Sunday School Lesson

July 10
Lesson 6 (KJV)

THE WORD HEALS

DEVOTIONAL READING: John 4:46–54
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 4:46–54
JOHN 4:46–54

46. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

47. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

48. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

49. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

50. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

51. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

52. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

53. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

54. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

KEY TEXT

The father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.—John 4:53

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize the account of the healing.

2. Compare and contrast the concepts of faith and belief.

3. Suggest an appropriate action that follows right belief in Jesus.

HOW TO SAY IT

Cana
Kay-nuh.

Capernaum
Kuh-per-nay-um.

Galilee
Gal-uh-lee.

Galileans
Gal-uh-lee-unz.

Herod Antipas
Hair-ud An-tih-pus.

Judea
Joo-dee-uh.

Nazareth
Naz-uh-reth.

Introduction

A. Epidemics and Pandemics

Epidemics and pandemics are often associated with centuries past. Generally, a disease is considered an epidemic if the disease rapidly affects a large group of people in a specific region. An epidemic becomes a pandemic when the disease rapidly spreads across many countries and regions. The Black Death (bubonic plague) of the fourteenth century is a prime example of a pandemic.
Because of medical advances, sanitation, and a forgetting of history, we might assume that the age of epidemics and pandemics is over. However, the events of recent history tell a different story.
Since the end of the nineteenth century, the world has faced numerous health crises. Epidemics and pandemics are still a harsh reality. For example, a cholera pandemic originated in India and spread throughout the global west in the first years of the twentieth century. To this day, cholera epidemics continue throughout parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Even the first decades of the twenty-first century have seen multiple outbreaks of illness. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), HIV/AIDS, H1N1 influenza (“Swine Flu”), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola, Zika fever, and COVID-19 are among notable outbreaks of illness since the year 2000. These illnesses serve as harsh reminders for the prevalence of sickness and, ultimately, death. Despite wondrous medical advances, sickness and ailments still fill the world.
The complete healing of all physical maladies will not be achieved on earth—no matter the extent of modern medicine. In today’s Scripture text, Jesus provides a sign to something greater than physical healing.

B. Lesson Context

John’s Gospel can be divided into four major movements: an introduction (John 1:1–51, see lesson 5), Jesus’ earthly ministry (2:1–11:57), the events of Passion Week (12:1–20:31), and an afterword (21:1–25). Today’s Scripture text comes from the second movement.
This movement tells of Jesus’ earthly ministry through seven miraculous works (John 2:1–11; 4:43–54; 5:1–15; 6:1–15; 6:16–24; 9:1–41; 11:1–57) and seven teaching discourses (see 2:12–3:36; 4:1–42; 5:16–47; 6:25–71; 7:1–8:59; 10:1–21; 10:22–42). Presented together, these moments flesh out the nature of Jesus’ ministry and provide evidence “that this is the Son of God” (1:34).
This lesson’s Scripture text comes as Jesus returns to Galilee, the region of His first public miracle at Cana (see John 2:1–11). Following that miracle, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem in Judea for the Passover (2:13). While in Jerusalem, Jesus corrected unholy occurrences at the temple area (see 2:14–24) and addressed a religious leader (see 3:1–21).
The text does not give insight for how long Jesus stayed in Judea. Realizing the Pharisees were noticing His popularity, Jesus returned to Galilee via Samaria (John 4:1–4). After a two-day stop in Samaria (4:43), Jesus arrived in Galilee. The miracle worker of Galilee had returned!
The way John presents Jesus’ teachings and miraculous works highlights their continuity and gives evidence that Jesus is more than a Galilean miracle worker. Jesus quenched the thirst of the wedding party in Cana (John 2:7–10), then taught a Samaritan woman how to quench her spiritual thirst (4:10–15). Similarly, Jesus taught how He could provide eternal life and backed up that claim by restoring physical life to a young child (4:43–54). John’s inclusion of Jesus’ teachings reveals that Jesus is more than a miracle worker. Jesus is the Son of God, who brings eternal life (3:14–15) and living water (4:13–14).
John’s Gospel places a high emphasis on Jesus’ miraculous works. These works serve as signs of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God (John 20:30–31). Despite these miraculous signs, John’s Gospel acknowledges that many people would not accept or listen to Jesus (examples: 1:11; 2:18).

