The Jewish leaders asked Jesus’ authority to do all this. He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple.
BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22
9a) Because Jesus’ actions were audacious. The Jewish leaders allowed this to happen, so it made them look bad to let Jesus do their job.
b) They maybe might be thinking Jesus is the Messiah, so they want more proof. Or, they are looking to disprove him altogether.
c) No, not really.
10a) He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple. He willingly laid down his life for us.
b) The false witnesses testified that Jesus said he himself would destroy the temple, God’s holy place, and raise it in three days.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22
I love how Jesus answers the Jewish leaders with profound wisdom, and I love Jesus’ body as the temple. Such depth here.
End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22
Jesus told them that they would destroy his temple (him), but he would rise again. The body of Christ is still a temple of sorts as embodied by the church.
Note Jesus says he will raise himself from the dead and in John 10:18. Also, note that God (Romans 6:4 and Galatians 1:1) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4 and 8:11) raise Jesus, too. It was the power of the Holy Trinity at work here.
Jesus often answers a question asked of him like this. He is not lowering himself to respond to such questions.
The disciples only connected Jesus’ meaning here after his death. This is a frequent occurrence for them that they did not understand at the time but only later.
The Scripture they believed is here: Psalm 16:10 where Jesus would not be abandoned in the realm of the dead nor would he decay.
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.
Habakkuk trembled understanding God’s strength and His sovereignty. He will wait on the Lord and rejoice in the Lord no matter his circumstances. The Lord is his strength.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 5: Habakkuk 3:16-19
13a) Habakkuk shook under God’s power and righteousness. He realized he was nothing before God.
b) Unsure here. God’s presence.
14a) Habakkuk will rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in Him no matter his circumstances.
b) Though I do not understand my place here, I will wait on you to tell me to move and to tell me what to do, which direction to take, and who to turn to to help me no matter my circumstances.
15a) God is sovereign. He makes his feet like a dee’rs and enables him to climb to new heights.
b) It’s good that God is in control and He helps me. It encourages me when I’m down to ask for forgiveness and let Him pick me back up.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 5: Habakkuk 3:16-19
No matter what, God is there; He is sovereign; He is in control. We simply follow and obey.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 28, Day 5: Habakkuk 3:16-19
Habakkuk can trust the Lord even in his troubles because of God’s strength.
Jeremiah is lamenting the punishment and loss of the people. He compares them to gold that has lost its luster. And they are now destitute. All because of their sins that caused the Lord’s wrath. The Lord has scattered His people. Their punishment will end after the punishment is over.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4
9a) They and their. The people of Jerusalem. Us. The people of Jerusalem. He. God.
b) The children of Zion are now pots of clay in a potter’s hand (they have gone from gold to clay). The people are heartless. The infant is thirsty. The children beg for food. The rich are destitute. Kings and royals are now dead. The princes are unrecognizable. Many will die of famine. Women cooked their own children for food.
c) We see the punishment of God’s people. But their punishment will end after this punishment.
10) The Lord has given full vent to his wrath;he has poured out his fierce anger. He kindled a fire in Zion that consumed her foundations. The enemies and foes entered the gates of Jerusalem. The Lord himself has scattered them; he no longer watches over them. The priests are shown no honor, the elders no favor. The Lord’s anointed, our very life breath, was caught in their (the enemies’) traps. God will punish their sin and expose their wickedness.
11) It’s good. It helps to keep me accountable and prevent me from sin. God’s judgment is just; everything He does is just. I think it’s helpful to know you are being watched, so you don’t sin.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4
It can be hard to read the troubling consequences of sin and God’s punishment. Yet, it serves as a lesson to us to not do/be the same.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 27, Day 4: Lamentations 4
Jeremiah uses comparison and contrast to point out how the people used to be versus what they are now.
Jeremiah laments the loss of the people who were as precious as gold. Everyone was punished by God; no one was exempt.
The nobility are unrecognizable. It is so bad that women cooked their own children for food.
God’s wrath was deep. The people wandered the streets, stepping on dead bodies and defiling themselves. The people were scattered and were shunned everywhere they went.
No one could escape as the Babylonians pursued them.
Edom was happy Jerusalem had fallen, but they would be punished soon for their sins.
