ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS JANUARY-JUNE 2024

March 17, 2024
LESSON 11
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TOPIC: JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEATH

Memory Verse: Mark 8:34
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me, (KJV).

Central Truth
Jesus willingly chose the cross to bring us to God.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Affirm the prophetic nature of Christ’s death and resurrection.
2. Describe how discipleship justis linked to the Cross.
3. Accept Christ’s call to
become one of His
disciples.
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The Lesson Outline
1. Death and Resurrection Foretold.
A. Who ls Jesus? – Mark 8:27-30
B. Suffering Before Glory– Mark 8:31-33

2. Discipleship Linked to the Cross
A. Denial of Self– Mark 8:34, 35
B. Denial of the World
Mark 8:36-38
3. Facing Death with Confidence
A. Death Will Come.
Mark 9:30-32
B. Hope of Resurrection
Mark 10:32-34

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 Introducing the Lesson
The cross is a symbol sometimes displayed reverently in church buildings. For many who call Jesus, “Lord,” the Cross has become illustrative of a bridge spanning the gap between God and humanity.

In Christ’s time, the cross was a form of execution that was all too common to the people. Many had seen friends or family members led away to die on a cross at the hands of Roman soldiers.
Jesus’ call to take up one’s cross and follow Him would have been understood by the early believers as a choice that demanded sacrificial obedience.
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THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
Mark 8:27-33,36-38
[27]And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
[28]And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
[29]And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
[30]And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
[31]And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
[32]And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
[33]But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
[36]For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
[37]Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
[38]Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 9:30
[30]And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

Mark 10:32
[32]And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
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Commentary and Application
1. Death and Resurrection Foretold

A. Who Is Jesus?– Mark 8:27-30
Usually, when we think of a life of victory, we consider the triumphs over a strong opponent. It is rare to think about the suffering a person often endures when seeking to have a successful Iife. But pain and struggle are elements in the life of every person who has experienced triumph.

As Christ walked from town to town, He took time alone with His disciples to instruct them about God’s will and about future events that would involve them. On one such journey as they walked near the lush region of Caesarea Philippi near Mount Hermon, Jesus asked the disciples who the crowds thought He might be (Mark 8:27).

The disciples related that people were saying He was John the Baptist, Elijah, or another of the prophets (verse 28), likely information gathered from conversations that many who had gathered to hear Jesus and witness His miracles had. A man like Jesus created quite a stir, so rumours and speculations were to be expected.

At this time Jesus turned the question on the disciples. He wanted to know who they thought He was (verse 29). Peter responded with a declaration of faith: “Thou art the Christ” (verse 29, KJV). At the time, this term was understood by some to be a political title. The Christ (a Greek term) or Messiah (a Hebrew term) would free the Jewish people from bondage, and in this way their hope in God would be renewed. Jesus warned the disciples not to reveal this truth at that point in His ministry (verse 30). It is likely that He was concerned that if the people heard from Him or His disciples that He was claiming to be the Christ, they might choose to rise up in rebellion against the Roman government who ruled over Israel at that time.
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Question for Application
Who do people in the world today say that Jesus is?

Many theories abound about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. There are still people today who think of Him only as a prophet or good teacher, but people need to come to know Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came to die for their sins so they can be in right relationship with God.
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B. Suffering Before Glory– Mark 8:31-33
Athletes who want to win must work hard and often suffer through grueling training to overcome their opponents. Victory always has price. Near the end of His ministry with the disciples, Jesus began to speak plainly to them about the suffering He would soon face. He no longer spoke in parables as He had done with the crowds. The disciples still held to the notion of the Messiah as one who would bring victory over Israel’s political foes. They did not consider the Messiah in terms of suffering and death. Jesus addressed their concept of the Messiah and laid a new foundation based on Scripture.

Jesus spoke plainly to the disciples about the suffering that the Son of Man must endure at the hands of the Jewish elders, priests, and teachers (Mark 8:31). But He also taught them that He would rise from the dead after three days in the tomb.

Peter, who had earlier been praised for acknowledging that Jesus was the Christ, now rebuked Jesus for what He said (verse 32), His limited view of God’s plan did not allow for a Messiah who would appear to fail, succumbing to death. Peter believed the teachings that the Messiah would be a victorious warrior.

At that point, Jesus rebuked Peter. His false belief was a message from Satan to try to divert Jesus from His appointed path (verse 33). It should be noted that this rebuke was directed at all the disciples, not just Peter. No amount of suffering would stop Jesus from fulfilling what He came to do in order to save humanity.
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Question for Application
How can Christians face difficulties and suffering that could cause them to abandon the course God has laid out for them?

Although He was the chosen Messiah, Jesus knew His life would involve much suffering in order to give life and salvation to the world. He faced this suffering with determination and strength. Through His example we gain strength as well to face trials and temptations.

We do not stand alone
as we pursue the things of God. We have the power of the Spirit and Christ’s example to stay true to the course God lays out before us (see Acts 1:8 and Hebrews 12:2,3).

2. Discipleship Linked to the Cross
A. Denial of Self– Mark 8:34, 35

Question for Application
Why is it essential for Christians to understand that we are not exempt from suffering?

Whatever field of study one might desire to pursue, hard work is required to excel in it. Star athletes, medical personnel, and business people understand this. However, the reality of suffering is often not considered by many who seek to follow Christ. They may think that God’s call offers smooth roads and roses without thorns. This view of life can be changed dramatically when tragedy strikes the disciple of Christ who thinks life is easy. We must understand that Christians are not exempt from suffering.

