Bible Class Lessons

BIBLE CLASS LESSONS

YEAR 4

LESSONS 1 – 20

Peter

Lesson 1 / Peter’s Calling / Luke 5:1-11
Aim: / To learn how Peter came to know Jesus and see how Jesus called him to serve.
Materials: / Bible, pens/pencils, worksheets
Introduction: Draw the attention of the young folk to lives changed by Jesus.

Peter was probably originally given the Hebrew name Symeon, later changed to the similar sounding Greek name, Simon. His brother Andrew had a Greek name. They came from Bethsaida on the shores of LakeGalilee, sometimes known as Gennesaret, an area heavily influenced by Greek culture. Their father was called John and they were fishermen. Their native tongue was Aramaic which they spoke with a strong northern accent. Later Jesus gave him the name, Cephas (Aramaic for “rock”, later translated as Petros (Greek for “stone”), hence Peter, the name we know so well. Will be called “a stone”(John 1: 42) You are “a stone” (Matt 16:18)

A Jewish boy’s mother passed on moral principles to her son while his father would teach him a trade and certain religious knowledge. At the synagogue they would learn to read and commit to memory Scripture passages and prayers. While Peter was considered an uneducated fisherman he would certainly have been literate, have a good knowledge of Scripture and been able to participate in discussions on spiritual and moral issues. He was also a skilled fisherman.

After his baptism and forty days being tempted in the wilderness Jesus remained for awhile around Judea (we know very little about this period). During that time Jesus met some who would become part of his close band of twelve disciples. Among them were Andrew and Peter. (John 1:35ff)

Peter and Andrew were drawn to John the Baptist’s teaching. Andrew heard John say, “Behold the Lamb of God”, indicating Jesus who may have been helping with teaching the people. John was still the central figure in the public eye with Jesus little known. Later John would say, “He must increase while I must decrease” as his roll as the herald of the Messiah gave way to the Messiah’s own ministry. Having been introduced to the Messiah by John, Andrew went straight to his brother, Simon, and brought him to Jesus. (John 1:40-41) By announcing Simon would have a new name Jesus indicated that he knew him and had mapped out a new life for him. cf. new names for Abram, Jacob, Gideon. On a later occasion in Galilee he called him to be a “fisher of men”. (Luke 5:10) The chain of gospel witness is an essential part of the Christian life.

The term, “Lamb of God” indicated that Jesus was the one whose sacrifice would take away the sin of his people. It gave a dimension of hope to John’s message, “repent and believe”, a message Jesus later took up as his own. (Mark 1:15)

After retuning North to Galilee, increasing his band of followers and initiating his public ministry with the miracle at Cana, followed by teaching in the synagogues and healing the sick and the demon possessed, Jesus moved from Nazareth to Capernaum. (Luke 4) Simon’s own mother-in-law was one who was healed by Jesus. It’s one thing to know about the fame of Jesus, another thing to witness the miracles and hear the teaching with clarity and authority, but something greater to see this power applied to a close family member.

On one occasion while he was on the shores of the lake he used a boat as a pulpit. Simon and his fellow fishermen were mending their nets after a fruitless night’s fishing. He was no doubt quite happy to leave his thankless toil and listen to Jesus and, probably, happy that his boat should be singled out for this honour. After the message Jesus had a strange request. The carpenter turned Rabbi gave directions to the fishermen as to where they should launch their nets. Simon’s willingness to obey shows a growing respect for Jesus but he wasn’t prepared for the unexpected large catch of fish nor its impact on him spiritually. This incident drove home the message “repent and believe” in a very personal way. Simon saw Jesus in a new light, a light which shone into his own soul and revealed things he found very uncomfortable. His reaction, “Depart from me for I am a sinful man”, showed an appreciation of Jesus true ministry to deal with sin; sin in the heart of man, sin in Simon’s heart. It was an essential lesson if Simon were to be truly a fisher of men. (Luke 5:1-11)

Activities: Complete the worksheets.

Peter

Lesson 2 / Mount of Transfiguration / Matt. 17
Aim: / To explore Peter’s mixed up understanding of Christ’s true nature.
Materials: / Bible, pens/pencils, worksheets
Introduction: Ask the young folk what they think the word ‘glory’ means and how Christ’s glory shows itself.

When Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee had grown, with crowds following him and many being healed, and, after spending a night in prayer, he chose a special band of twelve disciples to work closely with him, hear his teaching and see his miracles, so that they would later be first hand witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and beyond. (Luke 6:12) In all the lists of disciples Simon Peter is mentioned first. Later we find Jesus selecting an inner core, Peter James and John, to be with him on very special occasions: raising Jairus’ daughter, the transfiguration and Gethsemane.

Peter seemed to have a natural flair for taking the lead, although his impetuosity marred that leadership. At Caesarea Philippi, on the Mediterranean coast, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matt 16:13) After a variety of answers he makes the question more personal, “Whom do you say that I am?” It is Peter who answers, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God.” After establishing that central truth in an unambiguous manner, Jesus began to talk of his death and resurrection, a topic that the disciples could not get their heads round. Peter again took the lead in rebuking Jesus for such a seemingly defeatist attitude. Jesus’ rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan”, seems harsh but was essential for Peter and the rest if they were to grasp the true nature of Jesus mission. Salvation through the blood of Jesus shed on Calvary remains a stumbling block to many today.