The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity[a] and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess. They will serve God again. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. God is with them and will save them. God will not completely destroy them; only discipline them. ‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil. 17 But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’
‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,and the palace will stand in its proper place. He will add to their numbers. They will bring him honor. God will punish all who oppress them. Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. So you will be my people, and I will be your God.’”
Jeremiah 31
I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” God will build them up again. They will proper again with plenty of fruit. The Lord will preserve a remnant adn they will come back to the Lord. The people will be delivered and redeemed and be abundant.
The Lord will make a new covenant with His people. I will put my law in their mindsand write it on their hearts. I will be their God,and they will be my people. I will forgive their wickednessand will remember their sins no more.” Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
Jeremiah 32
The army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah. I am about to give this city into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.4 Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape the Babylonians[a] but will certainly be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will remain until I deal with him, declares the Lord. If you fight against the Babylonians, you will not succeed.’”
Jeremiah buys his uncle’s field because the Lord told him to do so.
I am about to give this city into the hands of the Babylonians and to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will capture it. The people of Israel and Judah have done nothing but evil in my sight from their youth; indeed, the people of Israel have done nothing but arouse my anger with what their hands have made, declares the Lord. I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety.38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. The Lord will prosper them.
Jeremiah 33
The Lord says: They will be filled with the dead bodies of the people I will slay in my anger and wrath. I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness. Yet, the Lord will restore His people: Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.7 I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity[b] and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. The land will be restored and the people will prosper again. Jesus will come and save Judah. He will be called the Lord Our Righteous Savior.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 4: Jeremiah 30-33
9a) He will bring His people Israel and Judah back from captivity[a] and restore them to the land He gave their ancestors to possess. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place,your descendants from the land of their exile. God will not completely destroy them. ‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil. 17 But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.
‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,and the palace will stand in its proper place. He will add to their numbers. They will bring him honor. God will punish all who oppress them. Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. So you will be my people, and I will be your God.’”
I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” God will build them up again. They will proper again with plenty of fruit. The Lord will preserve a remnant adn they will come back to the Lord. The people will be delivered and redeemed and be abundant.
b) Because at this point in their history they are about to be taken captive. They needed words of encouragement that this would not be forever; that their children will inherit and inhabit the Promised Land once again. Everyone needs hope, or life is utterly meaningless. And, there is only hope found in God.
10a) The Lord will make a new covenant with His people. I will put my law in their mindsand write it on their hearts. I will be their God,and they will be my people. I will forgive their wickednessand will remember their sins no more.”
b) They have the Holy Spirit who guides them. Jesus fulfilled the law. The Holy Spirit tells us: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”[a] Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”[b]
c) I’m not weighed down by my sins as I know God forgives me. I know Jesus took my judgment. For that, I feel I do become closer to Jesus each and every day and can be more like him, too. I can pray and feel guided by the Holy Spirit as to what God wants me to do. This in and of itself is freedom.
11) By Jeremiah purchasing a piece of land that would soon be overrun by Babylonians and be worthless, the message was clear: God would restore Judah and God’s people would once again inherit the Promised Land.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 4: Jeremiah 30-33
LOVE Jeremiah 32:40: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 4: Jeremiah 30-33
Jeremiah 30
God says again how he will bring His people back from captivity. They will no longer be slaves. He will gather His people in the Promised Land and restore them. God’s judgment will be like a whirlwind.
Jeremiah 31
Israel will have salvation in the latter days. God is faithful to Israel because of His everlasting love for them. He will build up His people, and they will be joyful. God will gather His people who have been scattered. Israel will repent, and God will forgive them. The people will be restored and blessed.
God promises a New Covenant because Israel could not keep the Old Covenant. There will be an inner transformation with the presence of the Holy Spirit. God loves His people and will forgive their sins. Jerusalem shall be restored.
Jeremiah 32
Jeremiah is told by God to purchase property as proof of a future for His people in the Promise Land. God will restore His people. Jeremiah prays for understanding. God responds with the judgment and with the restoration and the New Covenant promise.
