Class Lesson October 5, 2025

 The Whole Story

John 20

John 20 opens with the quiet of early morning. The shadows of death still linger. The tomb is sealed — or so they think. The One they had followed, loved, and hoped in had been crucified, laid in a borrowed grave. All seemed lost. The air is heavy with grief and confusion. But what happens next changes everything — not just for the disciples, but for the entire world. For the tomb is not closed. The grave is not occupied. Jesus has risen.

Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb while it is still dark. She is not expecting resurrection — she is coming to grieve. But when she arrives, the stone has been rolled away. Panicked and bewildered, she runs to tell Peter and John. They come, see the empty linen cloths, and leave still uncertain. But Mary stays. She weeps outside the tomb, longing for answers, aching for hope. And then, in her sorrow, she hears a voice: “Woman, why are you weeping?” She turns and sees someone she assumes is the gardener.

Until He speaks her name: “Mary.”

In that moment, everything changes. The risen Jesus doesn’t first appear to rulers or priests or even the apostles — He comes to a woman weeping in a garden. He doesn’t thunder from the heavens — He whispers a name. And the tomb that once held death now holds life. The garden that once echoed with mourning now sings with resurrection.

Jesus appears to His disciples next — not with condemnation, but with peace. “Peace be with you,” He says, showing them His hands and side. He breathes on them, not with judgment, but with the Spirit. Where there had been fear, He brings joy. Where there had been doubt, He brings assurance.

This is no myth. No symbol. No metaphor. The resurrection of Jesus is the historical, bodily, world-altering triumph of God over death. Sin has been defeated. Death has lost its sting. The tomb is empty, and our hope is alive.

John 20 is not just the conclusion of the Gospel — it is the turning point of redemptive history. And it is deeply personal. Jesus knows His sheep by name. He comes to the brokenhearted. He enters locked rooms of fear. He replaces sorrow with joy, and doubt with faith.

Jesus is here, not in theory but in power, not in memory but in flesh and blood, raised and reigning. He is alive, and because He lives, everything changes.

John 20:11-29

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” — and that He had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Jesus and Thomas

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and My God!” 29 Jesus said to Him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. John 20:11-29

 

Discussion Questions

1. Mary’s encounter shows how Jesus meets us in grief (vv. 11–16). How have you experienced Christ’s presence in seasons of sorrow?                                                                                                                                      
2. The disciples received peace and mission when Jesus appeared (vv. 19–23). How does Jesus’ resurrection bring you peace in fearful circumstances today?                                                                                                             
3. Thomas doubted until he saw the wounds of Christ (vv. 24–29). How does Jesus meet us in our doubts, and how can the church be a safe place for honest questions?                                                                                              
4. John’s purpose statement (vv. 30–31) is for all who read. How does this chapter strengthen your faith personally?                                                                                       
5. Which character’s encounter resonates most with your own walk with God right now, and why?                                                                                   

END

Class Lesson September 28, 2025

 The Whole Story 

Mark 15

Mark 15 brings us to the heart of the gospel. It is the darkest chapter, in the story of Christ, and yet it radiates with holy light. Jesus, the true King, is not seated on a throne but hung on a cross. He is not crowned with gold, but with thorns. He is not surrounded by honor, but by mockery and shame. And yet, in this humiliating death, we see the power of God to save. This is not a tragic accident — it is divine purpose unfolding. The cross is the throne of the suffering King.

From the beginning of the chapter, Jesus is bound and handed over to Pilate. The crowds, so quick to shout “Hosanna” just days earlier, now scream “Crucify Him!” They choose a murderer, Barabbas, and reject the sinless Son of God. Pilate, swayed by public opinion, delivers Jesus to be scourged and crucified. And then comes the mockery.

Roman soldiers clothe Him in a purple robe, twist together a crown of thorns, and kneel in fake homage: “Hail, King of the Jews!” They strike Him, spit on Him, and lead Him away to be crucified. But they do not realize — they are not merely mocking a man; they are mocking the only true King. Every insult becomes a twisted coronation. Every blow fulfills prophecy.

As Jesus hangs between two criminals, He is derided by the crowd, the religious leaders, and even those crucified beside Him. “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” But that is precisely the point. He does not save Himself so He can save us. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to give His life as a ransom for many.