Jesus called the crowds as well as His disciples to Him to address the issue of true discipleship (Mark 8:34). The cross in that day represented a most brutal death at the hands of their Roman
oppressors. It was a horrific spectacle many would have seen. Jesus chose the cross as the symbol of denial of self for the true disciple. No longer would one’s life be focused on selfish ambitions. Instead, those who would be disciples of Jesus must be willing to Suffer and even die for the cause of Christ. In all they do they must strive to conform to His will rather than pursue selfish ambitions. Those who commit to Christ and dedicate their lives for His glory will find salvation in Him (verse 35).

When you come to the
realisation that life in Christ can be hard at times but worth any amount of suffering, somehow the oppression and fear of the world is diminished. In a long race a committed runner runs on in spite of pain when approaching the finish line. We should much more diligently run the race set out for us by God for the prize we shall gain.
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B. Denial of the World– Mark 8:36-38
Fame, fortune, and success often seem to drive people, either in pursuit of more things or in admiration of those who possess such things. Jesus asked the question more than two thousand years ago: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36, KJV). Jesus wanted people to consider the value of choosing to be His follower. Though one might choose not to become His disciple and enjoy all the world has to offer in terms of success, fame, and fortune, such gain will pale in the light of eternity (verse 37). But a life lived as His follower advancing His kingdom will result in eternal rewards. It is not a matter of what we possess in this world, but who possesses us in the world to come.

Jesus’ teaching on discipleship ended with a strong warning (verse
38). Those who are more concerned with being accepted by this world than being accepted by Christ will find that they have been rejected by Him at the time of judgement.
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Question for Application
In a world that often stifles expressions of religion, how can one demonstrate a life unashamed of Christ?

Standing up for Christ can be a great risk (verse 38). One may not be permitted to speak about Christ at work or display crosses or Scripture verses, but walking by faith is exemplified by grace and mercy in your actions and attitude toward others. For them to know you are a Christian should mean that even if you are not able to confront people with Christianity directly, they will see Christ in your actions at work or in your home. Your stand for Christ can influence their decision to follow Him:
3. Facing Death with Confidence

A. Death Will Come– Mark 9:30-32

On their way to Jerusalem Jesus found time to teach His disciples alone. These intimate moments increased as Jesus approached the time of His death (Mark 8:30,31). He again spoke about His betrayal, death, and resurrection. He was emphatic in teaching over and over that this is what was written in the past and this is what would be done. The disciples, however, were too afraid to question Him about what He meant (verse 30)

Although the disciples never seemed to grasp what Jesus taught them about His death and resurrection until after it happened, He tried to make sure they knew what was about to happen. It would be a difficult time for them, and He wanted them to be ready to face it. These personal moments alone with Jesus must have meant much to them after His ascension.

As Christians, we are not immune from persecution or suffering. Many of us will face difficulties and trials..And all of us will face death. These are a part of life.
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Question for Application
How can you deal with difficulties when they come?

Each person responds differently to difficult circumstances. Some withdraw and hide, hoping things will get better. Others get angry and attack whatever or
whoever may have brought the difficult things their way. But the best response is to turn to the Lord for
peace and wisdom. We can trust Him with our lives, confident that He works through all that happens

B. Hope of Resurrection– Mark 10:32-34
When a night is dark and
troublesome, it is sometimes comforting just to know that the sun will bring the morning light. God has established this order to His world, and we can rely on this pattern. The seasons also give us a hope in our lives, for though the winter may be cold and harsh, it is followed by the triumph of spring. In this world, death may seem final, but it is followed by
resurrection

As Jesus and His disciples were nearing Jerusalem with Jesus in the lead, there was a growing sense of tension and fear. Once more He took the Twelve aside privately to let them know what was about to happen (Mark 10:32). In Jerusalem the Jewish leaders would condemn Jesus to death and then give Him to the Romans to mock, flog, and crucify. Again Jesus let them know that within three days He would rise from the dead (verses 33,34).

Jesus faced the horror of His betrayal and crucifixion knowing that His resurrection would open the way to salvation for everyone. That knowledge did not make it easy for Jesus, but it made His suffering bearable and endurable
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Question for Application
How can Christ’s death and resurrection build a sense of confidence in those who face painful or difficult times?

Much that we face in life can seem impossible to overcome. In those dark times, find courage in Christ who died and rose again for us, guaranteeing that we also will be resurrected. Death does not have the final word. Christ conquered death and offers eternal life to all who follow Him.
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Call to Discipleship
Following Christ is an active pursuit, involving your heart, will, and actions. Consider this week what the Cross means to you by reflecting on how you have been changed by Jesus and where your road may take you now.

Take time, in the next few days to examine your heart to see what personal desires you might need to set aside in order to fulfil Jesus’ call on your life. [ Do some things in your life compete for your time with the Lord? If so, how do you put these things in their proper priority?

Determine your willingness to deny yourself for the sake of the gospel. Your actions will reveal your true will and heart, and identify what is most important to you. Do your actions show your love for Christ? By examining your life, you can strengthen your relationship with Christ and obey His call to take up your cross and follow Him.

Ministry in Action
Jesus provided our salvation by laying down His life. He now calls us to follow Him in a life of surrender. This week purposefully reach out to someone else in the name of Christ through one of your most precious gifts – time.