I. Request of a Father
(JOHN 4:46–50a)

A. Certain Official (v. 46)

46a. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine.

His journey from Judea was completed when Jesus came again to His final destination: Galilee. This was a region north of Samaria and Judah. The central geographic feature of the region is the Sea of Galilee. This so-called sea (in actuality, a lake) is the source for the Jordan River. Further, it was the backdrop and the site for many of Jesus’ miracles (see Matthew 15:29–39; Luke 8:22–25; John 6:16–21). The town of Cana was located in the mountains west of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus’ disciple Nathanael came from this community (John 21:2).
John’s inclusion in his Gospel account of this Galilean community was not by chance—Jesus’ adult public ministry was inaugurated in Cana. While attending a wedding banquet, Jesus miraculously made jars of water turn into wine after the banquet ran dry (John 2:1–12). John referred to this event as the “beginning of miracles” (2:11), the first of many miracles to come from Jesus (see Lesson Context).

46b. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

This nobleman was likely an official who worked in service to the regional ruler to this area: Herod Antipas. Herod was the tetrarch (that is, administrator) of Galilee (Luke 3:1). This certain official could have served Herod through a variety of administrative, political, or military contexts. Further, the official could have been Jew or Gentile. Other healing accounts in the Gospels provide clear details of all characters invovled (see 7:1–2). However, John’s account of this healing narrative does not give the same level of detail.
The only other identifying marker of the official is that his ailing son was not in Cana with his father. Instead, the sick son was in Capernaum, another Galilean town. Capernaum sat on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, about 16 miles directly northeast of Cana. The town served as Jesus’ base of operations (see Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31; John 6:59).

B. Confident Interaction (vv. 47–50a)

47. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

News likely had reached the official concerning Jesus’ interactions in Judaea and His claims of divine authority and power (see John 2:14–21). Hearing of Jesus’ claims (and perhaps having a recollection of His miraculous act at the wedding banquet), the official apparently saw no other option than to plead to Jesus for healing on behalf of his ailing son. Since Jesus had returned to Galilee, the time had come for the official to act. The official went from Capernaum to Cana to find Jesus.
John’s narrative does not provide further detail on the nature of the boy’s sickness. Whatever it was, it had advanced to where the boy’s life was at stake; he was at the point of death. Some level of medical knowledge existed in the first century, and physicians worked to heal people of their afflictions (see Matthew 9:12; Colossians 4:14). However, many people still lived with incurable ailments (see John 5:5). As Jesus’ earthly ministry grew in notoriety, He frequently was approached by people desperate for physical healing. These people had sought the help of a physician, but were unable to find workable remedies and healing (see Mark 5:26).

What Do You Think?
How often should believers turn to God in prayer regarding physical healing?

Digging Deeper
How do our prayers, whether concerning small or large requests, give honor to God?

48. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Jesus responded to the official’s request for healing in an unexpected manner. Instead of addressing the sick child, Jesus questioned the spiritual status of the official’s countrymen. They were ye people who required miraculous acts from Jesus. The underlying Greek text indicates that Jesus’ declaration was directed to a collective group. The official came seeking help, but Jesus responded to his request with particular criticism.
Many of Jesus’ own countrymen demanded that He produce signs and wonders to justify the validity of His actions and teachings (see John 2:18; 6:30). Through these signs, some people came to believe in and follow Him (see 2:11, 23). The desire for evidence and tangible signs is understandable, especially regarding the claims of Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 1:22). The ultimate goal of these signs was belief in the Messiah and the life that He provides (see John 20:31).
However, not all people accepted Jesus’ miracles. This reflected their stubbornness and the hardness of their hearts. Time and time again Jesus’ claims were backed by His actions—a sign of who He is. Despite this reality, many people refused to listen to Jesus (see John 12:37).
Jesus used this interaction with the official to critique the lack of faith of the Galileans. Rather than receive the gift of Jesus, they demanded signs. It would be easy to read Jesus’ words as an angry indictment toward His countrymen. However, it’s possible that Jesus spoke this as a lament regarding their spiritual blindness. Jesus came to His own people, yet they did not receive Him (see John 1:11). Not only was Jesus frustrated, but He was also grieved by their lack of faith. Perhaps this official would change the tide and provide an example for how a person might properly believe.
While Jesus knows each person’s heart (John 2:25), the official’s level of faith at this point is unknown. Did his heart question Jesus’ claims, or was he like the apostle Thomas, who desired tangible evidence for authentic faith (see 20:25)?

