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Lesson 1: Jesus attends a dinner party.
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A unit about Jesus’ teachings.
Bible Passage: Luke and John
John 15:1-18 - Jesus uses the illustration of a vine and branches to describe our relationship with him. He says that he is the vine, we are the branches, and his Father is the gardener. When we stay connected to him we can bear fruit, just as a branch must stay connected to the vine as its life source so that it can bear fruit. He goes on to say that we remain in his love by keeping his commands, that is, to love one another as he has loved us. In doing so, we have great joy and Jesus calls us his friends.
John 11:17-27 - Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus had passed away and had been in the tomb for four days by the time Jesus arrived to visit them. Martha came out to meet Jesus, but her sister Mary stayed inside. In her grief, Martha told Jesus that if he had been there, their brother wouldn’t have died, but that she believes that even now Jesus could save him. Jesus responded that Lazarus would rise again, and Martha thought that he was talking about the resurrection at the last day. Jesus replied that he is the resurrection and the life, and Martha professed her faith in him as the Messiah and Son of God.
John 10:11-21 - Jesus taught his followers that he is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. The shepherd protects the sheep from the attacks of predators, rather than running away to protect his own life. He spoke about having a close and loving relationship with the sheep, as well as having sheep from different sheep pens that will one day join to become one flock under one shepherd. Jesus also alluded to the fact that he would sacrifice his life of his own accord and return to life again. There was division among those who heard his words, with some calling him demon-possessed and others pointing to his miracles as proof that he is from God.
Luke 7:36-50 - Once Jesus was invited over for dinner at a Pharisee’s home. While he was there, a woman from town who had a reputation for being a sinful woman came in with a jar of perfume. She began pouring the perfume on Jesus’ feet while wiping them with her hair and tears. The Pharisee saw this and started muttering to himself, wondering how Jesus could allow a sinful woman to touch him like that. Jesus then told a parable about two people who owed differing amounts of money to a moneylender, both of whom were forgiven their debts. He concluded that the one who was forgiven more would have more love and appreciation for the one who forgave their debts. In the same way, the woman who had been forgiven much by God, showed her great love for Jesus.
Luke 14:7-14 - Once when Jesus was at a dinner party at the home of a Pharisee, he noticed that the guests were taking the places of honour at the table, and he told them a parable. He told them, when someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the places of honour or someone more important might come along and you will be asked to give up your seat and will be humiliated. Instead, take the lowest seat, so that the host will will honour you by moving you up to a better seat. In saying this he taught that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Furthermore, he taught that when one hosts a banquet, they should welcome those who are left out and on the margins, and that in doing so they will be blessed.