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THE
PRESENT
WORD
ADULT BIBLE LESSONS
LEADER’S GUIDE
SUMMER 2020
MANY FACES OF WISDOM© 2020 Geneva Press Published in partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The Moravian Church in America (North and South), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the United Church of Christ. The Present Word is published quarterly by Geneva Press, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information stor- age or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information, address Geneva Press, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-1396. The Leader’s Guide is based on International Sunday School Lessons: International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2007 by the Committee on the Uniform Series, and uses the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America; both used by permission. Printed in the United States of America For questions regarding content, please contact us at TPWfeedback@presbypub.com. For questions regarding orders, please contact us at Customer_Service@presbypub.com.
JUNE 2020–AUGUST 2020 VOL. 20 NO. 4
LEADER’S GUIDE
MANY FACES OF WISDOM
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
The Uniform Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Quarter in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Resources for the Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Unit I: Wisdom in Proverbs
1. June 7 The Call of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Proverbs 1
2. June 14 The Value of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Genesis 39; Proverbs 2
3. June 21 The Gifts of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Job 1; 42; Proverbs 8
4. June 28 Wisdom’s Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Proverbs 9
Unit II: Wisdom in the Gospels
5. July 5 Wisdom’s Vindication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Matthew 11:1–19
6. July 12 The Boy Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Ecclesiastes 3:1–15; Luke 2:39–52
7. July 19 The Wisdom of Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Mark 6:1–6; 7:1–23
8. July 26 Wisdom: The Way, the Truth, and the Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Proverbs 3:17; 8:32–36; John 14:1–14
Unit III: Faith and Wisdom in James
9. August 2 Faith and Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
James 1:1–11
10. August 9 Hearing and Doing the Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
James 1:19–27
11. August 16 Faith without Works Is Dead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
James 2:14–26
12. August 23 Taming the Tongue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
James 3:1–12
13. August 30 Two Kinds of Wisdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
James 3:13–18; 5:7–12
About the Writer/Coming Next Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
iiiIntroduction We live in a culture in which information holds sway. Our digital tech- nologies place a vast universe of facts and data at the swipe of a fingertip or the click of a mouse. So much information—and misinformation—is available, in fact, that it is easy to be overwhelmed. Get the facts straight! Check for reliable sources! Don’t pass on an intriguing Facebook post unless you fact check it to be sure of its veracity. Knowledge is power, we say. Yet it seems that true wisdom is often in short supply. Over many centuries, wisdom was woven through the warp of Scripture. Sometimes the threads of wisdom reveal themselves as straightforward pragmatism; at other times wisdom comes in metaphors that glimmer as they seek to illumine. Whether expressed in proverbs or in sayings, in the words and actions of Jesus, or in the words of a letter addressed to Christians living in diaspora communities in the first centuries of the church, wisdom adds an essential element to the pattern of the fabric of God’s word. Over the weeks of this summer quarter, participants will have the opportunity to ponder the things we learned as children, the contrast between the wise and the foolish, the nature of true wealth, the trouble people had understanding Jesus, and finally the call from James that our actions must stand as testimony to our faith. May your encounters with the wisdom God desires for us guide your actions and interactions with family, neighbors, and the wider world. iv
The Uniform Series
The Present Word quarterly Bible study is based on the Uniform Series, a
plan for reading and studying the Bible. The objectives of the series are to
help persons increasingly:
1. to know the content of the Bible,
2. to understand the message of the Bible in light of their experiences
and relationships, and
3. to be aware of God’s self–disclosure, especially God’s redeeming love
as revealed in Jesus Christ, that they may respond in faith and
love—to the end that they may know who they are and what their
human situation means, grow as the children of God rooted in the
Christian community, live in the Spirit of God in every relationship,
fulfill their common discipleship in the world, and abide in the
Christian hope.
The emphasis in these objectives is on the Bible as the record of the revela-
tion of God in Christ as the primary source of understanding the mean-
ing of the Christian faith and as the most effective means of confronting
persons with the significant concerns of the gospel. These concerns
include personal faith, values, human relationships, social responsibility,
Christian hope, and the implications of Christian discipleship under the
lordship of Christ and in the fellowship of his Spirit.
One of the distinctive features of the Uniform Series is the collaborative
process through which denominational partners engage in the common
task of developing the Lesson Guides. The development process begins
with a Scope and Sequence subcommittee whose work sets a framework
for the biblical themes of each six-year cycle. The Scope and Sequence
team for Cycle 23 (2016–2022) chose themes that are creatively expressed
in this statement of Christian faith:
The God of the Bible, the source of creation, loves us and calls us in covenant
through our faith to worship and to do justice.
The underlined words in the statement compose the eight recurring
themes throughout each quarterly segment of The Present Word.
vQuarter in Brief God is experienced as wisdom in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. During this quarter, we explore the many facets of wisdom as recorded in the Book of Proverbs, in the Gospels, and in the letter written by James. Unit I, “Wisdom in Proverbs,” in four sessions, explores the nature of God’s wisdom as found in the book of Proverbs. These sessions describe how Wisdom calls to us; the value of Wisdom and the gifts she offers; and ends by exploring the metaphor of the feast of Wisdom. Unit II, “Wisdom in the Gospels,” offers four sessions, one session from each of the four Gospels that examines the wisdom of God seen in the teachings and life of Jesus. Unit III, “Faith and Wisdom in James,” offers a five-session study of wis- dom as seen in the Letter of James. These sessions explore the interaction of faith and wisdom, including practical advice regarding faith in action and taming the tongue. The study ends by contrasting two kinds of wisdom. vi
Resources for the Leader
The following resources are suggested for those who are interested in
doing additional research and study.