Then, at noon, darkness covers the land. For three hours, the light is extinguished. And at the ninth hour, Jesus cries out with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It is not a cry of confusion — it is a cry of substitution. Jesus is bearing the full weight of sin. He is standing in our place, absorbing the wrath of God. The silence of the Father in that moment speaks to the severity of what our sin required — and the depth of what His love has accomplished.

At His death, the curtain in the temple is torn in two — from top to bottom. Access to God is no longer restricted. The barrier has been removed. And a Roman centurion, seeing how Jesus died, declares, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”

Mark 15 is a confrontation with the cross in all its horror and glory. It shows us that salvation comes not through strength, but through sacrifice, that the kingdom is not built by power, but through love. And that our King wears a crown of thorns, not because He had to, but because He chose to.

Jesus is here, forsaken so that we might be forgiven. Mocked so that we might be called sons and daughters. Pierced so that we might be healed. He is the crucified King. And in His wounds, we find life.

Mark 15:21-39

The Crucifixion

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The Death of Jesus

33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Mark 15:21-39

Discussion Questions

How does Simon of Cyrene being forced to carry the cross (v. 21) illustrate both the cost and the call of discipleship (cf. Luke 9:23)?

What do the soldiers’ actions of dividing Jesus’ garments (v. 24) show us about how the world treats the things of God?

Why is Jesus’ cry of abandonment, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 34), so central to understanding the gospel?

What is the significance of the temple curtain tearing in two from top to bottom (v. 38), and how does this shape our access to God today?

Why is the centurion’s confession — “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (v. 39) — so powerful, and how does it model a right response to the cross?

Closing Thoughts

The cross of Jesus is not simply an ancient tragedy; it is the turning point of human history and the doorway into your relationship with God. In His suffering, He bore your sin so that you might never be forsaken. In His death, the curtain was torn, giving you direct access to the Father. In His final breath, He secured your eternal life. The only fitting response is to confess, like the centurion, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” and to live boldly in that truth. So, the question is — will you live this week as if the curtain is truly torn and nothing stands between you and God?

END

Class Lesson for September 21, 2022

 The Whole Story 

John 12 opens... 

with a moment of breathtaking beauty and quiet devotion — a moment that prepares us for the passion of Christ not with the sound of crowds or the clang of swords, but with the fragrance of worship. Jesus is just days away from the cross. The hour has come. He knows what lies ahead — betrayal, arrest, crucifixion. But before the shouts of “Hosanna!” and the agony of Gethsemane, we are brought into a home in Bethany, where a woman kneels with perfume and pours out something far more precious than oil.

Her name is Mary — the sister of Martha and Lazarus, the one who had sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His words, the one who had wept at His feet when her brother died. And now, with resurrection still fresh in her memory and love overflowing in her heart, she breaks open a jar of pure nard — an expensive, imported perfume worth nearly a year’s wages — and anoints the feet of Jesus. The whole house is filled with its fragrance.

This act is not random. It is intentional, sacrificial, and deeply personal. Mary doesn’t ask for anything. She doesn’t speak. Her worship is wordless and lavish. In the face of death, she chooses devotion. In the shadow of the cross, she pours out love. Jesus sees it for what it truly is — not waste, but preparation. “Leave her alone,” He says, “so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” Mary understands, even if only intuitively, what others refuse to see: that Jesus is going to die. And she gives Him the honor due to a King, not in triumph, but in sacrifice.

Judas, in contrast, protests. He hides greed behind the mask of charity. But John unmasked Judas’ heart, he didn’t care about the poor. He was a thief. And so, in this moment, we see two responses to Jesus: one gives everything, the other takes what he can. One kneels in love, the other schemes in self-interest. One worships, the other walks toward betrayal.

John 12 reminds us that true worship is costly. It flows not from obligation, but from adoration. It’s not just about the value of what is given, but the heart behind it. Mary gave what was costly because Jesus was worthy. She didn’t just give an offering — she gave herself.

This passage is a holy invitation. Before we rush to the cross, before we cry out “He is risen,” we must first sit in this moment and ask: What is Jesus worth to me? What am I holding back? And will I choose the posture of Mary, humble, grateful, broken and poured out?

Jesus is here, receiving the worship of those who see His worth, preparing to lay down His life for the world. The fragrance of Mary's offering lingers still. May our worship today echo hers.

John 12:1-8

Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. John 12:1-8

Discussion Questions

What do you think the dinner conversation would have been like between Simon, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha? How does imagining their gratitude deepen your view of worship?

