Document #: TX005851

Chapter 13 Jesus Teaches The Prophets, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit

Chapter Summary Jesus is the great teacher, and the primary lesson he desires to teach is that the Kingdom of God is already here. Jesus taught about the Kingdom in both his early “hidden life” and then more explicitly later in his public life and ministry. Jesus often used parables to help others better understand the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ teaching often put him in opposition to many of the religious leaders of his day.

Introduction and “The Kingdom of God” (Handbook, Pages 138–139) Discussion Questions: In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What do you think we mean when we say “Thy kingdom come” in that prayer? What is “the Kingdom,” and how would you know if it was here or not? © Gino Santa Maria / Shutterstock.com

What Is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is not a specific place but instead happens wherever people live in harmony with God and with one another. The Kingdom is present wherever the children of God are. It is made real when we live God’s rule of love and goodness. It is what heaven is like. Jesus shows us how we should live to be a seed of the Kingdom. © YanLev/Shutterstock.com

“Jesus Teaches in His Hidden Life” (Handbook, Pages 140–142) Divide into groups. Each group must create an imaginary story about Jesus as a child or teenager. It has to be a story that could be true based on what you know about Jesus. Here are some scenarios to get you started: Jesus as a child is playing with friends who argue over sharing a wooden toy. Jesus as a teenager is with friends when they meet two Roman soldiers, who make fun of them. Jesus is traveling with his mother Mary when they meet a leper on the roadside. © Anneka/Shutterstock.com

An Ordinary Life Jesus shows us that an ordinary life, lived well with love of God and others, has great worth. Jesus lived as many of us do today, by spending time with family and friends, studying, working, playing, praying, and worshipping. Jesus teaches us to respect those who care for us and have authority over us. © Freedom Studio / Shutterstock.com

“Jesus Teaches in His Public Life” (Handbook, Pages 142–146) Think-Pair-Share Think: Jesus told stories to get across a spiritual message. Think of a short story that you know that has a spiritual message. Pair: Find a partner. Share: Discuss the stories you thought of. How are their messages similar? How are they different? Are they like any of the stories Jesus told? © Odessa Sawyer / Saint Mary's Press

Jesus’ Teachings Jesus teaches that all people are welcome in the family of God. Jesus often told parables to teach surprising lessons about the Kingdom of God. © ptnphoto/Shutterstock.com

Love God and One Another Jesus teaches that we don’t have to be perfect, but we must truly try to change bad attitudes and habits that keep us from loving God and one another. At the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John witnessed a special view of the Kingdom of God and Jesus’ divinity. © Freedom Studio / Shutterstock.com

“Jesus and the Law” (Handbook, Pages 146–148) Discussion Questions: What do you think Jesus meant when he said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it? What do you think Jesus meant when he said that he did not come to abolish the prophets but to fulfill them? © Sogno Lucido / Shutterstock.com

The Bigger Picture God first taught the Jewish people through the Law of Moses and the prophets. Jesus came into the world to fulfill this teaching and reveal its true meaning. Jesus teaches that we should not just avoid doing what a commandment literally forbids. We should look for the deeper spiritual meaning and live that out. If we do this we will always be acting with love. Jesus rejected some ways that Jewish teachers lived and explained the Law. © Leonardo da / Shutterstock.com