NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: Matthew 12:38-42
Discussion Questions: What is required for you to believe someone is telling you the truth? What role does their past play in you trusting them today?
Food for Thought:
Living and working in a city that attracts tourists fills my lunch walks with interesting encounters. I always enjoy watching people taking selfies in front of local attractions, restaurants and landmarks. I often encounter tourists who are lost, trying to find a specific place, or want a restaurant recommendation. The conversation usually begins by them asking me if I am from this area. I tell them I am and we go from there. Rarely do they ask me to prove that I know what I am talking about or to show my driver’s license as proof. They just trust me, following my recommendation or directions.
Jesus was teaching about the kingdom of God and some local leaders wanted to see His credentials. They had already seen some of His miracles but that was not enough, nor were they willing to accept Jesus at His word. They wanted a sign. Jesus told them that the sign would be His death, burial and resurrection. He also told them that failing to trust Him would lead to judgment. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are the key to all He did and does in securing our salvation. We either believe in that resurrection or we don’t. Everything else hinges on the truth of the resurrection.
To me, it is a little strange that most of us will trust the directions given to us by a stranger who claims to be a “local,” but will not believe in the truth of the Gospel. We always seem to want one more proof before we trust God. We have the resurrection and His Word. Could He do something greater? What more do we really need? Remember, Jesus was talking to good people, religious people. We can be just as unbelieving, always demanding a sign before we act. Faith is about taking God at His Word — sign or no sign.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