What Do You Think?
How can believers faithfully follow Jesus even when they do not immediately observe evidence of God’s work?

Digging Deeper
How do 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and Hebrews 11:13 affect your response in this regard?

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

While driving through a small town in Ohio, I noticed a street sign that read, “Tom, Dick & Harry Road.” The sign commemorated an infamous local trio. Because of the sign’s novelty or originality, I imagine many people try to steal the sign as a keepsake!
In my travels, I’ve seen other amusing, eye-catching signs. A local tire store advertised “Free Air.” (I thought air was always free!) A souvenir shop in Turkey proudly sells “Authentic Fake Watches.” A chain of mortuaries in upstate New York is named “Amigone Funeral Home.” A sign on a flower shop in Ohio bears the name of its owners: “Swindler & Sons.” (You’d better count your change!)
Jesus’ miraculous acts were not meant for the amusement and amazement of the gathered crowds. Instead, these acts serve as signs and guideposts to God’s eternal truth in Christ Jesus. The miraculous signs presented in the Gospel accounts confirm Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Have you opened your eyes and softened your heart to see Jesus’ work in your life (see John 12:37–40)?
—D. F.

49. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

The nobleman begged Jesus to see the urgency of the situation. Here was a father dealing with the worst tragedy a parent could experience: his son was about to die. The official had no sharp retort to Jesus’ previous declaration on the nature of signs, wonders, and belief. Instead, the man wanted healing for his son. (Compare and contrast the request of Jairus for his daughter in Mark 5:23.)
Stories from ancient Israel describe how God’s prophets healed children or raised them from the dead (see 1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4:32–37). In these cases, the prophet would visit the ailing child and be in their presence before healing. Perhaps the official thought Jesus’ physical presence was a prerequisite for healing. If Jesus would come down to his house, then he thought that his child would live.

50a. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth.

Instead of accompanying the official to Capernaum, Jesus told him to go on his way home and return to the child. Unlike ancient Israel’s prophets, Jesus is the Son of God and one with God the Father (John 1:18; Hebrews 3:5–6). He has the power of life in himself (John 1:3–4). Therefore, He merely had to speak the word and the official’s son would live (compare Matthew 8:13).

What Do You Think?
How should believers respond when God’s timing does not align with their expectations?

Digging Deeper
How do Ecclesiastes 3:1–22; Isaiah 40:27–31; and 2 Peter 3:8–9 inform your answer in this regard?

II. Responses of Faith
(JOHN 4:50b–54)

A. Trusting Departure (vv. 50b–52)

50b. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

The official took Jesus at His word and believed in its validity. Because of his belief and trust, the official went on his way and returned to Capernaum. This moment provides a critical contrast in John’s Gospel. Whereas the crowds looked for a sign in order to believe Jesus (see John 4:48), this official trusted Jesus. He showed genuine faith in Jesus without the confirmation of an immediate sign.
In this sense, the official fulfilled Jesus’ proclamation: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29). By believing the word of Jesus, the official’s response provided an example for the kind of faith necessary for disciples of Jesus.

51. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.

The official’s journey going down from Cana to his home in Capernaum would have been a literal walk downhill. Capernaum is located on the Sea of Galilee and, therefore, at a lower elevation than Cana.

Visual for Lesson 6. Show this chart as you ask students how Jesus fulfills one of these claims through the events of this week’s Scripture text.

Since most people traveled on foot, even a trip between the Galilean villages could take several hours or most of the day. We can only imagine that this man’s emotional and physical states were likely pushed to the breaking point. Like any father, his only concern was to see his son healthy. He surely went to great lengths in order to see and plead with Jesus. As he rushed home to see his son, he likely pushed himself to the limit as well.
Before the man reached home, he heard the good news. His servants were so amazed at the dramatic change in the man’s son that they met him on his way home. Likely, the servants had known the reason for and destination of the man’s journey. Therefore, they could anticipate the direction and route by which he would return. Knowing the extent of the father’s anxiety, the servants wanted to bring him relief and peace as they declared that the son liveth. Despair had changed to relief, and grief had turned to rejoicing!

52. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

Until this point in the narrative, John has not provided a critical detail—the exact time at which Jesus declared “thy son liveth” (John 4:50, above). The seventh hour is equivalent to 1:00 p.m. Therefore, at this point readers of the Gospel are left to conclude that the man’s interaction with Jesus was held on the previous afternoon (yesterday). At the point at which Jesus declared healing, the child experienced healing from his illness. Jesus’ power in healing did not require Him to be physically present with the ailing child.

B. Resulting Belief (v. 53)

53a. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth.

The text confirms what the previous verse anticipated but never explicitly stated. Jesus’ declaration of healing—thy son liveth—and its fulfillment occurred at the same hour. This father had demonstrated faith that Jesus would heal his son. As a result of his faith, the man rejoined his healthy son. But even as the father celebrated the healing, something greater had been occurring for the man and his household.

53b. And himself believed, and his whole house.

The official had already shown faith concerning Jesus’ healing word. His expression of faith, as a result, affected others in his household beyond his son. Upon seeing the fulfillment of Jesus’ word, the official, his family, and all people in his whole house demonstrated belief in Jesus. The text does not include the object of their belief, but we can assume they believed in the messianic claims of Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman, they believed that “this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42).
The official’s whole house likely included any immediate and extended family members and any servants in the household. Accounts of the growth of the church in the years immediately following Jesus’ ascension describe how whole households would express belief in Christ (see Acts 11:14; 16:15, 31; 18:8). The nobleman and his family believed in Jesus upon seeing the ways He changed their lives.

PERFECT TIMING

The timing of a joke will make or break a comedian’s routine. If the comedian rushes to the punch line or pauses in the middle of the joke’s setup, the joke may be ruined.
Issues of timing aren’t just related to comedic performances. Professional athletes require exact timing for peak performance. (Next time you watch an American football game, observe the timing required for a placekick!) Without perfect timing, photographers will snap unbecoming and awkward photos. I’m sure you know the importance of perfect timing in your daily activities!
Even when Jesus’ timing is different from ours, His is always perfect! Following Jesus’ timing might prove challenging. He may act when you least expect! Are you willing to adapt your ways to Jesus’ timing? What obstacles stand in the way of your following His perfect timing?
—D. F.

C. Documented Miracle (v. 54)

54. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

John casts this, the second miracle, against the backdrop of Jesus’ previous miracle in Cana (see John 2:11). In so doing, John does not include in the miracle count those performed in Judea (2:23). The early travel narrative of John’s Gospel came full circle. Jesus had traveled to Jerusalem in Judaea (2:13) and, shortly after, had decided to return to his homeland in Galilee (4:3, see Lesson Context). Although this was only the second miracle done in Galilee, the Galileans had seen other miracles while in Jerusalem for Passover (2:23; 4:45).
In the text of both instances, the underlying Greek word translated “miracle” is translated as “sign” elsewhere (examples: John 2:18; 4:48; 6:30). In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ miracles served as “signs” so that people “might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (20:31). Jesus used miracles and signs to reveal His glory (see 6:2; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47). Jesus was not interested primarily in providing physical life; He came to bring spiritual, eternal life to all who would believe.

What Do You Think?
How might periods of lament and celebration each provide opportunities to glorify God?

Digging Deeper
Who will you recruit to encourage your walk with God during times of lament?

Conclusion

A. True Healing

Beyond the detail of the son’s fever (John 4:52), we are left wondering about the son’s ailment. Perhaps it was a respiratory illness similar to the modern outbreaks of MERS or SARS. Whatever the ailment, it was not more than Jesus could handle—even from a distance!
In addition to leading to humanity’s belief (see John 20:30–31), Jesus’ repeated acts of healing show us God’s concern for humanity’s ailments. Human suffering is unavoidable—just watch the nightly news! Only God has the power to heal every illness, hurt, and pain.
Ultimately, Jesus’ physical healings testify to God’s ultimate healing project—the spiritual healing of all who believe. As Jesus’ disciples today, we set our eyes on this ultimate healing that is available only through faith in the Son of God. True disciples live for the promise of Jesus that He will someday raise believers from the dead and give them eternal life. Only by faith can people become disciples of Jesus and experience the complete and final healing He brings. Even when Jesus feels far away, does your life reflect your belief that He’s never too far way to provide healing—in this life or in the life to come?

What Do You Think?
In what ways has God worked in your life to lead you to saving belief in Jesus Christ?

Digging Deeper
How might you be used by God to help lead others to saving belief in Jesus Christ?

B. Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for our family, friends, and neighbors who need Your healing. May Your acts of physical healing serve as a testimony to Your ultimate and final healing. Fill us with faith so that we might believe, even when we can’t always see Your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

Our God can heal—in every way!

July 17
Lesson 7 (KJV)

THE WORD SAVES

DEVOTIONAL READING: John 12:44–50
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 12:27–50
JOHN 12:44–50

44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

46. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

49. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

KEY TEXT

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.—John 12:46

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize the relationship between the Son and the Father as Jesus explained it.

2. Explain the interrelationship between salvation and divine judgment, as far as Jesus presented it.

3. Recruit an accountability partner for greater action on the commands of Jesus.

LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction
A. Standing Before the Judge
B. Lesson Context
I. On Belief (John 12:44–46)
A. Seeing (vv. 44–45)
B. Abiding (v. 46)
Turn on the Light!
II. On Judgment (John 12:47–50)
A. Timing (vv. 47–48)
B. Declaring (vv. 49–50)
Gloves Off!
Conclusion
A. The Word Saves
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Habakkuk
Huh-back-kuk.

Nicodemus
Nick-uh-dee-mus.

Philippians
Fih-lip-ee-unz.

KID’S CORNER

A Love that Leads to Death

Sunday, July 10, 2022

James 5:1-6

James 5:1-6

(James 5:1) Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.

Jesus, James, and Paul knew the spiritual dangers rich people faced, but many rich people are generous and sincere followers of Jesus Christ, as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea demonstrated (see John 19:38-42).

As James wrote, some love money and power so much they have become enemies of God, and miseries will eventually come upon them in this life and in the life to come. For example, in Luke 16:14, Luke gave one reason the Pharisees hated Jesus: “The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him.” “This” referred to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:13 on the love of money: “No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” The Pharisees thought they could serve both, as some in the church still think. If we are lovers of money, Jesus and the Bible warn us about riches so we will repent of our sins, follow Jesus truly, love God, and escape the judgment to come.

For example, after Jesus cleansed the temple, some of those he drove out may have turned away from seeking wealth to seeking God and finding Jesus, because in Matthew 21:13, Jesus declared to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” Hopefully, James’ warning in his letter led some to repent as well.

James wrote his letter to the rich church members who, contrary to the teachings of Jesus, used their riches in self-centered ways and did not love their neighbors. James’ letter served as a warning to church members who did not intend to become more faithful followers of Jesus Christ, but who joined the church to achieve selfish goals. In John 14:21, Jesus said, “They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” God deserves all the love that our hearts, minds, and souls can give. In Luke 10:27, Jesus commanded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he gave good advice to the poor (and as we learn from his letters, the Apostle Paul was one of the poorest of people). In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul wrote: “Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”

In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warned the poor who sought riches and the rich who wanted more riches, “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” Remember what Jesus said about the love of money in Luke 16:13 (see above).

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul told Timothy (and everyone in the church) how to help the rich in the church remain faithful followers of Jesus Christ: “As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.”

(James 5:2) Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.

James continued to warn unrepentant sinners inside and outside the church to consider their real situation. Someday, the rich will lose all the riches they have gained. Even if they die rich, when they die, they will have lost all the worldly riches they have acquired, and they will have no heavenly treasures—only miseries. Someday, the possessions of the wealthy will lose their value and eventually be taken to the trash heap. Their clothes will become moth-eaten, whether they give them to a charity or not. No matter what they may think, in one way or another, lovers of money will lose all their wealth and gain nothing in the end.

(James 5:3) Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!

“Cankered” (KJV) or “corroded” (NIV) may be better translations than “rusted” (NASB and NRSV). Silver can tarnish and blacken. Gold can lose its gleam as impurities settle upon it. Very descriptively, James wrote that the misuse of wealth is evidence (as in a trial) that someone has not used their wealth as Jesus intended; furthermore, there are consequences that follow the misuse of wealth—“it will eat your flesh like fire.”
As we have learned from our study of the Bible, having wealth and riches is not wrong; rather, how we use these good gifts that God has given us can be right or wrong. Some who are rich and some who love money store up their treasures for what they consider “the last days” or for “the days after they retire,” which is not wrong if they also use their wealth before and after they retire as Paul described in his letter to Timothy (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19 above). Jesus gave the same warning in some of His parables.

