Archive for the ‘darkness’ tag
Gideon: October 14, 2012
The text for this lesson is Judges 6:11–7:25.
Key Point
- Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin and death, even as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.
- Law: Because of sin, I love the works of darkness and I think darkness can hide my sin.
- Gospel: Christ, the light of the world, exposes and overcomes sin and grants me life and salvation through the cross.
Discussion Points
- Can you recall a time when you were surrounded by darkness that was either unexpected or complete? How did you feel? How did you react?
- In Judges 6:1–6, the Israelites are living in dark times, literally and spiritually. Read these verses. How does God chastise Israel for doing evil? What effect does this have?
- Read Judges 6:11–24. How does the Angel of the Lord describe Gideon? How does Gideon describe himself? What can you tell about Gideon from these descriptions and his actions?
- Read Judges 6:25–32. Gideon has tested God, asking for a sign. What is God’s first mission for Gideon? What does the people’s response tell us about the state of Israel’s faith? How do the words of Gideon’s father set up the rest of the story?
- Read Judges 6:33–7:8. What is God teaching Gideon through everything that happens in these verses?
- Read Judges 7:9–18. How does God reassure Gideon one more time? How does Gideon respond?
- Read Judges 7:19–25. Picture the scene as you read it. What part did Gideon and Israel’s soldiers play in this victory? How did God intervene?
- God defeated the Midianites using only a loud sound and a flash of light in the darkness. How did the darkness contribute to the Midianites’ defeat? How does sin affect us the same way?
- In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” How does Jesus conquer the darkness of sin? How do we follow Jesus? Read John 12:35–36. What does it mean to be a “son of the Light”?
August 15, 2010: God Opens the Earth
The text for this lesson is Matthew 27:45-56, 62-66; 28:1-15
Key Points
- The earth quaked at Jesus’ death and resurrection, proclaiming that He truly is the Son of God. God’s Word clearly proclaims this same wonderful reality to us.
- Law: Because of my sin, I deserve to suffer and die eternally.
- Gospel: God sent His Son, Jesus, to pray for me so that I will live forever with Him.
Discussion Points
- What natural element did God control at Jesus’ death? See Luke 23:44-45.
- What is the significance of the darkness that lasted three hours?
- What unusual events took place at the time of Jesus’ death?
- What did the Roman centurion say when God opened the earth?
- To what did all of these supernatural signs point?
- Jesus was hastily buried inside the earth. A great stone was rolled to the entrance. What did the Pharisees and chief priests want Pilate to do? Why?
- What happened on Sunday morning?
- What did the angel say to the women?
- What happened as they were leaving the empty tomb?
- What was their response?
- What did the guards report to the chief priests?
- Why did God show His almighty power to control the sun and the earth during these events?
- How did Jesus humble himself at birth?
- Why did Jesus suffer and die?
- Why was Jesus’ descent into hell a step in his exaltation?
October 19, 2008: Gideon
The text for this lesson is Judges 6:11–7:25.
Key Points
- Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin and death, even as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.
- Sin darkens my heart so that I love the things of darkness and I love to hide my sin in darkness. Christ is the light of the world who exposes and overcomes the darkness of sin and grants me salvation.
- Law: Darkness is the sinner’s friend. Sinners love it, as Jesus says (John 3:19). We do things at midnight we would never dare do at midday. As we do, spiritual darkness envelops us, cutting us off from Him who is Light of Light.
- Gospel: Light is good, for it chases away the darkness, revealing and enlivening. The new Jerusalem, says St. John, never sees darkness (Revelation 22:5). Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness, even as Gideon overcame the enemy with the light streaming from the lamps of his men. The Good News of Christ’s salvation, trumpeted forth, illumines our darkened hearts so that we might see Him who is life and light and love.
