Tag: bsf lesson 17

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

December 17, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:4-5

“Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. ⁵Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever?”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

7a) Don’t be like your ancestors. Turn from your evil ways and practices.

b) To remember what it was like in exile. They remembered that their ancestors died in captivity, proving sin has deadly consequences. They realized that while the prophets were gone, their warnings had come true. This forced them to admit that humans are temporary, but God’s Word is eternal and inevitably overtakes those who ignore it.

8a) Because if you don’t learn from history, you’ll repeat the mistakes of the past. Reflecting on history exposes the undeniable link between actions and consequences. It prevents repeating past failures by showing that while generations pass, truth remains constant. We gain wisdom from our ancestors’ errors, allowing us to choose obedience today rather than suffering the same regrets.

b) I think people can get too caught up in the guilt of it all, when they need to let it go, learn from it, and move forward. Past failures can create a prison of fear, convincing people that history inevitably repeats itself. Shame paralyzes them, making them feel defined by old wounds rather than future potential. This mindset blocks hope, causing them to surrender to cynicism instead of trusting God for a new beginning.

A healthy response acknowledges past failures without being defined by them. It involves honest confession and learning from mistakes, then accepting God’s grace to break the cycle. We use history as a guide, not a shackle, trusting that repentance opens the door to a new, redeemed future.

c) I have seen His faithfulness in all that I do, how He helps and guides me, and this helps me to trust Him as I move forward in life.

We learn that we are fragile and prone to wandering, highlighting our deep need for grace. Conversely, the past reveals God as the faithful constant. We see that while we change, He remains patient and sovereign, proving that His mercy is greater than our mistakes and His plan outlasts our failures.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

Great lessons about learning from your past and using history to trust in God. So good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

It’s important to learn from your ancestors the mistakes they made so that you do not repeat them.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

These verses act as a stern reality check regarding the consequences of ignoring God.

De-romanticizing the Past: Zechariah warns the people not to idealize their heritage. Their “fathers” (ancestors) had the same opportunity to repent when the “former prophets” (like Jeremiah and Isaiah) preached, but they stubbornly refused. Tradition is not an excuse for disobedience.
The Argument from Mortality: Verse 5 asks two haunting rhetorical questions: “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” Zechariah is forcing them to look at the graveyards.
- The ancestors are dead (many in exile), proving they could not outrun God’s judgment.
- The prophets are dead, proving that the opportunity to hear God’s word through a specific messenger is limited.

Conclusion

Humanity is transient, but accountability is permanent. You cannot wait out God; the messengers will eventually pass away, and the stubborn will eventually die, but the window to repent is open now.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

December 16, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:2-3

“The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. ³Therefore, tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

5a) That God gets angry. It reveals God as consistently just and faithful. By citing His anger at their ancestors, He proves He is not indifferent to evil and keeps His word. He addresses the past honestly, showing He takes the covenant seriously. This establishes that His mercy is a deliberate choice, not an oversight of sin.

b) God is slow to anger; whereas, humans are quick to anger. God is a jealous God. God offers judgment. Human anger is often impulsive, selfish, and uncontrolled, driven by wounded pride. God’s anger is a deliberate, righteous reaction to evil. It is always just, measured, and constructive. Unlike human rage, God’s anger is never a loss of control but a necessary defense of holiness and justice.

c) Through the blood of Jesus Christ.

6a) ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

b) God loves us infinitely. He is our strength from the devil and temptation. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up. It reveals God as redemptive and responsive. He takes the initiative to invite sinners back, proving He desires relationship over judgment. His promise to “return to you” (Zechariah 1:3) or “draw near” (James 4:8) shows that He is not distant; He is waiting to embrace anyone who humbly turns to Him.

c) He calls me to be close to Him and be more like Jesus. Through blessing me every day. Through challenges that make me rely on Him. Through prayer, faith, Bible study, and others. He calls me every day.

God calls people through the initiative of His Word and the internal conviction of the Holy Spirit. He uses Scripture, human messengers, and sometimes difficult circumstances to awaken a spiritual need. His call is an invitation to relationship, promising that if they humbly turn to Him, He will meet them there.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

Great message of God’s great love for His people that He will never quit calling us to Him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

This is a reminder that God was angry with the Jews’ ancestors, and they were banished. The same can happen to them, too.

God promises the people He is close, but they must choose to return to Him.

