Tag: bsf answers questions lesson 15

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 5: Esther 10

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Esther 10

Mordecai was second only to King Xerxes and was held in high esteem for the work he did for his people.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 5: Esther 10

12) Mordecai always put the people first and worked to ensure they were preserved. Mordecai exhibited profound loyalty and selflessness. Instead of using his new power for personal gain, he actively “sought the good of his people” and “spoke peace to all his kindred.” His memorial was glowing because he used his position to ensure their welfare and security.

13a) The world defines greatness by self-exaltation: power, wealth, and fame. God’s definition is the opposite, based on self-sacrificial service. He measures greatness not by who you rule or what you accumulate, but by how you humbly use your influence to love and seek the good of others.

b) Inherent selfishness. The primary obstacles are our inherent self-interest and a fear of scarcity. We naturally prioritize our own comfort and security. A lack of empathy and a cultural focus on individualism also make it difficult to put the needs of others before our own personal well-being.

14) God has given me my kids, spouse, and family. I can always put their needs first.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 5: Esther 10

Love this! Love seeing Mordecai get his due after all he’s done for the people.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 5: Esther 10

God works His plans through humans’ free will.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Esther 10 is a brief epilogue that solidifies the permanent reversal of fortunes for the Jewish people and the complete exaltation of their protector, Mordecai.

Interpretation

The three short verses confirm three key facts:

  1. The King’s Power (v. 1): King Ahasuerus remains a powerful ruler over his vast empire.
  2. Mordecai’s Historical Greatness (v. 2): Mordecai’s promotion was not a temporary whim. His accomplishments and high position as second-in-command were officially recorded in the royal chronicles of Media and Persia, cementing his status in secular history.
  3. Mordecai’s True Legacy (v. 3): This key verse explains why he was great. He was popular and esteemed by the Jews because he used his immense power not for personal gain, but to “seek the good of his people and speak peace to all his kindred.”

Conclusion

This chapter provides the final, stable resolution to the story. The book ends not with the king, but with Mordecai, a Jew, securely established in the second-highest position in the empire. It is the ultimate testament to God’s hidden providence, demonstrating that He elevated one of His own people from a state of mourning and near-death to a position of supreme authority, all to ensure the lasting peace, protection, and prosperity of the entire Jewish nation.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 4: Esther 9:20-32

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Esther 9:20-32

Due to these events, Purim was established (named after the casting of lots, pur, for the Jews’ destruction), a time to remember these two days of the Jews defeating their enemies.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 4: Esther 9:20-32

9) A festival to remember the two days the Jews defeated their enemies. The Festival of Purim commemorates the “great reversal” of the Jews’ fate. It celebrates their deliverance from Haman’s genocidal plot, which was determined by a “pur” (lot). It marks the time their designated day of destruction was transformed into a day of victory, turning their sorrow into joy.

10a) Because God is near, and He wants us to be happy. And, we have Jesus! What is there NOT to be grateful for?! Believers should rejoice always (Phil 4:4) because their joy isn’t based on fleeting circumstances, but on the unchanging reality that “the Lord is near” (Phil 4:5). It is an act of faith and God’s will (1 Thess 5:18), rooted in gratitude and trust, not in feelings.

b) Gosh, this is a loaded question! Everything to put it simply. God is good, omniscient, omnipotent, and in control. His love wraps me. And He is responsible for everything in my life. And, I get to be with Him forever! What joy! Joy comes from knowing God is sovereign, present (“the Lord is near”), and always working for our good, even when hidden. Our salvation is secure, our sins are forgiven, and He promises to turn our greatest sorrows into joy and grant us eternal life.

11a) It gives me courage to keep fighting the good fight when all I want to do is give up. Remembering God’s past faithfulness builds our trust for future challenges. It gives us a bank of evidence to draw from, proving His character and reliability. This strengthens our faith, reduces fear, and provides hope when we face uncertainty.

b) God’s ways, will, and purpose always prevail. The core truth many people want their loved ones to remember is that God loves them unconditionally and He is always faithful. No matter what challenges they face or mistakes they make, He is always present, He will never leave them, and His goodness can always be trusted.

Because that truth is the ultimate anchor in life.

People want their loved ones to grasp this because it’s the foundation for:

  • Security: Knowing God’s love is unconditional gives a person unshakeable worth that isn’t dependent on their performance, success, or what others think of them.
  • Resilience: Believing God is faithful and present provides profound comfort and hope during failure, fear, and suffering. It’s the conviction that they are never truly alone.