Why do you think Judas’s words sounded reasonable to some, even though John calls him a thief?

Where do you feel the temptation to practice a “moderate faith” (keeping Jesus as a part, not the center, of life)?

What’s an example of “costly worship” you’ve witnessed (giving, serving, risking reputation)? How did it impact you?

How can our worship become the kind of “fragrance” that fills the house — overflowing into the lives of others?

Closing Thoughts

Mary’s act of devotion shows us that true worship is never moderate, safe, or convenient — it is costly. She gave up what was most valuable to her because she believed Jesus was worth more than anything she possessed. In a world that tells us to keep our faith balanced and reasonable, Mary reminds us that Jesus deserves our best, not our leftovers. Worship that costs us nothing is easy, but worship that costs us something reveals what we truly treasure. So, let me ask you: what would it look like for you to pour out your “perfume” and give Jesus your all, this week?

END

Teacher Notes:

John 12:1-8

Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. John 12:1-8

Class Lesson September 14, 2025

 The Whole Story

Matthew 16

Matthew 16 stands as a watershed moment in the life and ministry of Jesus. Until now, the disciples have seen His miracles, heard His teaching, and followed Him across towns and hillsides. But now, in a moment of quiet clarity, Jesus turns the question toward them. He moves from the crowds to the core. From the curious to the committed. “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And then more personally, “But who do you say that I am?”

It’s a question that echoes through the centuries. It is the most important question anyone will ever answer: Who is Jesus?

Peter speaks first, as he so often does. But this time, he speaks with Spirit-given insight: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is a bold and beautiful confession. He is saying, “You are not just a prophet. You are not just a healer or teacher. You are the Messiah — the long-awaited King sent to rescue God’s people.” And Jesus affirms it. “Blessed are you, Simon… this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

Jesus then declares that on this rock — on the confession of His identity — He will build His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. This is the first time the word “church” appears in the Gospels. Jesus is announcing the birth of a new community, built on Him, advancing by His authority, and protected by His power.

But the mood shifts suddenly. For the first time, Jesus begins to speak plainly about what kind of Messiah He will be — not the conquering hero the people expected, but the suffering servant they needed. He tells His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be rejected, killed, and rise again. And Peter — who had just confessed Him as the Christ — rebukes Him.

Jesus’ response is sharp and startling: “Get behind me, Satan.” Peter had spoken divine truth, but now he speaks the language of human wisdom, trying to keep Jesus from the cross. But there is no crown without the cross. There is no salvation without sacrifice. And Jesus makes it clear: not only must He suffer, but so must all who follow Him.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This is not a call to comfortable religion. This is a call to cruciform living — a life shaped by the self-giving love of Jesus. It is the paradox of the kingdom: to find your life, you must lose it. To follow Christ, you must follow Him to the cross.

Matthew 16 calls us to clarity. Who do we say that Jesus is? And if we confess Him as the Christ, will we follow Him all the way — through suffering, surrender, and self-denial?

Jesus is here, not just to be admired, but to be followed. Not just to be crowned, but to be crucified. And He invites us to walk with Him, carrying our cross, toward resurrection life.

Matthew 16:13-20

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Matthew 16:13-20

Discussion Questions

In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” How would you answer that question personally, and why does that confession matter so much for the church?

Jesus calls the church “my church” (v.18). What difference does it make in your life to remember that the church belongs to Jesus and not to us?

How does it challenge you to think of the church as people on mission instead of a building or weekly event?

Jesus promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against His church (v.18). What does it look like for us to live with that kind of boldness and confidence in our faith?

Jesus gives the church “the keys of the kingdom” (v.19). How can you personally use the gospel to unlock hope and freedom for others this week?

Closing Thoughts

The call of Jesus in Matthew 16 is clear: the church is not a building to sit in, but a people sent out. If the church is built on the confession that Jesus is the Christ, then our lives must reflect that confession daily. We are not called to play church, to coast in comfort, or to treat faith like a hobby. Instead, Jesus gives us the promise that His church will be built, the mission to storm the gates of hell, and the power of the gospel to set captives free. The question is not whether Christ’s church will advance — the question is whether we will step off the sidelines and join Him in His mission. So, how is God calling you to stop playing church and start being the church this week?

END

Teacher's Notes

Click Play to Watch

Matthew 16:13-20

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ.