Tag: bsf lesson 10

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

October 29, 2025October 12, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 4:1-6:12

Ezra 4:

The enemies of Israel offered to help build the temple. The Israelites said no, so they began to work against the building of the temple, using intimidation and bribes. The enemies persuaded King Artaxerxes to make the Israelites stop building the walls of Jerusalem.

Ezra 5:

In the second year of the reign of Darius, the King of Persia, the temple rebuilding began again with the help of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Their enemies tried to stop them again, but the Israelites delayed them by writing a letter to King Darius to make a decision, citing that King Cyrus had granted them permission.

Ezra 6:1-12:

King Darius found the decree issued by Cyrus that allowed the rebuilding of the temple, so the Israelites were allowed to continue. He gave them money to do so and threatened anyone who stopped the Jews with death.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

9a) First, they offered to “help,” which was turned down. Then they tried to intimidate the Israelites with fear. Finally, they appealed to the King with lies, which worked and forced the construction to stop.

Through His prophets (5:1-2): God used the prophets to prophesy to the Jews to encourage them to rebuild the temple again.

Through powerful kings, despite local resistance (5:3-6:12): The people wrote a letter to the reigning king, King Darius, and used the fact that King Cyrus had given them permission. This proclamation was found, and King Darius honored the terms, so the temple could be rebuilt again.

c) Ezra 4:6-23 is a non-chronological summary of future opposition. The author “flashes forward” to the reigns of Kings Xerxes and Artaxerxes, showing how adversaries wrote letters accusing the Jews of rebellion. This successfully halted the later work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s city walls, illustrating the long-term hostility faced.

10a) Nothing or no one can stop God and His plans. He uses people and moves people so that His plans come to pass.

b) Mostly through other people or life’s circumstances. It comes in doubt, fears, discouragement, and more. Now, it’s time that works against me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

Great lesson on how God moves people so that His work is accomplished.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

The foreigners who had been living in Judea since the exiles were not happy that the people were returning. Therefore, they mount an opposition to the temple building. These adversaries were the Samaritans. They were half God-fearing, half-pagans 2 Kings 17:33

Ongoing resistance began to both the temple building and the wall building.

We meet 2 other Persian kings here: Ahasuerus (Xerxes, who reigned between 485 and 465 B.C.) and Artaxerxes I (who reigned between 464 and 424 B.C.).

Fun Fact: Ezra 4:8-6:18 is all written in Aramaic.

The accusations of Israel’s enemies were both true and lies. The past of the Israelites persuaded Artaxerxes, so the building was halted for 15 years.

God sends the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to get the building project moving again.

Haggai records much of what happened here, rebuking the Israelites for their lackadaisical attitude towards the temple rebuilding Haggai 1:2-10. God intervenes (Haggai 1:7-8). He began to speak to the people 16 years after the temple rebuilding first began in 520 BC.

Zechariah means “the Lord remembers.” His job is to motivate the people to continue. God protects His people here.

Tattenai was a local governor for Persia. Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, explaining the situation. The old scroll of Cyrus is found. Darius allows the work to continue based on historical pretext. The Jews are to pray for his family and his sons. The work should be completed ASAP.

Remember that the book of Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the city and its walls.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

This section of Ezra chronicles a period of intense opposition, prolonged delay, and ultimate divine vindication in the rebuilding of the Temple. It shows how God’s plan prevails despite persistent human resistance.

Interpretation

Initial Opposition (Ezra 4:1-5): Immediately, adversaries—the people living in the land, later known as Samaritans—offer to “help” build the Temple, but their intentions are hostile. When their offer is rejected by Zerubbabel to maintain religious purity, they actively work to stop the project through intimidation and political bribery, successfully halting the work for about 16 years.
Thematic Flash-Forward (Ezra 4:6-23): The author inserts a summary of later opposition during the reigns of Kings Xerxes and Artaxerxes. This section, which focuses on stopping the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, is not chronological but serves to show that the hostility was a long-term, persistent problem for the returning exiles.
Work Resumes Through Prophetic Encouragement (Ezra 4:24-5:5): After the long delay, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stir the people to resume building. When a local governor, Tattenai, challenges their authority, the Jewish elders cite King Cyrus’s original decree. Protected by “the eye of their God,” they are allowed to continue building while the matter is investigated.
Divine Vindication Through King Darius (Ezra 5:6-6:12): Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius requesting a search of the royal archives. Miraculously, Cyrus’s scroll is found. Darius not only reaffirms the original decree but issues a powerful new one: he commands Tattenai not to interfere, orders the entire cost of the Temple to be paid from the royal treasury, provides for the daily sacrifices, and issues a death penalty for anyone who obstructs the work.

Conclusion

This narrative powerfully demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human history and politics. Though the project was stalled for years by fierce opposition, God’s purpose was never defeated. He used the encouragement of prophets and even the legal system of a pagan empire to not only restart the work but to ensure its completion with greater resources and protection than before. It is a story of how God turns obstacles into instruments for His will.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

October 28, 2025October 12, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 3:7-13

The people, along with Zerubbabel and Joshua, began rebuilding the temple. Levites supervised the rebuilding. When the builders laid the foundation, the people praised the Lord loudly.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

6) The masons and carpenters were paid. Food, drink, and olive oil were given as trade to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs up. The people began the work, and the Levites supervised the building.

7a) People were praising and thanking God using cymbals and song, but the older priests, Levites, and families were weeping as they remembered the old temple. There were shouts of joy and weeping noises. The sound was heard far away.

b) God working in your life can be extremely overwhelming to the point of tears. Happy times can be incredibly sad, too. This bittersweet feeling arises when a happy new beginning is deeply connected to a meaningful ending or loss. The joy for the future coexists with a sadness for what is now in the past.

8 ) God’s words about thinking about Him always. God’s faithfulness in all the daily processes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

I love seeing the hard work and preparations that go into such a huge and important project. Everyone is participating, too. So great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

Now that the altar was finished, the work on the temple could begin. Cedar trees from Lebanon were renowned for being the best. They were used by Solomon in the construction of the first temple (1 Kings 5:6).

Remember that the King of Persia, Cyrus, promised to help support the rebuilding of the temple financially.

Note the temple was called the house of God at Jerusalem.

The mention of the age of the Levites was important because the Law of Moses stated the Levites began their service at 30 (Numbers 4:1-3, 4:3-47), but David changed the age to 20 (1 Chronicles 23:24).

The priests were in ceremonial attire, the musicians sang praises, and the people joined in.

King Solomon spent billions of dollars on the first temple, and the old men knew this temple would be much simpler. They were happy at the restoration, but sad at the destruction of the first one. Some may even have seen the first temple destroyed. And, many things would be missing: the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, manna, Aaron’s rod, and more.

Many say that the old men should not regret the past but look forward to the future. And, the prophets warned against despising this temple for its humble beginnings (Haggai 2:1-9, Zechariah 4:8-10).

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 3:7-13 details the official start of the Temple’s reconstruction and the powerful, mixed emotional response of the community. It captures a pivotal moment of transition from planning to action, blending hope for the future with memories of the past.

The Work Begins

The leaders paid masons and carpenters and purchased materials, notably cedar logs from Lebanon, mirroring the process Solomon used for the First Temple. In the second year of their return, Zerubbabel and Jeshua organized the workforce, appointing the Levites to supervise the construction. The work officially began as they laid the foundation of the new Temple.

A Mixed Reaction of Joy and Sorrow

Once the foundation was laid, the priests and Levites led a ceremony of praise and thanksgiving to God. The younger generation, who had never seen the original Temple, erupted in a great shout of joy, celebrating the new beginning.

Simultaneously, the older priests, Levites, and family heads who remembered the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple wept loudly. Their tears were not of joy, but of sorrow, as the new foundation was clearly modest in comparison to the glorious past they had lost. The sound was so profound that the shouts of joy were indistinguishable from the sounds of weeping.

