (Exodus 12:44, 48). Distinctiveness as the people of God was most important to Israel. However, that did not imply blind patriotism or nationalistic fervor. Non-Jews, or Gentiles, could participate in Israel’s blessing. This occurred if they followed the stipulations God had for His people (see exceptions in Deuteronomy 23:1, 3–6).
The prophet Isaiah envisioned a future where this occurred. Gentiles were admitted as God’s people when they observed the Sabbath and followed His requirements (see Isaiah 56:3, 6–8).
B. Unleavened Bread (v. 22)
22a. And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful.
The one-day celebration of Passover preceded a week long observance of the feast of unleavened bread. During this week participants ate bread that was unleavened, or without yeast. This was to remember Israel’s salvation and rescue out of Egypt (Exodus 12:14–20; 13:3–10; 23:15; Leviticus 23:6; Numbers 28:17–25; Deuteronomy 16:3–4). The feast was not to be somber but, rather, joyful (see 2 Chronicles 30:21). It reminded Israel of the ways the Lord had provided. The feast reminded the people how the Lord brought them out of oppression in Egypt. For the exiles, the feast was even more timely. It reminded them of His provision as He brought them out of exile.
22b. And turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
This portion of the narrative reaches its dramatic conclusion as the Lord turned the heart of the king. As a result, new life would emerge in Israel. The once exiled people would increase in number, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; 15:5; compare Isaiah 54:1–3).
The mention of Assyria is a puzzling inclusion. The reign of Assyrians ended almost a century prior to the described events of this text. While the Persians adopted aspects of Assyrian government and culture, they were a different force altogether. The best explanation is that the text describes the king in this regard to remind readers of their history. Exile had begun with Assyria and the rule of its king (see Nehemiah 9:32). However, the God of Israel showed concern toward His people as He worked through pagan rulers.
What Do You Think?
What attitude of your heart needs to change for God to work through you?
Digging Deeper
Who will you ask to help you in this regard?
Conclusion
A. Building a Joyful Community
By 1942 the gestapo had shut down numerous underground seminaries, including Finkenwalde. War was in full swing in Europe. Bonhoeffer’s former students were scattered around the continent. However, they were still faithful to their calling to serve the underground church. In an effort to encourage the leaders, Bonhoeffer wrote a series of letters calling the leaders to embrace joy. As suffering and indifference had become prevalent, finding joy was a challenge for these leaders.
The rebuilt temple was a result of God’s provision and faithfulness toward His people. As a result, the exiles expressed their joyous worship and gratitude to God. These expressions took the form that had been prescribed to them before. The temple’s dedication and the celebratory feasts invited the exiles to express proper joy toward God. Once again the people could experience right relationship with God, a true cause for joy and celebration.
Our community of faith may be driven to build new buildings and establish new programs. But our primary challenge when building is to respond joyfully. God’s faithfulness to us demands such a response! From that foundation, we are called to build ministries as an outpouring of God’s faithfulness. Ultimately, these become a sign for the world to see.
B. Prayer
God, during difficult times, finding joy is a challenge. Fill us with the joy that comes only from You. May we be a people who celebrate Your work in our lives in a joyous manner. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God’s people live in joyous and celebratory hope!
KID’S CORNER
A Subtle Miracle of Jesus
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Matthew 26:1-13
Matthew 26:1-13
(Matthew 26:1) When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples,
After Jesus completed His teaching, or after He had completed teaching about the importance of the choices we make regarding preparedness for His coming in Matthew 25, about the right use of our talents, the fact that He will judge all the nations, and the fact that He as Lord and King will separate the righteous who will inherit eternal life from those who will go away into eternal punishment, He began to prepare His disciples for His coming death.
(Matthew 26:2) “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”
Imagine the shock of disbelief that the disciples must have experienced after Jesus had proclaimed these strong teachings and foretold His future judgment of the nations in Matthew 25, and then immediately began to talk about His coming death (as He had done after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ in Matthew 16:16). This time, Jesus forecast that during Passover, only two days away, that He would be handed over and die is a common criminal on a cross. One can hardly imagine a greater contrast of predictions among the expectations of His disciples. Jesus always referred to himself as the Son of Man, who was to come as the promised Messiah, and no one expected the Messiah to give His life as a ransom for many (as Jesus had told His disciples earlier in Matthew 20:28).
(Matthew 26:3) Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas;
In exchange for their places of privilege, almost all of the religious leaders in Jerusalem were also political leaders. They compromised with the Romans to maintain peace in Jerusalem and their personal prosperity. There were many chief priests in Jerusalem. The High Priest serving at that time was Joseph Caiaphas, and contrary to Jewish Law, he was appointed High Priest by the Romans. All the High Priests served at the caprice of the Roman governors over Judea. For Caiaphas to retain his position, he had to please the Roman governors and Emperor. Because he cooperated closely with Roman authorities, Caiaphas was high priest from AD 18 to 36.
(Matthew 26:4) and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.
Though these religious leaders resided over all the ceremonies, feasts, and temple worship proceedings, they seemed to think little about their many violations of the Ten Commandments, the Law of Love. Perhaps they thought their preeminence and performance of religious rituals would guarantee their favored place with the LORD no matter what they did. They planned to use illegal means, including lying about Him, to arrest and kill Jesus.
(Matthew 26:5) But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”
Since their places of prominence depended on their keeping the peace in Jerusalem, so the Roman governors could maintain their places of authority under the Emperor, they did not want a riot during Passover when about 3 million Jews would be gathered together in the city. They took no thought of the immorality of their actions, they only thought of maintaining their political power and what was politically expedient.
(Matthew 26:6) Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper,
Bethany was about 1.5 miles east of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives. Though we know very little about Simon the leper, we do know that Jesus must have healed him from his leprosy for him to be able to remain in his house in Bethany and entertain guests at dinner, for lepers were required to live outside a city in groups with other lepers. Sometimes Christians are remembered for what they used to do or for what they once were instead of what they became by the grace of Jesus.
(Matthew 26:7) a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.
Matthew does not name this woman, but she used costly ointment to anoint Jesus’ head, which demonstrated that to her Jesus was her King or the Messiah, even as King David said his head was anointed with oil (Psalm 23:5). Messiah means “Anointed One” or King, and this woman publicly demonstrated her faith in Jesus as the “Anointed One” that God had promised to send. Because she loved the One who had forgiven her for her sins and given her eternal life, she knew that Jesus deserved all the good that she could do for Him no matter what the cost to her personally.
(Matthew 26:8) But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?
Judas may have instigated and rallied some of the other disciples around the idea that what the woman had done for Jesus was a waste, and her gift to Him could have been sold and used for something more worthy than anointing Jesus’ head. Perhaps they were both angry and envious of Jesus because of what the woman did for Him. Too often well-meaning Christians are criticized for not giving their gifts the way someone else would like to see them used. We need to remember that what we do for Jesus is never wasted or a waste.
(Matthew 26:9) “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
The disciples knew of Jesus’ concern for the poor and needy, for Jesus healed many and miraculously fed more than 5000 people who came to hear Him teach. Jesus always freely gave what God had given to Him to benefit others. Judas would want the ointment sold so he could personally make a profit when he sold the ointment to help the poor (see John 12:5-6).
(Matthew 26:10) But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me.
Jesus immediately defended the honor and intention of the woman who sought to bless Him. Jesus rebuked His disciples for rebuking the woman. Why were they trying to redirect the gift she was giving Jesus? Were they really concerned for the poor? Why were they causing her trouble for doing Him an innocent thing? She broke no laws to bless Jesus and anoint Him with oil. She did perform a good service for Jesus, but a service preparing Him for burial (which the disciples still refused to believe would happen). Jesus was known for His humility; therefore, Jesus did not say that He deserved to have His head anointed because He was the King of the universe and the promised Messiah. He simply accepted the good gift from the woman and defended her conduct.
(Matthew 26:11) “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.
Jesus did not express any arrogance when He spoke to His disciples. Rather, Jesus said there is a time and place for everything. There will always be poor people that can be helped and should be helped. But there is also a time when we need to bless and serve Jesus before we do anything else. It seems the woman understood the truth of Jesus’ words when Jesus said that within a few days He would be handed over to be crucified, and that He would not always be with her or them.
(Matthew 26:12) “For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.
Though she might not have known all that she was doing and why she was doing it, God providentially arranged for her to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. She anointed His body when He could enjoy the soothing effects of the ointment before He suffered and died. We know that on the night Jesus was arrested that His disciples scattered in fear and Peter denied Him. What the woman did for Jesus could not be done at any other time and it was done for Him at the right time.
(Matthew 26:13) “Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”
Knowing He was about to die as a criminal on a cross, Jesus foretold that the story of her anointing Him would be told around the world whenever the good news about His death and resurrection were proclaimed around the world. This amazing forecast came true. Only the Son of God could make such a prediction only a few days before He was to die and know that it would be fulfilled—it was and is still being fulfilled.
A Subtle Miracle of Jesus
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Matthew 26:1-13
“Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (Matthew 26:13).
How many people can you think of who defended the honor of a woman and commended her actions and then died a few days later as a criminal after saying that what she had done would be proclaimed throughout the world, and after almost 2000 years what he said about her is still being repeated around the world? How many people can you think of who said a few days before they died on a cross that the good news of his death would be proclaimed throughout the whole world, and after almost 2000 years his death on a cross is still being proclaimed as good news around the world? How many people can you think of who proclaimed that their death would enable the sins of the world to be forgiven? And today we are still proclaiming the good news John wrote about Him in 1 John 2:2: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” The name of only one person comes to mind: Jesus. Only Jesus fulfilled all these stupendous prophecies. It is doubtful that any mere human could have successfully forecast any one of these three achievements. Only Jesus could fulfill all His words, and He did so because He rose from the dead and He was and is all He said about himself. Sceptics may doubt Jesus walked on water or stilled a storm, but those miracles seem easy compared to Jesus’ words about the woman who honored Him still being talked about everywhere today.
Thinking Further
A Subtle Miracle of Jesus
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Matthew 26:1-13
Name ___________________________________
1. When did Jesus say He would be crucified?
2. Do you think the disciples believed or understood Jesus when He talked about His death and burial? Give a reason for your answer.
3. What type of people were involved in plotting Jesus’ death?
4. When Jesus was at dinner in Bethany, what seemed to shock the disciples and what did they say?
5. What prophecy did Jesus make during the dinner? Do you think it was fulfilled? How?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. When did Jesus say He would be crucified?
After Peter declared Jesus was the Messiah (Christ), Jesus began to talk about His coming death. He said He would be crucified during the Passover feast (which He was).
2. Do you think the disciples believed or understood Jesus when He talked about His death and burial?
Give a reason for your answer. No. They seemed to ignore His forecasts and at the dinner in Bethany no one among the disciples seemed to follow up His forecast about His crucifixion happening very soon. They seemed more concerned about what a woman was doing to Jesus than a discussion about His comments about being crucified in just a few days.
3. What type of people were involved in plotting Jesus’ death?
Most of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Leaders concerned more about 2 themselves than about learning and doing the will of God because they loved and wanted to do the will of God (which they did not).
4. When Jesus was at dinner in Bethany, what seemed to shock the disciples and what did they say?
The woman anointing Jesus’ head with costly ointment that they called a waste and wanted sold to help the poor.
5. What prophecy did Jesus make during the dinner? Do you think it was fulfilled? How?
That wherever around the world whenever the good news was preached about Jesus that what she did for Him would be proclaimed too. Yes. Both then and now people still preach and teach about her around the world and use her for a good example to follow.
Word Search
A Subtle Miracle of Jesus
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Matthew 26:1-13
Name __________________________________
C N W Z N B S E L P I C S I D
L V X O A J Z N S N M G O G P
O R M U M X M C T X C V L Q I
D K W A G A Y R S K J I E T X
S E Q R M H N D E T T O L P A
Y B I L L I K J I D V S B L K
R N Z F D S A N R L A E A P O
Y E A Y I E U P P H A B D H T
P I K H L C A S P N A I W M Y
K J B D T S U A E S T G R I W
F O E L S E I R T J W C V U S
W R U O T A B E C G F R G J B
S Q V H C X R O I N T M E N T
Y E B M W T S E R R A Q X K G
R D E R E V I L E D V U B S D
Disciples
Passover
Delivered
Crucified
Priests
Elders
Caiaphas
Plotted
Arrest
Kill
Bethany
Woman
Alabaster
Ointment
Burial
True and False Test
A Subtle Miracle of Jesus
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Matthew 26:1-13
Name ________________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
1. Jesus did not warn His disciples that He would be crucified. True or False
2. Jesus did not know when He would be crucified. True or False
3. Caiaphas and those who plotted Jesus death seemed to be more political than religious. True or False
4. Since the high priest wanted Jesus killed, it was okay to kill Him. True or False
5. No matter what they ask of us, we should always obey our religious and political leaders. True or False
6. The religious leaders did not want an uproar among the people over Jesus’ crucifixion. True or False
7. Before the feast of Passover, Jesus ate with His disciples and Simon the leper. True or False
8. A woman anointed Jesus head to do a good deed for Him. True or False
9. The disciples got angry when they saw the woman wasting what could have been sold to help the poor. True or False
10. Jesus defended the woman’s actions and said that she was preparing Him for burial. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word is true and we have all we need for life and godliness contained within the sacred pages of Scripture. I pray that my heart and mind would be open to Your pure scrutiny and that all I say and do would honour You. Thank You that You know the end from the beginning and I pray that any evil that is being secretly plotted today, to dishonour Your name and shipwreck the faith of Your people will be exposed, and that truth will prevail. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sin and that He took the punishment I deserve so that I could be declared righteous in Your eyes. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.