Remember, we are the ones who have moved away from God, not the other way around. James 4:8

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

These verses establish the ground rules for the post-exilic relationship between God and Israel, pivoted on acknowledgment and action.

Validation of History: God bluntly validates the trauma of the exile: “The Lord was very angry with your fathers.” He does not sugarcoat the past; the destruction of Jerusalem was a righteous judgment on previous generations.
The Invitation: The core message is a conditional promise of reciprocity: “Return to me… and I will return to you.” The Hebrew word for “return” (shuv) implies a literal change of direction, not just a feeling.
Urgency: The title “Lord of Hosts” (God of Armies) is repeated three times in one sentence, emphasizing that this is a supreme command, not a casual suggestion.

Conclusion

God is not holding a grudge over the past, nor is He distant; He is responsive. The restoration of His presence is guaranteed, but it waits upon the people’s initiative to move toward Him first.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

December 15, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:1

“In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

3a) Zechariah was a prophet of the Lord who was called to prophesy to the people. His grandfather was a priest who returned with Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and with Joshua to Jerusalem, who was the head of a priestly family.

b) The timing of Zechariah’s prophecy sets it two months after Haggai’s first prophecy (Haggai 1:1) and within a month after another prophecy of Haggai (Haggai 2:1). This was between October and November of 520 B.C.

4a) Zechariah and Haggai were trying to get the people to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Jerusalem was paralyzed by fear and apathy. Temple construction had ceased for 14 years due to political enemies. The people prioritized their own luxury homes while God’s house lay in ruins, causing severe economic hardship. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah arrived to shatter this stagnation and spark immediate action.

b) That He cares about them and loves them infinitely. It reveals a relentless desire to dwell with His people. God refuses to abandon them to apathy or fear. By initiating contact, He shows that He remembers His covenant and values their relationship above their failures, actively intervening to restore their hope, purpose, and future glory.

c) He has guided me in the right direction and corrected me, too, if I misstepped. He always has the answers if we pray and listen and take the step we believe is right.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

Wouldn’t it be cool if God called us now like He did in OT times? I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but to have God’s direct words from others must have been something to behold!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

Zechariah is a prophet who lived at the same time as Haggai. He encouraged the Israelites to return to God and rebuild the temple. He wanted the Israelites’ spirits to renew and harken for God.

Zechariah means “Jehovah remembers.”

This is after the people have returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Note that there is no king of Judah or Israel at this time. Darius sits on the throne of Persia.

Be on the lookout for pictures and symbols that Zechariah is fond of using.

Fun Fact: There are at least 27 different Zechariahs mentioned in the Bible.

Zechariah encouraged the people by telling them how much God cares for them and wants to use them for His purposes.

It’s interesting to note that Jesus mentioned Zechariah in Matthew 23:35

Fun Fact: Zechariah refers to Jesus more than any other Old Testament prophet except for Isaiah.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Zechariah 1:1 serves as the historical and theological anchor for the entire book.

Historical Reality: By dating the prophecy to the “second year of Darius” (approx. Oct/Nov 520 BC), the text acknowledges that Israel is currently under foreign (Persian) domination, not a sovereign kingdom. It places the message two months after Haggai began preaching, creating a united front for spiritual renewal.
Thematic Hope: The prophet’s name, Zechariah, means “Yahweh remembers.” His lineage (son of Berechiah) implies “Yahweh blesses.” This immediately counters the people’s fear that God had forgotten them in their post-exile struggle.
Divine Authority: The phrase “the word of the LORD came” validates that this is a direct revelation from God, not merely social commentary or human wisdom.

Conclusion

God is sovereign over human calendars and foreign kings; even in times of political weakness and delay, He remembers His covenant and intervenes in history at the exact right moment.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 5: Reread Revelation 13:1-18

December 19, 2024December 13, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 13:1-18

John saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.The beast resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. The beast slandered and blasphemed God and all those in heaven. It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life.

John saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercised all the authority of the first beast and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast. This beast performed great signs, and it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast. The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast. It forced all people to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name, 666.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 5: Reread Revelation 13:1-18

12a) Dragon, The First Beast from the Sea, The Second Beast from the Earth. The Second Beast is attempting to imitate Jesus, who is the Lamb of God. He is trying to appear meek and mild in order to deceive believers into thinking he is Jesus. He needs to appear unintimidating in order to succeed.

b) God’s message is one of love, peace, compassion, and gratitude. The deceptive trinity is trying to deceive everyone in order to get them to fall and turn to evil ways. It’s one of bullying, sin, and evil.

