Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.
Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.
Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51
11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.
12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.
b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.
c) Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.
13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51
I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51
So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.
Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.
Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.
All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.
Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.
Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.
Two of Jesus’ disciples followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist call Jesus “The Lamb of God.” One was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He brought his brother, Simon (renamed Peter), who followed Jesus, too.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42
9)
John the Baptist’s influence. I love how when John the Baptist validated who Jesus was, he gained two disciples. This is great! It shows how much credibility John had.
Their initial response. The two disciples immediately followed Jesus. There was no doubt or question. I love this!
Their interaction with Jesus. Jesus asked them their intent and they replied with Teacher. I love how this shows their hearts for Jesus immediately.
The impact on Simon Peter. This then influenced Simon Peter to follow Jesus since his brother was doing so. Love the impact of family here!
10a) I want to know you.
b) Jesus has invited me and all of us to know him better through prayer, his Word, others, and creation. He has invited me though Bible studies such as BSF and others, too.
c) So much! His compassion, his love, his desire to help others and support others, how he picks us up when we fall, and how he’s there for us.
d) In every way: career, family, life, personally, and more.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42
I didn’t remember this story of how Peter came to Jesus! Love the influence of others here!
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42
Andrew is identified here as one of the two disciples who followed Jesus. Bible scholars think John himself was the other.
Jesus asks everyone what do they seek. He wanted to know their motivations.
Fun Fact: Every time Andrew is mentioned in the Bible, he is bringing someone to Jesus! (John 6:8 and 12:22) That is so cool! Could the same thing be said about you?
Many people have an Andrew in their life — someone who brings them to Jesus.
John sees Jesus coming. He calls out “Look, the Lamb of God!” He is the one.
John testified that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove on him. God told John that this will be the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. He says this is God’s Chosen One.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34
6a) The lamb was the sin offering that cleansed the people from sin. It’s blood was poured out to atone for sin. With John calling Jesus the Lamb of God, he is saying Jesus is the one who has come to cleanse the people of sin. He is saying Jesus is perfect as the lamb had to be as well.
b) I’m in awe. It’s so hard to believe Jesus would die for my sins, but it’s the truth I hold on to!
7) Jesus was sent by God as the Spirit descending from heaven upon him proved. God declared “This is my Son.” This is the Messiah who was sent by God to save the world and who is God incarnate.
8 ) Water baptism is an outward sign that you accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins into your heart. Jesus’ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and saving grace, granting us eternal life with the Father.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34
So powerful! Can you imagine seeing Jesus get baptized?! What a sight!
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34
Scholars believe this scene was after John baptized Jesus and after the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus is paying a visit to John.
Note that John points out Jesus’ great reason for coming: to save us!
Note there’s only one sin of the world. Jesus takes away all sin.
Jesus was before all; he is eternal.
God gave a visible symbol of who Jesus was. This allowed John to be a witness for Jesus, the Son of God.
John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet when asked who he was by the Jewish leaders. Instead, he quotes Isaiah and says he’s the one preparing the way for the Lord.
The leaders ask John why he baptizes then if he’s not the Messiah. He says he baptizes with water. He says that Jesus is coming after him. They do not know him, but he is not worthy to untie his sandals.
This happened in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan where John was baptizing.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28
3)
Question 1 – 1:19-20 Question: Who are you? John answered, “I am not the Messiah.”
Question 2 – 1:21a (Malachi 3:1; 4:5) Question: Are you Elijah? John answered: “I am not.”
Question 3 – 1:21b (Deuteronomy 18:15) Question: Are you the Prophet? John answered: “No.”
Question 4 – 1:22-23 (Isaiah 40:3) Question: Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John answered: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Question 5 – 1:24-27 Question: “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered: “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
4) He was solid in his identity. He understood Jesus was much greater than him. John is very clear about his purpose and calling and never questions it. He wants no attention on himself.
5) John never wavers. He quotes the Bible for his answers. He makes simple statements. He is straightforward. I think we all could be like this.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28
I love how John does not cave when confronted by the Jewish leaders. He stands firm in his purpose and for the Lord. Fabulous!
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28
Here, we see for the first time in John’s Gospel the word “Jews,” referring to one particular group here, the religious leaders.
Fun Fact: Jews meaning Jewish leaders appears almost 70 times in John’s Gospel.
John says who he is not, not who he is. He does not want any attention focused on himself.