Bible Study Guides
A Guide to Bible Basics, by Tyler D. Mayfield. Louisville, KY: Westminster
John Knox Press, 2018.
A Guide Through the Old Testament, by Celia Brewer Sinclair. Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 1989.
A Guide Through the New Testament, by Celia Brewer Sinclair. Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.
Bible Commentary Series
Interpretation Bible Studies series. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox
Press, 1998–2008.
New Daily Study Bible, by William Barclay. Louisville, KY: Westminster
John Knox Press, 2017.
The New Testament for Everyone series, by N. T. Wright. Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 2004–2015.
The Old Testament for Everyone series, by John Goldingay. Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 2016.
Bible Dictionaries
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Edited by David Noel Freedman. Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000.
HarperCollins Bible Dictionary—Revised and Updated. Edited by Mark Allan
Powell. San Francisco: HarperOne, 2011.
Books
The Bible from Scratch: The New Testament for Beginners, by Donald L.
Griggs. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
The Bible from Scratch: The Old Testament for Beginners, by Donald L. Griggs.
Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.
Video Viewing
When you show videos to a group of learners, you need to obtain a public
performance license from Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI)
at us.cvli.com. Check with your church, though, to see if an umbrella
license has already been obtained. Often, many denominations—through
conferences, jurisdictions, dioceses, and other structures—secure licenses
for their churches.
viiWebsite Opening Doors to Discipleship is a series of four courses in the Presbyterian/ Reformed tradition to help persons equip themselves to be faithful teach- ers and leaders (openingdoorstodiscipleship.com). Worship Leaflets Geneva Press offers The Present Word quarterly Worship Leaflets. Each leaflet includes a brief service of worship with prayers, hymn texts, and opportunities for reflection on the Scripture passage of the day. Order your quarterly Present Word Worship Leaflets at pcusastore.com. viii
J U N E 7, 2 0 2 0 LESSON
THE CALL 1
OF WISDOM
MAIN IDEA
The wisdom of God instructs us to discern the direction we should go
and gives us the insight we need to understand life.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE Proverbs 1
A VERSE TO REMEMBER
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
PREPARING TO LEAD
• Pray for participants and for yourself as leader. Read and reflect on
lesson 1, “The Call of Wisdom” (Participant’s Book, p. 1).
• Familiarize yourself with the context of the Scripture. Although
the first verse attributes the book to Solomon, internal evidence
suggests that Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings compiled
over time. Regardless of its authorship, it was fitting to attribute
such sayings to Israel’s wise king.
• Provide Bibles, Participant Books, and Worship Leaflets for lesson
1, nametags and pens.
• For the suggested introductory activity, print some familiar sayings
on notecards, such as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” with
half the aphorism on one card and half on another.
• Obtain a white pillar candle and matches.
• Consider whether you will primarily lecture or if you will facilitate
discussion.
• Step 6 in each lesson offers additional options from which to
choose.
• Because the suggested hymn for this lesson is a verse from a
well-known Advent carol, consider singing it without
accompaniment.
• The hymn “Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom” (Glory to God,
174) is appropriate for the first unit.
The Call of Wisdom 1LEADING THE LESSON
Opening Worship
1. Gathering
• Greet participants and provide nametags.
• If group members are not familiar with one another, hand out one
of the prepared notecards to each person. Invite participants to
find someone with the card containing the other half of the
saying. Ask pairs to introduce themselves and then have persons
introduce their partners to the group.
• Distribute Bibles, Participant’s Books, and Worship Leaflets for
lesson 1.
• Formulate and get consensus on some simple ground rules for the
study (for example, welcoming diverse points of view, maintaining
confidentiality, and so on).
2. Morning Prayer 1 Worship Leaflet, lesson 1
• Light the Christ candle, noting that its light is a tangible reminder
of the presence of the risen Christ.
• Encourage participants to settle into silence.
• Invite volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer from the
Worship Leaflet, beginning with the Opening Sentences and
ending after the morning hymn.
Teaching Tip
When asked to sit in silence for more than a few moments, many
adults become distinctly uncomfortable. You might begin with
a very short time of silence, perhaps thirty seconds. Encourage
adults to breathe in and out deeply, focusing on eliminating dis-
tractions as they exhale and on breathing in a sense of God’s Spirit.
In later sessions, try extending the time of silence.
LESSON 1—June 7, 2020SCRIPTURE Proverbs 1:1–4, 7–8, 10, 20–22, 32–33
1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2
For learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,
3
for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;
4
to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—
.......................................
7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8
Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,
and do not reject your mother’s teaching;
........................................
My child, if sinners entice you,
10
do not consent.
.............................
20
Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.
21
At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
..........................
32
For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33
but those who listen to me will be secure
and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Note: Find Scripture Notes for this reading on the final page of the lesson.
The Call of Wisdom 3Bible Study
3. Scripture Reading Participant’s Book, p. 2
• Read the Scripture responsively, with the leader reading a verse and
participants reading the next.
• Option: Invite the group to read verses 1–4, 7–8, and 10 in unison.
Then read verses 20–21 yourself. Ask participants to imagine
Wisdom as a woman in the street. Have a woman read the
remainder of the passage aloud. Discuss the following, or ask
participants to reflect on these questions in silence: If you were
walking down a busy city street, how would you react to Wisdom’s
words? Would you stop and listen? Discount her as some sort of
crazy street prophet? Cross the street to avoid her?
4. A Word about Wisdom Participant’s Book, p. 2
• Present the following key facts about wisdom in Proverbs:
1. The intended audience of Proverbs was inexperienced boys about
to enter adulthood. Wisdom begins in the home, with children
learning from both their parents.
2. These young boys are warned against being enticed by sinners.
3. Proverbs 1:7, the key verse for this lesson, can be considered the
motto for the entire collection and connects human wisdom to
holy reverence: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of growth in
wisdom. In this context, “fear” can be defined as humility mixed
with awe in the presence of the God who works wonders and
imparts. Wisdom is nothing without reverence. It is more gift
than possession, and it is priceless.
• Refer participants to the three scenarios cited as examples in the
Participant’s Book. Ask:
1. Which of these, if any, would you identify as wisdom? Why?
2. What would you say is the difference between knowledge and
wisdom?
• We read that wisdom is a concept and a practice, and it is
transcendent. With the ideas presented previously as well as what
we read in the Participant Book, how would you define wisdom?
How do you respond to the idea that wisdom is nothing without
reverence?
• What words of wisdom guide you in daily life? Which forms of
wisdom speak to you most clearly: intellectual, emotional, or
practical?
5. Teachable Moments Participant’s Book, p. 4
• Call the group’s attention to the anecdote about Thumper the
Bunny and invite someone to summarize it. Ask:
1. What is meant by the question, “Are we like Thumper?”
4 LESSON 1—June 7, 20202. The book of Proverbs hinges on the idea that your elders will
prepare you to live a worthy life. How do you respond?
3. The observation is made that there is more to wisdom than
knowing what is right. What do you think? Can you cite an
example when someone demonstrated knowledge of the right
actions but nevertheless did not act wisely?
• Form three small groups or pairs, depending on the size of the
group. Each group is to formulate a list of proverbs, sayings, or
conventional “wisdom”: Group #1 should gather what they recall
from hearing parents, teachers, or other adults; Group #2 should
assemble messages from books, movies, or other media; and Group
#3 should garner bits of wisdom gleaned from their own
experience or observation. In the total group, have pairs or groups
report their lists. Discuss:
1. How has something you learned in any of these three ways
become applicable in your daily life?
2. In what ways, if at all, has conventional “wisdom” proved to be a
less than reliable guide for making decisions?
6. Stepping into the World Participant’s Book, p. 5
• Invite participants to give examples of messages they are receiving
through their news feed or cable news networks, talk shows, or
social media that seem to employ fear.
• Choose from among these optional ideas to explore the Scripture:
1. Ask volunteers to describe the best advice they ever received.
How was it helpful? In what circumstances have they successfully
applied it?
2. Compare the personification of Wisdom in Proverbs 1:20–33;
8:1–36; and 9:1–6. What differences can the group identify?
3. Discuss the differences between knowledge and wisdom. Why are
both important?
4. This reading leaves out some verses in Proverbs 1 that further
emphasize the punishment of those who do not heed Wisdom’s
call. How does that idea fit with your moral framework and your
understanding of God?
Closing Worship
7. Morning Prayer 2 Worship Leaflet, lesson 1
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet, and enlist
volunteers to lead the remaining portions of Morning Prayer.
• Begin with Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession, say the
Lord’s Prayer, and end with the Dismissal.
• Bless participants as they leave. This can be as simple as saying “God
bless you, (Name) as each person leaves. Extinguish the Christ candle.
The Call of Wisdom 5SCRIPTURE NOTES
The following notes provide additional information about today’s Scripture
reading that may be helpful for your study.
1. “Proverb” is a translation of the Hebrew word mashal, which means
“a saying.”
2. While the Book of Proverbs begins by ascribing its sayings to
Solomon, internal evidence points to it being a collection of wisdom
from various individuals, edited and compiled over time.
3. The prologue to the Book of Proverbs clearly indicates the collection’s
intended audience: inexperienced young men about to enter
adulthood.
4. Proverbs 1:7 is considered the motto for the entire collection and
firmly connects human wisdom and knowledge to service of God.
(See also 8:13; 9:10; 14:27; 15:33; 19:23.)
5. Though Wisdom is personified as a woman in Proverbs (1:20–33;
8:1–36; 9:1–6), women are noticeably absent from it, appearing
primarily in relation to the young men the book addresses.
A LOOK AHEAD
DA I LY B I B L E R E A D I N GS
M Jun. 8 Work for the Good of All Galatians 6:1–10
T Jun. 9 Live Together in Harmony Romans 15:1–6
W Jun. 10 Wisdom Is Walking Together in Love 2 John 4–11
Th Jun. 11 Joseph Resists Temptation Genesis 39:6b–18
F Jun. 12 Wisdom Saves from Temptation Proverbs 2:12–19
Sa Jun. 13 Walk on Just and Good Paths Proverbs 2:20–22;
4:24–27
ENGAGE YOUR LEARNERS DURING THE WEEK
Send an email or a text:
1. Encourage them to read Psalm 34:1–2, this week’s Devotional
Reading, and to reflect on what kinds of wise choices might lead to
the life the psalmist invites us to consider.
2. Suggest that participants reflect on these questions when making
choices:
• Which choice would please God?
• Does a potential decision align with the mercy and justice the
prophets proclaimed as God’s desire?
• Can we view the outcome through the lens of love and feel it
would be wise?
6 LESSON 1—June 7, 2020J U N E 14 , 2 0 2 0 LESSON
THE VALUE OF WISDOM 2
MAIN IDEA
Wisdom’s treasure is more valuable than riches because it can center a
person’s heart, will, and thought toward a knowledge of God.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE Genesis 39; Proverbs 2
A VERSE TO REMEMBER
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)
PREPARING TO LEAD
• Pray for the participants and for yourself as leader. Also read and
reflect on lesson 2, “The Value of Wisdom” (Participant’s Book,
p. 7).
• Familiarize yourself with the Scripture’s context. Like other Old
Testament Wisdom books, Proverbs defines wisdom, explains how
to find it, and describes the benefits of living by it. Unlike the
books of Ecclesiastes and Job, Proverbs keeps the reality of unjust
suffering in the background and presents a more optimistic view.
• Provide Bibles, Participant’s Books, and Worship Leaflets for lesson
2. Also set up the Christ candle.
• Review the lesson plan and decide which questions and activities
you will use. Consider whether you will primarily teach, providing
information, or facilitate discussion and encourage participants to
process the Scripture.
• Step 6 in each lesson offers options and choices. You are not
expected to use them all.
• Consider how much space and time you have as well as the
different ways your group members learn best.
• If you plan to sing the hymn suggested in the Worship Leaflet,
arrange for an accompanist or a choir member to lead the singing.
The Value of Wisdom 7LEADING THE LESSON
Opening Worship
1. Gathering
• Greet participants as they arrive. Welcome anyone who was not
present for lesson 1.
• Check to be sure participants brought their Bibles and Participant’s
Books, and make extras available as needed. Distribute Worship
Leaflets for lesson 2. Encourage participants to bring their
Participant’s Books and Bibles each week.
• Remind the group of the simple ground rules for the study they
agreed on during the previous session.
2. Morning Prayer 1 Worship Leaflet, lesson 2
• Invite participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet, and enlist
volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer. Light the Christ
candle.
• Encourage the group to settle into silence, seeking a sense of the
presence of God in their midst.
• Invite volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer, beginning
with the Opening Sentences and ending after the morning hymn.
• End with a few moments of silence.
Teaching Tip
For some participants, digital devices are as ubiquitous as the
air. Time spent on news feeds on their tablets or on social media
sites on their phones amounts to a significant distraction for
these persons. For others, the distraction may be TV or radio talk
shows. Estimating the time spent on such activities may be eye-
opening, and, just maybe, lead to the beginning of wisdom.
8 LESSON 2—June 14, 2020SCRIPTURE Proverbs 2:1–11
2:1
2
My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3
if you indeed cry out for insight,
and raise your voice for understanding;
4
if you seek it like silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasures—
5
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
8
guarding the paths of justice
and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
9
Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10
for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11
prudence will watch over you;
and understanding will guard you.
Note: Find Scripture Notes for this reading on the final page of the lesson.
The Value of Wisdom 9Bible Study
3. Scripture Reading Participant’s Book, p. 8
• Form two groups. Have one group read aloud in unison verses 1–5,
and have the other read verses 6–11.
• Option: Invite the group to engage in a spiritual reading of Scripture:
1. Read the passage aloud. Encourage participants to reflect in
silence.
2. As they listen to the passage read again, ask them to listen for
a word or phrase that particularly strikes them. Following the
reading, invite volunteers to name that word or phrase aloud.
3. Read the passage a third time. Afterward, ask: How is God
speaking to me through this Scripture?
4. Ask participants to sit in reflective silence.
4. A Word about Listening Participant’s Book, p. 8
• Point out that in the Participant’s Book, we read a litany of the
sounds we may hear in the course of our daily lives. Ask:
1. How would you describe the difference between hearing and
listening?
2. Point out that in our lives there may be many distractions other
than those we hear that pull us away from listening for God. What
distractions keep you from making your ear attentive to wisdom?
3. In the introduction, we read about ear worms—phrases,
particularly the ones set to music, that can get in our heads and
take up residence whether we want them to or not. If we view
this metaphorically rather than just literally, what “ear worms”
are taking up space in your head?
• Pose this question from the Introduction for the group: How, then,
do we make space for the things that might really matter to us and
make us better people?
• As an exercise in making space, invite the group to list the digital
devices or other media they use regularly during the day and to
estimate the amount of time they spend using them. Discuss:
1. We read that there may be a variety of ways to find space for
listening to God. What are some ways suggested by the author?
2. When was a time when you found this kind of space? Where,
and under what circumstances?
5. A Heart for Understanding Participant’s Book, p. 9
• Form two small groups or pairs. Ask one to review the first scenario
in the Participant Book (Pastor Jay and his son) and the other to
review the second (Meredith and her daughter). Discuss:
1. Proverbs emphasizes “inclining your heart to understanding.”
How do these examples demonstrate that emotional connection?
10 LESSON 2—June 14, 20202. Can you suggest other ways that might also show a parent’s
emotional connection to a child?
3. What makes it harder to understand persons in some situations
than others?
• Discuss: In verse 4, the son is told that if he seeks wisdom “. . . like
silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures,” then he “. . . will
understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” In
what places or through what actions might we seek wisdom in this
way?
6. Stepping into the World Participant’s Book, p. 10
• Ask the group to reread the Scripture passage silently and then call
out words that strike them. If prudence is not named, invite them
to consider it. Discuss: How do you respond to the idea that the
emphasis in describing prudence should be on judgment and
understanding of oneself?
• Invite participants to respond in terms of judgment and
understanding of others to the following examples:
1. What did Tali Hairston mean when he told the NEXT Church
gathering that “insight precedes eyesight. And if you want to see
the other clearly, you need to see yourself better”?
2. How do you self-identify in terms of race? Is it okay to say white
and not feel sheepish about it? What does being white actually
mean?
• Choose from the following optional ideas to explore the Scripture:
1. Invite participants to describe how prudence, wisdom,
knowledge, and understanding are related.
2. Discuss: Can wisdom be separated from righteousness and justice
(v. 9)? Why or why not?
3. In Hebrew, Proverbs 2:1–22 is one elaborate sentence of
twenty-two lines, corresponding to the number of letters
in the Hebrew alphabet. Challenge participants to come up
with couplets about wisdom using the first few letters of our
alphabet.
Closing Worship
7. Morning Prayer 2 Worship Leaflet, lesson 2
• Enlist volunteers to lead remaining portions of Morning Prayer in
the Worship Leaflet.
• Begin with the Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession, say the
Lord’s Prayer, and end with the Dismissal.
• Extinguish the Christ candle.
• Bless participants as they leave by saying, “(Name), may wisdom
come into your heart; may knowledge be pleasant to your soul;
may prudence watch over you and understanding guard you.”
The Value of Wisdom 11SCRIPTURE NOTES
The following notes provide additional information about today’s Scripture
reading that may be helpful for your study.
1. Like other Old Testament Wisdom books, Proverbs defines wisdom,
explains how to find it, and describes the benefits of living by it. Unlike
the books of Ecclesiastes and Job, Proverbs keeps the reality of unjust
suffering in the background and presents a more optimistic view.
2. Proverbs affirms that “the fear of the Lord” will lead to relative
security, a good reputation, and meaning in life.
3. In Hebrew, Proverbs 2:1–22 is one elaborate sentence of 22 lines,
corresponding to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet.
4. Although the parent speaks (Proverbs 2:1), he points beyond himself
and advises the son to listen to “wisdom” and “understanding,”
which come from the Lord.
5. Proverbs 1 and 2 affirm the reciprocal relationship between humans
and wisdom. Whereas Wisdom “cries out” and “raises her voice”
(1:20–21), the parent urges the son to do the same in his search for
insight and understanding (2:3)
A LOOK AHEAD
DA I LY B I B L E R E A D I N GS
M Jun. 15 Christ, the Wisdom of God 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
T Jun. 16 God Abundantly Rewards Job’s Job 1:1–5
Faithfulness
W Jun. 17 God Restores Job’s Family and Job 42:10–17
Wealth
Th Jun. 18 Wisdom Calls the People to Proverbs 8:1–7
Respond
F Jun. 19 Wisdom Present and Active During Proverbs 8:22–31
Creation
Sa Jun. 20 Choose Wisdom and Live Proverbs 8:32–36
ENGAGE YOUR LEARNERS DURING THE WEEK
Send an email or a text:
1. Suggest that they keep an actual tally of the time they spend in
distracting activities, and compare it with the estimate they did in class.
Where might they free up space where they might listen for God?
2. Encourage them to read the entirety of chapter 2—both today’s
Scripture and the devotional reading that continues the chapter—in
their devotional times.
12 LESSON 2—June 14, 2020J U N E 21, 2 0 2 0 LESSON
THE GIFTS OF WISDOM 3
MAIN IDEA
Wisdom’s value is more than tangible gain; it gives knowledge and
courage and leads toward God’s path of justice and righteousness.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE Job 1; 42; Proverbs 8
A VERSE TO REMEMBER
Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. (Proverbs 8:10–11)
PREPARING TO LEAD
• Pray for participants and for yourself as leader. Read and reflect on
lesson 3, “The Gifts of Wisdom” (Participant’s Book, p. 13).
• Familiarize yourself with the context of today’s passage. Proverbs 8
is the Bible’s most detailed personification of wisdom. It provides
background for the understanding of Christ as the Wisdom and
Word of God.
• Provide Bibles and Participant’s Books for those who need them, as
well as Worship Leaflets for lesson 3 for everyone. Set up the Christ
candle.
• Review the lesson plan and decide which activities you will use. If
you have been primarily lecturing, try incorporating more
discussion.
• If you plan to use the optional Scripture activity, recruit a reader,
preferably a woman.
• Step 6 in each lesson offers options and choices. Think about how
much space and time you have. Consider trying something you
have not used before.
• If you plan to sing the hymn suggested in the Worship Leaflet,
arrange for an accompanist or a choir member to lead the singing.
The Gifts of Wisdom 13LEADING THE SESSION
Opening Worship
1. Gathering
• Welcome participants as they arrive.
• Distribute Bibles and Participant’s Books to those who did not
bring them and Worship Leaflets for lesson 3 to everyone, and
encourage participants to bring their Participant’s Books and
Bibles each week.
• Review the simple ground rules for conversation the group
previously adopted.
2. Morning Prayer 1 Worship Leaflet, lesson 3
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet, and enlist
volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer. Light the Christ
candle.
• Encourage the group to settle into silence, seeking a sense of the
presence of God in their midst.
• Invite volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer, beginning
with the Opening Sentences and ending after the morning hymn.
• End with a few moments of silence.
Teaching Tip
For some participants, the idea that wisdom is personified as a
woman may come as new, and perhaps unwelcome, informa-
tion. Spend time in the first activity to carefully explore the
content in the introduction. If you sense hesitation or reluc-
tance on the part of some, or if some participants are not enter-
ing the discussion, ask everyone to respond to the following:
• Some new information for me is . . .
• I have questions about . . .
• I would like more information about . . .
14 LESSON 3—June 21, 2020SCRIPTURE Proverbs 8:8–14; 17–21
8:8
9
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands
and right to those who find knowledge.
10
Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12
I, wisdom, live with prudence,
and I attain knowledge and discretion.
13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
14
I have good advice and sound wisdom;
I have insight, I have strength.
.............................
17
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
18
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
20
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21
endowing with wealth those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
Note: Find Scripture Notes for this reading on the final page of the lesson.
The Gifts of Wisdom 15Bible Study
3. Scripture Reading Participant’s Book, p. 14
• Form two groups for the reading of the Scripture, and have them
alternate reading the verses.
• Option: Have the reader you recruited read the Scripture aloud.
Invite participants to be alert for words and concepts they explored
in the previous two sessions, such as prudence, knowledge, and
understanding. Suggest that they listen for God’s word, reflecting
on how the poetry may further illuminate these concepts for
them.
4. A Word about Wealth Participant’s Book, p.14
• Invite participants to quickly review the Introduction to this lesson
(p. 13) and ask volunteers to report insights and observations. If
the following points do not emerge, share them:
1. In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom/Sophia is personified as a
woman who makes her first appearance in Proverbs 1:20–33
(studied in the first lesson).
2. There, Wisdom warns of the perils in store for those who reject
her. In this passage, Wisdom adopts a different tone, naming
benefits for those who embrace her.
3. Proverbs 8:22–31 tells us Wisdom was present with the first
person of God before the first act of creation.
4. Both masculine and feminine descriptions of God in Scripture are
metaphoric, an attempt to frame the unknowable divine in terms
human beings recognize.
• Call attention to the anecdote in the Participant’s Book about the
television show My Lottery Dream Home. Discuss:
1. It is not uncommon to hear the winners thank God or describe
themselves as blessed when they win a large jackpot. Do you think
their experiences are a result of being blessed? Why or why not?
2. The wealth referred to in Proverbs is not a promise of financial
security to those who live according to a set of rules, but rather
wealth is used as a metaphor. How does the context of the
passage serve as a clue?
3. If we are not talking about actual monetary wealth, what kind of
riches do we gain if we attain wisdom?
4. How would you describe the difference between being lucky and
being blessed? What wisdom did your elders pass down about
wealth?
5. I Have Insight, I Have Strength Participant’s Book, p. 15
• Invite someone to summarize what the Participant’s Book tells us
about the background of the late Rachel Held Evans. Ask another
16 LESSON 3—June 21, 2020volunteer to describe her work and her perspective on Christian
faith.
• Invite participants to quickly scan Proverbs 31:10–31. Discuss:
1. In mourning her loss, many of Evans’ readers described her as
Eshet Chayil. What is the meaning of this Hebrew phrase, and
how does it apply to Rachel Held Evans?
2. What would it look like to seek wisdom diligently?
6. Stepping into the World Participant’s Book, p. 17
• Ask group members to review the anecdote about the author’s
Sunday school teacher Marian Sengel. Ask:
1. What qualities did Mrs. Sengel embody that made her
memorable to those she taught?
2. How did she demonstrate wisdom?
3. Whose wisdom has influenced you, and in what ways?
• Choose from among these optional ideas to explore the Scripture:
1. Point out that throughout the book, Proverbs portrays human
women primarily in relationship to the young men intended
to be educated by the book, often as sources of temptation and
trouble. Discuss the description of a human woman in Proverbs
31:10–31. How does this woman embody the qualities of
wisdom?
2. List and discuss the ways that the road to justice is paved by
wisdom.
3. Invite the group to list various key pursuits in life (education,
career, family, etc.). Discuss: What questions can we ask of
ourselves to analyze if these pursuits are guided by godly wisdom
rather than cheap substitutes?
4. Verses 10–11 observe that wisdom is better than jewels. Ask
participants to identify and discuss circumstances where wisdom
is more valuable than money. Discuss:
• In what ways, if at all, are you influenced by the cultural
reality that people’s value is tied to their monetary worth?
How can this reality be resisted?
• Invite the group to explain the connection between wisdom
and the fear of the Lord.
Closing Worship
7. Morning Prayer 2 Worship Leaflet, lesson 3
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet.
• Enlist volunteers to lead remaining portions of Morning Prayer.
• Begin with the Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession, say the
Lord’s Prayer, and end with the Dismissal.
• Extinguish the Christ candle.
The Gifts of Wisdom 17• Bless participants as they leave. Say, “(Name), may you be blessed
by a new awareness of God’s wisdom.”
SCRIPTURE NOTES
The following notes provide additional information about today’s Scripture
reading that may be helpful for your study.
1. Proverbs 8 is the Bible’s most detailed personification of wisdom.
2. Proverbs 8 provides background for Christians’ understanding of
Christ as the Wisdom and Word of God.
3. The Prologue to the Gospel of John (John 1:1–14) and its
understanding of Jesus’ identity is informed by Proverbs 8.
4. Use of words such as “call,” “cry,” “speak,” “lips,” “mouth,” and
“utter” in the opening verses of Proverbs 8 to attest to the quality and
character of Wisdom’s teaching stand in sharp contrast to the
“speech” of the “loose woman” in Chapter 5.
A LOOK AHEAD
DA I LY B I B L E R E A D I N GS
M Jun. 22 Law Provides the Edge Psalm 119:97–104
T Jun. 23 Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1–13
W Jun. 24 Church Proclaims the Wisdom of Ephesians 3:7–13
God
Th Jun. 25 No Wise Person among You? 1 Corinthians 6:1–6
F Jun. 26 Wise and Foolish Builders Matthew 7:24–27
Sa Jun. 27 Benefits of Making the Wise Psalm 1
Choice
ENGAGE YOUR LEARNERS DURING THE WEEK
Send an email or a text:
1. Encourage participants to reflect on those in their lives who embody
wisdom and praying for insight as to how to exemplify wisdom to
others.
2. Suggest that after they read the devotional reading for the week, they
use verse 28b as a breath prayer. Then ponder the phrase, “Truly, the
fear of the Lord” on the inhale, and the phrase “that is wisdom” on
the exhale.
18 LESSON 3—June 21, 2020JUNE 28, 2020 LESSON
WISDOM’S FEAST 4
MAIN IDEA
Wisdom gives instruction to the wise, yet the foolish suffer their own
downfall.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE Proverbs 9
A VERSE TO REMEMBER
Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight. (Proverbs 9:6)
PREPARING TO LEAD
• Pray for the participants and for yourself as leader. Also read and
reflect on lesson 4, “Wisdom’s Feast” (Participant’s Book, p. 19).
• Familiarize yourself with the context of this chapter: Proverbs 9
marks the conclusion of the first major section of the book.