Six days later Peter, James and John were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration – probably Mount Hermon (9,000 ft.a.s.l.). (Matt 17:13) This was a pivotal point in the unfolding of the Kingdom of God, recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Here heavenly realities broke through. The three disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus’ glory. With their faltering grasp of the truth about Jesus and his mission the disciples were scarcely ready for this experience. Little wonder they were afraid, the normal human reaction to heavenly beings. With them were Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and Prophets; the Law foreshadowing the work of Christ in the types and symbols of the temple and its sacrifices; the Prophets foretelling the coming of the Messiah and his kingdom that would never end. Each of these Old Testament giants of the faith had had remarkable visions of God and each had passed from this life leaving no identifiable grave.

The theme of the conversation between Jesus and Moses and Elijah was “his exodus which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem”. (Luke 9:31) It was not merely what was going to happen to him but what he was going to achieve. Jesus death on Calvary was no tragic event outwith God’s control, but an outworking of the plan of redemption. The use of the word “exodus” linked this accomplishment to the redemption of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. By Jesus death, the blood of the great Passover lamb would deliver his people from slavery to sin and from death itself. This event was a great encouragement to Jesus as he faced the latter part of his ministry with its increasing opposition, betrayal and death. It would include the agonizing moment when he would cry, “My, God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

The cloud that descended on them was a reminder of the pillar of cloud that lead the Israelites through the wilderness, the cloud that covered the tabernacle, and covered Mount Sinai when the Law was given to Moses. Later Jesus would be taken up to heaven with a cloud hiding him from the watching disciples (Acts 1:9). Jesus announced that the Son of Man would come again on the clouds of heaven. (Matt 24:30) It was a visual indication of God’s presence. He spoke from the cloud as at Sinai. It was also a protection for the disciples who had seen as much as they could take.

The message from the cloud must have reminded the three disciples of the baptism of Jesus. “This is my Son”. Jesus was acknowledged again by the Father as his beloved Son. The disciples were enjoined to “listen to him.” That, too, must be the message for us today. Jesus of Nazareth is Lord. He reigns in heaven in the splendour that belongs to him both because of his divine nature and because of his “obedience unto death” accomplishing redemption for his people. Do we hear and worship?

Activities: Complete the worksheets. Explore how we can listen to Jesus today.

Peter

Lesson 3 / Peter’s Denial of Jesus and Restoration / Luke 22:54-62; John 21
Aim: / To understand the human effort and divine strength, of human failure and divine forgiveness.
Materials: / Bible, pens/pencils, worksheets
Introduction: Go straight into the dramatic events surrounding Peter’s denial of Jesus.

We saw Peter, James and John with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. We see this inner group of disciples again with Jesus at Gethsemane on the night he would be betrayed. Jesus had withdrawn to pray as he faced the greatest challenge of his life. He asked the disciples to watch and pray with him. From the mountain top experience of heavenly glory to the depths of spiritual warfare, when all the forces of hell were about to be unleashed against Jesus, this trio were privileged to be close to the Master. On both occasions they proved inadequate, not able to understand fully what was happening. In Gethsemane Jesus wrestled in prayer while they slept. Jesus was strengthened for the ordeal that was to follow. The disciples later fled.

There was failure that night, not only for Peter but also for all the disciples. Yet when God’s servants buckle under pressure they are not abandoned by God. Elijah had buckled in the moment of triumph as he fled from Jezebel. Moses was a very reluctant recruit in Midian before becoming a great leader and man of faith, yet he failed God when he shouted angrily at the people and struck the rock that was to produce water for them. Both were restored to fruitful ministry. Both appeared with Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration. Peter and the others would likewise be restored. God works through sinners saved by grace. His strength is made perfect in weakness. Our failures with God’s forgiveness make us vessels fit for the master’s use, able to share the good news of forgiveness for sinners.

Earlier when Jesus had stated plainly that one of the twelve would betray him Peter was foremost in expressing his willingness to die for Jesus rather than deny him. He was sincere but self-reliant, underestimating both the threat and his own inner strength. He had a lot to learn in the area of how victory comes in the Christian life. It is “not by might nor by power but by my Spirit”. (Zech 4:6) The sword he used to attack Malchus in defence of Jesus was both ineffective and unwise. The courage of faith is different from the boldness of impetuosity. It moves out in dependence on God into territory well beyond our comfort zone. It was exemplified by Peter walking on the water when he kept his eyes on Jesus.

