NBC Sunday School Manual For February 13, 2022 : Topic – EZRA SEEKS GOD’S LAW

By | February 13, 2022

NBC Sunday School Manual For February 13, 2022 : Topic – EZRA SEEKS GOD’S LAW

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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Sunday, February 13, 2022

TOPIC: EZRA SEEKS GOD’S LAW

Background Scripture reading: Ezra 7:1-26

Lesson Scripture reading: Ezra 7:1-10,23-26

Golden Text: For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10

By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

l. Analyse the historical and spiritual significance of Ezra’s return to Jerusalem;

2. Describe the effects of proper studying of God’s Word in the life of a believer;

3. Express thankfulness to those who lead and teach God s Word.

Introduction

Someone once said, “Every leader has a specific assignment to fulfil before the expiration of their time.” This is believed to be true because from time immemorial, God has used different leaders, at different times to accomplish specific purposes.

For instance, Moses was called specifically to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. John the Baptist was born to prepare the way for Jesus while the disciples were chosen to be fishers of men. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was born to save His people from their sin (Matthew 1:21). The book of Ezra has a detailed record of some of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon.

Apart from the first group, another group returned to Jerusalem, under the leadership of Ezra. He was a scribe and an expert in the Law of God. Notably, he helped the people to reorganise their religious and social life, in order to safeguard the spiritual heritage of Israel.

As a leader in his time, the significance of his return was to teach and enforce God’s Law to the returnee exiles. He was authorised by King Artaxerxes to carry out the assignment and God’s hand was upon him.

The focus of today’s lesson is Ezra’s effort in the reformation of worship in the temple, like many other leaders who were known for some specific achievements. When he finally returned to Jerusalem, he made effort to study the Law of the Lord, to practise it and restore respect for God’s Law among the people of Israel.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED A. Ezra’s Genealogy. Ezra7:l-6

Ezra was one of the returnees to Jerusalem from Babylon, after many years in captivity. Although not much is known about his birth or parents, his background is traced back to Aaron, the high priest and brother of Moses. He was the son of Seraiah the high priest, under King Zedekiah (2Kings 25:18-21).

His other prominent ancestors were Azariah the son of Hilkiah, high priest underJosiah (2 Kings 22:4) and the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, a priest under David (2 Samuel 8:17).

Solomon also appointed Zadok as high priest to replace Abiathar who supported David’s rebellious son, Adonijah (1 Kings 1:7-8; 2:35) and Ahitub was the grandfather of Zadok (Nehemiah 11:11).

According to the passage, his other ancestors were Amariah, Azariah, Meraioth, Zerahiah, Uzzi, Bukki, Abishua, Phinehas, and Eleazar, the son of Aaron the high priest.

Noteworthy about Ezra is that by birth, he belonged to the Levites and a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest in Israel. While the Israelites were in exile in Babylon, the Law of Moses became a central focus.

There were teachers who were experts in interpreting the Law of which Ezra was one. He fully understood the Torah (the Law of Moses) and he was a highly favoured man of God who the king, in his time, had great respect for because God was with him. Even after the destruction of Jerusalem, the determination to study the Law remained paramount to them. Like the case of Ezra, as it is stated in the passage, every human being has a lineage as designed by God. Even Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world had a lineage.

Therefore, Christians should know that no one is an accident on this planet earth, neither did God make a mistake concerning our progeny or place of birth. It is important for us to be grateful to God for the lineage He has placed us.

Discussion Time

1. What is the significance of knowing your genealogy?

2. Discuss the importance of your family tree and how it affects God’s purpose for your life.

B. Ezra’s Dedication to the Study of the Law. Ezra 7:7-10

The exiles returned to Jerusalem in batches. In particular, Ezra led a group in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes. They include priests, Levites, temple musicians, temple guards, and workmen.

According to verses 8 and 9, Ezra and his group began their journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month and arrived Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month. Approximately, the journey took about four months. Ezra devoted his life and time to doing three things:

Studying the Law of the Lord. This practice involves reading and learning, paying attention to every word so that he would understand and be able to teach it to others.

Practising the Law. It was the desire of Ezra not only to study and understand the Law but to practise it. In fact, this was the most important aspect of his life.

Teaching the Law to the people of Israel: Ezra was passionate about teaching God’s Word to other people so that they would learn and be doers.

Earlier in chapter six, it is recorded that the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem had been rebuilt with all the articles of gold and silver, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple that had been returned.

The Passover had been celebrated and many of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants came to Jerusalem with Ezra (v. 7). Their journey took about four months probably because of the aged and the children.

During the period of transition, Ezra was busy studying and observing the Law of the Lord in preparation to teach it to the returnee Israelites. For the Law of God to be taught, quality time must be dedicated to studying and understanding it so that it can make impact in our everyday lives.

Unfortunately, today, the urge to study God’s Word by Christians has diminished and the impact is not seen in our relationships with God and fellow humans. Some ministers and church leaders only build their ministries on charisma rather than character influenced by the sound Word of God that has the power to transform.

Discussion Time

1. What was Ezra’s motivation that made him so dedicated to the study of the Law?

2. What steps should the church take in order to encourage members to engage in regular Bible study?

C. The King Commissions: Ezra 7:23-26

King Artaxerxes commissioned Ezra to lead all the willing Israelites in his kingdom including the priests and Levites as they returned to Jerusalem. Enough provision of silver and gold was made with abundance of cash gifts for the worship of God. Furthermore, the king ordered all the treasures of the transEuphrates to make everything available for Ezra. (v. 21).

However, the King warned Ezra to be careful to provide everything God requires for the temple so that He would not be angry with him and his successors. He was also
instructed concerning the following:

1. To avoid imposition of tax, tribute or duty on any of the Levites, priests, singers, gatekeepers and other workers in God’s house. The reason was to make the worship of God free.

2. To appoint magistrates and judges who know the law of God.

They will be saddled with the responsibility of administering justice among the people.

3. To teach those who are ignorant of the Law.

4. To punish those who disobey the law by death sentence, imprisonment, banishment, or the confiscation of properties.

Ezra’s song of praise inverse 27 is a testimony that God truly made the emperor to honour His temple in Jerusalem. When God chooses to favour His children, He will make even the heathens willing to show concern in the affairs of His people, like the case of Ezra.

When they got to Jerusalem, they handed over the document the emperor had given them to the governors and officials ofthe province of West Euphrates who also gave their support (Ezra 8:36).

Ezra’s assignment became easy because he had the support of the King. Christians should remember that every service we render to God with sincerity and obedience will definitely win His approval with great reward.

Discussion Time

1. Discuss how difficult Ezra’s assignment would have been without the support of the king.

2. How do you think the gospel of Jesus Chrirst in our contemporary time can spread faster?

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity

Prayerfully, think of a project your Sunday School class can embark on in the church. Inform the pastor and think of how to raise fund for the project, no matter how small it may be.

Take Home

Write down three lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.
___________

___________

___________

Prayer

1. Pray that you will not lose focus concerning God’s purpose for your life.

2. Pray that the Lord will increase your urge to study His Word on daily basis.

3. Pray that the Lord will grant you the grace to be sincere in your service to Him, like Ezra

Commitment

Based on today’s lesson, make or personal commitment to be dedicated to the study of God’s Word, like Ezra

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