Luke/Acts for Beginners

Consider adding the following information to students' responses if not stated. Jesus had just driven out the money changers who were turning the experience of worship into a money-making effort rather than truly supporting the worshipers. This was sanctioned by the Jewish leadership, perhaps even becoming a personal source of income for them. Additionally, the Jewish leaders determined who could teach in the Temple and synagogues. They certainly would not have approved of Jesus in this role. These confrontations continue to point out that the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

We can learn from this that our motives for worship and helping others to worship should not be for personal gain. Our ministry efforts are to glorify God and help others do so as well. Although we must ensure that what is taught is according to God's word, we should help others, as well as ourselves become teachers rather than put restrictions in the way of reaching this goal.

The Jewish leadership, especially religious leadership, were charged to teach and guide others to learn and apply God's law. Jesus consistently called them out for not only missing the mark in their application but also drawing the people away from God as well. As a result, they would be judged harshly by God. He is also showing once again His awareness of His oncoming death and resurrection.

Today, we must ensure that we are faithfully and consistently teaching God's word and not the traditions of men. We put our Lord forward, not ourselves.

In James 3:1 we read that God will hold teachers to a higher level of judgment due to their influence on other believers' spiritual growth.

If Jesus answered no to paying taxes, then they could charge Him with treason. If He said yes, then they could accuse Him of not being faithful to the Jewish people.

As citizens of our respective nations, we have a responsibility to obey laws that do not contradict God's will. But our ultimate faithfulness and responsibility is to obey God's will. In situations where there is a conflict between man's laws and God's laws, we must choose to obey God. There are ways we can work to change laws. For example, we can try to have people in leadership positions who seek to do God's will.

Just because a law is in effect, it might not be something we must obey. For example, although some laws allow abortion, it does not mean one has to have an abortion or support the law itself. We must live peaceably while working to change laws that go against God's will.

Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another man pretending to be the Messiah. The miracles and teachings were vital, but the culmination of His ministry by His resurrection shows how He overcame death and proved He was the Christ (Romans 1:4).

Jesus is telling them that He is the Messiah promised by God come through the lineage of David.

We have been given insights into God's word and the responsibility to teach it to others. This is a great blessing for us. But we do not obey for our personal benefit but to glorify God and lead others to Him. Our Lord is the Master and we are the servants. It might be easy to slip into the trap of seeing ourselves as elevated in someway above others. This is a trap of pride set by Satan. Even in our best efforts and successes, we are only serving as our Lord asks of us.

Desired response: We must give all to our Lord. In doing so we glorify God, who in turn blesses us.

It was the seat of Jewish worship and authority. It was built as the throne of God in man's presence but many of the associated activities around the temple, such as the money changers, had diluted its holiness.

Its role would no longer be needed once the Kingdom was established. Finally, in AD 70, the Temple was destroyed as Jesus had foretold.

Nations have been at war with other nations throughout man's history.

How does this tie in with Jesus' prophesy concerning signs of the end?

It is a misapplication to read this as the end of time when Jesus returns.

It is intended as an end of the Jewish nation as God's people.

Given this is the end of their way of life, it would seem as an end of time.

We must always be ready for our Lord's return. As His children we should draw comfort by His return rather than fear it.

Look for specific responses related to greater commitment to our Lord because of our love for Him because of what He has done for us, and recognition as His role as our savior. We can learn of these events and their significance and teach them to others as we teach them about our Lord.