For example, in Luke 12:16-21, Jesus described a type of retirement that was possible in His day: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” Rich and poor followers of Jesus need to be “rich toward God;” rather that live and retire to “relax, eat, drink, and be merry.” The Bible teaches the followers of Jesus how to live rich toward God, and what they should avoid and do as they earn an income and save for the future.

(James 5:4) Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

God condemns dishonesty and injustice. Some become rich because they have not paid their employees or have not paid them what they promised to pay. Some have not paid a fair wage, because they did not love their neighbors as themselves. They have loved wealth instead of God or their neighbors. People can commit fraud in many ways, for we read about them or learn about them every day. They may or may not receive in this life what they justly deserve for their crimes. If they escape just punishment in this life, James wrote that “the ears of the Lord of hosts” hears about those who love riches and steal from others, and they will be condemned in the life to come if they do not repent and turn to God for salvation as the Bible describes, for Jesus will forgive repentant sinners and cleanse them from all sin. A repentant rich person who truly repents will say something like Zacchaeus said, and they will receive the blessing of Jesus as described in Luke 19:8-10, “Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’”

(James 5:5) You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

As we have learned, James’ sincere warnings should lead a rich person to repent. If they do not repent, they will be slaughtered, perhaps by those they have used unjustly and who take the law into their own hands or by a just judge in a court of law passing a just judgment. Either by the way they have acquired their riches and/or by the way they have used their riches there will be evidence against them and they will suffer eternal and just condemnation if they do not change their ways and turn to God.

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus told another parable to describe those who love riches more than God or their neighbors: “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” What Jesus foretold in this parable has been and will be fulfilled in life and death by those who love riches instead of loving God and their neighbor as the Bible teaches.

(James 5:6) You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

With only a few exceptions, the chief priests, the scribes, and the Pharisees condemned and murdered Jesus “the righteous one,” who did not resist them because He came to die for our sins. He died to make our salvation from sin possible and so all who believe in and follow Him can receive the gift of eternal life. Even today, the unrepentant rich condemn and murder in many ways those who seek righteousness as followers of Jesus. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He promised in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” He solemnly foretold and joyfully promised in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we may be condemned and persecuted in a variety of ways and even murdered for “righteousness’ sake,” but in the kingdom of heaven we will receive all the blessings and rewards that Jesus and the Bible have promised us.

A Love that Leads to Death

Sunday, July 10, 2022

James 5:1-6

Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you (James 5:6—KJV).

You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you (James 5:6—NASB).

You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you (James 5:6—NRSV).

We must never take a few verses of the Bible out of context from the whole Bible. If we had nothing more than a few verses of warnings from the Bible, truths that God designed to be save the ungodly, we might mistakenly condemn anyone who is rich and tell them God will someday bring miseries upon them and destroy all their rich possessions. Thankfully, we have the whole Bible and know that it is not being rich that is the problem; instead, it is what or who we love and how we use our gifts from God that make the difference. Some rich people have chosen to love and seek luxury, privilege, power, pleasure, and wealth. But those who love money will serve money, and as Jesus said they will hate God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Those who loved money and power arranged the murder of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Some rich people still murder the righteous ones who cannot or do not resist them. As followers of Jesus, we need to pray that He will restrain us from loving, seeking, and serving money and draw us into a closer and more loving relationship with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We need to teach truths from the Bible that will help others and us love God, stand firm in our faith in God, and enable us to warn those who love wealth and the things of this world so they too might turn to God, repent of their sins, cease to cheat or exploit others, place their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and begin to faithfully follow God. The warnings in the Bible express God’s love for sinners and God’s efforts to save us from slavery to sin, keep us free from slavery, and give us eternal life

Thinking Further

A Love that Leads to Death

Sunday, July 10, 2022

James 5:1-6

Name __________________________________

1. Is it wrong to be rich? Give a reason for your answer.

2. What can bring contentment to rich and poor (see 1 Timothy 6:6-8)?

3. How can a Christian rightly prepare for retirement or “the last days”?

4. What did James promise those who have been cheated?

5. In the New Testament, how was “the righteous one” condemned and murdered by the rich and powerful? Today, to increase their riches, do some still condemn and murder those who do not resist them?