Jeremiah 33
There is hope after the judgment for restoration. And, there shall be gladness and a branch of righteousness (Jesus) shall come. The covenant shall be repeated.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah 4-29 & 46-51
6a) Jeremiah 4:6: 13:18-20; 20:4-6; 25:8-14: The Babylonians are coming from the north. The king and queen will lose their crowns. The cities in the Negev will be shut up,
and there will be no one to open them. All Judah will be carried into exile, carried completely away.
Jeremiah 20:4-6: I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; with your own eyes you will see them fall by the sword of their enemies. I will give all Judah into the hands of the king of Babylon, who will carry them away to Babylon or put them to the sword. 5 I will deliver all the wealth of this city into the hands of their enemies—all its products, all its valuables and all the treasures of the kings of Judah. They will take it away as plunder and carry it off to Babylon. 6 And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house will go into exile to Babylon. There you will die and be buried, you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.’”
Jeremiah 25:8-14: Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon will come against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. God will completely destroy[a] them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 God will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
12 “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians,[b] for their guilt,” declares the Lord, “and will make it desolate forever. 13 I will bring on that land all the things I have spoken against it, all that are written in this book and prophesied by Jeremiah against all the nations. 14 They themselves will be enslaved by many nations and great kings; I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.”
b) The exact time of the exile. The fact that it would be the Babylonians. The fact that the exile has a finite time. I love how God gives us concrete details for our benefits and in His mercy. It shows His love and His power.
7) Jeremiah 6:1-7; 11:22; 12:12-13: I will destroy Daughter Zion, so beautiful and delicate. I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine. Over all the barren heights in the desert destroyers will swarm, for the sword of the Lord will devour from one end of the land to the other; no one will be safe.
13 They will sow wheat but reap thorns; they will wear themselves out but gain nothing. They will bear the shame of their harvest because of the Lord’s fierce anger.”
8a) Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, and Elam.
b) They know that God will punish Babylon for what they did to His people in the same manner. May their blood be on those who live in Babylonia.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah 4-29 & 46-51
We see God’s perfect justice. He punishes His people for their disobedience, but he also punishes other evil-doers. This gives us confidence when we see horrors in this day that God has got it.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 26, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah 4-29 & 46-51
Judah had no chance against Babylon. The problem was them believing that they would be invaded. Those that believed should flee. Time was running out and judgment would come.
It’s important to realize that God raised Nebuchadnezzar up against His people. Many people have a hard time reconciling this, but it comes down to God’s omnipotence; He can do whatever He wants in His ways, not ours. God would use Babylon to conquer Judah, but also the surrounding nations. Then, God would punish Babylon by using the Persians.
Zephaniah warns of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the judgment of the surrounding nations.
God will judge the entire planet on the day of the Lord (Second Coming of Christ). God will destroy all idol worship, punish the officials and the king’s sons, and all who fill the temple with violence and deceit.
Judah is asked to repent. All of the surrounding nations will face judgment, including Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria.
Jerusalem has been given chances to repent, but still does not.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 24, Day 4: Zephaniah 1:1-3:8
9) During the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah. Josiah entered into a new covenant with God and issued reforms after reading the Book of the Law, which was found. He wiped out pagan cults and removed idolatry from the temple.
10)
Zephaniah 1:2-3: “I will sweep away everythingfrom the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.“I will sweep away both man and beast;I will sweep away the birds in the skyand the fish in the sea—and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble. He will destroy all mankind on the face of the earth.
Zephaniah 1:4-5: “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests— 5 those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the Lord and who also swear by Molek,[b]
Zephaniah 1:12-16: God will punish those who are complacent. Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. Though they build houses,they will not live in them. though they plant vineyards,they will not drink the wine.” That day will be a day of distress, anguish, trouble, ruin, darkness, gloom, clouds, blackness, trumpets, and battle cries.
11) Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. God judges both believers and unbelievers. Everyone will be accountable to God for their actions.
12) They are disobedient, oppressors, rebellious, and defiled. They don’t trust God nor do they draw near to God. The officials and rulers are corrupt. The prophets are unprincipled. They are treacherous people. The priests do violence to the law. The people are unrepentant for their actions.
13) I think people today don’t think about God’s judgment and live their lives ignoring God. Or, they sin and believe that doesn’t matter because God will forgive them. This is because people don’t believe in God or they only believe the parts of God’s word they want to believe.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 24, Day 4: Zephaniah 1:1-3:8
Love this lesson! Love the tender judgment of God and His constant call to have His people repent.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 24, Day 4: Zephaniah 1:1-3:8
Zephaniah preaches what the other prophets did: he condemned the people of God for their sins and predicted their coming judgment. However, he also predicted the day of the Lord for a small remnant. Zephaniah was the last of the prophets, so by now, he is merely repeating the others warnings of judgment.
Zephaniah promised judgment to idolaters, royalty, merchants, and the complacent. The judgment will be intense, and it is certain.
Fun Fact: The Day of the Lord is used more than 25 times in the Bible.
Now, is the day of the man; the Day of the Lord is when God reigns again on earth.
God calls his people to repent while there is still time.
All the nations will be judged: the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Cush (Ethiopia), and Assyria.
Jerusalem is wicked, but God is righteous. God offers everyone a chance to humble themselves and repent. They offer a way of salvation for those who seek Him.
Micah rebukes the leaders and false prophets of Israel and Judah for hating good and loving evil. The people will cry out to God who will hide His face from them.
The prophets judge others and are hypocrites. They will not be able to see the future anymore. They will be ashamed and disgraced. They will cover their faces because God has abandoned them.
The prophets despise justice and distort what is right. They build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Because of these sins, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 3: Micah 3
6)
Micah 3:1-4: The leaders hate good and love evil and who treat the people horribly. God will hide His face from those who have done evil.
Micah 3:5-7: The prophets judge others and are hypocrites. They will not be able to see the future anymore. They will be ashamed and disgraced. They will cover their faces because God has abandoned them.
Micah 3:9-12: The prophets despise justice and distort what is right. They build Zion with bloodshet and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Because of these sins, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
7) Yes, because they set the example to follow on how to behave.
8a) He was filled with power and the Spirit of the Lord with justice and might to declare Judah’s and Israel’s sins.
b) I don’t truly know. I do what is right at work. With my kids. Those I meet. And with my beliefs.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 3: Micah 3
I love the emphasis on false prophets and their judgment. We must always be wary of our leaders and make sure they are leading according to God’s laws.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 3: Micah 3
The leaders of God’s people are violent to the people. Like cannibals eating the people. God will not answer these false leaders or the false prophets when they cry out to Him.
Leaders are held accountable and hold more responsibility than others.
The leaders, the priests, and the prophets are all condemned by Micah here and would face judgment.
Jerusalem will follow Samaria’s fate.
God’s people listened to Micah and repented. But soon, God would be forgotten, and sin would reemerge, leading to exile.
Jesus (the servant) will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up, and exalted. His appearance was disfigured.
Jesus was despised. He had no beauty of majesty. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire.
Yet, he bore our suffering. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. He suffered our punishment that brought us peace. By his wounds we are healed.
We’ve gone astray and turned away.
Yet, Jesus was slaughtered like a lamb for us. It was God’s will this happen, the servant our sin offering. Jesus will be great.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
6a) Jesus (the servant) will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up, and exalted. His appearance was disfigured. Jesus was despised. He had no beauty of majesty. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire. Yet, he bore our suffering.
b) Just as there were many who were appalled at him[b]—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so he will sprinkle many nations,[c]
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
7a) Jesus willingly suffered for my sins. He died and was punished because of me. He brought me peace with God.
b) There are powerful verbs here: pierced, crushed, despised, rejected, oppressed, afflicked, slaughtered. Jesus, who was sinless, suffered terrible pain for our sins. It shows me the depth of the love that Christ holds for me, which is hard to comprehend.
8a) It’s really quite simple: Jesus bore our sins and died for us. He was arrrested; he stood trial; he was forsaken; he was convicted; he was mocked; he was crucified.
b) God always (and still does) have a plan for all of humanity and for me who plays a role in humanity. He wanted his people to know that the ulitmate home was coming; that God would save all.
9) Dear Lord. Thank you for having a plan, for bringing that plan to fruition to save the world, and for having a plan for the future when we’ll all worship you here on earth. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice of your son for us. We are so blessed, so in awe of you. We humbly worship you. Thank you. Amen
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
I love how God is so good to reveal His plans to us. So humbling what Jesus did that it’s hard to put into words.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