Ultimately, it’s the one truth that can provide deep peace and a solid foundation, no matter what life brings.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 4: Esther 9:20-32

I love how the Jews turned a day that was to be their end into triumph, victory, and celebration! How amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 4: Esther 9:20-32

Remembering what God does for us is so important.

Today, Purim is a joyous, carnival-like holiday. Jews celebrate by reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), wearing costumes, and making noise at Haman’s name. The celebration includes a festive meal, sending food gifts to friends (Mishloach Manot), and giving charity to the poor.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Esther 9:20-32 documents the official establishment of the Festival of Purim as a permanent, annual celebration.

Interpretation

Following the Jews’ victory, Mordecai writes letters to all 127 provinces, instructing the Jews to celebrate the 14th and 15th days of Adar every year. This new festival, named Purim (after the “pur,” or lot, that Haman cast), was to commemorate the great reversal: the time their sorrow was turned to joy and their mourning into a celebration.

The passage emphasizes that this was a time for feasting, joy, sending gifts to one another, and giving presents to the poor.

The section concludes by noting that Queen Esther confirmed the institution of Purim with a second letter, giving it her full royal authority and making its observance a permanent, binding tradition for all future generations of Jews.

Conclusion

This passage formalizes the story’s triumphant ending. It shows the Jewish leaders, Mordecai and Esther, ensuring that God’s hidden providence and their miraculous deliverance would never be forgotten. They deliberately transformed a date chosen for their destruction into a permanent, joyful festival, enshrining the themes of reversal, deliverance, and communal celebration into their national identity.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 3: Esther 9:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Esther 9:1-19

The enemies of the Jews did not attack, afraid of the power of Mordecai. The Jews struck down their enemies in the kingdom and Esther asked for a second day in order to ensure the threat was put down for good. The Jews never took plunder, as this was a fight for survival, not for riches.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 3: Esther 9:1-19

6) The enemies of the Jews did not attack, afraid of the power of Mordecai.

7a) By “gathering themselves together” across all 127 provinces, they presented a powerful, coordinated defense. Instead of being isolated victims, their shared purpose allowed them to act as a single, overwhelming force, ensuring their collective survival and victory.

b) Unity is vital because, as Jesus warned, “a house divided… will not stand” (Matt 12:25). Division renders the church ineffective. Therefore, believers are called to be “perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor 1:10), ensuring a strong, collective witness and preventing their mission from failing.

c) The killing troubles me, some of it probably egregious (like Haman’s 10 sons), but in light of ancient times, this was what was needed in order to ensure the safety of God’s people.

8 ) I would say a spiritual victory in general over Satan’s lies in my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 3: Esther 9:1-19

Killing and war can be hard to read about and digest, but everything God does has a purpose. Here, the purpose is preserving His people.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 3: Esther 9:1-19

When God is on your side, no one can defeat you.

Total victory was a must, which explains Esther’s day 2 request.

Since Haman’s sons were descendants of the Amalekites, they needed to be destroyed (1 Samuel 15:2-3), so Esther is just finishing what Saul himself failed to do.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Esther 9:1-19 details the violent climax of the story, where the great reversal is finally and physically carried out.

Interpretation

  • The Reversal Executed (vv. 1-5): On the 13th day of Adar, the day Haman had chosen for the Jews’ annihilation, “the opposite occurred.” Empowered by Mordecai’s counter-decree, the Jews assembled and “gained mastery over those who hated them.” Fear of Mordecai was so great that Persian officials actually helped the Jews.
  • The Battle and Esther’s Request (vv. 6-15): The Jews defended themselves, killing their enemies, including the ten sons of Haman in the capital city of Susa. When the king reported this to Esther, she made a grim but strategic request: for the Jews in Susa to have a second day to root out their enemies and for Haman’s ten sons to be publicly hanged. This request, which the king granted, demonstrated a ruthless commitment to removing the threat completely from the heart of the empire.
  • A Principled Victory (vv. 10, 15-16): The text critically repeats that in all the fighting, the Jews “did not lay a hand on the plunder.” This was a crucial moral point, proving their motive was self-preservation and justice, not the selfish greed that had characterized Haman.
  • The Origin of the Celebration (vv. 17-19): The fighting was followed by celebration. The Jews in the provinces, who fought for one day (the 13th), feasted and celebrated on the 14th. The Jews in Susa, who fought for two days (13th and 14th), celebrated on the 15th.

