bsf lesson 15 day 2 Archives - AtoZMom's BSF Blog (2024)

SUMMARY OF JOHN 11:1-16

Jesus’ friend Lazarus was sick. Yet, Lazarus would not die for God’s glory.

Jesus went back to Judea, and his disciples protested, saying that was where the Jews wanted to stone him. Jesus said no one who walked with him would stumble.

Jesus said he needed to go back to resurrect Lazarus.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 2: John 11:1-16

3a) Lazarus was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.(This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)³So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you loveis sick.”Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

b) Jesus knew he would resurrect Lazarus as a miracle to glorify God.

c) The way you handle a crisis and your faith through it can honor God and bring him glory. He can also heal you miraculously.

4a) Their message shows they understood Jesus loved Lazarus and shows their faith that Jesus would know who they were talking about because Jesus knows all things. They also did not need to ask Jesus to heal Lazarus. They knew him well enough that if it was God’s will to heal Lazarus, he would.

b) So that there would be no doubt that his resurrection would be only by the power of God. Jesus also knew the resurrection would be the final straw that would force his enemies’ hands against him.

c) Schools for kids. That my wish was not God’s wish or what he wanted for my children. I learned that all things work for God’s purpose and my and my family’s good.

5) Jesus still had work to do. They would be safe until it was time for Jesus’ death. When you walk with Jesus, there is no fear. It’s only when you don’t that you stumble. When I have faith that Jesus is with me, I won’t stumble, and I will choose His way.

6) No matter what they faced back in Judea, they would be faithfully by Jesus’ side. They were ready to die with Jesus.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 2: John 11:1-16

Great stuff here. I love this story of Lazarus and how Jesus uses events to glorify God. This shows that our lives can glorify Him, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 15, Day 2: John 11:1-16

Raising Lazarus from the dead is the 7th sign of Jesus.

Another miracle calling us to believe in Jesus.

We see in John’s Gospel three occasions where Jesus is asked to do something:

• Turn wine to water (John 2:1-11)
• To perform miracles (John 7:1-10).
• To help Lazarus John 11:1-16

Jesus could have raised Lazarus without being present, but he goes to him.

Saying someone is asleep was common to say they were dead (Matthew 9:24) (Acts 7:60).

Jesus was glad because he knew he would raise him.

Thomas was called The Twin because he resembled Jesus. He had faith and would go with Jesus even if he died.

Jesus trusted God’s timing in everything. God’s purpose guided Jesus.

The disciples only wanted to be with Jesus.

Fun Fact: All Jews had a Hebrew and a Greek name due to the fact the Romans ruled Judea.

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SUMMARY OF HOSEA 1:1-2:13

Hosea 1

Hosea was called by God to marry Gomer and have children with her. Hosea prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel.

God will punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. God will no longer show love to Israel, that He should at all forgive them.Yet, He will show love to Judah and save them. God calls the Israelites not His people, but they will come together

Hosea 2:2-13

God will punish his people because they have turned from him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 15, Day 2: Hosea 1:1-2:13

3) Hosea was called by God to marry Gomer and have children with her. She was a promiscuous woman. He obeyed.

4a)

God commanded to call Hosea’s son Jezreel. God will punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and will put an end to the kingdom of Israel.

God commanded to call Hosea’s daugher Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”). God will no longer show love to Israel, that He should at all forgive them.Yet, He will show love to Judah and save them.

God commanded Hosea to call his next sonLo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.

b) The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.’

5) She will be barren. God won’t show love to her children. Her path will be blocked with thornbushes. She will be alone. God will take away blessings (grain, wine, wool, and linens). She will be exposed and not have celebrations. Her crops will be ruined, and she will be punished.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 15, Day 2: Hosea 1:1-2:13

Bleak consequences for not following God’s ways.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 15, Day 2: Hosea 1:1-2:13

Hosea means “salvation.” Hosea is only mentioned in this book of the Bible. He is referred to no where else. His message is that salvation is only found when you turn to God (a good message, indeed!).