Conclusion

This passage marks the tangible fulfillment of the exiles’ mission, but it reveals the complex reality of restoration. The joy of a new start was mingled with the painful memory of what had been lost. It shows that rebuilding is not just about the future; it is also an act of confronting the past. The scene poignantly captures a community caught between hopeful celebration and sorrowful remembrance, united in a single, powerful sound.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

October 27, 2025October 12, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 3:1-6

Joshua and Zerubbabel began to rebuild the altar of God once the Israelites had settled into their towns. They sacrificed burnt offerings. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles. They commenced regular offerings.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

3) Offering sacrifices to God was how the people worshiped and obeyed God. It was of utmost importance. It also allowed the people to be cleansed from their sins. It was the most essential and immediate way for the exiles to restore their covenant relationship with God. Before the people could build a house for God, they first had to re-establish their home in His presence through worship, forgiveness, and dependence. The altar was the crucial starting point for that restoration.

4) They rebuilt the altar despite their fear of the people around them.

5a) The exiles rebuilt the altar on its original foundation. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices, and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. They followed God’s commands precisely.

b) Worship is setting aside time to prioritize praising God, hearing from Him, obeying Him, and doing His will for my life. I can praise Him each and every day as often as I remember, too. I can give Him the glory always. I can follow Jesus and His ways for my life. I can help others and be a light. I can honor God through my daily living.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

I love how worshipping and obeying the Lord are prioritized here. Such beauty, even in the small things!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

For the Israelites, the 7th month was dominated by worship and festivals: The Day of Atonement, The Feast of Trumpets, and the Feast of the Tabernacles.

The altar was built in the same place where the old temple had stood.

Rebuilding the altar was the first step to prioritizing God. It was quick and gave them a place to worship.

The altar allowed for atonement of their sins. Therefore, it was super important to have.

The Feast of Tabernacles was the celebration to remember God’s faithfulness to His people as the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land. It was one of three major feasts of the Israelites.

During their exile, the Jews could not regularly offer sacrifices to God due to religious restrictions. Now, they could once again.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 3:1-6 details the first and most urgent priority of the returned exiles: the restoration of communal worship. It shows a community unified in purpose, re-establishing its covenant relationship with God before undertaking any other major project.

Led by the high priest Jeshua and the governor Zerubbabel, the people gathered in Jerusalem “as one,” demonstrating profound unity. Their immediate action was not to build houses or city walls, but to rebuild the altar on its original foundation. They did this despite their fear of the surrounding peoples, showing that their fear of God and desire for His favor outweighed their fear of man.

Upon completing the altar, they immediately reinstated the core practices of their faith as prescribed in the Law of Moses: the daily morning and evening burnt offerings and the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles. The passage culminates by emphasizing a critical point: this complete restoration of the sacrificial system began before the Temple’s foundation was even laid.

Conclusion

This passage powerfully illustrates that the true foundation of the restored community was not physical stone, but spiritual devotion. By prioritizing the altar over the Temple building, the people declared that the act of worship and communion with God was more important than the house where it would take place. Their actions were a statement of faith, re-consecrating the nation to God and seeking His presence and protection as the essential first step in their new life.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

October 31, 2024October 19, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 5:11-14

Millions of angels encircled the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. They were saying how Jesus is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. All the creatures in heaven and earth gave God and Jesus praise, honor, glory, and power. The four living creatures around the throne said “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

10a) Jesus is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. Jesus is worthy because he was slain for us.

b) Worship is all-encompassing. It’s about praise, honor, and glory. It’s important to God and Jesus. It shows I need to be more purposeful in my praise and worship.