13a) Deuteronomy 13:1-4: We must not listen to false prophets who ask us to follow false gods. It is a test to see if we love God with all of our hearts and souls. We must obey God, keep His commands, and hold fast to Him. Matthew 7:15-20: False prophets will come to us in sheep’s clothing, but we will recognize them by their fruits. Mark 13:22-25: False prophets will perform signs and wonders we must we wary of. 1 John 4:1-3: False prophets say that Jesus is not from God.

b) Wisdom. From God, through prayer, and in His Word with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 5: Reread Revelation 13:1-18

Great warning of false prophets. We must test those who perform signs and miracles. We must always go back to God’s Word and His character to ensure what we see is in line with who He is! We must always be vigilant!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 5: Reread Revelation 13:1-18

The Jewish people saw the sea as a frightful place. This may be because most people could not swim and people did not know there were others across the wide ocean from them. Therefore, the sea was seen as evil and chaotic in ancient times.

Note that the beast is not the dragon. Therefore, this beast is not Satan as we’ve seen in Revelation 12:3. It’s separate from the dragon/Satan.

Note the dragon has the same number of heads and horns as the beast (Revelation 12:3)

Remember horns are a symbol of strength and power in the Bible. Therefore, the beast/dragon would be hard to kill with 7 heads.

Fun Fact: The word Antichrist only appears in the Bible five times in four verses (1 John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3, and 2 John 7). The beast is believed to be the antichrist. This thing will be the opposite of Christ.

Note that the 10 crowns of the beast is different than the 7 of the dragon. Remember, 7 is the number of completeness. Here, Bible scholars believe the 10 refers to the number of nations that the beast rules over, which comes from Daniel’s vision of the antichrist (Daniel 7:24). Bible scholars are divided over which head/heads are wearing the crowns. Many see this as the beast that Daniel saw due to the 10 horns Daniel 7:7

The description of the beast also connects with Daniel’s vision Daniel 7 Daniel’s beasts represent governments, so many think that this beast does so as well.

Since the beast is worshipped, he is considered a man here who is supported by Satan. This is the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit (Revelation 11:7, 17:8). Therefore, he is some sort of evil spirit.

The beast has been wounded, most likely by God, but the beast healed as mentioned here, too (Revelation 13:12 and 13:14)

The people are worshipping the dragon along with the beast since the dragon gave the beast authority. This is similar to God and Jesus, too. This is Satan worship, but people don’t like to acknowledge they are devil worshippers.

The dragon and beast will be strong, but not for long.

42 months is the 3.5 year time frame that Revelation keeps mentioning. The beast rules for the first half of the 7 years but under God’s authority. He is against those that God has saved.

Those who do not worship the beast will be persecuted/killed.

Those who do worship the beast will not be saved. Their names will be omitted from the Book of Life.

All of this happens according to God’s good plans. God is in control, and those who were saved were pre-chosen, too (Revelation 17:8).

John then says to listen up. If you lead others astray, you will pay the consequences for your actions.

God’s people must have faith and endurance to prevail.

This second beast is subordinate to the first beast and comes from the earth, not the sea.

This beast is a false prophet. (Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10)

This makes 3 evil beings we’ve seen (dragon, the beast from the sea, and the beast from the earth) that form a perverse trinity.

It is important that we are made aware of these false prophets and their signs because we don’t know when they will show themselves. We must always be vigilant for them.

We must all be careful because the image of the beast will appear very real to us. It is what is referred to as the abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

If you don’t have the mark of the beast, you will most likely die because you can’t buy or sell goods.

Letters were assigned numeric values in ancient times, which is why the beast’s name is 666.

Bible commentators have put forth dozens of theories on who the person may be with numbers that add up to 666. Interestingly, the letters of Jesus add up to 888. 666 falls way short of Jesus (obviously). No doubt it is an unholy Trinity.

The beast is impersonating Christ. That is all it can do. It has no originality whatsoever.

Satan is mocking God.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 4: Revelation 13:11-18

December 18, 2024December 13, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 13:11-18

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 4: Revelation 13:11-18

9) The second beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast. It performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people, which deceived them. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast. The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

10a) To deceive believers.