Discussion

1. Is it wrong to be rich? Give a reason for your answer.

No. It is wrong to defraud someone or acquire wealth by illegal or immoral means. It is wrong to love money and to love money more than you love God and your neighbor. The love of money is the foundation for all kinds of evil. A rich person should use their wealth with compassion toward others.

2. What can bring contentment to rich and poor (see 1 Timothy 6:6-8)?

For those who are rich or poor, godliness can bring contentment along with choosing to live with what you have—with the good gifts of God. Paul was content having only food and clothing, and Paul worked harder than many to support himself so he could freely share the Good News of Jesus.

3. How can a Christian rightly prepare for retirement or “the last days”?

Without loving money and riches, Christians can work hard, save a portion of what they earn, and seek to express their love for God and their neighbors by sharing what they have as the Holy Spirit leads them. They should not be like the rich man who wanted to build bigger barns, saying, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” He had selfish and self-centered goals instead of God-centered goals. If the Lord Jesus has blessed us with the ability to acquire riches, we need to ask ourselves “How can I use these gifts of God to help others come to know Jesus and help the needy, especially the widows and orphans. Remember James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

4. What did James promise those who have been cheated?

Those who have been cheated or defrauded have the assurance that when they cry out their cries reach “the ears of the Lord of hosts.” Those who have abused them and have not repented (and have tried to make amends, if possible) will face the judgment of God here and/or hereafter (see Luke 16:19-31). Those who love God will be blessed by God here and hereafter, for God knows our needs (see Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:6, 10-12).

5. In the New Testament, how was “the righteous one” condemned and murdered by the rich and powerful? Today, to increase their riches, do some still condemn and murder those who do not resist them?

Jesus is holy, loving, and true—“the righteous one”— who was condemned by the rich and powerful who murdered Him on a cross. But Jesus died so repentant sinners could be saved from their sins and believe in Him, follow Him, and love Him. Today, some who love money and power do all sorts of evil to those who do not or cannot resist them, especially to the followers of Jesus.

Word Search

A Love that Leads to Death

Sunday, July 10, 2022

James 5:1-6

Name ____________________________________

K E H S Y C T H M D O I L F E

D L R N J I W U G S T R A G Q

R E X U E F R Y U O W S B P C

Y Z T K S D V O N R E L O Y T

J M N S E A E R J K E X R Z D

O Z I R U T E M O D P S E L A

K S E S H R L R C T M U R I C

M D P G E I H W T G T S S A N

C Z I T K R F I R E A E O W E

B R Q P Y H I C M C L J D R P

C O N D E M N E D F S W Z I E

K Q K J O G Z B S R M Y D C O

V M S Z N L T F W A X O Q H P

Z I H P D U N X C U Q R V U L

L U X U R Y V S J D G I S Z E

Rich

People

Weep

Wail

Miseries

Rotted

Rusted

Fire

Treasure

Fraud

Laborers

Luxury

Condemned

Murdered

Righteous

True and False Test

A Love that Leads to Death

Sunday, July 10, 2022

James 5:1-6

Name __________________________________

Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.

1. Every person who is rich will weep, wail, and be miserable someday. True or False

2. Some people love money instead of God. True or False

3. Because they are special, the riches and clothing of rich people will never rot or be eaten by moths. True or False

4. Some love and manage their money selfishly so they can make more money. True or False

5. Some love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves; therefore, they seek God’s will when they give and manage their money. True or False

6. Some people love money so much and are so selfish that to make more money they do not care who they cheat and hurt. True or False

7. Almighty God hears the cries of the people that the wealthy cheat and hurt. True or False

8. Those who live for luxury and pleasure fatten their hearts by seeking what will give them more luxury and pleasure. They are preparing themselves for the day of slaughter. True or False

9. The powerful and wealthy condemned and murdered the righteous one when they crucified Jesus, the Son of God. True or False

10. God is just, so God will punish those who cheat and hurt others because they love money instead of God. True or False

True and False Test Answers

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. True
10. True

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for our family, friends, and neighbors who need Your healing. May Your acts of physical healing serve as a testimony to Your ultimate and final healing. Fill us with faith so that we might believe, even when we can’t always see Your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.