11a) John saw all the creatures in heaven and earth gave God and Jesus praise, honor, glory, and power. The four living creatures around the throne said “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Everything in heaven and earth praised the Lamb. This is appropriate because God/Jesus is creator over all things. Without them, we’d be nothing.

b) God created mankind in his image and He created all of the animals. He gave man dominion over the earth. God is the Creator of the universe, and we should honor him and give him all of the glory. We also need to care for what God has given us and that includes all of the animals of the earth. We all need to care more about all of God’s creatures.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

Heaven seems like such an amazing place, doesn’t it?! What a sight to see — thousands of angels surrounding God and Jesus!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

Note that only the elders are singing the song of the redeemed. (This is the 2nd song of praise we see here). Nowhere in the Bible do we see angels redeemed. So, as far as we know, only mankind is redeemed.

Worship in Greek means “to fall down” and “to prostrate.” The elders literally did this.

The entire Bible is a chronicle of God’s plan to redeem His children aka us. How amazing!

Then, we see all of Creation join in for the 3rd song of praise here. Jesus will carry out God’s redemptive plan! Amen!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

October 30, 2024October 19, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 5:8-10

The elders and the four living creatures worshipped the Lamb when he took the scroll. They praised Jesus for purchasing for God believers who will reign on earth forever.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

7a) They fell down before the Lamb and worshipped him with a new song.

b) The Lamb was worthy because he was slain and purchased for God persons from all over the world and made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve God and reign on earth.

c) That the Lamb/Jesus sacrificed himself so we could be purchased for God. This means everything to me as now I can spend eternity with God, worshipping him, too.

8 ) I know that Jesus has purchased me because I’ve prayed for Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. God has chosen me to be with Him forever. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me. He has purchased us from a life of hell and eternal damnation.

9a) Humans/believers in Christ. Praising the Lord and serving Him all the rest of my days. Telling others of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Living a Godly life so that others may see and believe.

b) This is a tough one. I would be more Godly and do more things Jesus would do. I think what I deem important would not be as much.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

I love this image of Jesus and those worshipping him and how we one day will as well!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

Fun Fact: This passage is where harps in heaven come from!

No doubt there will be music in heaven!

This “new song” is the first of 3 hymns we’ll see from the elders and the living creatures.

Golden bowls full of prayers. What an image!

Incense usually smells good, it flows upwards towards heaven, and it requires fire! Amazing! Incense in the Bible is seen as carrying the people’s prayer up to God.

Vere dignus is Latin for “you are worthy.” The Roman emperors used this as a greeting. However, there’s only one who is worthy!

Our kingdom is heaven as we reign as kings with Jesus. Jesus is our mediator, allowing us to be priests.

Fun Fact: “New song” appears 9 times in the Bible.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 3: Revelation 5:6-7

October 29, 2024October 19, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 5:6-7

John sees a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.He [Jesus] went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 3: Revelation 5:6-7

5a) Jesus. Jesus looked like a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes.

b) The Lamb was slain to cover our sins, so believers can be with God for all of eternity. This means everything to me, for I know where I’m going and where I belong and who I belong to.

6a) God and Jesus are one.

b) It symbolizes completion. Jesus fully sees and understands (omniscient). The horns represent power, so we see Jesus’ absolute authority (omnipotence) over all. The seven spirits are the Holy Spirit both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 3: Revelation 5:6-7

What a great picture! We see God’s plan coming to fruition with Jesus opening the scroll. How amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 3: Revelation 5:6-7

Since the Lamb looked like it had been slain, it probably bore the marks of crucifixion.

Only Jesus can take the scroll.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

October 28, 2024October 19, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 5:1-5

John sees God holding a scroll sealed with 7 seals. There was no one worthy to open the scrolls. John wept because no one was able to open the scrolls. Then, one of the elders said that the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) is able to open the scroll.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

3a) John saw God holding a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. The angel asked, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

b) He wept. He was so overwhelmed with grief cause he knew the scroll needed to be opened since the angel was seeking someone worthy. He may have thought the future lay on it and he wanted to know it. Or, he thought that the world would end if it were not opened. Whatever John thought, it was profound enough to make him cry.

