Stephen’s sermon is a tour de force of biblical interpretation. In response to charges raised by the Jewish leaders against him, he explained his claim that Jesus fulfilled the purposes of the law and the temple, thus casting Jewish laws and customs in a different light. First, Stephen reminded them of God’s promise to Abraham and how quickly his descendant Joseph was rejected. Second, he mentioned Moses’ rejection by his own people as he sought to help them. Third, he reminded them that Moses spoke of a better prophet who would come.
Here is Stephen’s point: Israel has a history of rejecting God’s messengers and prophets. So, as they held him on trial for blasphemy, he wanted them to see that they were the blasphemers for rejecting Jesus—just like their ancestors, who often rejected God’s chosen messengers. God the Son had Himself come in the flesh to save His people. Rejecting Him is a rejection of God’s work in the most egregious way.
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 Brandon D. Smith. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 29, Session 2 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.