Conclusion

This passage is the story’s necessary and violent resolution. It shows the Jewish people, with God’s providential and the king’s political backing, completely turning the tables on their enemies. The hanging of Haman’s sons and the refusal to take plunder finalized the just end of Haman’s plot, transforming a day of decreed genocide into a decisive, celebrated victory.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 2: Esther 8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Esther 8

The king gave Esther the estate of Haman. Mordecai was appointed over Esther’s new estate. King Xerxes overturned the edict by Haman and granted the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill, and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies. The Jews everywhere celebrated.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 2: Esther 8

3) Esther and Mordecai gained riches. Queen Esther gained Haman’s estate. Mordecai got Haman’s ring and former position. He was appointed over Esther’s estate.

4a) Esther fell at the king’s feet, weeping. She begged for the plan of Haman to kill the Jews to be reversed.

b) Esther approached the king with humility and asked for what she wanted with no fear to her own self. She put the community first.

c) Good question. Unsure, honestly. In general, others less fortunate.

5a) The king gave Mordecai full authority to write an edict, so he gave the Jews the power to defend themselves.

b) They responded cause they weren’t going to be killed! People of other nationalities converted to Judaism out of fear of the Jews’ new power.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 2: Esther 8

Great lesson on how God works behind the scenes to ensure the survival of His people.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 15, Day 2: Esther 8

It’s important to note that the decree from the king could not be revoked, so he just allowed Mordecai to issue a different one.

The other people saw God working through what happened with the Jews. This is a powerful testimony to convert. They saw how God loved His people, and they wanted the same thing.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Esther 8 describes the immediate reversal of fortunes for the Jewish people, moving them from a death sentence to a position of royal favor and empowerment.

Interpretation

  • Mordecai’s Exaltation: The chapter opens with Haman’s estate being given to Esther, who in turn appoints Mordecai to manage it. The king promotes Mordecai, giving him his own signet ring—the very symbol of power Haman once held. Mordecai’s rise from the gate to the palace is now complete.
  • Esther’s New Plea: Despite this personal victory, the genocidal decree against her people is still in effect. Esther makes a second, deeply emotional plea to the king, weeping at his feet. She begs him to revoke Haman’s evil plan.
  • The Counter-Decree: The king explains that a Persian law cannot be revoked. Instead, he gives Esther and Mordecai his signet ring and full authority to write a new decree to counteract the old one.
  • A New Law: Mordecai writes a royal edict, dispatching it by swift couriers to all 127 provinces. This new law grants the Jews the right to assemble, protect themselves, and destroy any armed force that might attack them on the 13th day of Adar. It effectively turns their day of execution into a day of self-defense.

Conclusion

Esther 8 is the story’s great reversal in action. It details the transfer of Haman’s power to Mordecai and, more importantly, the creation of the counter-decree that legally empowers the Jews to fight for their lives. This chapter shifts the narrative from one of looming genocide to one of authorized deliverance, setting the stage for the Jewish people’s victory.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 11:15-19

The 7th trumpet sounds, and Christ will now reign on earth forever. The 24 elders worshipped God, thanking God for reigning on earth, judging the dead, and rewarding the servants the prophets.

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, revealing the ark of the covenant.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19

11a) The world has become the kingdom of our Lord and Messiah where he will reign forever. The elders responded by falling on their faces and worshipping God, singing His praising and thanking Him.

b) Unbelievers will be judged. God’s servants the prophets (aka believers) will be rewarded.

12) God’s temple in heaven was opened and inside was the ark of the covenant. There were also flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a severe hailstorm. It seems like such a beautiful, amazing place to be. I’m inspired to worship with anticipation the Lord’s return!

13) I will respond in faith as I witness God move in my life and in the life of my family. I will pray more about what God wants for my life and work to accomplish that! Lord, I thank you for all that you do and will do in my life. I pray to be closer to you and to know you and to honor you more. I pray to put you first in my life always and to forever be grateful for all that you are and do. Amen!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19

This will be such a moment! What a sight! I wonder what John thought when this was revealed to him? Cannot wait!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 5: Revelation 11:15-19

This is the greatest news ever! Christ is coming to reign!

The ark is God’s throne. As you remember, the ark represented God’s throne in the Old Testament.

We see God in the thunder, lighting, and more! Such a moment!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 4: Revelation 11:7-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 11:7-14

The 2 witnesses will be killed by the Beast. Their death will be celebrated by those on earth because these witnesses had tormented them. Their bodies will lie out for 3.5 days.

God then raised the witnesses after 3.5 days. They were taken to heaven. An earthquake struck and killed 7,000 people and destroyed 1/10th of the city. The survivors gave glory to God, marking the passage of the 2nd woe.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 4: Revelation 11:7-14

9a) The two witnesses will be attacked, overpowered, and killed.

b) God raised them up and took them into heaven.

c) 1/10th of the city was destroyed by an earthquake and 7,000 people were killed. The survivors gave glory to God.