4a) The elder said, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

b) These are messianic titles or titles for Jesus. Judah is compared to a lion’s cub, and it is from the tribe of Judah that Jesus will come. Jesus will come from the line of David. He will establish the forever kingdom.

c) Jesus overcame sin to save all of humanity with his blood. He purchased us for God. It is encouraging and gives me hope when I am down.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

I love how Jesus is worthy!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

Most scrolls at that time only had writing on one side. There were 7 strings that were sealed with wax creating the 7 seals on this one scroll.

No one knows what is on this scroll, and only Jesus can open it. Many Bible scholars say this seal holds the history of the world and is God’s final will because wills in Roman times had 7 seals on them.

The Messianic title Lion of the tribe of Judah comes from Genesis 49:9-10, Isaiah 31:4, and Hosea 11:10. Root of David comes from Isaiah 11:10 and is also used in Revelation 22:16.

The scroll is most likely God’s redemptive plan for mankind come to fruition, as well as His purposes for the world. If it’s not opened, none of it will be fulfilled.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

November 9, 2023November 4, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:67-71

Jesus asked the 12 disciples if they wanted to leave, too. Peter answers by saying they have no where else to go. Jesus has the words of eternal life, and they believe he is the Son of God. Yet, Judas is the devil and will betray him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

12a) It’s almost as if there is nothing else to do, so why not follow Jesus. Yet, they are with Jesus who will lead them. They have no one else.

b) It’s as if their faith is still not 100% sure, but they have gone this far, so why not finish it. It’s challenged me to be all in with Christ no matter what others say or do.

c) All other options in this world are empty, meaningless, and frankly, unhelpful. Only Jesus holds the truth. He is our only salvation. Prayer and the Word keep me with him.

13) Jesus chose us. It’s a privilege and an honor and one that must be treated as such. Jesus gets angry when he is rejected because he wants all of us to be his. It’s sadness, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

Peter is honest that there is no one else. It’s important to believe this wholeheartedly.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 5: John 6:67-71

As Peter said, there is no one else. There is no alternative. You choose Jesus and life or you choose death. The choice is yours.

Devil here means “slanderer” or “false-accuser” in the Greek.

Some will betray Jesus, yet it cannot affect our walk. Some in church are unbelievers, too. We must be wary of them.

Judas was from Karioth, as stated in all four gospels. Iscariot means ‘a man of Karioth.’

Kerioth was a city in the southern part of Judah (Joshua 15:25), south of Hebron in the dry Negeb.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

November 8, 2023November 4, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:60-66

Jesus offended many with his teaching that he is the flesh and blood that leads to life. He tells the people he is giving them Spirit and Life, yet they reject him. God enables people to believe in him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

9a) Accepting Jesus’ sacrifice gives you life. The physical body is not enough to give you life. You must accept Jesus’ teaching and his sacrifice (flesh and spirit) to receive eternal life. The spiritual gives life, not the physical.

b) Without being all it, it’s meaningless and oftentimes, insufficient. You must do things whole-heartedly for Jesus. Going through the motions is not enough.

10a) They just could not accept his teaching of the flesh and blood. They could not accept him as God’s Son.

b) No, not really. If it did, I would pray for a deeper understanding and seek resources that explained it to me.

11a) They reject him. Disdain. “Just another prophet.” They dismiss him.

b) With loving faith and wholehearted devotion.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

There are always doubters and naysayers. Our job is to seek the Truth in God’s Word and in prayer and to ignore those who try to make you fall.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

Many found Jesus’ teaching hard to understand and accept that he would die for them. Jesus understood their confusion, but did not break. Many probably were looking for a messianic king, not a sacrificial lamb.

Better to accept now that to face Jesus on judgment day in all his glory as an unbeliever and receive condemnation.

Many came for bread and not for the spirit, and Jesus knew that. They had not then truly come to him.

Many left because they only wanted material gains from Jesus. Perhaps, many were confused by the religious leaders (John 6:52).

It was the first apostasy Jesus faced. Yet, many would come back. We all have highs and lows in our beliefs. Yet, you must stay faithful even when things are rough.