December 27
Lesson 4
A GENEROUS GIFT
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 1:10–18
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23:1–12; Mark 12:38–44
MATTHEW 23:2–12
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
MARK 12:38–44
38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
KEY VERSE
Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
—Matthew 23:12
SACRED GIFTS AND HOLY GATHERINGS
Unit 1: What We Bring to God
LESSONS 1–4
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Note a godly characteristic to contrast with each of the behaviors or traits that Jesus condemned in the religious leaders.
2. Tell how the poor widow’s example can be followed by people of comfortable means today.
3. Identify one attitude or action in need of change and make a plan to do so.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Definitions from God’s Dictionary
B. Lesson Background
I. Prideful Prominence (MATTHEW 23:2–7)
A. Hypocrites as Leaders (vv. 2, 3)
B. Hypocrites in Setting Standards (v. 4)
C. Hypocrites for Wanting Attention (vv. 5–7)
“Sitting in the Catbird Seat”
II. Humble Servanthood (MATTHEW 23:8–12)
A. Change of Focus (vv. 8–10)
B. Greatness Through Service (vv. 11, 12)
A Call to Humble Service
III. Cruel Pretenders (MARK 12:38–40)
A. Gaining Honor (vv. 38, 39)
B. Devouring Houses (v. 40)
IV. Trustful Generosity (MARK 12:41–44)
A. Many Give Much (v. 41)
B. One Gives All (vv. 42–44)
Conclusion
A. A Great Contrast
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Pharisees
Fair-ih-seez.
phylacteries
fih-lak-ter-eez.
Zebedee
Zeb-eh-dee.
______________________________________________________
What, if anything, does this passage have to say about the way we dress today?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ For church
■ For work
■ For leisure
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, should Christians address one another by title? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding religious titles (Reverend, Pastor, etc.)
■ Regarding academic titles (Doctor, Professor, etc.)
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
How have you seen servant-leadership benefit the church in ways that other leadership styles could not have?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In response to a crisis
■ When correction was needed
■ Regarding issues in the public eye
■ Other
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
What can churches do to help their leaders avoid the attitudes and motives that Jesus describes?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Before the problem occurs
■ After the problem has occurred
______________________________________________________
What Do You Think?
When have you seen in another the kind of giving Jesus commended? How did things turn out?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding a contribution to an organization
■ Regarding a contribution to an individual
■ Regarding help you received
■ Other
______________________________________________________
Visual for Lesson 4. Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you pose the question at the bottom of this page.
______________________________________________________
Weatherly, Jon et al. “A Generous Gift.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 151. Print.
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