So often those who knew Jesus missed the fact that He was the Messiah because He did not come to earth in the way that they had envisioned. While they expected Him to throw off the yoke of their Greco-Roman society, He was crucified under its reign.
By turning the Jews’ expectations of the Messiah on their head, Jesus drew the focus away from the earthly trappings of royalty and toward the marks of royalty that are honored in heaven. He exemplified the type of spirit He required, pointing away from an earthly reward to a heavenly one, promising eternal blessing for those who heed His words.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus beautifully captured the heart that He displayed here on earth and depicted the nature of His kingdom’s citizens—one of humility, mercy, purity, and peace, one that was willing to mourn, submitting to persecution, and was poor in spirit.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Jasmine Holmes. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 23, Session 1 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.