Moses (Exodus 7:1-5): To make himself known and to rescue His people

Elijah (1 Kings 18:30-39): To show the world and His people that God is the One True God

Jesus (John 11:41-44; 20:30-31; Acts 2:19-21): To show others that God is God, to show others that Jesus is indeed the Son of God who has come to redeem God’s people so that people may have everlasting life. To bring others to God so that they can be saved from eternal damnation.

11a) The mark was on their right hands or on their foreheads, and it was the number 666. The mark allowed them to buy and sell goods.

b) The mark is our name written in the Book of Life, the seal of the Holy Spirit. The benefits are immense. We receive the Holy Spirit so that we can have the mind of Christ, so that we can understand God and His Word and live by God’s laws. It means our sins are forgiven, we can be with God, and we receive eternal life with God in heaven. It means we are redeemed!

c) God protects us by giving us no more temptations than we can handle. He gives us weapons to avoid sin, such as prayer, His word, and the Holy Spirit to guide us. He intervenes when He needs to to keep us safe. He sends others to us with messages from God and to protect us from others. He is so, so good! I have way too many times when God has protected me. He has given me an innate feeling when something is not right, and I have bolted, which has saved me many times!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 4: Revelation 13:11-18

I love the graciousness of God to make Himself known! I love the idea in Ephesians of us being God’s possession. What else could you want besides God to have and hold you?

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 4: Revelation 13:11-18

This second beast is subordinate to the first beast and comes from the earth, not the sea.

This beast is a false prophet. (Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10)

This makes 3 evil beings we’ve seen (dragon, the beast from the sea, and the beast from the earth) that form a perverse trinity.

It is important that we are made aware of these false prophets and their signs because we don’t know when they will show themselves. We must always be vigilant for them.

We must all be careful because the image of the beast will appear very real to us. It is what is referred to as the abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

If you don’t have the mark of the beast, you will most likely die because you can’t buy or sell goods.

Letters were assigned numeric values in ancient times, which is why the beast’s name is 666.

The beast is impersonating Christ. That is all it can do. It has no originality whatsoever.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 3: Revelation 13:5-10

December 17, 2024December 13, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 13:5-10

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 3: Revelation 13:5-10

6a) He uttered proud words and blasphemies. He was given the power to wage war against God’s people and to conquer them.

b) All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (unbelievers).

7) The Lamb’s Book of Life is where all of the names of those saved by the blood of Jesus are written. The Book of Life contains the names of all God’s redeemed (Revelation 20:15)

8a) They will face captivity and death. They will need patient endurance and faithfulness to endure their suffering.

b) The world is hard. Circumstances are hard and life is hard. We need God’s word and strength to make it through each and every day. I get through by God’s promise to endure in faith and in Christ so that in the end, I will get to stand with Him. I need all of God’s help (his Word, power, hope, and promises) to succeed in what He has given me to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 3: Revelation 13:5-10

It’s helpful to know that the beast succeeds only because God allows him to. It’s also helpful to know that believers are spared worshipping the beast by God’s strength.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 3: Revelation 13:5-10

42 months is the 3.5 year time frame that Revelation keeps mentioning. The beast rules for the first half of the 7 years but under God’s authority. He is against those that God has saved.

Those who do not worship the beast will be persecuted/killed.

Those who do worship the beast will not be saved. Their names will be omitted from the Book of Life.

All of this happens according to God’s good plans. God is in control, and those who were saved were pre-chosen, too (Revelation 17:8).

John then says to listen up. If you lead others astray, you will pay the consequences for your actions.

God’s people must have faith and endurance to prevail.

Fun Fact: The Book of Life was first mentioned by Moses in the Bible but was also mentioned by Daniel, John, Paul, and Jesus.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 2: Revelation 13:1-4

December 16, 2024December 13, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 13:1-4

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 2: Revelation 13:1-4

3) John saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.The beast resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. What stood out to me the most was the details and the fact that these creatures are given authority by God.

4) The dragon gives the beast his power, throne, and authority like God gives his Son, Jesus, the same. The people worship the dragon because of this like they worship God and ask who is like the beast and who can wage war against it. God and Jesus are extremely close, which the dragon and the beast emulate as well. Note that the dragon and the beast have the same number of horns and heads, so they are similar beings. The beast imitates Jesus because it has been mortally wounded but is healed (just like Jesus was killed and then risen, too). The people are worshipping the dragon along with the beast since the dragon gave the beast authority. This is similar to God and Jesus, too.