The Times of Hosea

Hosea preached during the years 760 to 720 B.C. This is indeed the days of the divided kingdom of Israel (north) and Judah (south). This was after king David and Solomon. The Israelites have been in the Promised Land for 650 years.

Hosea spoke mainly to Israel (Hosea 7:5).

Hosea began his ministry during the reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-29). Israel was prosperous, and because of this, they turned from God.

Some Bible scholars believe Gomer became a prostitute after she was married, but we don’t know that for sure. Some believe she continued in prostitution after she was married. Others believe that this was a tale only and never really happened. Many believe that God wanted Hosea to feel how He was feeling because Israel has abandoned him. In truth, we take it at face value, and most believe Hosea’s story is true as is.

Jezreel means “scattered,” which Israel will be after they are imprisoned by Assyria. The Valley of Jezreel is where Jehu massacred all the descendants of Ahab (2 Kings 10:11).

Lo-Ruhamah means “No Mercy.” Judgment was coming from the Lord.

Note that God had no mercyto Israel andhad mercy towards Judah. Judah and her kings were more faithful.

Lo-Ammi means “Not My People.” God would not have the Israelites any longer.

Yet, in God’s infinite mercy, He will restore His people.

Hosea 2:2-13

God shows Israel as an adulterous wife who is no longer worthy of His love, protection, and provision. They and their children will face judgment.

Straying from God would hurt like thorns.

People will return when the going gets too tough, and God provides always. He provides even when they turn from him during the good times and worships idols.

God will punish but will ultimately restore.

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SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 14:1-12

Herod heard about Jesus and thought he was John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had arrested John and put him in prison because John had told him taking his brother’s wife was unlawful. He wanted to kill John, but he was afraid.

Herod was tricked by Herodias’ daughter. She danced for him on his birthday and he liked it so much he promised to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she asked for John the Baptist’s head on a platter. The king had to acquiesce since he took an oath and so many people were there. The girl took the head to her mother, and John’s disciples buried John’s body and then they went and told Jesus.

SUMMARY OF MARK 6:12-29

Jesus had sent out his disciples to drive out demons and heal the sick. King Herod thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead because of this. Others said he was Elijah. Herod had arrested John and thrown him in jail because he was saying it was unlawful for him to marry his brother’s wife. She did not like John and wanted him killed, but Herod feared John and protected him. He liked to listen to John.

On Herod’s birthday, he gave a banquet for his high officials. Herodias’ daughter dance for him, and he promised her he’d give her whatever she asked up to half his kingdom. The girl asked her mother what to ask for. She asked for the head of John the Baptist. The king could not back down. He immediately had John the Baptist beheaded and his head brought. The girl gave it to her mother, and John’s disciples buried John’s body.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 15, Day 2: Matthew 14:1-12 Along With Mark 6:12-29

3) He thought Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Because he knew John to be a prophet and genuinely believed this could happen. He was superstitious, and he felt guilty over killing him. Plus, scholars say John the Baptist looked a lot like Jesus.

4a) Herodias did not like how John said her marriage to Herod was unlawful. She wanted him dead so she concocted a scheme to do so.

b) She used her to dance and lure the king into promising her whatever she asked for.

c) He wanted to save face. He could not back down fearing he’d appear weak and his word would not be trusted.

5) Sin breeds sin, and it’s best to stop it as soon as possible rather than keep sinning when you know it to be wrong.

6) That they took John’s body to bury it, as was appropriate and that they told Jesus. This could have been because they knew how close they were or they wanted to Jesus to know becuase he may be in danger, too

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 15, Day 2: Matthew 14:1-12 Along With Mark 6:12-29

The saddest part of this story is how a mother uses her daughter to commit murder essentially. This obviously is not how a good parent should act. Also, Herod is very superstitious.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 15, Day 2: Matthew 14:1-12 Along With Mark 6:12-29

Matthew 14:1-12

A tetrarch was a ruling of four people. In this case, when Herod the Great died, each of his four sons received a portion of the territory. This was a title, but Herod wanted to be called king. Herod (known as Herod Antipas) asked Roman Emperor Caligula for the title but was denied. He ruled over Galilee and therefore had heard a lot about Jesus. He thought Jesus might be John the Baptist reincarnated. John has been killed a year ago when this story is being told.