10a)

John 11:25-26: Jesus says anyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

John 14:1-4: Jesus says he is preparing a place for his disciples for when he comes back for them.

1 Corinthians 15:20-28: In Christ, all will be made alive again.

Philippians 3:20-21: Our bodies will be transformed like Christ to be like his glorious body again.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: God will bring with Jesus those who believe in him. The Lord will come down and the dead in Christ will rise again. Those still alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with the Lord forever.

1 John 3:2: When Christ appears again, we will be like him.

All of these verses give me comfort to know I’ll be with my loved ones and God forever.

b) This is hard to know who to share the Lord’s word with, so I try to give him credit when I can and witness about our Lord and Savior in the hopes those that need to hear will.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 4: Revelation 11:7-14

Amazing passage! I love the care God has for these witnesses and how He raises them to be with Him once their job is done. So amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 4: Revelation 11:7-14

The beast is Satan (Revelation 9:11)

Note that the witnesses finish the work God has for them before they are allowed to be killed by Satan. They cannot be touched until God deems their time is up.

You can relate this to your life. You have an assignment from God, and you won’t leave this side of heaven until it is complete.

We all are witnesses testifying about the Lord, and we are only taken when our task given to us by Lord is complete on this earth.

The witnesses are killed in Jerusalem, where Jesus was killed. Jerusalem is referred to as Sodom, Egypt, and the great city (aka Babylon) as a symbol of the evil it has fallen into.

Remember that earthquakes are often used as judgments for sin.

Some Bible scholars see the 2 witnesses as representative of the entire church, but most believe they are actually 2 people. Many speculate as to who these 2 witnesses would be (from Enoch to Elijah), but no one knows.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 3: Revelation 11:1-6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 11:1-6

John was given a reed and was told to measure the temple of God and the altar with its worshippers but to exclude the outer court that was given to the Gentiles. God will appoint 2 witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days. They will have power to shut up the heavens so it won’t rain and they will have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 3: Revelation 11:1-6

7) John was told to measure the temple of God and the altar with its worshippers but to exclude the outer court because it was given to the Gentiles.

8a)  If anyone tries to harm these two holy witnesses, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They also have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Basically, God has given them power to protect themselves.

b) I am totally willing. Not much holds me back. I would say the only thing holding me back is interacting with others; I just don’t leave the house all that much.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 3: Revelation 11:1-6

The details in Revelation are so clear that it’s hard to see how people don’t believe the Truth of the Bible

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 3: Revelation 11:1-6

This chapter of Revelation has the most interpretations by Bible scholars, so if you are confused, you are not alone!

Temples are measured elsewhere in the Bible Ezekiel 40-43.

The idea of measuring in the Bible conveys ownership and preservation, as well as a future judgment. We see Habakkuk measure the earth (Habakkuk 3:6) as a sign of God’s ownership and dominion over it.

Here, we get the sense that God is in charge, a major theme in Revelation.

Fun Fact: 9 out of 10 times we see the word “Almighty” in the New Testament it is in the Book of Revelation.

Some Bible scholars see the temple of God here as representing the church. Others see it as a physical church as prophesied by Daniel, Jesus, and Paul as the location the Antichrist will come. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11). (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

The trampling of the holy city (Jerusalem) will be fore 42 months or 1260 days and will most likely take place at the End Times.  Daniel 11:26-27  Revelation 12:13-17 and Matthew 24:15-28).

The 2 witnesses (lampstands and oil lamps are symbolic of witnesses) have been given powers by God to protect themselves. This is common in the Bible. 2 Kings 1 (James 5:17-18)  Moses (Exodus 7-12)

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 2: Revelation 10

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 10

John saw a vision of an angel coming down from heaven. The angel was holding a little scroll. He shouted and 7 thunders spoke. Then a voice from heaven said, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”

The angel said there won’t be any more delay, but God’s mystery will be accomplished. A voice told John to take the scroll from the angel. The angel told John to eat the scroll. John ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey. Jonh was told to prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 2: Revelation 10

3a) John saw a vision of an angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. The angel was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”

b) Unsure. Because the time had not come yet for the final judgment is my guess. Some Bible scholars say this is recorded to let man know that there are secrets and mysteries we are just not to know.

4) The angel swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it (aka God), and said, “There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

5a) It’s sweet because the time has finally come, but the outcome for unbelievers is eternal hell. You have mercy, but you also have judgment.

b) John was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.” John must reveal the consequences of not turning to God today.