Rehoboam ruled Judah, which did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They set up for themselves high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles to other gods. There were male shrine prostitutes, as the people engaged in detestable practices.
The King of Egypt attacked Judah and carried off all the treasures of the royal palace. There was continual warfare between Jeroboam and Rehoboam. When Rehoboam died, he was succeeded by his son, Abijah.
SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 11:5-12:16
Rehoboam fortifies Judah by building up the towns’ defenses. The Levite priests all moved to Jerusalem because of Jeroboam choosing other priests than those from their tribe. Those who were in Israel but loved God moved to Judah to sacrifice to the One, True God and supported Rehoboam.
The King of Egypt attacked Jerusalem because the people had been unfaithful to God. He captured the cities of Judah. However, the king and leaders humbled themselves, so God showed them mercy. he made them subject to the King of Egypt rather than destroy them as punishment.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16
12) Faithfulness by those moving to Judah to worship God. Yet, they abandoned God’s law.
13) The attack from Egypt made Rehoboam humble himself before the Lord. This allowed the kingdom of Judah to keep surviving rather than be destroyed.
14) Mixed. He did right in the eyes of the Lord, but then he didn’t. Probably like most of our lives, I would say.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16
I love how God always looks for ways to lessen our consequences when we turn back to Him. He is merciful, indeed.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16
Now, Judah sins, so God becomes jealous and angry. God uses the King of Egypt to enact punishment.
However, when Rehoboam humbled himself, God showed mercy and made them servants to the King instead. He took away the treasures and the gold. This would have been the equivalent of millions of dollars today.
Note that the strength of Judah lay in their faith with God.
As Rehoboam grew in strength, he decided he didn’t need God, and he took the rest of the people with him in this sentiment, which is a horrible sin in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, God sent Egypt to attack them.
Note that Jeroboam ended his life totally against God. Note that Rehoboam humbled himself and had a better ending to his life.
Jeroboam made Shechem his capital. Then, he made two golden calves for the people to worship, fearing that if the Israelites went to Jerusalem (in King Rehoboam’s territory to worship God they would rebel against him). He built more shrines to foreign gods and appointed priests not from the tribe of Levi. He made sacrifices to foreign gods.
1 Kings 13
A man of God came to Bethel and prophesied that a son names Josiah would be born to the house of David. He would sacrifice the bad priests who sacrificed to false gods. The altar would be split apart, too. King Jeroboam went to seize the man, but his hand shriveled up and the altar was broken. He begged the man to pray to restore his hand, and it was done by God. He rejected the king’s offer to eat with him.
The man of God was tricked into disobeying the Lord and was killed because of it. Through it all, King Jeroboam did not change his ways, but still appointed priests for high places to worship false gods. This sin led to the downfall of the house of Jeroboam.
1 Kings 14:1-20
Jeroboam’s son became ill, so he sent his wife disguised to the house of Ahijah the prophet for advice. He tells the wife that King Jeroboam has disobeyed all of God’s commands and done evil in God’s eyes. The consequences include: the son will die, as will all the males in the house. Dogs will eat people, as will the birds.
God will raise for himself a king of Israel. He will scatter Israel. Jeroboam’s son, Nadab, succeeded him.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20
8a) King Jeroboam feared that if the Israelites went to Jerusalem in King Rehoboam’s territory to worship God, they would rebel against him.
b) I don’t have a lot of fears to be honest. My biggest one is my job. I cling to it even though I’d like to pursue something else out of fear of losing money.
c) God gives us power according to 2 Timothy 1:7 and there is no fear in God’s love according to 1 John 4:18. This encourages me that I can do all things through God who strengthens me and provides me with courage and power.
9) King Jeroboam built more shrines to foreign gods and appointed priests not from the tribe of Levi. He made sacrifices to foreign gods. He tried to kill those who spoke against him.
10a) A man of God came to Bethel and prophesied that a son names Josiah would be born to the house of David. He would sacrifice the bad priests who sacrificed to false gods. The altar would be split apart, too. King Jeroboam went to seize the man, but his hand shriveled up and the altar was broken. He begged the man to pray to restore his hand, and it was done by God. He rejected the king’s offer to eat with him. In 1 Kings 14, it was Jeroboam’s wife who received the prophecy of having his son and all the males in his home die, as well as having the dogs and birds eat people.
b) He continues to do what he wants to do to save his own skin, not relying on God to defend him. Yet, God allows him to still reign. God, in His mercy, gave Jeroboam signs to confirm the prophet’s words. And, God healed Jeroboam’s hand when Jeroboam was not really repentent.