• Provide Bibles, Participant’s Books, and Worship Leaflets for
lesson 4. Also set up the Christ candle.
• Review the lesson plan below and decide which questions and
activities you will use. If you decide to have participants use
outline figures in describing Wisdom Woman and Foolish
Woman, draw a very simple outline figure on each of two sheets of
newsprint and obtain markers. Alternatively, participants can
make written lists instead.
• Step 6 in each lesson offers options and choices. You are not
expected to use them all. Consider how much help, space, and
time you have as well as some of the different ways your group
members learn best.
• If you plan to sing the hymn suggested in the Worship Leaflet,
arrange for an accompanist or a choir member to lead the singing.
Wisdom’s Feast 19LEADING THE SESSION
Opening Worship
1. Gathering
• Welcome participants as they arrive.
• Distribute Bibles and Participant’s Books to those who did not
bring them and hand out copies of Worship Leaflets for lesson 4 to
everyone.
• Review the simple ground rules for conversation the group
previously adopted. Emphasize the need to make the space for all
participants to offer their observations and ideas.
2. Morning Prayer 1 Worship Leaflet, lesson 4
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet, and enlist
volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer. Light the Christ
candle.
• Encourage the group to settle into silence, seeking a sense of the
presence of God in their midst.
• Invite volunteers to lead portions of Morning Prayer, beginning
with the Opening Sentences and ending after the morning hymn.
• End with a few moments of silence.
Teaching Tip
The writer of Proverbs used hyperbole in describing Woman
Wisdom and Foolish Woman to provoke imagination and
invite a heightened response. Sometimes a different kind of
activity, such as using outline figures as a prompt for describing
these women, can function in the same way for participants.
Encourage them to step outside their comfort zones, sketching
on the figures how they envision the women might look.
20 LESSON 4—June 28, 2020SCRIPTURE Proverbs 9:1–6, 8–10, 13–18
9:1
2
Wisdom has built her house,
she has hewn her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
she has also set her table.
3
She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls
from the highest places in the town,
4
“You that are simple, turn in here!”
To those without sense she says,
5
“Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6
Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
...............................
8
A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you;
the wise, when rebuked, will love you.
9
Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.
10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
...........................................
13
The foolish woman is loud;
she is ignorant and knows nothing.
14
She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the high places of the town,
15
calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16
“You who are simple, turn in here!”
And to those without sense she says,
17
“Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18
But they do not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Note: Find Scripture Notes for this reading on the final page of the lesson.
Wisdom’s Feast 21Bible Study
3. Scripture Reading Participant’s Book, p. 20
• Invite the group to read the Scripture passage in unison, or
responsively, with two groups alternating their reading of the verses.
• Option: Form two groups, one to read verses 1–6 that describe
Wisdom and one to read verses 13–18 that describe the foolish
woman. Read verses 8–10 aloud yourself. Following the reading,
invite participants to first call out, popcorn style, words or phrases
that describe Wisdom, and then those that describe the foolish
woman. Ask: How well do these words and phrases describe
persons you might consider wise and foolish today? What, if any,
other descriptors would you add for the contemporary context?
4. A Word about Fear Participant’s Book, p. 20
• Ask participants to respond to the following:
1. What, or who, do you think of when you hear the word
“awesome”?
2. What do the words “the fear of the Lord” evoke for you?
• Invite participants to name contemporary examples of when the
word “awesome” is used. Discuss:
1. We read that we might want to consider awe or reverence as
guide words for defining the starting point of wisdom. How do
you respond?
2. What is your concept of God? Is God a divine policeman? A
distant and unknowable deity, too remote to understand? A
warm personal friend? Or something else entirely?
3. How do you think the idea of “the fear of the Lord” is related to
the recurring biblical injunction to “be not afraid”?
4. What are the qualities that you respect in other people? How do
those qualities parallel your reverence for God?
• In the introduction, we read about Lin-Manual Miranda and the
process he used in writing.
1. In musical theatre lingo, what is “the button?”
2. We read that we cannot reach the button without considering
how to compose, edit, toss out, and revise the words and music
that lead to it. What is meant by this statement?
3. The observation is made that wisdom comes through experience,
but it also comes through commitment and determination. How
do you respond?
5. Two Invitations Participant’s Book, p. 21
• Point out that Proverbs was written to provide guidance for a
young man. Invite participants to picture the two women as
22 LESSON 4—June 28, 2020they might be drawn by Disney animators. Form two groups or
pairs. One group will read the verses in the Scripture about Wise
Woman, as well as the portions of the text that describe her. The
other will do the same for Foolish Woman.
• Give each group one of the prepared outline figures and invite
them to print words and phrases around the outside that
describe the woman’s looks and character, or they can draw how
the women might look. After a few minutes’ time, have each
group show their figure and describe her. Discuss: How and why
does the writer of Proverbs make use of hyperbole in descriptions
of Wisdom Woman and Foolish Woman? What is the point of
exaggerating and providing contrast?
• We read that most families have some kind of story employed
to teach the same kinds of lessons as in Proverbs. Invite
volunteers to share a cautionary tale about a relative or a story
that points up the exemplary qualities of another ancestor.
Discuss: How did your parents and other elders point you
toward wisdom? Did they tell similar stories, or did they have
proverbs of their own?
6. Stepping into the World Participant’s Book, p. 22
• Invite volunteers to summarize the anecdote about Pastor Kate and
her dispute. Discuss:
1. What solution did Pastor’s Kate’s friend suggest?
2. Read aloud Proverbs 9:8. How do you handle critique? How do
you offer it to others?