Herod had illegally divorced his first wife in order to marry his brother’s wife. No one said anything about this out of fear of death except John the Baptist. Later, the King of Petra would declare war on Herod since his daughter was Herod’s first wife.

Herod feared what the people would do if he killed John.

Herodias’ daughter was a teenager, and the dance would have been inappropriate to say the least. Why a ruler’s daughter would dance is unknown here.

Herodias knew Herod would promise her daughter anything. She knew immediately she wanted John’s head.

Herod did not want to kill John, but he gave in to societal pressure. He pleased people rather than God.

Both Herodias and Herod end up disgraced later in life all due to this sin, and they both commit suicide. Herod was accused of treason, and he was banished.

Mark 6:12-29

Jesus was taken as Elijah by some because it was prophesied Elijah would come before the Messiah did (Malachi 4:5). Jesus was also thought to be the Prophetwhom Moses said would come after him (Deuteronomy 18:15).

No doubt Herodias’ daughter was hoping she could request something she wanted.

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Summary of Genesis 24:1-14:

Abraham is now getting older, and it’s time for Isaac to take a wife. He makes his servant promise to get him a wife from his relatives and not one from the Canaanites. Isaac is not to return. Abraham says that God will send his angel before the servant so that he can find a wife. He swears by placing his hand under Abraham’s thigh.

The servant took 10 camels and many gifts and set out to Aram Naharaim (Northwest Mesopotamia) to Nahor. He stopped at a well. The servant asks God for a sign of the one to be Isaac’s wife by asking that whoever offers him and his camels a drink be the one.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14

3) Abraham was concerned about finding a wife for Isaac that followed the One, True God. He did not want a pagan wife for him.

4a) Abraham is getting a wife for his son so that the line can continue, and one that will keep the faith.

b) Personal Question. My answer: My husband and kids. Unsure what might change.

5a) The servant asks God for a sign of the one to be Isaac’s wife by asking that whoever offers him and his camels a drink be the one.

b) Personal Question. My answer: We should always pray before major decisions are made.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14

I love how Abraham takes iniative to ensure his son has a wife so that God’s promises can be met in terms or having a nation come from Abraham. I love the servant too, especially how he ensures the chosen one for Isaac waters his camels as well. Shows what a big heart she would have.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14

Fun fact: This is the longest chapter in the book of Genesis. Fitting that it’s on Isaac finding a wife like Jesus found us.

We’ve met Eliezer before in Genesis(Genesis 15:2). The servant in charge of the household was special indeed in ancient times. They were often extremely close to their masters, more like family than anything else.

Swearing under the thigh indicated the seriousness of the oath.

Abraham feared his death was near (Sarah has been dead 3 years and Abraham is now 140 years old), so he made sure all of his instructions were clear. His priority now was carrying on the family line. Since there were in the middle of the desert with no one around except pagans who were still few and far between, it was hard to find a wife.

The Journey back to Ur from whence Abraham came was a long one (many months in ancient times where camels were used for travel). it as about 900 miles. You can assume that each camel carried supplies and the gifts the servant was to give the bride’s family.

Isaac was not to leave the Promised Land.

Nahor in the Bible:

• The grandfather of Abraham (Genesis 11:24-26)
• The brother of Abraham (Genesis 11:26-29)

Here, it’s referring to the city of Nahor.

Note that Eliezer did not ask God for a woman of beauty. It was more important her heart. Watering 10 camels would take at least an hour of laborous work becuase you would have to draw up galllon after gallon. Note that he also asked God for a sign that was possible. Too many of us ask for miraculous signs that is not possible and then we’re disappointed when the sign doesn’t come. This sign was most definitely possible, and God answered.