5a) The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

b) Evil influences. Influences of unbelievers. Societal influences. The need to put the world’s things above Godly things. Distractions. An easier like than what God has called you for.

c) Unsure if I stood my ground in Christ that others would see, but I definitely have in my own life and choices for myself, such as doing God’s work and choosing Him over sin’s temptations. The results are that I am stronger in Christ for it all and I am closer to God as well.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 2: Revelation 13:1-4

I love the details here and how God is gracious enough to allow us to “see” these things through John.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 17, Day 2: Revelation 13:1-4

Note that the beast is not the dragon. Therefore, this beast is not Satan as we’ve seen in Revelation 12:3. It’s separate from the dragon/Satan.

Note the dragon has the same number of heads and horns as the beast (Revelation 12:3)

Remember horns are a symbol of strength and power in the Bible. Therefore, the beast/dragon would be hard to kill with 7 heads.

The description of the beast also connects with Daniel’s vision Daniel 7 Daniel’s beasts represent governments, so many think that this beast does so as well.

The beast has been wounded, most likely by God, but the beast healed as mentioned here, too (Revelation 13:12 and 13:14)

The dragon and beast will be strong, but not for long.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 5: John 13:22-30

December 28, 2023December 22, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 12:22-30

The disciples were confused and wanted to know who would betray Jesus. Jesus said whomever he gave the bread to would betray him. He gave the bread to Judas, and Satan entered him. Jesus told him to betray him quickly, and Judas left. The rest of the disciples presumed he was sent on an errand by Jesus, not that he was the betrayer.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 5: John 13:22-30

13a) Satan had a hold of Judas’ heart, and it was night.

b) Satan is always lurking, and we must constantly be vigilant in order to keep him at bay.

14) Jesus loved Judas no matter what sins he would commit. Unconditional love. So we must show this, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 5: John 13:22-30

I love how Jesus spared the other disciples the knowledge of Judas’ betrayal. It probably would have distracted them from the important last day of Jesus and the lessons he would teach. In addition, it shows how Jesus often spares us from knowledge for our benefit.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 5: John 13:22-30

Peter desperately wanted to know who the betrayer was, so he asked John (the disciple whom Jesus loved who was sitting next to Jesus) to ask.

Fun Fact: John refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved” 4 times in his Gospel (John 13:23), (John 19:26), (John 20:2), and (John 21:20).

They most likely were laying on their stomachs for the meal. John and Judas sat next to Jesus. Judas was in the place of honor on the left side of Jesus. He could easily speak to him without being overheard.

The dipping of the bread was an honor, which was a sign of love.

Jesus told John the identity of the betrayer, but he says nothing.

Judas has multiple chances to repent.

Judas had decided to betray Jesus earlier (John 13:2), but the devil entered after the giving of the bread. Judas chose to let Satan in, as we all have free will and choices.

If the disciples had known who the betrayer was, they would have stopped him. This was not God’s plan, so the knowledge was hidden from them for the benefit of ours. We should well remember this when we don’t understand things in our lives, yet we petition God for answers who does not give them — often for our benefit.

Even those with the best teachers can (and do) fall, as we see pastors, too.

Even in the presence of the brightest Light of the World, Judas chose darkness. Never underestimate the power of Satan. Fortify yourself with the Word and power of God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 4: John 13:18-21

December 27, 2023December 22, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 13:18-21

Jesus said, “Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me,” meaning God.

He also says one of them will betray him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 4: John 13:18-21

9a) It was predicted that Jesus would be betrayed in Psalm 41:9: Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.

b) That if Jesus was betrayed, we can be betrayed, too. Yet, Jesus forgave Judas, as we must forgive those who betray us, too.

10a) The devil. The devil has a way to twist everything, even what we see with our own eyes. We must be wary of this and fortify ourselves with the power of Jesus in order to overcome.

b) Betrayal is a violation of your trust in someone else. Because it’s someone we know and care about (or someone we think we know), which hurts more than a stranger because we trusted them.

11) Another example of his omniscient powers to strengthen the disciples’ faith in him and for later generations to have more faith, too.

12) Because he loved Judas, and no one wants to see their loved one go down the wrong path of evil.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 4: John 13:18-21

Jesus loves despite betrayal. So must we.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 17, Day 4: John 13:18-21

When you reject Jesus, you reject God, too.