• Choose from among these optional ideas to explore the Scripture:
1. Invite volunteers to read Proverbs 9:4 and 16 aloud. Note that
Wisdom and the foolish woman use identical language in
their invitations. Then have volunteers read aloud verses 5 and
17. What is the difference between these two?
2. Have volunteers role play what might happen when Pastor
Kate goes to apologize to the choir member. How might Pastor
Kate demonstrate wisdom in the encounter?
Closing Worship
7. Morning Prayer 2 Worship Leaflet, lesson 4
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet.
• Enlist volunteers to lead remaining portions of Morning Prayer.
• Begin with Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession, say the
Lord’s Prayer, and end with the Dismissal.
• Extinguish the Christ candle.
• As they leave, bless participants with these words: “(Name), seek
wisdom and understanding in all things.”
Wisdom’s Feast 23SCRIPTURE NOTES
The following notes provide additional information about today’s Scripture
reading that may be helpful for your study.
1. Proverbs 9 marks the conclusion of the first major section of the book.
2. The “seven pillars” of Wisdom’s house (9:1) have prompted
speculation and debate for centuries. Given the cosmic context of
this reference, they probably refer to the “pillars of the earth” (Psalm
75:3; 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 9:6; contrast Job 26:11).
3. As “seven” in the Old Testament often symbolizes completeness, the
“seven pillars” of Proverbs 9:1 may refer to creation’s perfection and
stability.
4. Wisdom’s activity of building, preparing for a feast, and efforts at
inviting people to the feast contrast sharply with the foolish woman,
who simply “sits at the door of her house . . . calling to those who
pass by” (vv. 14–15) and offers them “stolen water” and bread (v. 17).
5. Wisdom and the foolish woman use identical language (vv. 4, 16), but
while Wisdom’s feast leads to maturity, insight, and life, the foolish
woman’s deceptive offer leads to death.
6. The Hebrew word translated “ignorant” in verse 13 suggests a gullible
person who is easily persuaded.
A LOOK AHEAD
DA I LY B I B L E R E A D I N GS
M Jun. 29 Wise Counsel for Defending Your Matthew 10:16–23
Faith
T Jun. 30 Wise Deeds of the Coming Messiah Isaiah 35:3–10
W Jul. 1 John the Baptist, God’s Messenger Luke 7:24–28
Th Jul. 2 The Messiah’s Wise Deeds Matthew 11:1–6
F Jul. 3 Woes on Unwise Cities Matthew 11:20–24
Sa Jul. 4 Wisdom’s Invitation to Come and Matthew 11:25–30
Rest
ENGAGE YOUR LEARNERS DURING THE WEEK
Send an email or a text:
1. Invite participants to read and reflect on this week’s devotional
reading. Following their reading, ask them to ponder the striking
metaphor in Psalm 119:103–4.
2. Encourage participants to give special attention to the daily Bible
readings from Matthew. Remind them that the next session begins
a new unit on wisdom in the gospels.
24 LESSON 4—June 28, 2020J U LY 5 , 2 0 2 0 LESSON
WISDOM’S VINDICATION 5
MAIN IDEA
In Matthew, Jesus says his behavior and John’s, while unusual in their
day, will eventually be proven wise by their subsequent deeds.
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE Matthew 11:1–19
A VERSE TO REMEMBER
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glut-
ton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom
is vindicated by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19)
PREPARING TO LEAD
• Pray for participants and for yourself as leader. Read and reflect on
lesson 5, “Wisdom’s Vindication” (Participant’s Book, p. 25).
• Familiarize yourself with the context of Matthew. Read over the
information in the Introduction in the Participant’s Book as well as
the Scripture Notes.
• Obtain Worship Leaflets for lesson 5. Also set up the Christ candle.
• Decide if you will use the optional activity for reading Scripture.
Either recruit a reader to take the part of Jesus or plan to read it
yourself.
• Download pictures of Jesus from Google images and arrange to
project them, or plan to have participants look up images on their
smart phones.
• Step 6 in each lesson offers options for activities from which to
choose. Consider which will best serve the focus of the lesson. If
you have primarily used one type of activity, you may want to look
for a change of pace.
• If you plan to sing the hymn suggested in the Worship Leaflet,
arrange for an accompanist or a choir member to lead the singing.
Wisdom’s Vindication 25LEADING THE LESSON
Opening Worship
1. Gathering
• Welcome participants as they arrive.
• Distribute Bibles and Participant’s Books to those who did not
bring them and Worship Leaflets for lesson 5 for everyone.
Encourage participants to bring their Participant’s Books and
Bibles each week.
• Review the simple ground rules for conversation the group
previously adopted.
2. Morning Prayer 1 Worship Leaflet, lesson 5
• Invite the participants to turn to the Worship Leaflet. Enlist
volunteers to read portions of Morning Prayer. Light the Christ
candle.
• Encourage the group to settle into silence, seeking a sense of the
presence of God in their midst.
• Begin with the Opening Sentences and end after the morning
hymn.
• End with a few moments of silence.
Teaching Tip
While many participants have a solid understanding of the ori-
gins, dates, and sources of the four Gospels, others may be less
than confident about this background information. It may be
helpful to develop a chart over the course of this unit beginning
with these facts:
• Matthew
• Date: 80 CE
• Sources: Mark; Q (a collection of sayings); other material
unique to this Gospel
• Location: Galilee, or Antioch of Syria
Add more information about each Gospel in subsequent ses-
sions.
26 LESSON 5—July 5, 2020SCRIPTURE Matthew 11:7–19
11:7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about
John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A
reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone
dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.
9
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than
a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater
than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For all the
prophets and the law prophesied until John came; 14and if you are willing
to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15Let anyone with ears listen!
16
“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in
the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17
We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a
demon’; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look,
a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet
wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
Note: Find Scripture Notes for this reading on the final page of the lesson.
Wisdom’s Vindication 27You can also read