6) Many things. I have a renewed awe for God’s plan for us. I have a deeper level of comfort and trust in God, knowing He’s got it all. I know what happens is all in God’s hands. I can be more at peace, less fearful, and more appreciative of God’s plan for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 2: Revelation 10

Really great lesson. I love the analogy of eating God’s Word. We must fully take it in and digest it in order to be able to articulate it to others.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 15, Day 2: Revelation 10

“Then I saw” indicates we’re about to see a new vision from John.

We are on pause until the 7th trumpet sounds in Revelation 11:15. It’s almost as if God takes pauses in His judgment so that man can repent. After all, He wants us!

Many Bible commentators say this angel is Jesus due to the imagery used. However, it could also be the angel Michael due to the description Daniel gives Daniel 12:1 and 12:6-7

A rainbow is a reminder of God’s promise to Noah after the flood. Rainbows also appear through clouds and rain.

There is also debate if this little book is the same as the scroll that only Jesus can open. If this is Jesus, then this would make sense. However, many Bible scholars say this is a completely different book.

Standing on the land and the sea shows dominion over both and that the message is for the entire world.

The 7 thunders relate to God Psalm 29.

A mystery in the Bible must be revealed. However, there are those that know the mysteries. Therefore, we do not know the mystery of God because we have not been told. But, one day, all mysteries will be made plain to us.

Mysteries are purposes of God’s that are revealed.

We are reminded of Ezekiel who was told to eat a scroll Ezekiel 3:1-3.

The idea is to take in the Word of God so that you can then proclaim it.

John must proclaim the message to the world!

Fun Fact: The angel’s oath here is the only oath recorded in the Book of Revelation.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 5: John 11:45-57

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 11:45-57

Many believed in Jesus after Lazarus’ resurrection, but many did not and told the Sanhedrin what had happened. They believed that the Romans would oppress them and take away their power/control of Israel if Jesus and his powers were to be believed. They said it was better for one man to die for the country than all of them, so they began to plot his death.

Jesus withdrew to Ephraim with his disciples to hide. Jesus did not go to immediately to Passover because orders had been given to arrest him on sight.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 5: John 11:45-57

12) Many believed in Jesus after Lazarus’ resurrection, but many did not and told the Sanhedrin what had happened.

13a)  “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” They were afraid the whole nation would perish.

b) Their primary focus and motivation was to keep power for themselves. They believed the Romans would take away their autonomy, and they did not want that. We must always be aware of the motivation of our own decisions, as many times we make decisions out of fear or self-preservation.

14) It is ironic because that is exactly why Jesus came to earth — to die for us so that we may all live! Caiaphas is speaking of the nation of Israel, but Jesus saved all of us forever. God loves us!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 5: John 11:45-57

I love how jealousy, fear, and the desire for power can be man’s main motivations, but in Jesus, it’s always love for us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 5: John 11:45-57

We know what happened when the Sanhedrin was called because someone who was there would later become a Christian (maybe even Joseph of Arimathea). They believed he was the Messiah, and now they were afraid they would lose power.

Ironic that it is just because the Pharisees did not let Christ alone that we believe and worship Him.

In fact, the Romans would sack Jerusalem and destroy the temple, but it had nothing to do with Jesus.

It’s never moral to kill an innocent man, even to save a country.

Now, the higher officials wanted Jesus dead.

Ephraim is north of Jerusalem. Jesus’ time had not yet come, so he retreated again until Passover.

map of Ephraim

 

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 3: John 11:17-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY of John 11:17-27

Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after Lazarus died. Martha met Jesus when she heard he was coming. Jesus pronounced another “I am” statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 3: John 11:17-27

7a) Martha goes from saying if Jesus would have been there, Lazarus would have survived to believing that he would live again through Jesus. She goes from the finality of death to the eternity of life.

b) Given me a great family, life, and home. It’s all because of him.

8a) Whoever believes in him will have eternal life.

b) I know I will live forever in God’s kingdom, which gets me through the dark days in life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 3: John 11:17-27

I love how Jesus is always concerned for others.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 3: John 11:17-27

map of Bethany where Lazarus was raised

Jewish tradition said that the Jewish soul stayed near the grave for three days, which is why Jesus waited until the fourth day to raise Lazarus so that there would be no doubt it was a miracle from God.

Mary stayed behind out of grief.

Martha believed Jesus could only heal Lazarus, not raise him. Yet, she still trusted Jesus.

When you know Jesus, you have resurrection and life. Jesus tells Mary to trust she is the source of eternal life.

Bethany was only about 2 miles east of Jerusalem. Jesus was across the Jordan River, a bit away.

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