Summary of passage: Since Sarai had had no children, she told Abram to sleep with her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, so she could have a family through her (as was the custom the child would be considered Sarai’s). Abram agreed and after 10 years of living in Canaan after Egypt Hagar conceived.

Hagar began to despise Sarai (perhaps resentment or now she wants to usurp Sarai’s position since she is carrying an heir or pain that the child will not be considered hers) and Sarai (like woman do) blamed her husband. Sarai says let God be the judge.

Abram tells Sarai that she can do what she wants with Hagar since Hagar is her servant. Sarai, acting out of her anger and not God’s love, mistreated her and Sarai fled.

Questions:

3a) Since she herself couldn’t have children she offered her maidservant, Hagar, to stand in her place and give Abram the promised children from God.

b) Genesis 15:4: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.”

c) Their faith was in they believed Abram would have a legitimate heir from his body but their unbelief came in believing Sarai would be the mother. Based on both Sarai’s and Abram’s actions, neither believed Sarai could have a child.

4a) Immediate: the dissension, anger, contention, and mistrust that arose between Sarai and Hagar so much so that Hagar fled.

Long-term: Hagar’s son, Ishmael, would be the father of the Arabs–those that surround Israel today and are the founders of Islam (Genesis 16:15). After Isaac was born, the true son of Sarai, Sarai became jealous of Ishmael and drove both Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-20). Ishmael’s daughter would marry Abram’s grandson, Esau (Genesis 36:3).

Today: Ishmael is the father of all Arabs so the entire conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere stems from this one sin where Abram and Sarai tried to help God out, resulting in “sibling rivalry” between Jews and Arabs all throughout history and to this day.

b) In the same way as Sarai and Abram did and Jacob did when he stole Esau’s blessing and Moses did when he murdered the Egyptian. We come up with human solutions that are often sinful (taking another woman outside of the covenant of marriage even though it may be accepted by society) that we think will yield God’s promised results. And they never do.

Faith is all that is required. And patience for God to work. If we remember God doesn’t need our help, we’d all be better off.

c) Personal Question. My answer: This is a hard one because I cannot see the long-term effects of my choices it seems. I do know I am very impatient and very opinionated and most of the time I speak before I should when I get angry when it would have been better if I had said nothing at all. Or I act hastily and then regret my decision. This is seen in the little things of my life.

Conclusions: Do you think Sarai wondered if she were good enough to have a son? She obviously had low self-esteem or not enough faith (probably both) in order to offer up her maidservant to her husband. Yet it shows the love she must have had for Abram; she loved him enough in order to give him a promised child not through her. How many of us women would do that today?

This mistake I think we all make: we get impatient and don’t trust God enough to set things right (or we have a mistaken idea of what ‘right’ is). In this instance though, it was a grave mistake. A child is a human being and messing around with God’s HUGE promise of creating nations had ramifications that changed history and last until this day.

Personal sin always affects those around you (and others not so close) and invades your relationships. The profound consequences of the sin here of Abram and Sarai should be a lesson for us all.

End Note: Apparently, back then Hagar would actually have sat on Sarai’s lap as Abram inseminated her to symbolically show that the child would be Sarai’s upon its birth and that Sarai was only the surrogate mother. No wonder Hagar was upset!

I was appalled when Sarai blamed Abram for her “suffering” in verse 5. It was her idea, not Abram’s! He was probably only trying to appease her! Which was true: Abram did appease Sarai–the problem was he shouldn’t have.

As the man and head of the family, Abram should not have agreed to Sarai’s plan so in some sense she does have a right to blame him. He should have been “logical” when Sarai was “too emotional” to think straight. (Sound familiar?) He should have had the faith to wait on God when she didn’t.

Same goes for allowing Sarai to mistreat Hagar (verse 6). I totally disagree with this. As the head, Abram should have dealt with Hagar since Sarai was blinded by emotion. Again, Abram deferred to his wife, which only caused more conflict and strife.