11) He never gives up even when I don’t really want to hear from Him. His calls are never easy.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20
I love history, so this is super interesting to me. It’s easy to judge Jeroboam for turning from God on a consistent basis, but how many of us do that? We can see that he’s a dumbo, but when are we dumbos, too?
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20
Jeroboam made “worshipping God” convenient for his people, so they went along to these fake altars.
Fun Fact: Jeroboam repeated the same words of Aaron from 500 years ago (Exodus 32:4) when he presented them with the golden calves. He may have intended the golden calves to represent God. Either way, God was angry.
We’ll see the prophecy of Josiah fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15.
God, in His mercy, gave Jeroboam signs to confirm the prophet’s words.
The second prophet who lied to the first may have been prompted by Satan. Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
The first prophet should have said no; instead, he paid the ultimate consequence with his life.
Note how God tends to judge his own people more harshly than unbelievers since He expects more from us. (1 Peter 4:17).
Jeroboam never repents in his lifetime. Instead, he would go down in history as completely disobedient to God. His sins caused a curse upon the people of the Northern Kingdom, and they would remember this (2 Kings 17:21-23).
You would think Jeroboam would pray for his son, rather than play tricks.
God’s judgement is harsh. Note there is an immediate judgement (death of his son), and a judgement in the future (the people of Isreal would be scattered).
Rehoboam went to Shechem to be made king after his father, King Solomon, died. Jeroboam who had fled to Egypt when Solomon pursued him heard about the king’s death and returned. The people asked Rehoboam to lighten their load. He consulted the elders about how to answer the people, who advised him to give them what they want. Rehoboam rejected this advice and instead followed the advice of the younger men who told him to make their load heavier. This fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken to Jeroboam.
Rehoboam now ruled only over Judah. Rehoboam wanted to war against the Israelites to regain the kingdom. But God told them to not make war against their brothers, so they all returned home.
SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 10
Exact same summary as above.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10
6a) He listened to the young men rather than to the elders who has served under King Solomon.
b) The consequences were that Jeroboam lost the kingdom of Israel, which was God’s plan. Both worked together to make it so. God manages, but Rehoboam made the decision.
c) This is a tough one. I think we all make up for our sins each and every day if we are striving to be closer to God.
7a) The tribe of Judah and the majority of the tribe of Benjamin accepted Rehoboam as king. The other 10 tribes and the remainder of the tribe of Benjamin chose Jeroboam as their king. This happened arouns 975 BC after King Solomon died.
b) God’s redemptive plan was that Jesus would come from the line of King David, so it was vital that that line was preserved. Also, when Jesus comes again, he will bind the tribes together once again.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10
I forgot how the Bible repeats itself almost word for word here. I love how God’s hand is in everything on earth, even our decisions and consequences.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10
Fun Fact: Rehoboam is the only son of Solomon we know by name. Obviously, with 1,000 wives, he had a lot more.
Shechem was the center of the Northern Tribes. Abraham worshipped there (Genesis 12:6). Jacob built an altar and purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-20). Joseph was buried there (Joshua 24:32).
The people were heavily taxed by Solomon. They wanted relief.
Basically, Rehoboam already knew what he wanted to do, so he listened to the group who verified his decision.
From now on, Israel will refer to the 10 tribes of the North when mentioned in the Bible and Judah will refer to the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah.
We’ll meet another Jeroboam in the Bible, who is a later king of Israel (2 Kings 14:23-29).
Jeroboam wanted to go against God’s prophecy and force the kingdoms back together. God forcefully said no, and Jeroboam listened.
Fun Fact: Not one of the 20 kings of Israel did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. As punishment, Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built. God raised up adversaries agains Solomon, Hadan the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, rebelled against him.
Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon. He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time. Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
3a) King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. He tried to kill Jeroboam for no reason besides the prophecy.
b) Well, anything you do that goes against what God tells you to do is serious. Here, King Solomon is the leader of God’s people, and what the leader does, so do the people. He led his people (aka God’s people) astray. This is very serious in God’s eyes. The result is punishment meted out by God: Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built.
4) Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon (Solomon’s son would lose the kingdom). He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time.