Worse was to come for Peter. His love for Jesus and his natural boldness took him into the house of the High Priest where Jesus was being held. However, when challenged about being a follower of Jesus he denied the one he loved, doing so emphatically and in the presence of Jesus. One look from Jesus and Peter withdrew a miserable failure. (Luke 22:54-62)

Jesus’ appearing to the seven disciples fishing in Galilee was the seventh appearance of Jesus after his resurrection that we know about. He had appeared in Jerusalem to Mary Magdalene, other women at the tomb, Simon Peter (Luke 24:34), two on road to Emmaus, ten disciples (minus Thomas), and eleven with Thomas. On this occasion the disciples were in Galilee where Jesus had told them to wait for him. (Matt 28:10) They were fishermen and on their home territory so they went fishing. At first they did not recognise Jesus as he stood on the shore but the big catch in response to Jesus’ instructions awoke memories of a previous experience when Peter had suddenly seen Jesus in a new light and been convicted of his own sinfulness. (Luke 5:4-10) On that occasion Jesus announced that Peter would become a “fisher of men.” Peter reacted with customary spontaneity, jumping into the sea to reach Jesus as quickly as possible. There was no doubting his love for Jesus yet Jesus asked him three times (surely a gentle reminder of Peter’s threefold denial of him), in front of the other disciples, “Do you love me?” In making provision for his sheep the Good Shepherd restored Peter and publicly confirmed his calling to look after the flock of God.

Peter’s response was to ask about John? Was this a very human response of embarrassment? Whatever it was Jesus kept Peter focussed, “You follow me.” There we have a warning for ourselves with all our failings and mixed emotions. Keep your eyes upon Jesus.

Activities: Complete the worksheets.

Peter

Lesson 4 / Healing the Lame Man / Acts 3
Aim: / To explore the transforming power of the gospel.
Materials: / Bible, pens/pencils, worksheets
Introduction: Ask the young folk about miracles. Do they think that Jesus needs to be physically present to work a miracle?

We seem to be seeing a different Peter in the book of Acts. He has matured significantly since the death and resurrection of Jesus. The whole band of disciples has been transformed. Now they are ready to die for Jesus. After Jesus’ ascension they gathered with the women and others to devote themselves to prayer, seeking to draw their strength and wisdom from God and not rely on their own resources. (Acts 1:14) Peter again takes the lead in moving to appoint a replacement for Judas. He also preached the sermon at Pentecost that boldly proclaimed the gospel, focussing on Jesus’ death and resurrection and combining divine sovereignty, “definite plan and foreknowledge of God”, with human responsibility, “you crucified and killed …”. He does not pull his punches in calling for repentance. About three thousand responded in faith.

Now Peter and John are seen going up to the temple in the morning for prayer. They are accosted by a lame beggar who probably heard a lot of things as he sat at the Beautiful gate. He may well have seen Jesus and even heard him. Certainly he would have heard about him but yet he remained crippled. Had he passed up opportunities to seek healing from Jesus? Did he regret lost opportunities? He must have known of Jesus’ healing miracles. We don’t know. Now he was intent on the business that had occupied him over the years, getting enough money from temple worshippers to keep him alive from day to day. In God’s gracious providence he looked to Peter and John for a few coins and got much more than he could have dreamt of. When we ask God for something we often get something more than we had imagined. God takes the initiative in bringing us to himself. His gifts are rich beyond our expectations.

Peter looks at him with the compassion he had learned from his master and with the authority given to him. Jesus had died, had risen from the grave and ascended up to heaven, but he was still present in his disciples. “Lo I am with you always…”. Peter’s words, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” and his reassuring firm grip on the crippled man’s hand brings about a dramatic turn of events. The one who showed no signs of any hope before is now leaping and praising God. There is no doubt in his mind where his new strength had come from. It was not Peter but God who had healed him, most significantly in the name of Jesus who was so recently crucified, as the lame man well knew. There were probably few in Jerusalem more instantly recognisable than this beggar. The crowd were agog with the turn of events.

With a ready audience Peter first cleared away any idea that he had done something wonderful by his own power. He pointed immediately to God and to Jesus. Again he pulled no punches as he referred to the recent trial and crucifixion of Jesus. “You killed the Author of Life.” His impromptu sermon is a recounting of events he had witnessed, a call to repentance and faith with a future look to the fulfilment of prophecy and Christ’s coming again. His message was grounded in Scripture and personal experience of Jesus. “Repent and believe” was the message of John the Baptist, of Jesus, of Peter and must remain the message of the church today.

The response of many in the crowd was to believe. The church was growing rapidly. (4:4) The response of the temple authorities: priests, Sadducees and temple guards, was annoyance and frustration. They thought they had dealt with Jesus but now find his followers boldly proclaiming that Jesus was alive and demonstrating the power of the name of Jesus in healing the lame man at the temple itself. Having put Peter and John in prison overnight they instructed them not to teach in the name of Jesus again. No amount of evidence would change their minds. The response of Peter and John was to reiterate the message that new life had come through the name of Jesus whom they had crucified. They clearly stated that they would obey God rather than men. (4:19,20) This is an important principle in the Christian life, affecting matters of great importance to the church and issues facing individuals, young as well as old. How do we determine what must be obeyed and where clear conflict arises between the demands of God and the demands of human authorities who have been ordained by God.

Activities: Complete worksheets. Discuss various scenarios where young Christians may face difficult opposition from parents, teachers etc.

Peter