5) Really good question. I think sometimes my life is so busy that I lose sight of making time to pray and worship Him as I should.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
I’m glad we spent two days on this passage. So much here to learn from!
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
Note Solomon loved many women and they were foreign — both of which went against God’s laws. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:23-24). He wanted his wives more than he wanted the Lord. His heart turned from the Lord, too. David sinned, but his heart was always with the Lord.
God became angry with Solomon’s disobedience. The punishment is that God will divide the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 11:12) tell us that the southern kingdom was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, even though it’s called only one tribe here.
God raised up adversaries against Solomon:
Hadad the Edomite
Rezone, son of Eliadah
Jeroboam was a fellow Israelite who rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam means “may the people be great.”
The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam that he would be king of the ten tribes of Israel after Solomon dies as punishment for Solomon’s sin. God would be with Jeroboam and would give him a lasting dynasty if he would do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Solomon tried to kill him because of this prophecy.
Solomon dies, and his son, Rehoboam, succeeds him as king.
Fun Fact: This is the first mention of the divided kingdom.
An angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph after Herod had died and told them to return to Israel. Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
13 ) Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Consequently, Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.
14a ) The Bible foretold the King would come from Nazareth.
b ) In truth, all of us come from unexpected places since no place is truly more significant than another. Anything good can come from anywhere.
15 ) In every way. God has always guided me and protected me throughout all of the events of my life.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
God draws us to Him one step at a time. The journey of our faith doesn’t happen by leaps and bounds; it’s in the little faithful doings when we say “Yes, Lord” when we grow until one day, we are His.
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
Again, we see “child” mentioned first in reference to this event, emphasizing Jesus’s importance over others.
Archelaus, Herod’s son, was just as cruel as his father, which is why Joseph was hesitant to return. He killed indisciminantly, too. He ended up being replaced as ruler because of his incompetency.
God directs Joseph to settle in Galilee in the town of Nazareth, knowing that those people would need Jesus. Nazareth was an insignificant little town that has a not-so-stellar reputation. Here, Jesus, the King of the World, would come forth. Jesus who stood for the everyman and was for every man would be raised as no one special. That means that we all can start from nowhere and achieve great things with God.
God and Jesus’s glory will never be snuffed out. If you continue on God’s path, yours won’t either. Take his hand, and walk with him today!
An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and tells him to go to Egypt for Herod is searching for Jesus to kill him. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus all fled in the middle of the night. They stayed there until Herod died. Herod had all of the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area under the age of 2 killed in an effort to kill Jesus. Hosea prophesied this.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
9 ) The threat to his crown
10a ) God sends an angel of the Lord to protect Jesus and his family. Joseph obeyed immediately, fleeing in the middle of the night. When God calls, you answer. There is no room for hesitancy.
b ) God’s people frequently flees to Egypt for protection, like during the famine. This is for protection and survival. Jesus will redeed us from sin like Moses did the ancient Israelites when he led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Hosea predicted this so this shows the legitimacy of the Bible.
11a ) Killing innocent children.
b ) Proverbs 21:30 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” The insecurity of my future. Nothing happens without God and it being in his plan.
12 ) Matthew uses this verse to portray Rachel weeping over Herod’s slaughter of all baby boys in Bethlehem. But God answers, showing He is there and is planning redemption.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
I don’t remember this either. It amazes me to what lengths mankind will go to to try to circumvent God. They lose every time.
Great book on angels!
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled 225 miles to Egypt at God’s warning. In ancient times, a lot of Jews lived in Egypt, and Herod had no control there. Bible scholars believe this was right after the Magis left. This was a long journey in ancient times, which shows again that God doesn’t usually take the easy way. In fact, God often uses ordinary means.
We can only guess at how long the family stays in Egypt; we are not told. Some say months; others say years.
Herod’s fear turns to murdering children. God weeps for them.
We should expect opposition too as we follow Jesus. Instead of lamenting it, use God’s strength to grow stronger in faith and overcome. The prophecy from Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled here, as God calls his son out of Egypt to save the world.
Ordering the death of innocent children was completely in line with Herod as a cruel leader that we know him to be. At that time, there would not have been many children tpu to death since Bethlehem was a small town. In ancient times, whole towns and peoples would be wiped out on a regular basis due to war, which may explain why this event is not recorded elsewhere in history. In truth, this was an everyday occurence, so there was nothing special about it.
Again, we see “child” mentioned first in reference to this event, emphasizing Jesus’s importance over others.
